": Thanks for the edits.  I am not aware of any split in the US between ""higher"" doctorates and others.  The PhD (DPhil not awarded here in my experience) is typically a 5- or 6-year degree, but as that time period often includes MS-level classwork, it seems parallel to your PhD.  When awarded in the US, the DSc is the precise equivalent of the PhD.  The ranking you list  Divinity, Laws or Civil Law, Medicine, and Letters, and above Music  is at least not well known in the US.  (It would be helpful to include the degree names in the above list, since I certainly don't know them all.)  MD is, as you say, a professional degree (as is DrPH in public health).  I think the general attitude is to regard all doctoral degrees as on par, and honorary degrees as strictly honorary, and not pertaining to academic work.  This is something of a mess, isn't it?   (talk) 

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