Why Do Universities Give Honorary Degrees? A Simple Guide

Honorary degrees are special awards from universities. They go to people who’ve done great work for society, culture, or a specific area, like science or public service.

These people don’t have to study or pass exams to get the degree. It’s a way of saying “thank you” for their hard work and achievements.

This guide explains what honorary degrees are, where they came from, and why they still matter today. We also look at how people are chosen and why some folks think they’re not always fair.

What Is an Honorary Degree?

An honorary degree is a title a university gives to someone who has done something meaningful. It could be in the arts, science, education, social work, or public service. The person doesn’t have to take classes or write exams. The award is for what they’ve done outside the classroom.

This tradition started in Europe during the 1400s. One of the first known honorary degrees was given to Lionel Woodville by the University of Oxford.

Over time, this idea spread to other countries. Today, many universities around the world, including in India, give honorary degrees to celebrate important work that helps others.

How Are People Chosen?

Universities don’t give these degrees randomly. There’s a process.

• A group of people at the university (a committee) picks the candidates.
• The person must have done something that matches the university’s values.
• Their work should be known and respected by others.
• The person should be a good example for students and the public.

The goal is to make sure the award goes to someone who truly deserves it.

Why Do Universities Give Honorary Degrees?

These awards are not just about saying “well done.” They serve a few key purposes:

• To honour great work: The university shows respect for what the person has done.
• To improve its image: Giving an award to a well-known and respected person can make the university more popular.
• To share values: It shows what the university believes in, such as honesty, hard work, or helping others.
• To build support: It may help attract donations or support from alumni, students, and others.

So while the award is about the person, it also helps the university.

What Are the Problems?

Not everyone agrees with how honorary degrees are given. Some common complaints include:

• Famous over fair: Some say universities give them to celebrities just to get attention.
• Lack of transparency: The selection process isn’t always clear, and people don’t know how decisions are made.
• Changing their minds: Sometimes a university takes back a degree if the person does something wrong later. This raises questions about whether the award should have been given in the first place.

These concerns show that the process needs to be fair, honest, and open.

Do They Really Matter?

Yes, they do. Here’s why:

• For the person: It’s a big moment. It shows their work is seen and valued.
• For the university: It helps them connect with important people and ideas.
• For others: It inspires students and the public to do good work in their own lives.

Honorary degrees also remind us that learning doesn’t only happen in schools. People can do amazing things in many different ways.

Well-Known People With Honorary Degrees

Some big names have received honorary degrees for their work:

• Stephen Hawking: Known for his work in physics. He got an honorary degree from Cambridge.
• Mother Teresa: Honoured by many schools for her care and service to the poor.
• Steven Spielberg: The film director was awarded by Harvard for his impact on storytelling.

These awards show that universities honour different types of work—from science and health to art and social service.

Final Thoughts

Honorary degrees are a way to say “thank you” to people who’ve made a difference. They bring schools and the real world closer together. They also remind us that success comes in many forms—not just through books and exams.

When done fairly and thoughtfully, these awards inspire others, boost the university’s name, and honour hard work in many fields. They send a simple message: keep doing good, and others will notice.