Academic Dress

In 1896, the colleges and universities in the United States adopted a uniform code governing academic dress. Those who are receiving a master’s or doctor’s degree from the University of Colorado wear hoods lined with the university colors, silver and gold. The velvet border of the hood indicates the degree and usually follows the same code as the color of the tassels.

The Oxford cap, usually referred to as a mortarboard, has a long tassel that is fastened by a button on the top. Candidates for baccalaureate degrees wear the tassel pendant over the right front of the cap before the degree is conferred, and over the left thereafter. The color of the tassel on the bachelor’s cap indicates the field of study, with the exception of the BA degree whose candidates wear white tassels indicating the arts.

Tassel Colors
Architecture and Planning: Blue-Violet
Arts: White
Business: Sapphire Blue
Doctor of Philosophy: Dark Blue
Education: Light Blue
Engineering: Orange
Fine Arts: Brown
Journalism: Crimson
Law: Purple
Library Science: Lemon Yellow
Music: Pink
Science: Gold

More information regarding academic dress can be found on the Willsie Company web site.