Academic Regalia at Graduation, Explained

Graduation is more than a ceremony—it’s a milestone that represents perseverance, academic excellence, and the next step in your professional journey. At UNE Online, our commencement ceremonies celebrate these accomplishments while honoring the academic traditions rooted in the 12th century.

Whether you’re earning your degree on campus or through one of our fully online graduate programs, you’ll wear academic regalia that reflects both your field of study and your commitment to success.

What Is Academic Regalia?

Academic regalia refers to the traditional cap, gown, and hood worn by graduates and faculty during commencement. At UNE Online, our students proudly wear regalia that reflects their graduate-level degree and academic discipline. From the master’s gown with extended sleeves to the colors of each UNE hood, every element carries meaning.

At the Masters level, regalia consists of a simple black gown. What distinguishes a Masters level gown from a Baccalaureate gown is the sleeves. Masters level gowns usually have long, extended sleeves. Historically, those sleeves could have been used as pockets.
At the doctoral level, regalia consists of a more elaborate gown with a five-inch velvet panel down the front and three velvet bars on each sleeve. The velvet trim on a doctoral gown indicates the degree and academic discipline of the graduate.
Both the Master of Science in Applied Nutrition and the Master of Science in Health Informatics wear Science Gold hoods
Two Master of Science in Education graduates in their light blue hoods
The Master of Public Health hood is salmon pink
A good look at the interior of the hood, which displays the colors of the school from which the student graduated. At UNE the colors are blue and silver.
A few of our Social Work faculty show off their citron-colored hoods.
The light blue cord indicates the Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study in Education.
Graduating veterans and students currently serving in the U.S. military are recognized by a red, white, and blue cord.
The salmon stole indicates membership in the Delta Omega Honorary Society in Public Health.
Intertwined blue and gold cords indicate membership in the Phi Alpha Honor Society for Social Work.
UNE Online Ambassadors have been recognized by the College of Graduate and Professional Studies for being exemplary students and enthusiastic members of the UNE Online community.
At UNE the Master’s of Social Work is designated by a citron tassel, the Master of Education is designated with a light blue tassel, Master of Public Health is designated with a salmon tassel, and the Master of Applied Nutrition and Health Informatics programs are designated with a science gold tassel. The blue and white tassel pictured is for the bachelor’s degrees awarded by the university.
At the Masters level, regalia consists of a simple black gown. What distinguishes a Masters level gown from a Baccalaureate gown is the sleeves. Masters level gowns usually have long, extended sleeves. Historically, those sleeves could have been used as pockets.

UNE Online graduate students completing master’s degrees wear a simple black gown with long, crescent-shaped sleeves. The mortarboard cap—worn with the tassel on the right—is the traditional headgear for master’s graduates. After your degree is conferred during UNE’s commencement ceremony, you’ll move your tassel to the left.

The master’s academic hood at UNE Online features UNE blue and silver on the inside, representing our university colors, and a three-inch velvet trim on the outside, which varies by academic discipline.

UNE Online Master’s Hood Colors

Fun fact! UNE’s Certificates of Advanced Graduate Study (CAGS) graduates wear the same light blue hood of education, along with a light blue cord signifying advanced post-master’s work.

Doctoral Regalia at UNE Online

For UNE Online doctoral graduates, regalia includes a more elaborate gown with a five-inch velvet panel down the front and three velvet bars on each sleeve. Doctoral gowns may vary in color depending on the institution, but UNE’s are traditionally black with colored velvet trim. Our Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) graduates wear a hood with a light blue velvet trim. 

The doctoral tam—a soft, round hat with a sewn-on tassel—replaces the mortarboard. At UNE, this tam is worn throughout commencement, and instead of moving the tassel, you turn the tam slightly to shift the tassel to the left.

Graduation Cords, Stoles, and Honors

UNE Online graduates may also wear:

  • Honor cords for academic achievement or society membership

  • Red, white, and blue cords for U.S. military service

  • Silver service cords for Public Health graduates who have participated in extensive service-learning or volunteer work

These accessories personalize your graduation attire and reflect your individual journey at UNE Online.

Why Academic Regalia Still Matters—Even Online

Even as an online student, wearing your academic regalia is a powerful reminder of what you’ve accomplished. It’s more than just a tradition—it’s a moment to pause, reflect, and celebrate your transformation. Whether you’re attending the UNE in-person commencement or celebrating from home, your cap and gown connect you to centuries of academic tradition.

Planning for Your Graduation in 2025?

UNE Online students are encouraged to attend the university-wide 2025 Commencement Ceremony or participate in virtual graduation celebrations. Whether you walk across the stage in person or tune in from home, we’re here to celebrate you. 

For commencement details, visit the UNE Online graduation page.
Questions? Contact UNE Online Enrollment Counselors at onlineadmissions@une.edu or (855) 325-0896.
Not a student yet? Download our guide to find the UNE Online program that fits your goals:

At UNE Online, we know how hard our students work to reach this moment. Your academic regalia—whether it’s your master’s hood, doctoral tam, or silver cord—tells your story. You’ve earned it. Wear it proudly.

By on May 7th, 2025 in Blog, For Students, Online Graduate School
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