Doctoral Regalia

What do PhD regalia colors mean?

PhD regalia colors usually represent the graduate’s field of study and the institution awarding the degree. The doctoral hood lining often shows the school’s colors, while the velvet trim commonly reflects the academic discipline. Because color standards can vary by university, it is best to check your school’s official commencement guidelines to confirm the correct doctoral regalia colors.

What is the difference between a doctoral hood and a master’s hood?

A doctoral hood is usually longer, wider, and more formal than a master’s hood. Doctoral hoods often have more prominent velvet trim and a larger overall shape, making them easier to distinguish during graduation ceremonies. A master’s hood is smaller and less elaborate, while a doctoral hood reflects the highest level of academic achievement.

What hat do PhD graduates wear at graduation?

PhD graduates usually wear either a doctoral tam or a mortarboard, depending on their school’s graduation traditions. A doctoral tam is a soft, round cap commonly worn with doctoral regalia, while some universities still use the traditional square graduation cap. Always check your institution’s commencement requirements to confirm which doctoral cap is approved.

What is included in doctoral regalia?

Doctoral regalia typically includes a doctoral gown, doctoral hood, and cap or tam. The gown often features velvet trim and more formal sleeve details than bachelor’s regalia or master’s regalia. The hood helps identify the graduate’s degree level, academic discipline, and institution, while the cap or tam completes the traditional doctoral graduation look. A beefeater is another doctoral cap worn by some PhD candidates. The beefeater is a velvet cap with a tied tassel and a stable brim around the cap.

What does a doctoral hood symbolize?

A doctoral hood symbolizes the graduate’s academic achievement, degree level, and field of study. The hood’s design, colors, and trim help identify the institution and discipline connected to the doctoral degree. At graduation, the doctoral hood is one of the most important parts of academic regalia because it visually marks the wearer as a doctoral graduate.

What does the tassel on a doctoral tam mean?

The tassel on a doctoral tam is a traditional part of academic regalia and symbolizes scholarly achievement and ceremony participation. In some graduation ceremonies, tassel placement or movement may be part of the tradition, while in others the tam is simply worn as part of the formal doctoral outfit. Practices vary by school, so graduates should follow their university’s commencement instructions.

Do PhD graduates wear a cap and hood at graduation?

Yes, PhD graduates usually wear both a cap or tam and a doctoral hood during graduation. The cap or tam completes the regalia, while the doctoral hood identifies the degree level, academic discipline, and institution. Together, they form the standard doctoral graduation attire used in most commencement ceremonies.