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. The degree is typically a doctorate or, less commonly, a master’s and bachelor’s degree, and may be awarded to someone who has no prior connection with the academic institution.The degree is often conferred as a way of honouring a distinguished visitor’s contributions to a specific field or to society in general.