Is a doctorate the highest degree that can be obtained in academia?

No, a doctorate (Ph.D., Ed.D., etc.) is not the highest degree in academia. While it's the highest *research* degree typically awarded, there are honorary degrees. These are awarded in recognition of achievement and are not earned through coursework and research like a doctorate. Honorary degrees are often bestowed by universities upon notable figures, and while they represent high honor, they don't represent completion of a formal academic program in the same way a doctorate does.