Welcome to the world's most comprehensive list of international achievers - THE international academic elite of Honorary Doctors
An Honorary Doctorate is one of the highest distinctions conferred by IARSAC International University (IIU), awarded to individuals whose extraordinary contributions to society, humanity, knowledge, leadership, or global sustainable development merit the highest academic recognition.
Recipients of honorary doctorate degrees do not earn the degree through academic achievements, rather with generous and altruistic actions or lifetime accomplishments that benefit a community, nation or humanity in general. Some schools allow candidates to apply for consideration for the degree, while others require nomination by a third party. Each university that confers honorary degrees establishes its own criteria for acceptance.
This unique IARSAC International University (IIU) program recognizes profound contributions in the arts, science and technology, education, politics and law, public service, humanitarian pursuits, religion and moral leadership, and civil rights.
These degrees serve as a tribute to the recipient’s impact and are often awarded during graduation ceremonies. While honorary doctorates do not confer the same academic standing as earned degrees, they carry significant weight in terms of recognition and prestige.
This program helps recognize and encourage ideas, values, and accomplishments of individuals from all walks of life who significantly contribute to discussion and debate of thought, science, humanitarian pursuits, beauty, freedom, and social development.
Recipients may receive more than one honorary degree, but never from the same school twice. A candidate does not necessarily have to be an alumnus of the awarding school, a resident of the state or even a citizen of the country, though many schools prefer to recognize their own graduates. Beneficiaries of the prized degree may use the title of 'Doctor' that the degree confers, although they have not completed a doctoral program.
History of Honorary Degree
Honorary degrees appear to have arisen out of the practice of granting dispensations from certain particular academic requirements.
European universities began granting degrees “for the sake of the honor” (honoris causa) in the 15th century, and the first such degree was awarded at Oxford University in 1478 or 1479 to Lionel Woodville, Dean of Exeter, the brother-in-law of Edward IV and the future Bishop of Salisbury. These were essentially academic peerages, entitling the recipient to full privileges in the university, privileges that were much more extensive than now. At the same time universities conferred degrees on certain scholars whose career achievements warranted such recognition.
The first honorary degree awarded in America was an honorary doctor of divinity degree conferred by Harvard University in 1692 on its president, Increase Mather.
Recipients of an honorary doctorate do not normally adopt the title of “doctor.” In many countries, including the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand and the United States, it is not usual for an honorary doctor to use the formal title of “doctor,” regardless of the background circumstances for the award. An early and notable exception is Benjamin Franklin, who received an honorary doctorate from the University of St. Andrews in 1759 and the University of Oxford in 1762 for his scientific accomplishments, and thereafter referred to himself as “Doctor Franklin.”
Brandeis University, which awarded its first honorary degrees at its second commencement on June 14, 1953, bestows honorary degrees as a means to acknowledge the singular accomplishments or contributions of individual men and women; to identify the University with the values expressed through the work and accomplishments of the honoree; to draw attention to the University as an institution that respects and encourages such values and the manner in which those values are expressed; and to emphasize its own institutional mission and purposes.
The University honors individuals for distinctive achievement in the creative and performing arts, humanities, social sciences, sciences, public service, philanthropy, business, the learned professions, social justice, Jewish life, international understanding and human rights.
Honorary Doctorate Application
On recommendation of the Honors and Awards Committee and the President, the Board of Trustees may vote to confer honorary degrees on distinguished individuals. The Board should award an honorary degree only in recognition of extraordinary and lasting distinction. The award should represent the highest intellectual and moral values; it should reflect the very character and quality of the University itself.
- Prepare your resume. Make sure you include all of your educational and professional background, as well as any philanthropic work you have performed. You should also include any samples of your published work or honors you have received.
- Ask reputable sources to write letters of reference for you. These letters should indicate what you have accomplished, as well as their relationship to you and how long they have known you.
- Decide which doctorate degree you feel your most accurately depicts your personal and professional accomplishments. These degree choices include Doctor of Philosophy, Doctor of Law, Doctor of Literature and other educational areas.
- Contact the University directly at [email protected] for information about the application process and requirements, including the donation amount.
- Fill out an application, or in some cases, ask a reference to fill out a nomination form for you. Wait for your approval or rejection letter from the university or program. If you are rejected, try again through another university. Don't give up; it may take some time before you are accepted.
- Passport size photo
To apply use the online application form. For those requesting a honorary degree by application should make sure that they fulfill the criteria before paying any Registrar handling fee.
Note: a reasonable handling fee is to be paid. That onetime fee covers shipping, processing and handling of your documentation; the rest goes into the funding of IIU's research projects. There are NO additional costs.
Nomination Criteria and Eligibility
The Committee will consider whether nominees meet the following criteria:
- Honorary doctorate degrees are an academic award celebrating excellence and impact on a national or international level.
- Nominees should show achievement and distinction in an activity which relates to the University’s disciplines, strategy or values.
- Nominations are welcomed for individuals who have made a significant contribution in areas such as (for example) sustainability, health and wellbeing, digital advancement, sport, diversity and social responsibility, innovation, enterprise and public service.
- Awards should recognize the importance of Equality, Diversity and Inclusivity and reflect the diversity of our community when it comes to gender, ethnicity, disability and other protected characteristics.
- Honorary doctorates are awarded to individuals who have achieved a level of distinction which would merit comparable recognition in their profession or area of expertise.
- To honor individuals who have distinguished themselves through extraordinary achievements in scholarship, civic engagement, the professions or creative activities;
- To honor alumni and other individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the welfare and development of IIU or the communities of which they are a part;
- To recognize exceptional acts of philanthropy;
- Ten years of experience in a particular field
- Holding a senior position in the private or public body or organization
- To recognize outstanding civic engagement that advances IARSAC International University, Delaware, or the world.
