The Academic Costume
- Gowns are usually black, with the shape of the sleeve indicating the level of degree of the wearer. They are untrimmed, except for the doctoral gown, which is faced down the front with black velvet and with crossbars of velvet across the sleeves.
- Hoods are lined with the color(s) of the college or university conferring the degree. The trim on the hood is the color of the discipline to which the major field of study belongs. Note: In the case of the Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degree the dark blue color is used, representing a mastery of the discipline of the learning and scholarship regardless of the discipline.
- Honor cords are given to degree candidates who qualify for academic honors , free of charge. Honor cords worn at commencement represent tentative honors based upon grade point average at the end of the previous semester. Honors requirements vary by college. Graduate degree candidates do not receive honors.
- The tassel for the bachelor's degree is the color of the discipline to which the major field of study belongs. Masters' and Specialists' tassels are black. Doctoral tassels are old gold.
- Table of colors and academic disciplines [pdf]