top of page

Honorary Doctorate Award

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

What is an honorary doctorate Award?
 

At Catholic Open University (COU), the Honorary Doctorate Certificate Award is a distinguished symbolic recognition bestowed upon individuals who have made exceptional contributions to society or the global community. This honor is not an academic degree and does not imply the completion of a formal course of study. Rather, it is a ceremonial tribute to those whose work and influence have had a profound and lasting impact across various fields.
 

COU confers honorary doctorate certificates to notable figures from diverse sectors, including humanitarian service, science, medicine, education, economics, the arts, philanthropy, public leadership, and interfaith dialogue. Honorees may include global leaders, cultural icons, clergy, reformers, and visionaries who embody the values of compassion, service, and excellence.
 

Upon receiving this honorary award from the Catholic Open University, the recipient may be respectfully addressed and referred to as “Doctor,” in recognition of their honorary title and distinguished accomplishments.
 

The selection process is conducted with care and discernment. Candidates may be nominated based on their impact, legacy, and alignment with the mission and values of the Catholic Open University. The award is conferred entirely free of charge, with no associated fees or financial obligations, as part of the University's mission to promote honor and recognition without barriers.

What can you do with an honorary doctorate?

​

An honorary doctorate has the power to enhance your reputation and increase your visibility, yet it doesn’t come with exclusive professional perks. Join us on Instagram as we unveil 50 remarkable benefits of holding an Honorary Doctorate, and here are the three most significant ones:

​​

  • Attaining formal recognition with a prestigious honor.

  • Being referred to as "doctor" by others.

  • Listing in the "achievements and awards" section of your resume.

What fields and specializations are available for the Honorary Doctorate Certificate Award?

  • Honorary Doctorate in Business Administration (DBA)

  • Honorary Doctorate in Education (EdD)

  • Honorary Doctorate in Law (LLD)

  • Honorary Doctorate in Medicine (MD)

  • Honorary Doctorate in Social Work (DSW)

  • Honorary Doctorate in Engineering (DEng)

  • Honorary Doctorate in Arts and Humanities (DHum)

  • Honorary Doctorate in Environmental Studies (DEnv)

  • Honorary Doctorate in Technology Innovation (DTech)

  • Honorary Doctorate in Philanthropy and Nonprofit Leadership (DPNL)

  • Honorary Doctorate in Public Health (DPH)

  • Honorary Doctorate in Political Science (DPS)

  • Honorary Doctorate in Communications and Media (DCM)

  • Honorary Doctorate in Economics (DEcon)

  • Honorary Doctorate in Cultural Studies (DCS)

  • Honorary Doctorate in Architecture and Design (DArch)

  • Honorary Doctorate in Psychology (DPsy)

  • Honorary Doctorate in Religious Studies (DRS)

  • Honorary Doctorate in Science and Research (DSci)

  • Honorary Doctorate in Pharmaceutical Sciences (DPharm)

  • Honorary Doctorate in Public Service and Government (DPSG)

  • Honorary Doctorate in Art & Design (DArt)

  • Honorary Doctorate in International Relations (DIR)

  • Honorary Doctorate in Human Rights (DHR)

  • Honorary Doctorate in Information Technology (DIT)

  • Honorary Doctorate in Hospitality Management (DHM)

  • Honorary Doctorate in Media Studies (DMS)

  • Honorary Doctorate in Genetic Research (DGR)

  • Honorary Doctorate in Family Studies (DFS)

  • Honorary Doctorate in Neuropsychology (DNP)

  • Honorary Doctorate in Agricultural Sciences (DAS)

  • Honorary Doctorate in Urban Development (DUD)

  • Honorary Doctorate in Music (DMus)

  • Honorary Doctorate in Environmental Science (DES)

  • Honorary Doctorate in Forensic Science (DFSci)

  • Honorary Doctorate in Film Studies (DFS)

  • Honorary Doctorate in Marketing (DMktg)

  • Honorary Doctorate in Jewelry Design (DJD)

  • Honorary Doctorate in Product Design (DPD)

  • Honorary Doctorate in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (DAIML)

  • Honorary Doctorate in Geriatrics (DGer)

  • Honorary Doctorate in Cultural Heritage and Preservation (DCHP)

  • Honorary Doctorate in Space Exploration and Aeronautics (DSA)

  • Honorary Doctorate in Peace and Conflict Resolution (DPCR)

  • Honorary Doctorate in Sustainable Development (DSD)

  • Honorary Doctorate in Leadership and Innovation (DLI)

  • Honorary Doctorate in Global Health and Humanitarian Work (DGHW)

  • Honorary Doctorate in Literature and Creative Writing (DLit)

  • Honorary Doctorate in Sports Science and Human Performance (DSSH)

How do you qualify for an Honorary Degree from the Catholic Open University?

​

To qualify for an Honorary Degree from the Catholic Open University, applicants must have at least seven years of professional experience and hold a Bachelor’s degree aligned with the honorary doctorate field. Candidates must join COU, complete the application form, upload their CV, and submit research or articles according to their membership plan. The award issuance timeline varies from 7 days to 6 months based on the selected membership level and publication requirements.

