Ad eundem degree

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For other degrees, see Academic degree

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An ad eundem degree is a courtesy degree awarded by one university or college to an alumnus of another.

Before the advent of modern means of transportation had shrunk the world, it was common, when a graduate from one American college moved into the neighborhood of another, for his new college to admit him as a courtesy 'to the same degree' (in Latin, ad eundem gradum). Thus if he was a bachelor of arts in the college he had attended, he was likewise a bachelor of arts in the eyes of his new local college. (Not every college extended this courtesy to all other colleges, however.)

The practice generally died out in the early 19th century. However, it continues at Cambridge University, Oxford University, and Trinity College, Dublin where the process is known as "incorporation", and in the universities of New Zealand where it is known as "admission ad eundem statum". At Harvard University newly appointed full professors are given a Harvard AM degree (if they had not already received some degree from Harvard). At Amherst College a similar custom is followed, with the granting of a master of Arts degree by the college to faculty, even though the college only grants bachelor's degrees (AB) to its own matriculated students. Dartmouth College confers an MA degree on faculty members promoted to full professor.

It is an earned degree, not honorary, because it recognises formal learning.

N.B.: this article uses "college" in its American sense. See college, §2, for details.