ITA Honorary Doctorate Award - International Teachers Association

ITA Honorary Doctorate Degree

Can and should the people with honorary doctorate degrees add ‘Dr.’ in front of their name?

Yes, individuals who receive honorary doctorate degrees can add “Dr.” in front of their name if they choose to do so.

However, there are some important considerations to keep in mind:

Honorific Choice: The use of honorific titles like “Dr.” is a matter of personal choice. Some recipients of honorary doctorates may choose to use the title, while others may prefer not to. It’s important to respect an individual’s preference in this matter.
Transparency: If someone chooses to use the “Dr.” title based on an honorary degree, it’s generally considered appropriate to clarify that the degree is honorary. This helps to distinguish between earned academic degrees and honorary degrees, as honorary degrees do not involve the same level of academic work and research.
Context: The context in which the title is used matters. While individuals may use the “Dr.” title informally in everyday interactions or on personal social media profiles, it’s essential to avoid any potential misrepresentation in professional contexts where clarity about the nature of the degree is crucial.
Ethics: Using the “Dr.” title based on an honorary degree should be done ethically and responsibly. It’s important to ensure that there is no intention to deceive or mislead others into believing that the title represents a traditionally earned academic qualification.
Legal and Official Documents: When using the “Dr.” title on legal or official documents (such as contracts, business cards, or official correspondence), it’s advisable to include additional information that clarifies the honorary nature of the degree.
Cultural Norms: Different cultures and countries have varying norms regarding the use of honorific titles. It’s important to be aware of cultural expectations and practices when deciding how to use the “Dr.” title.

In summary, while individuals with honorary doctorate degrees have the option to use the “Dr.” title, it’s recommended to exercise this privilege with transparency, ethics, and consideration for the context in which the title is used. Clarity about the nature of the degree is essential to avoid any confusion or misrepresentation.

ITA suggest to use the following title formart

Dr.John Smith,
(Hon. PhD) or (Honorary Doctorate) or Dr. h.c. John Smith