As thrilling as it is for Taylor Swift to be receiving this special degree from NYU, don’t look for her to be billed as “Dr. Swift” on her next album. An honorary doctorate is exactly what it sounds like — an honor given by a university, rather than an actual Ph.D. earned through a course of study. According to Forms of Address, an honorary doctorate recipient can be referred to as “Dr.” during the commencement ceremony, and the university may also use the title when writing to the person afterward. But outside the school walls, people with honorary degrees are expected to continue referring to themselves as Ms., Mr., or whatever title they normally go by.
Despite that technicality, Swift’s fans were thrilled to hear the news. On Twitter, a “Swiftie” cheered, “It’s never been a better time to be the class of 2022!” Another added, “You know, Dr. Taylor Allison Swift has a great ring to it!”
USA Today cited a 2016 Vogue interview where Swift oddly predicted her future. Asked, “What goal are you determined to achieve?” The “Fearless” artist joked, “I really want an honorary doctorate degree, because Ed Sheeran has one, and I feel like he looks down on me…”
Take that, Ed!
