CALIFORNIA ENRICHMENT INSTITUTE
Uplifting Lives Through Learning, Growth, and Service
Frequently Asked Questions
REQUEST YOUR HONORARY DOCTORATE TODAY!
You Will Receive:
✓ Honorary Master's, Doctorate, or Professor's Title
✓ Informational letter about your new title
✓ FREE shipping worldwide!
1. Are your honorary degrees legitimate?
Yes. As a registered religious nonprofit organization in the State of California, California Enrichment Institute is legally authorized to award honorary master’s, doctoral, and professorial titles within the domain of religion and spirituality.
Our degree-granting authority is maintained in accordance with state registration requirements. Because our honorary titles are granted in recognition of service and supported by a donation, they are legitimate and valid honorary degrees - similar in nature to those awarded by many universities, institutes, and theological organizations.
2. What are the requirements for getting an honorary doctorate?
We trust that those who request honorary doctorates from us are individuals who have made meaningful contributions to their communities, faith groups, or other circles of service. Aside from the small contribution required, we ask that applicants do their best to embody generosity in everyday life, dedicate time and skills to charity or volunteer work, practice honesty and humility, and live according to universal values of compassion, respect, and integrity. These values are shared across many traditions and can be nurtured in churches, mosques, synagogues, temples, or community organizations.
We also welcome, though do not require, applicants to share background information in the field they select. This can include a résumé, published work, academic degrees, reference letters, or similar materials. These documents are kept in our records and may be referenced if we receive requests to verify an honorary degree. Again, this step is optional.
3. What does the honorary doctoral degree look like?
Our honorary degrees are printed on premium parchment paper, in the international A4 size. They feature a golden seal, the California Enrichment Institute logo, and signatures from the president and secretary. The certificate is designed to make a distinguished impression - suitable for framing and display in an office, study, or place of worship.
4. Is the honorary degree a digital file?
No. Our honorary degrees are physically printed and mailed in protective packaging. Upon request, we can provide a digital preview copy for your records.
5. Is the certificate dated?
Yes. Each honorary degree bears the date of conferment - the date on which you requested your honorary degree. If you prefer that your degree remain undated, please note this in the “Notes” section before submitting payment. Whether dated or undated, the validity and authenticity of your honorary degree remain the same.
6. Can I call myself "Dr." after receiving an honorary doctorate?
In many countries, including the United States, recipients of honorary doctorates may use the title “Dr.” in social or ceremonial contexts. In other countries, recipients must add the initials "h.c." to their doctoral title. However, we recommend always including “Honoris Causa” (h.c.) after the title to indicate that it is honorary, not academic.
For example:
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Dr. John Smith, Honoris Causa
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John Smith, Ph.D. (h.c.)
Please refer to this page for more examples and further guidance.
7. Can you provide verification to prospective employers?
Yes. We are more than happy to provide verification when we receive inquiries.
8. Can I get transcripts?
No. Because our honorary degrees are not academic and do not require coursework, they are not accompanied by transcripts. We take pride in the fact that our honorary degrees are legitimately bestowed, and - unlike certain websites that sell counterfeit credentials - we never issue or endorse falsified academic documents.
9. Can I request an honorary title for someone else?
Yes. Our honorary degrees make meaningful and memorable gifts, particularly for those who demonstrate compassion, volunteerism, or community service - including elders and mentors. During the donation process, please enter the recipient’s full name exactly as you would like it to appear on the certificate.
10. Can I get an honorary doctorate in a discipline that is not included in your list?
We encourage recipients to select a discipline from our official list that best reflects their background and contributions. However, we occasionally receive requests for disciplines not listed. As a religious organization, we can only confer honorary degrees in fields aligned with our mission and the broader domains of religion, spirituality, ethics, or community service. If your area of contribution is related, please contact us to confirm whether it qualifies.
11. How can I make the donation?
The best way to make your donation is directly through our website, using any major credit or debit card, PayPal, Apple Pay, Venmo, or Google Pay. Payments are processed securely, allowing us to prepare and dispatch your honorary degree without delay. If you would prefer a direct PayPal link sent to you, please email us at support@caenrichmentinstitute.com, and we will provide it promptly.
12. Can I pay by Western Union?
No, unfortunately we do not accept payments by Western Union, MoneyGram, or other similar money transfer services.
13. Is California Enrichment Institute the same organization as Los Angeles Development Church & Institute (LADC)?
Yes. CEI is the successor to the former Los Angeles Development Church & Institute (LADC Institute). CEI continues the same mission, values, and religious authority under a renewed name and expanded vision.
14. How long will it take to receive my honorary degree?
Please see below; delivery times vary by destination. We use standard shipping services to help keep donation fees as low as possible. A digital confirmation copy can be emailed upon request while your physical certificate is in transit. Delivery times are estimates and may vary based on customs processing and local postal services. To prevent delays, please make sure your shipping address is complete and accurate before finalizing your request.
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USA: 4-7 Business Days
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Mexico/Canada/UK: 9-12 Business Days
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Central & South America: 10-14 Business Days
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Europe and Asia: 10-14 Business Days
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Middle East: 12-16 Business Days
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Southeast Asia & India: 12-18 Business Days
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Africa: 14-18 Business Days
Still Have a Question?
Please contact us and we will gladly answer any other questions you may have!
"Thanks so much for giving me this honorary doctorate. It’s such a great way to recognize real-life experience and professional achievements. Having this under my belt gives me a little bit of extra confidence to go after senior management roles at my company. I’d definitely recommend it to anyone who doesn’t have a college degree but has years of experience and knowledge, like I do. I really appreciate it."
- Anthony Reed, Honorary Professor of Counseling (Sydney, Australia)