top of page

Honorary Doctorate

Award Program

Recognizing Distinguished Academic and Humanitarian Achievement

Your Journey to an Honorary Doctorate Degree Begins Here...

What Is an Honorary Doctorate Degree?

final logo copy_edited.png

An Honorary Doctorate Degree is a prestigious academic title conferred upon individuals as a mark of distinction, not through traditional coursework or examinations, but in recognition of their exceptional contributions to knowledge, culture, public service, or humanity.

It represents one of the highest honors a university or academic institution can bestow, symbolizing deep respect for the recipient’s intellectual, moral, or creative influence on society.

Unlike a Ph.D., honorary degrees are awarded to celebrate a lifetime of achievement, visionary leadership, and the embodiment of values that reflect the institution’s educational and ethical mission.

About the Honorary Doctorate Award Program

The Honorary Doctorate Award Program represents the highest symbol of academic recognition granted by the COU Research & Study Center. It is conferred upon distinguished individuals whose work reflects a profound commitment to knowledge, creativity, and service to humanity.

The award was founded by COU in 2022 to encourage Catholic Open University students to publish and share their knowledge for the good of humanity and the development of a more enlightened and compassionate society. Beyond academic excellence, it celebrates moral integrity, cultural contribution, and the advancement of education and human progress.

Each conferral stands as both recognition of past achievement and an invitation to continue inspiring future generations through wisdom, leadership, and dedication to the greater good.

Purpose and Philosophy

The Honorary Doctorate Award Program embodies the belief that knowledge gains its highest value when shared in service of others. It reflects COU’s vision of education as a moral and intellectual calling that transcends academic achievement to reach the heart of human purpose. Through this philosophy, the program seeks to honor Catholic Open University students who transform ideas into action and use their wisdom to uplift society.

Rooted in the Catholic academic tradition, it emphasizes truth, service, and human dignity as guiding principles for lifelong learning and leadership. Each recognition serves not only as a tribute to individual excellence but also as a reaffirmation of COU’s commitment to advancing knowledge, compassion, and the collective progress of humanity.

Eligibility and Consideration

Who can apply for the Honorary Doctorate Award?
The program is open to Catholic Open University students who meet the following eligibility criteria:
 

  • Have met the publishing criteria and successfully published a research paper, article, or academic work through the COU Research & Publishing Program.
     

  • Hold an active Student Identification Card issued by the Catholic Open University.

Note: Upon successful publication of a research study or article through the COU Research & Study Center Digital Library, and completion of the publishing criteria for their designated tier, authors become eligible to formally apply for consideration of the Honorary Doctorate Award.

Review and Selection Process

1. Submission of Application
After fulfilling the publishing criteria outlined in the Research & Publishing Program, students may proceed to submit a formal application for the Honorary Doctorate Award through the official Student Portal.

2. Academic Evaluation
The Catholic Open University Academic Board and Research Committee review each application to assess eligibility, originality, and academic impact. This stage ensures that the applicant meets all publishing criteria corresponding to their selected tier.

3. Recommendation and Approval
Once the Academic Board and Research Committee confirm that the applicant has met the required standards, final recommendations are presented to the Executive Academic Council for formal approval and conferral of the award.

4. Conferral Ceremony and Publication
Upon approval, the recipient is granted the Honorary Doctorate Award and issued an Official Certificate of Recognition. The award is then formally registered under the recipient’s academic profile within the Catholic Open University Research & Study Center records.

Award Recognition: What can you do with an honorary doctorate?

An Honorary Doctorate is a distinguished academic title that symbolizes achievement, leadership, and contribution to society. While it does not grant professional or teaching privileges, it carries significant personal and social recognition. Earning such an honor enhances credibility, strengthens reputation, and publicly affirms one’s lifelong dedication to knowledge and service.

Among the many advantages of holding an Honorary Doctorate, the following are the most notable:

​

  • Receiving formal recognition through a prestigious academic honor.

  • Being respectfully addressed as “Doctor” in professional and public settings.

  • Including the distinction under the “Achievements and Awards” section of your academic or professional résumé.

Statement on Award Value and Cost

The Honorary Doctorate is an award.
It cannot be purchased or obtained through payment; it is awarded to recognize excellence, achievement, and contribution to knowledge. Its value lies not in currency but in merit, dedication, and the positive impact an individual makes through scholarship and service to humanity.

This distinguished internal award is exclusively designed for Catholic Open University students who have demonstrated academic excellence through the Research & Publishing Program. There are no costs or hidden fees to participate in the Honorary Doctorate Award Program.

Eligible Catholic Open University students who meet the publishing criteria in the Research & Publishing Program may apply and be considered for the award, which is granted solely on the basis of academic merit, publishing, originality, and integrity, with no costs or hidden fees associated with participation in program.