- Current employees of the IARSAC International University System are not eligible to be nominated for an honorary doctorate.
Who Can Nominate
The Committee invites staff, students and alumni to submit nominations for honorary doctorates. Nominations from external proposers cannot be accepted unless the nomination is supported by a University member of staff. Students should also seek a University staff member to second and support their nomination before submitting the form to the Committee.
Confidentiality
- Throughout the entire process, up to the time of official announcement, the strictest confidentiality must be observed in all cases. All discussion regarding candidates should be limited to current faculty and trustees. The dignity and integrity of the institution and of the candidates should be honored throughout the process.
- All involved in the nomination of an individual for an honorary doctorate must maintain complete confidentiality at every step of the nomination and approval process.
- More individuals are nominated for honorary doctorate degrees than can be awarded. Confidentiality about nominations is critical for this reason.
- Under no circumstances should the nominee be informed that his or her name has been put forward. Not all excellent candidates can be recognized, and knowledge of a failed nomination can be embarrassing and harmful.
- Further, the nominator should not solicit letters of support on behalf of the nominee from people outside the University. A nomination including letters from outside sources will be disqualified.
Attendance at Commencement Ceremony
Honorary degrees are typically conferred during the Honorary Doctorate Conferment Ceremony, where recipients may be invited to deliver an address that inspires graduates, faculty, and guests. These moments often represent the intellectual and moral highlight of IIU’s celebrations.
Candidates for the honorary doctorate are expected to be present for the awarding of the degree at the appropriate commencement ceremony. Should a candidate not be available, his or her nomination may be carried over to a subsequent year for reconsideration.
List of Honorary Doctorate Degrees
- Doctor of Environmental Science (D.Env.Sc. Honoris Causa)
- Doctor of the University (D.Univ. Honoris Causa)
- Doctor of Digital Transformation (DDT Honoris Causa)
- Doctor of Artificial Intelligence (DAI Honoris Causa)
- Doctor Honoris Causa (Dr.h.c.)
- Doctor of Public Administration (DPA Honoris Causa)
- Doctor of Engineering (Eng.D. Honoris Causa)
- Doctor of Technology (D.Tech. Honoris Causa)
- Doctor of Arts (D.A. Honoris Causa)
- Doctor of Fine Arts (DFA Honoris Causa)
- Doctor of Music (Mus.D. Honoris Causa)
- Doctor of Environmental Science (D.Env.Sc. Honoris Causa)
- Doctor of the University (D.Univ. Honoris Causa)
- Doctor of Digital Transformation (DDT Honoris Causa)
- Doctor of Artificial Intelligence (DAI Honoris Causa)
- Doctor Honoris Causa (Dr.h.c.)
- Doctor of Medicine (M.D. Honoris Causa)
- Doctor of Health Sciences (D.H.Sc. Honoris Causa)
- Doctor of Nursing (D.N. Honoris Causa)
- Doctor of Letters (D.Litt. Honoris Causa)
- Doctor of Science (D.Sc. Honoris Causa)
- Doctor of Laws (LL.D. Honoris Causa)
- Doctor of Humane Letters (L.H.D. Honoris Causa)
- Doctor of Divinity (D.D. Honoris Causa)
- Doctor of Education (Ed.D. Honoris Causa)
- Doctor of Business Administration (DBA Honoris Causa)
- Doctor of Social Work (DSW Honoris Causa)
- Doctor of Public Service (DPS Honoris Causa)
- Doctor of International Relations (DIR Honoris Causa)
- Doctor of Leadership (D.Lead. Honoris Causa)
- Doctor of Entrepreneurship (D.Ent. Honoris Causa)
- Doctor of Innovation (D.Innov. Honoris Causa)
- Doctor of Management (DM Honoris Causa)
- Doctor of Public Policy (D.P.P. Honoris Causa)
- Doctor of the University (D.Univ. Honoris Causa)
- Doctor of Arts and Humane Letters (D.A.H. Honoris Causa)
- Doctor of Business (D.B. Honoris Causa)
- Doctor of Dental Surgery (D.D.S. Honoris Causa)
- Doctor of Liberal Arts (D.L.A. Honoris Causa)
- Doctor of Mathematics (D.Math. Honoris Causa)
- Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (D.Vet.Med. Honoris Causa)
- Doctor of Commerce and Administration (D.Comm. Honoris Causa)
- Doctor of Civil Law (D.C.L. Honoris Causa)
- Doctor of Commerce (D.Com. Honoris Causa)
- Doctor of Agriculture (D.Agr. Honoris Causa)
- Doctor of Social Science (D.Soc.Sc. Honoris Causa)
- Doctor of Public Health (Dr.P.H. Honoris Causa)
- Doctor of Sacred Theology (S.T.D. Honoris Causa)
- Doctor of Canon Law (J.C.D. or D.C.L. Honoris Causa)
- Doctor of Sports Science (D.S.S. Honoris Causa)
- Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D. Honoris Causa)
- Doctor of Architecture (D.Arch. Honoris Causa)
- Doctor of Communication (D.Comm. Honoris Causa)
- Doctor of Performing Arts (D.P.A. Honoris Causa)
- Doctor of Information Technology (D.I.T. Honoris Causa)
Each title represents a meaningful form of academic recognition awarded to individuals whose work has demonstrated distinction, influence, and impact in areas such as governance, research, education, humanitarian service, literature, faith-based leadership, business, public administration, music, and the creative arts