Honorary Degree

GODSU offers a plethora of live and web-based classes for earned degrees and certificates in religious education, as well as, certificates in non-profit business and entrepreneurial studies. In addition, we offer a Chaplaincy certification and two Honorary Doctoral degrees.

Honorary Degree or a degree honoris causa (Latin: “for the sake of honor”) is an academic degree for which a university (or other degree-awarding institution) has waived the usual requirements, such has matriculation, residency, study and the passing of examinations. The degree is typically a doctorate and may be awarded to someone who has no prior connection with the academic institution.

Honorary Doctoral Programs

  1. Honoris Causa Doctor of Philosophy Program
  2. Honoris Causa Doctor of Divinity Program
  3. Honoris Causa Doctor of Theology Program
  4. Honoris Casua Doctor of Humane Letters Program

The prestigious Doctor of Philosophy, Divinity or Theology is exclusively offered to those individuals who have demonstrated and met the following criteria:

  • Ordained in good standing with active ordination certificate.
  • Have pastored a church for a minimum of five (5) years. Some exceptions on a case- by-case basis.
  • Is philanthropic with a reputation for helping others through their temple, church, synagogue, mosque, military service, empowerment or organizational affiliations.
  • Provided copies of degrees, awards, honors, licenses, academic accomplishments and certifications, if applicable. Provided two (2) referrals from ordained

The prestigious Doctor of Humane Letters (Honoris Causa) is exclusively offered to those individuals who have demonstrated and met the following criteria:

  1. Have the equivalent of ten (10) years of excellence in their field of expertise.
  2. Made numerous contributions to society through years of documented philanthropic work.
  3. A reputation for helping others through their temple, church, synagogue, mosque, military service, empowerment or organizational affiliations.
  4. Provided copies of degrees, awards, honors, licenses, academic accomplishments and certifications, if applicable.
  5. Provided two (2) referrals from high level officials, entrepreneurs, politicians, military professionals and/or anyone in an esteemed position who will provide a favorable reference. This person must be able to endorse the biography/ resume presented to GODSU as the basis for the University bestowing the Honor.

Honorary Masters Programs

  1. Honoris Causa Masters of Philosophy Program
  2. Honoris Causa Masters of Divinity Program
  3. Honoris Causa Masters of Theology Program

The prestigious Master of Philosophy, Divinity or Theology is exclusively offered to those individuals who have demonstrated and met the following criteria:

  1. Ordained in good standing with active ordination certificate.
  2. Have pastored a church for a minimum of five (5) years. Some exceptions on a case- by-case basis.
  3. Is philanthropic with a reputation for helping others through their temple, church, synagogue, mosque, military service, empowerment or organizational affiliations.
  4. Provided copies of degrees, awards, honors, licenses, academic accomplishments and certifications, if applicable.
  5. Provided two (2) referrals from ordained

Interview and Selection Process

Global Oved Dei Seminary & University’s (GODSU’s) Honorary Doctoral Degree Program application process focuses on 7 significant areas, points are allotted for each area (see below). Candidate must amass at least 90 points to be Pre-Approved.  Below is how our point system is distributed: 

1). 10% Recommendation(s)

2). 15% Body of Work: This includes academic work, as well as community service. Please provide documentation of your complete Biography, Formal Education, two examples of Community Service, as well as documentation of your title as an expertise in your field for a minimum of ten (10) years.

3). 15% Interviews:  Strong INTERVIEW SUMMARIES on behalf of the GODSU Selective Committee. 

4). 15% Chaplaincy: It is required that you must enroll in a Chaplaincy program prior to any graduation.

5). 15% Donation(s): The Nomination/Selection Committee must approve your proposed donation schedule.    

6). Prior to the graduation, 15%: A Three (3) hour Live Residency Course day prior to graduation. 

7). In addition to the above assessments, graduates as servant leaders are required to also volunteer in-kind community service (15%) to continually build the school.

After completion of steps 1-7 (above), each nominee will have his/her file vetted for authenticity by GODSU University Chancellor and Honors Selection Committee. 

Within 72 hours you will receive an official Pre-Approval or Decline Notification for your review and signature. 

If you receive a Pre-Approval you will be invited to participate and invite friends to the next ceremony.

Please note that until you have 100% completed all of the seven (7) requirements of the Honorary Doctoral program and have completed the graduation ceremony, or have been provided a scheduled graduation date that you are prohibited from utilizing the credentials.

Upon completion of the Chaplaincy requirement and graduating, you may place your CHAPLAINCY diploma program under EDUCATION as completed and refer to yourself as a “CHAPLAIN.”

Once you have 100% completed all of the seven (7) Honorary Doctorate requirements you may place the degree under AWARDS/HONORS on your resume or mention in your biography.

Only GODSU alum in good standing with GODSU will be able to utilize the benefits of the Alumni Association or stay associated with the University’s name.