What is the difference between University graduation gowns by degree level?

The bachelor's gown is a simple robe that covers the entire body. The master's gown has longer, closed sleeves. The doctoral robe usually is the most elaborate; it is made of velvet, has three stripes on the arms, and includes a hood.

What do the different graduation gowns mean?

The Costume Code calls for three types of gowns: doctoral, master's, and bachelor's. The doctoral gown is the most elaborate, with front-facing velvet and three velvet bars on each of the full, billowing sleeves. The velvet can be black, PhD blue, or the academic color to which the degree corresponds.

What are the different types of college graduation gowns?

Commonly, a black gown is the foundational color, with variations introduced through academic hoods, stoles, or cords. The specific colors signify different fields of study and honors. For instance, royal blue may denote a doctor of philosophy, green or navy blue for medicine, and gold for honors.

Are bachelors and masters gowns different?

But there are subtle differences that can help you tell a bachelor's gown from a master's gown. (See illustration below.) Bachelor's gowns have the University seal printed on the left chest. Master's gowns do not have the seal and have a long "tail" on each sleeve.

What do different colors of doctoral gowns mean?

The Full Gown Color Spectrum

Education: Light Blue. Fine Arts: Brown. Medicine: Kelly Green. Music: Pink. Philosophy: Oxford Blue.

Types of Graduation Gowns

What is the difference between MD and PhD robes?

Research doctorates wear crimson doctoral gowns, while professional doctorates and terminal master's degrees wear black doctoral gowns. Bachelor's gowns are maroon and master's gowns are black.

Are Masters and doctoral hoods the same?

Here, the bachelor's and doctoral hoods depict a chevron; the master's hood depicts a division per chevron. The cord used to pull the two halves of the hood lining together may also be noted, as well as the braided loop and button on the back yoke of the gown through which the hood cord was supposed to be passed.

What do 2 stripes on a graduation gown mean?

Bachelor's degree—one stripe. Master's degree—two stripes. Doctoral degree—three stripes. One could then instantly recognize the achievements of the wearer of the robe.

What do 4 stripes on a graduation gown mean?

The unique feature of a Presidential gown is the addition of the fourth chevron to each sleeve. This honor is granted only to one who holds the rank of President or Chancellor of an academic institution.

Why do professors wear different gowns at graduation?

For instance, some institutions might have custom gowns for doctoral graduates that reflect the university's colors and symbols. It's common for faculty members to wear regalia that corresponds to the institution from which they received their highest degree, not necessarily where they are currently teaching.

Do bachelors degrees get hoods?

While not all Bachelor's degrees come with hoods, some academic traditions, particularly in certain disciplines or institutions, incorporate the use of hoods for Bachelor's graduates.

What do 3 stripes on a graduation gown mean?

There is a narrative from medieval times that describes the nature of the three chevrons on the sleeve of a doctoral robe. As legend has it, those three stripes stand for the three pillars of doctoral scholarship: academic curiosity, academic honesty, and academic courage.

Why do masters students get hooded?

After your degree is conferred, move the tassel to the left. The master's hood is a modern interpretation of the hooded robes worn by medieval monks who taught in the early universities. The monks would use their hoods to keep warm in the winters and also to collect alms.

What regalia do you wear as a professor?

This typically includes a gown, cap, and academic hood. The gown's design and fabric, as well as the cut of the sleeves, vary based on the academic degree. The cap, often a mortarboard or beefeater, also corresponds to the degree level of the wearer.

Do you get hooded for a Masters?

The master's degree recipient typically wears a hood in the color that represents their school or college. The robe has an oddly shaped sleeve. The doctoral degree recipient can be indentified by the blue hood, velvet facing down the front of the robe and a gold tassel on the cap.

How do I choose a graduation gown?

Choosing the right graduation gown is super simple. Gowns are a loose-fitting garment that is worn over the top of your clothing, like a jacket and hangs down to the middle of your calf. To find the correct size, simply match up your height with the corresponding size.

What is the difference between a master's gown and a doctorate regalia?

The master's gown has longer, closed sleeves. The doctoral robe usually is the most elaborate; it is made of velvet, has three stripes on the arms, and includes a hood. For faculty and doctoral robes, the robe itself is usually specific to the university, while the hood trim indicates the academic discipline.

What do graduates wear under their gowns?

Men – The best choice is a collared dress shirt and ties to showcase a professional and tidy appearance. Women – The best choice is a scoop-neck top with a modest cut or a collared blouse.

What do the tassels on graduation gowns mean?

Candidates for degrees wear tassels in colors that indicate the schools from which they are graduating. In addition, master's and doctoral students wear hoods in colors that match their tassels.

What does black graduation gown mean?

The traditional black caps and gowns worn by students and faculty in the academic procession have been the historic regalia of scholars since medieval times. Because many scholars of that period were members of monastic orders, the academic regalia probably represents an adaptation of ecclesiastical dress.

What does a green graduation gown mean?

The color of the velvet indicates the academic discipline: arts & humanities = white; engineering = orange; law = purple; medicine = green; science = golden yellow.

What does a doctorate graduation gown look like?

The Doctorate Gown: The gown is usually made of black material and has long, flowing sleeves. The front of the gown is open and often features velvet panels or decorative piping. The gown can be worn with a formal shirt and tie or a blouse and skirt for women.

Why do Masters graduation gowns have weird sleeves?

Today, master's gowns are generally worn closed, but for the first sixty-five years of American academic costume history, they were worn open in the front. The sleeve design of the master's gown required a jacket to be worn underneath, otherwise the wearer's bare arms would show and create an awkward appearance.

What does a GREY graduation gown mean?

Grey gowns are worn for foundation degree students; black gowns are worn by bachelors students; red gowns are worn by masters students and the PhD students wear a doctoral gown which incorporates all three of the university colours.

Why do some bachelors degrees get hoods?

The hood is only worn by those completing advanced studies in most schools which is why it is a way to show honor and distinction from the rest of the graduating class.