​​​

  • What are the requirements to obtain an Honorary Doctorate Degree from COU?
    To be awarded an Honorary Doctorate from Catholic Open University (COU), candidates must meet the publishing requirements based on their membership plan at the COU Research & Study Center: Basic Membership: Submit 1 research study and 3 articles VIP Membership: Submit 1 research study OR 3 articles VIP Elite Membership: Submit 1 research study OR 1 article
  • Is the COU Honorary Doctorate Degree recognized internationally?
    Yes, the Catholic Open University (COU) Honorary Doctorate Degree is recognized internationally as a prestigious acknowledgment of significant contributions in various fields. However, it’s important to understand that an Honorary Doctorate is different from a traditional PhD. While a PhD is an academic degree earned through extensive coursework and original research, an honorary doctorate is a special recognition awarded to honor outstanding achievements and contributions without the requirement of completing a formal academic program. Both degrees carry respect, but they serve different purposes and are recognized accordingly worldwide.
  • What is the difference between an Honorary Doctorate and a PhD?
    A PhD is an academic degree earned through formal study and original research. An Honorary Doctorate, however, is a recognition of exceptional contributions or impact to society and is not earned through coursework. At COU, the Honorary Doctorate is awarded based on excellence in publishing articles or research studies through the COU Research & Study Center.
  • Is the Honorary Doctorate Degree from COU legal and recognized?
    Yes, the Honorary Doctorate Degree from Catholic Open University (COU) is completely legal and recognized. It is awarded to individuals in honor of their significant achievements in fields such as education, research, business, leadership, or social impact. COU follows a strict merit-based process, ensuring that its honorary degrees are earned, not purchased. The recognition reflects the recipient’s real contributions to society through publishing, making the degree both meaningful and respected.
  • Are Honorary Degrees the same as earned degrees?
    No. Honorary degrees are symbolic honors, not equivalent to academic or professional degrees obtained through coursework and exams. However, they are internationally respected as forms of acknowledgment by private and public institutions.
  • Will I receive a physical certificate?
    Yes, COU provides an official, high-quality printed certificate exclusively for VIP Elite Members, delivered by mail along with your physical COU ID card. You will also receive digital copies for your records or public use.
  • Why is it important to publish articles or research studies to receive an Honorary Doctorate Degree?
    COU Research & Study Center exists to serve as a beacon of knowledge, spreading intellectual, spiritual, and professional insights to the global community. Publishing is not just a requirement, it is a meaningful demonstration of your contribution to society. Your article or research study serves as evidence of your expertise, shared openly for the benefit of others. Your publication will be permanently preserved and publicly accessible, standing as a lasting achievement that supports and justifies the conferral of your Honorary Doctorate Degree. It transforms your recognition into a tangible, verifiable legacy.
  • What is an Honorary Doctorate Degree?
    An Honorary Doctorate is a prestigious recognition awarded to individuals who have made exceptional contributions in fields such as humanitarian work, education, arts, science, business, leadership, or public service, without the need to complete traditional academic coursework, and it is granted according to merit free of charge. Be aware that any organization that asks for money or sells honorary doctorate degrees is participating in fraudulent activity.
  • Do I need to attend a ceremony to receive the degree?
    No, COU operates entirely online, so attending a ceremony is not required. However, you can proudly share your achievement through our visually stunning profile presentation.
  • How long does it take to process and receive the Honorary Doctorate Degree?
    The processing and delivery time for the Honorary Degree varies based on your membership plan: Basic: Approximately 6 months VIP: Approximately 27 days VIP Elite: Approximately 7 days
  • Can I use an Honorary Doctorate on my resume or CV?
    Yes, you may list your Honorary Doctorate on your resume under sections like “Honors & Awards” or “Recognitions,” clearly indicating it as an Honorary or Honoris Causa degree.
  • Is there a fee to receive an honorary doctorate degree?
    No. Receiving an honorary doctorate degree is completely free, as part of COU’s mission to recognize and honor exceptional contributions to society.
  • Can I buy an honorary doctorate degree?
    No. Any organization that sells honorary doctorate degrees or asks for money in exchange for them is engaging in fraud. At Catholic Open University (COU) Research & Study Center, the honorary doctorate degree is earned purely on merit. It is awarded to those who publish research studies and articles in their field that benefit others and society, as these works are published openly for the whole world to see, meaning you are sharing your knowledge. Additionally, the honorary doctorate degree is completely free for all COU Research and Study Center members.
  • Can I receive more than one honorary degree?
    No, you cannot receive more than one honorary degree from COU. This policy ensures the distinct value and prestige of the Honorary Doctorate awarded to each individual. However, you are encouraged to continue contributing to your field and engaging with the COU community in other meaningful ways.
  • Does the Honorary Degree carry the title 'Dr.'?
    Yes, recipients are entitled to use the honorary prefix “Dr.” before their names, with the appropriate designation (e.g., Doctor of Business Management (Honoris Causa)).
  • How can I get an Honorary Doctorate Degree?
    Honorary Doctorate Degrees from Catholic Open University are granted free of charge to eligible individuals who meet the publishing requirements at the COU Research & Study Center.
  • How do honorary doctorate degrees from Catholic Open University (COU) differ from honorary degrees offered by other online institutions or universities?
    Catholic Open University (COU) stands out for its integrity and authenticity. Unlike many online institutions that charge fees in exchange for honorary degrees, a practice often associated with fraud, COU awards honorary doctorates based purely on merit. At COU, the degree is offered free of charge to its members and is earned through meaningful academic contributions such as publishing research papers or articles.
  • What types of work can be published?
    Answer: Any article or research study within your field that you believe is valuable and worth sharing can be published.
  • How do I submit my article or research study?
    You can submit your article or research study through the Members Portal using the simple upload page provided.
  • What is the purpose of the COU Research & Study Center?
    The center is dedicated to empowering COU doctorate holders & COU members to publish original research, case studies, and thought leadership articles, promoting academic growth and global recognition.
  • Is there a fee to publish?
    No. Publishing is completely free, as part of COU’s mission to support scholarly communication.
  • Who is eligible to publish?
    Only COU members with an active plan are eligible to publish through the Research & Study Center.
  • Are published works indexed or visible online?
    Yes. All research is publicly hosted and indexed for search engines like Google, making it easily accessible for citation and professional sharing.
bottom of page