An honorary degree or a degree honoris causa ( Latin : for the sake of the honor ) is an academic degree given by a university to a person who particularly deserves such an honor . An honorary degree or a degree honoris causa ( Latin : `` for the sake of the honor '' ) is an academic degree for which a university ( or other degree-awarding institution ) has waived the usual requirements , such as matriculation , residence , study and the passing of examinations .