Honorary Degree Program

Meister Eckhart Divinity School honorary degrees are the same type of Degrees one would receive from any church sponsored school around the world. These Degrees allows one to use the respective postnomial, such as "MDiv.", "DD" etc.

Typically, a degree will open many doors. Thus, thousands of people worldwide have already received honorary degrees either from a church or a university. Most countries have recognized such church degrees for centuries.

Honorary degrees do not bestow authority, such as performing pastoral functions or anything that requires State or federal licensing. It is strictly a religious degree. However, it does allow one to use the appropriate title as well as to list it on Résumés and job applications.

For an ordained or licensed clergy person an honorary degree may give more credibility and authority in church and society. For not ordained or licensed clergy wanting to be incardinated into a church, the school may make recommendations, as appropriate, or referrals to a suitable jurisdiction.

A special test for an honorary degree is not required. A doctoral theology degree marks often a supportive element in church outreach and operation. Historically, it is the first degree the church has offered.

Policy And Procedures

This section outlines the School's policy and procedures in regards to the granting of honorary degrees. Meister Eckhart Divinity School has begun granting honorary degrees since 2018.

1.  Meister Eckhart Divinity School awards degrees "honoris causa" (translated: for the purpose of honor) in order to reward or advance outstanding individuals in the area of academic, educational, pastoral and leadership achievements. Thus, honorary degrees may be awarded to a person deserving of honor by virtue of scholarly distinction, noteworthy public service or significant contributions to the church at large.

2.  In the selection process of candidates for honorary degrees, preference is given to those who have served at least 10 to 15 years in the ministry.

3.  All aspects of the nomination process are confidential. Nominations may be submitted by any person or organization. However, each nomination must be endorsed by either the president or dean of Meister Eckhart Divinity School. Every nomination must be accompanied: 

(a) By a Curriculum Vitae or Résumé of the candidate; 

(b) A summary of the accomplishments or deeds for which the nominee would be honored; 

(c)  Supporting documentation.

• Please note: Academic transcripts are records or listings of the course work a student has taken in order to achieve the requirements for being awarded a Degree. Such degree is then an earned degree, not an honorary degree. An honorary degree is mostly awarded based on other, non-academic achievements and/or previously earned credits. Naturally, there are no transcripts for honorary degrees.

4.  The honorary degree committee makes its recommendations to the dean of the school, once all paperwork is complete and fees are paid in full.

5.  Nomination records of persons selected to receive honorary degrees become part of the official archival filing system of the school, accessible upon request.

6.  Scheduling of conferring an honorary degree depends on the convenience of the School and of the person being honored. The dean of the school has complete discretion in scheduling.

7.  In general, no more than two honorary degrees are conferred per year. Reasonable exceptions can be made under individual circumstances.

8.  The format of the honorary degree itself is to be the same as that for degrees awarded to regular students. Degrees are granted only in the name of Meister Eckhart Divinity School with the campus designation appearing in the body of the certificate as a means of specifying the location where the degree is conferred.

9.  Honorary degrees may be awarded in absentia.

10.  Should an honorary degree designee not be accepted in the year the degree is to be awarded, the name shall be resubmitted for approval; and the dean or school president recommends conferring the degree in a later year.

11. As of the current fiscal year, the school has set nominal processing fees as shown below. There will be no charge, should your Application be rejected or delayed (see above #10).

Associate in Theology (ATh) $700

Master of Divinity (MDiv) $1500

Doctor of Divinity (DD) $2500