Biden has gotten honorary degrees from the University of Scranton ( 1976 ) , Saint Joseph 's University ( 1981 ) , Widener University School of Law ( 2000 ) , Emerson College ( 2003 ) , his alma mater the University of Delaware ( 2004 ) , Suffolk University Law School ( 2005 ) , and his other alma mater Syracuse University ( 2009 ) . Biden has received honorary degrees from the University of Scranton ( 1976 ) , Saint Joseph 's University ( 1981 ) , Widener University School of Law ( 2000 ) , Emerson College ( 2003 ) , his alma mater the University of Delaware ( 2004 ) , Suffolk University Law School ( 2005 ) , and his other alma mater Syracuse University ( 2009 ) .