Graduation ceremonies in universities are certainly colorful events. The graduation ceremony is filled with the colors of gowns, caps, sleeves, and hoods. Each color and shape symbolizes something.
Symbolism of Colors
Most graduation gowns (or hoods) are black, with caps, sleeves, and hoods in almost every imaginable color. These different colors serve as symbols of the students' major or level of academic achievement. There are some standard practices based on the degree received. Dark blue is typically used to represent those who hold a Doctor of Philosophy or doctoral degree. Those with a doctoral degree but not a PhD wear colors consistent with their specific discipline. Doctors usually wear green, while psychologists adorn themselves with gold.
University Traditions
Some universities have their own traditions regarding graduation attire. For example, all doctoral students at Harvard University wear deep red gowns, while undergraduates wear black gowns. Many other schools wear gowns to indicate the school or field of study from which the graduates have received their degrees. Because some schools are large enough to hold separate graduation ceremonies for the various degrees awarded, the all-school graduation can be very colorful, with rainbow gowns representing all fields of study.
Dress Code
Academic dress has a color code among universities known as the American Academic Costume Code. It was established in 1893 and has been adjusted over the years to reflect the increase in new disciplines. Many schools choose to use this system to distinguish their graduates. The color code is often seen in the hoods worn by graduates, which are draped around the neck and cover the back. The sleeves of the gown and the tassel of the graduation cap also carry stripes.
The gown worn to signify a bachelor's degree has sleeves. Wearing gowns is traditional, and for master's degrees, the graduation gown has a rectangular sleeve. The gown awarded to doctors has bell-shaped sleeves, which can open or close along with the master's gown.
Colors for Common Majors
The following list includes colors representing the most common majors; however, each school and degree level has its own traditions:
- Architecture and Urban Planning: Purple
- Business and Accounting: Beige, often referred to as "drab"
- Communication and Journalism: Deep Red
- Criminal Justice: Midnight Blue
- Dentistry: Lilac
- Drama and Fine Arts: Brown
- Economics: Copper
- Education: Light Blue
- English, Foreign Languages, Humanities: White
- Engineering: Orange
- Environmental Studies, Forestry: Russet
- Environmental Science: Gold
- Government, International Affairs: Peacock Blue
- History: White
- Law: Purple
- Mathematics: Gold
- Medicine: Green
- Music: Pink
- Nursing: Apricot
- Pharmaceutical Sciences: Olive Green
- Philosophy: Dark Blue
- Physical Education, Therapy: Sage Green
- Political Science: Dark Blue
- Psychology: Golden Yellow
- Public Health: Salmon
- Public Policy: Peacock Blue
- Science: Gold
- Sociology: White
- Theology: Crimson
What to Wear Under the Gown
It is up to the graduates to choose what to wear under their gowns. College dress codes often suggest that anything visible outside the graduation gown should be black. This includes shoes, dresses, pants, socks, and tights. Some students use the tops of their graduation caps to add their own carefully designed fabrics, glitter, and other artistic supplies to create beautiful designs that reflect their personalities. Fraternities or sororities, school events, or even just a simple "I did it!" These caps become keepsakes, adding a joyful atmosphere to the celebration of graduation.