What Does “Honoris Causa” Mean? PhD (hc) and Latin Degree Titles Explained

What Does “Honoris Causa” Literally Mean?

Honoris causa is a Latin phrase that translates literally to “for the sake of honor” or “by reason of honor.” It is used in academia to indicate that a degree or title has been conferred as an honor, rather than earned through the completion of a prescribed course of study, examinations, or research.

Breaking Down the Latin

• Honoris — the genitive singular of honor, meaning “of honor” or “of esteem”
• Causa — meaning “for the sake of,” “by reason of,” or “on account of”

Together, the phrase indicates that the degree is awarded because of the honor the recipient brings to the institution, not because the recipient completed the institution’s academic requirements.

Why Latin?

Latin has been the language of European universities since the Middle Ages. The University of Bologna, founded in 1088, and the University of Oxford, teaching since 1096, both used Latin as their official language of instruction, ceremony, and documentation. This tradition persists in academic ceremonies and degree citations today.

Using Latin for honorary degrees serves two purposes:

1. Continuity with tradition: It connects modern academia to its medieval roots
2. Precision: Latin phrases like honoris causa have precise, unambiguous meanings that transcend national languages

The Latin Origins of Academic Titles

To fully understand honoris causa, it helps to understand the broader Latin terminology that underpins academic degrees worldwide. Many of the titles and abbreviations we use today are direct descendants of medieval Latin conventions.

The First Honorary Degree

The earliest recorded honorary degree was awarded to Lionel Woodville in the 15th century by the University of Oxford. Both Harvard and Yale began awarding honorary degrees around 1700, establishing a tradition that now spans over three centuries and every continent.

Why Latin Persists in Academia

Latin remained the lingua franca of European scholarship well into the 18th century. Even today:

• Diplomas are often written in Latin, regardless of the country
• Ceremonial language at graduation and convocation frequently includes Latin phrases
• Degree abbreviations (e.g., PhD, LL.D., D.Litt.) derive from Latin titles
• Academic mottoes at most universities are in Latin

Understanding “PhD (hc)” and Other Abbreviations

When you see “PhD (hc)” or “PhD (h.c.)” after someone’s name, it indicates that the person has received an honorary doctorate, not an earned PhD. The abbreviation “(hc)” or “(h.c.)” is shorthand for honoris causa.

Common Abbreviations and Their Meanings

Alternative Notations

Different institutions and countries use varying conventions. You may also see:

• Hon. — Abbreviation for “Honorary”
• H.C. — Abbreviation for Honoris Causa
• honoris causa — Spelled out in full, often in italics
• h.c. — Lowercase abbreviation, common in European usage

Common Latin Terms in Academic Degrees

Beyond honoris causa, several other Latin terms appear in academic degrees and citations. Understanding these helps decode the full meaning of honorary and earned qualifications.

Honoris Causa (for the sake of honor)

Used to denote honorary degrees. Example: Doctor of Humane Letters, Honoris Causa.

Causa (by reason of / for the sake of)

The preposition that connects the honor to its reason. In honoris causa, it links the degree to the honor being bestowed.

Honoris (of honor)

The genitive form of honor. It appears in phrases like honoris causa and doctor honoris causa.

Doctor Honoris Causa (DHC)

The full Latin title for an honorary doctorate. Often abbreviated as DHC or Dr. h.c. in European usage.

Emeritus / Emerita

Latin for “having served one’s time” or “veteran.” Used for retired professors who retain their title as an honor. Note: emeritus status is different from honoris causa — it is typically granted after a distinguished career at the institution, not as an external honor.

Ad Honorem (to the honor)

A related phrase meaning “for the honor” — often used for unpaid positions or honorary roles.

In Absentia (in absence)

Used when a degree is conferred without the recipient being physically present at the ceremony.

Honoris Causa vs. Earned Degrees

The distinction between an honorary degree and an earned degree is fundamental. While both may use similar titles, they represent entirely different forms of recognition.

