Doctor of Letters

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Doctor of Letters (Latin: Litterarum doctor; D.Litt.; or Litt. D.) is a university academic degree.

In the United Kingdom, Australia, India and certain other countries, the degree is a higher doctorate, above the Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.), and is issued on the basis of a long record of research and publication. The degree D.Litt. is awarded to candidates whose record of published work and research shows conspicuous ability and originality and constitutes a distinguished and sustained achievement. University committee and board approval is required, and candidates must provide documented mastery of a particular area or field.

In the United States, the degree is almost always an honorary degree often conferred to those who have contributed to the humanities and/or society. There are, however, a very small number of earned "D.Litt." programs, the best known being Drew University's, and a few M.Litt. ("Master of Letters") programs, such as that at Middlebury College.

Notable Recipients

These people are considered notable in the public eye, or have performed a service worthy of recognition, and have received a Doctor of Letters.

^These recipients are recognized as 'honorary recipients', awarded by the University of Exeter.

External links



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Last updated on Friday March 07, 2008 at 08:26:17 PST (GMT -0800)
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