Academic Hood Colors and Meaning Guide
Understanding Academic Hood Colors and Regalia Traditions
In academic graduation ceremonies, the graduation hood is one of the most distinctive and symbolic components of academic dress. Rather than serving as headwear, the hood hangs down the back of the gown, displaying a rich combination of colors that signify the graduate’s degree level, area of study (discipline), and alma mater.
Whether you are preparing for a bachelor's, master's, or doctoral commencement, understanding academic hood colors ensures your regalia accurately honors your academic achievement.
The Three Key Components of an Academic Hood
Standard graduation hoods follow a traditional structure established by the Intercollegiate Bureau of Academic Costume:
- Velvet Edge (Discipline Color): The wide velvet border trimming the outside of the hood represents the graduate’s specific field of study or degree discipline (e.g., White for Arts, Drab for Business, Gold for Science).
- Satin Lining (School Colors): The interior satin lining displays the official primary and secondary colors of the institution granting the degree.
- Hood Shell & Length: The outer black fabric shell varies in size according to degree level. A bachelor’s hood is 3 feet long, a master’s hood is 3.5 feet long with a wider velvet band, and a doctoral hood is 4 feet long with 5-inch velvet trim and bell-shaped panels.
Official Academic Degree Velvet Colors (Intercollegiate Code)
Below is the standard reference table for academic disciplines and their designated velvet colors:
| Field of Study / Discipline | Official Velvet Color | Common Degrees |
|---|---|---|
| Arts, Letters, Humanities | White | B.A., M.A., Literature, History, Languages |
| Business, Commerce, Accountancy | Drab (Tan/Khaki) | B.B.A., M.B.A., Accounting, Finance, Marketing |
| Education | Light Blue | B.Ed., M.Ed., Ed.D., Teaching & Administration |
| Engineering | Orange | B.S.E., M.S.E., Civil, Mechanical, Electrical |
| Science (Natural & Formal) | Golden Yellow | B.S., M.S., Biology, Physics, Mathematics, CS |
| Law & Jurisprudence | Purple | J.D., LL.M., Legal Studies |
| Theology, Divinity & Ministry | Scarlet Red | M.Div., Th.D., Religious Studies, Ministry |
| Medicine & Health Sciences | Kelly Green | M.D., Biomedical Sciences, Clinical Medicine |
| Nursing | Apricot | B.S.N., M.S.N., D.N.P. |
| Doctor of Philosophy (All Fields) | Dark Blue | Ph.D. in any academic subject |
| Music & Fine Arts | Pink / Brown | B.Mus., M.F.A., Studio Art, Performance |
| Public Health | Salmon Pink | M.P.H., Dr.P.H., Epidemiology, Health Policy |
| Social Work & Public Administration | Citron / Peacock Blue | M.S.W., M.P.A., Government Studies |
How to Wear Your Academic Hood
- Position the Neck Loop: Place the hood over your head with the velvet trim facing outward and resting flat against your chest. Fasten the small button loop in front to your shirt or gown zipper to prevent the hood from pulling back against your neck.
- Drape the Hood: Allow the hood to hang smoothly down your back, ensuring the black fabric shell lies flat across your shoulders.
- Expose the Satin Lining: Roll the velvet border outwards at the back so the university’s interior satin colors are visible and neatly presented.
Explore Graduation Regalia & Hood Collections
Browse our complete catalog of academic hoods, custom color combinations, and ceremony packages:
- Bachelor's Graduation Hoods
- Master's Graduation Hoods
- Doctorate & PhD Graduation Hoods
- Browse All Academic Apparel Guides
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between velvet color and satin lining?
The velvet border signifies your specific field of study (academic discipline), while the interior satin lining reflects your school's official institutional colors.
Do PhD graduates always wear dark blue velvet?
Yes, in the United States, Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) graduates wear dark blue velvet regardless of the specific field of study. Other doctoral degrees wear their specific discipline color (e.g., light blue for Ed.D., purple for J.D.).
Can I order a custom hood with my university's specific lining colors?
Yes, we provide custom academic hoods crafted with exact chevron and lining specifications to match any university, college, or theological seminary.