The Validation des Acquis de l’Expérience (VAE) is a structured assessment process that allows candidates to convert their professional experience, achievements, and prior learning into academic credit toward a Professional Doctorate or other advanced qualifications.

The VAE assessment includes:

1. Submission of a Comprehensive Portfolio

Candidates must compile a detailed Portfolio of Evidence demonstrating advanced professional competencies. This typically includes:

• Executive summaries of career milestones

• Samples of work (reports, strategies, case studies, innovations, patents)

• Leadership achievements and organizational impact

• Certifications, awards, recognitions, and publications

• Testimonials or letters of recommendation

• Evidence of social, community, or industry contributions

2. Completion of the VAE Questionnaire

A structured questionnaire provided by Global Western University allows candidates to reflect on their experience, leadership, and professional growth in relation to doctoral-level standards.

3. Academic Review & Assessment

University-appointed academic evaluators review the portfolio to assess the alignment of the candidate’s experience with doctoral-level learning outcomes, applied research, and professional impact.

4. Outcome & Recognition

Based on the evaluation, candidates may:

• Receive full or partial academic credit

• Proceed to the final requirements for the Professional Doctorate

• Be recommended for advanced standing or recognition

Global Western University may confer the following honorary degrees in recognition of exceptional professional, academic, humanitarian, or societal contributions:

• Doctor of Humane Letters (DHL) – honoris causa

• Doctor of Laws (LLD) – honoris causa

• Doctor of Letters (DLitt) – honoris causa

• Doctor of Science (DSc) – honoris causa

• Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) – honoris causa

• Doctor of Public Administration (DPA) – honoris causa

• Doctor of Education (EdD) – honoris causa

• Doctor of Fine Arts (DFA) – honoris causa

• Doctor of Engineering (DEng) – honoris causa

• Doctor of Social Work (DSW) – honoris causa

• Doctor of Technology (DTech) – honoris causa

• Doctor of Global Leadership (DGL) – honoris causa

• Doctor of Public Health (DrPH) – honoris causa

• Doctor of Philanthropy (DPhil) – honoris causa

• Doctor of Innovation & Entrepreneurship (DIE) – honoris causa

The required donation associated with honorary titles helps support Global Western University’s academic mission and long-term impact. While honorary recognitions are awarded based on merit, the accompanying contribution plays an important role in sustaining the institution’s work. It matters because it:

1. Strengthens Scholarships & Student Support

Donations directly expand scholarships, enabling deserving learners—especially those from underrepresented or disadvantaged backgrounds—to access high-quality education.

2. Supports Research, Innovation & Community Projects

Funds help advance research initiatives, community development programs, and innovation labs that address real-world challenges and create measurable social impact.

3. Enhances Global Educational Access

Contributions support the university’s global outreach efforts, online learning systems, and open-access educational resources, ensuring broader accessibility and lifelong learning opportunities.

4. Upholds Academic Quality & Institutional Development

Donations help maintain rigorous academic standards, accreditation processes, and continuous improvement of digital platforms, faculty development, and curriculum modernization.

5. Reflects the Spirit of Giving Back

Many honorary recipients choose to contribute as a way of supporting future generations, expanding educational opportunity, and reinforcing the values of leadership, service, and social responsibility.

Global Western University confers a range of honorary titles to recognize individuals who have demonstrated exceptional achievement, leadership, innovation, or service to society. These titles celebrate contributions across academia, industry, public service, arts, philanthropy, and global development.

1. Honorary Doctorate Degrees (honoris causa)

Awarded to individuals with outstanding accomplishments or influence in fields such as:

• Business & Entrepreneurship

• Education

• Science & Technology

• Social Work & Community Development

• Public Administration & Governance

• Arts, Culture & Media

• Health, Medicine & Public Health

• Global Leadership & Diplomacy

Examples include:

• Doctor of Humane Letters (DHL)

• Doctor of Laws (LLD)

• Doctor of Science (DSc)

• Doctor of Business Administration (DBA)

• Doctor of Education (EdD)

• Doctor of Public Administration (DPA)