Side-by-Side Comparison

What Honoris Causa Degrees Are Not

An honorary degree honoris causa is not:

• A qualification to practice a regulated profession (medicine, law, etc.)
• A substitute for an earned doctorate in academic employment
• A license to use the title “Dr.” without clarification
• Equivalent to a PhD in terms of academic credentials

How to Use Honoris Causa Titles Correctly

If you receive an honorary degree honoris causa, here is how to present it accurately and ethically:

On Your CV or Resume

• Place it under “Honors & Awards,” not under “Education”
• Include the qualifier: “Doctor of Humane Letters (Honoris Causa), [Institution], [Year]”
• Never list it as an earned degree

In Professional Correspondence

• Use post-nominal notation: “Jane Doe, D.H.L. (h.c.)”
• Avoid the “Dr.” prefix unless local convention permits and you clarify the honorary nature
• Be transparent: If asked, explain that it is an honorary distinction, not an earned doctorate

On Social Media and Websites

• State it clearly: “Recipient of an honorary doctorate (honoris causa) from [Institution]”
• Do not imply professional authority you do not have
• Link to the institution’s announcement if available

In Academic or Regulated Contexts

• Never claim academic rank based on an honorary degree
• Respect professional licensing rules: An honorary law degree does not make you a lawyer
• Check local regulations: Some countries prohibit the use of honorary titles in professional settings

2026 Regulatory Landscape

In 2026, regulatory bodies worldwide are taking an increasingly firm stance on the use of honorary titles and Latin qualifiers. Understanding these rules is essential for anyone who holds or is considering an honorary degree.

Nigeria

The National Universities Commission (NUC) has issued guidelines stating that honorary doctorate recipients “are not permitted to use ‘Dr.,’ which is reserved for holders of earned degrees and medical professionals.” The Body of Senior Advocates of Nigeria has warned members against using the title in court.

Ghana

The Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) has prohibited citizens from publicly using honorary doctorate and professorial titles. Deputy Education Minister Dr. Apaak stated: “If you are given an honorary degree by an academic institution, you cannot sign your name with that title.”

Malawi

The National Council for Higher Education declared that “honorary professorships shall not be used in Malawi” and that recipients of honorary doctorates should not address themselves as “Doctor.”

Uganda

The National Council for Higher Education (NCHE) emphasizes that “under no circumstances should recipients of honorary degrees be addressed as ‘Doctor’ or use the suffix ‘PhD’.”

Germany

Using an unauthorized “Dr.” title — including one from a non-accredited foreign university or an honorary one without the “h.c.” suffix — is a criminal offense punishable by fines or imprisonment.

United Kingdom

It is considered improper practice for an honorary doctor to use the prefix “Dr” in professional life. Recipients may use post-nominal letters (e.g., “John Smith, Hon. D.Litt”), but the title remains strictly ceremonial.

United States

Recipients of honorary degrees do not use the “Dr” prefix. The honor is denoted in writing with “Hon.” or “HC” after the degree name.

Common Misuses and Misunderstandings

Several persistent misconceptions surround honoris causa degrees. Here are the most common:

Misunderstanding 1: “Honoris causa means it’s fake”

Reality: Honorary degrees are legitimate recognitions conferred by real institutions. They are not fake — they are simply honorary, not earned. The issue is not the degree’s validity but how it is represented.

Misunderstanding 2: “I can use ‘Dr.’ if I have an honorary doctorate”

Reality: In most jurisdictions, no. The “Dr.” title is reserved for earned doctorates or medical professionals. Honorary recipients should use post-nominal notation with the “honoris causa” qualifier.

Misunderstanding 3: “Honoris causa is the same as an earned PhD”

Reality: They are fundamentally different. An earned PhD requires years of coursework, research, and examination. An honorary doctorate recognizes achievement without those requirements.

Misunderstanding 4: “Anyone can buy an honorary degree”

Reality: Legitimate honorary degrees are never sold. If an organization requests payment for an honorary degree, it is a scam. Real honors are conferred based on merit, not payment.

Misunderstanding 5: “The Latin makes it more prestigious”

Reality: The Latin phrase honoris causa is a qualifier, not a mark of prestige. It clarifies that the degree is honorary. Using it correctly demonstrates integrity; omitting it can constitute misrepresentation.

Frequently Asked Questions