Hoods & Shields
Academic Hoods & Shields
Elevate your academic achievement with our meticulously crafted academic graduation hoods for Bachelors, Masters, and Doctoral degrees.
All the Buzz
See what customers are gossiping about
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GraduationSource makes graduation unbelievably efficient for us—the complete package arrives in a single shipment, giving our students a seamless, stress-free experience. The quality is consistently impressive.
Wendolyn Larkins
American National University
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I want to thank GraduationSourceâ„¢ and its staff for helping us with a last-minute order. They went above and beyond to make sure we received the items in a timely manner. Thank you!
Minerva
Cape Coral Technical College
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Our experience with GraduationSource™ was excellent. We received every cap, gown, and tassel on time and perfectly organized—making it easy to distribute across four campuses.
Carson Osborn
Metro Tech
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I am absolutely delighted with the quality of the Premium Doctoral Hood. When I opened the package, I was very pleased. Thank you!
Sherry
Northern Arizona University
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GraduationSource’s quality and customization made our graduates look amazing on stage. Everything arrived on time, and the entire experience was smooth and stress-free. The ordering process was simple and straightforward. GraduationSource is reliable, responsive, and truly takes the stress out of planning.
Ana Gonzalez
Rio Grande Valley College
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The parents and the students would like to say thanks for making our children look nice for graduation. The smile on the faces of our children when I delivered the gowns to their classroom was overwhelming!
Yolanda B
Velasco Elementary
Graduation Hoods - Academic Hoods for Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctoral Degrees
Graduation hoods are one of the most meaningful and symbolic elements of academic regalia. Worn draped over the shoulders and extending down the back of the gown, the academic hood communicates three essential details at a glance: the degree earned, the field of study, and the institution that granted the credential. Rooted in centuries of academic tradition, graduation hoods visually represent the depth, discipline, and scholarly journey behind each degree. Read More
Frequently Asked Questions
Answered by graduation experts.
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How do you wear a graduation hood correctly?
To wear a graduation hood correctly, place it around your shoulders with the velvet side facing outward and the colored lining visible at the back. The hood should drape neatly down your back and sit securely over your gown. Many graduates use a loop, button, or pin to help keep the hood in place during the ceremony.
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How do you choose the right graduation hood for your degree?
To choose the correct graduation hood, match it to your degree level, field of study, and institution. Master’s and doctoral hoods differ in size and design, and the colors often reflect both the academic discipline and the school. Before ordering, always check your institution’s commencement guidelines to make sure you select the right graduation hood.
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How should you store a graduation hood before the ceremony?
Store your graduation hood in a cool, dry place to help prevent wrinkles and damage. Hanging it on a padded hanger or keeping it in a garment bag usually works best. Before the ceremony, lightly steam or smooth the hood if needed so it looks neat and lays properly over your gown.
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Do graduation hoods differ by degree level?
Yes, graduation hoods differ by degree level. Master’s and doctoral hoods usually vary in length, shape, and overall design, with doctoral hoods typically appearing larger and more formal. The exact style can also depend on the institution’s academic dress requirements.
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Do bachelor’s degree graduates wear graduation hoods?
In many U.S. colleges and universities, bachelor’s degree graduates do not usually wear graduation hoods. Bachelor’s graduates typically wear a cap and gown and tassel instead. However, some institutions or international academic traditions may include hoods for bachelor’s degrees, so it is best to check your school’s official graduation guidelines.