Steps to Apply

For new students

Premio de
Doctorado Honoris Causa

Su viaje hacia un Doctorado Honoris Causa comienza aquí...

¿Qué campos y especializaciones están disponibles para el Premio de Certificado de Doctorado Honoris Causa?

  • Doctorado honoris causa en Administración de Empresas (DBA)

  • Doctorado honoris causa en Educación (EdD)

  • Doctorado honoris causa en Derecho (LLD)

  • Doctorado honoris causa en Medicina (MD)

  • Doctorado honoris causa en Trabajo Social (DSW)

  • Doctorado honoris causa en Ingeniería (DEng)

  • Doctorado honoris causa en Artes y Humanidades (DHum)

  • Doctorado honoris causa en Estudios Ambientales (DEnv)

  • Doctorado honoris causa en Innovación Tecnológica (DTech)

  • Doctorado honoris causa en Filantropía y Liderazgo No Lucrativo (DPNL)

  • Doctorado honoris causa en Salud Pública (DPH)

  • Doctorado honoris causa en Ciencias Políticas (DPS)

  • Doctorado honoris causa en Comunicación y Medios (DCM)

  • Doctorado honoris causa en Economía (DEcon)

  • Doctorado honoris causa en Estudios Culturales (DCS)

  • Doctorado honoris causa en Arquitectura y Diseño (DArch)

  • Doctorado honoris causa en Psicología (DPsy)

  • Doctorado honoris causa en Estudios Religiosos (DRS)

  • Doctorado honoris causa en Ciencia e Investigación (DSci)

  • Doctorado honoris causa en Servicio Público y Gobierno (DPSG)

  • Doctorado honoris causa en Arte y Diseño (DArt)

  • Doctorado honoris causa en Relaciones Internacionales (DIR)

  • Doctorado honoris causa en Derechos Humanos (DHR)

  • Doctorado honoris causa en Tecnología de la Información (DIT)

  • Doctorado honoris causa en Gestión Hotelera (DHM)

  • Doctorado honoris causa en Estudios de Medios (DMS)

  • Doctorado honoris causa en Investigación Genética (DGR)

  • Doctorado honoris causa en Estudios de Familia (DFS)

  • Doctorado honoris causa en Neuropsicología (DNP)

  • Doctorado honoris causa en Ciencias Agrícolas (DAS)

  • Doctorado honoris causa en Desarrollo Urbano (DUD)

  • Doctorado honoris causa en Música (DMus)

  • Doctorado honoris causa en Ciencias Ambientales (DES)

  • Doctorado honoris causa en Ciencias Forenses (DFSci)

  • Doctorado honoris causa en Estudios de Cine (DFS)

  • Doctorado honoris causa en Marketing (DMktg)

  • Doctorado honoris causa en Diseño de Joyería (DJD)

  • Doctorado honoris causa en Diseño de Productos (DPD)

  • Doctorado honoris causa en Geriatría (DGer)

  • Doctorado honoris causa en Inteligencia Artificial y Aprendizaje Automático (DAIML)

  • Doctorado honoris causa en Liderazgo Global y Diplomacia (DGLD)

  • Doctorado honoris causa en Patrimonio Cultural y Conservación (DCHP)

  • Doctorado honoris causa en Exploración Espacial y Aeronáutica (DSA)

  • Doctorado honoris causa en Paz y Resolución de Conflictos (DPCR)

  • Doctorado honoris causa en Desarrollo Sostenible (DSD)

  • Doctorado honoris causa en Liderazgo e Innovación (DLI)

  • Doctorado honoris causa en Salud Global y Trabajo Humanitario (DGHW)

  • Doctorado honoris causa en Literatura y Escritura Creativa (DLit)

  • Doctorado honoris causa en Ciencias del Deporte y Rendimiento Humano (DSSH)

  • Doctorado honoris causa en Ciencias Farmacéuticas (DPharm)

¿Cómo calificar para un Doctorado Honoris Causa de la Universidad Católica Abierta?

 

Para optar a un Doctorado Honoris Causa de la Universidad Católica Abierta, los solicitantes deben tener al menos siete años de experiencia profesional y una licenciatura relacionada con el campo del doctorado honoris causa. Los candidatos deben unirse a la COU, completar el formulario de solicitud, subir su currículum vítae y enviar investigaciones o artículos según su plan de membresía. El plazo de entrega varía entre 7 días y 6 meses, según el nivel de membresía seleccionado y los requisitos de publicación.

 

Publica tu trabajo

Publica tus estudios de investigación y artículos en una plataforma reconocida y hazlos detectables en Google.

Explorar trabajos publicados en el Centro de Investigación y Estudios del COU

Frequently asked questions

bottom of page