Academic Hood Color Guide
Academic Hood Color Guide
Academic hoods are one of the most symbolic elements of graduation regalia. Their colors carry specific meaning — but the system can be confusing. This guide helps you understand what each color represents so you can order with confidence.
Hoods vs. Other Regalia
Academic hoods are distinct from other graduation accessories. Here's a quick reference:
| Item | What It Is | Worn By |
|---|---|---|
| Academic Hood | Cape-like garment worn at the back, with colored lining and trim | Graduate degree recipients (Master's, Doctoral, some Bachelor's) |
| Tassel | Decorative cord and cap ornament | All graduates; color often reflects school or degree |
| Honor Cord | Braided cord worn around the neck over the gown | Graduates with academic honors, society membership, or distinction |
| Stole | Flat sash worn over the gown | Honor societies, departments, cultural organizations |
Understanding Hood Colors: Two Separate Systems
An academic hood has two distinct color areas, each with a different meaning:
| Color Area | What It Represents | Chosen By |
|---|---|---|
| Lining (inside) | The colors of the degree-granting institution (school colors) | Set by your institution; often one or two colors |
| Velvet Trim (edge/border) | The academic discipline or degree field (subject color) | Set by the degree field per the Intercollegiate Code |
Common Degree/Trim Colors (Intercollegiate Code)
The following colors are widely used across many institutions to represent academic disciplines. Your institution may follow a variation of this standard:
| Velvet Trim Color | Academic Field / Degree |
|---|---|
| White | Arts & Humanities / Liberal Arts |
| Golden Yellow | Science |
| Dark Blue | Philosophy (PhD) |
| Light Blue | Education |
| Drab (Olive) | Business / Commerce |
| Scarlet | Theology / Divinity |
| Green | Medicine / Pharmacy |
| Orange | Engineering |
| Brown | Fine Arts |
| Purple | Law |
| Pink | Music |
| Apricot | Nursing |
| Crimson | Journalism / Communications |
| Copper | Economics |
| Sage Green | Physical Education / Kinesiology |
Hood Sizing by Degree Level
Hood length also indicates degree level — longer hoods generally indicate a higher degree:
| Degree Level | Typical Hood Length |
|---|---|
| Bachelor's | 3 feet |
| Master's | 3.5 feet |
| Doctoral | 4 feet |
How to Order the Right Hood
- Confirm your institution's lining colors — contact your registrar or graduation office.
- Identify your degree field — this determines the velvet trim color.
- Select the correct hood size — based on your degree level (see table above).
- Check your institution's specific requirements — some schools have custom colors or approved vendors.
Need a custom hood made to your institution's exact specs? Learn about our custom regalia options or inquire about bulk orders for your department or institution.