Why do Masters graduation gowns have long sleeves?
Asked by: Daren Gutmann | Last update: February 14, 2026Score: 4.7/5 (68 votes)
Master's gowns have long, oblong sleeves with a dangling, crescent-shaped portion (sometimes called "bars" or "wings") to visually distinguish them from simpler bachelor's gowns and more elaborate doctoral robes, symbolizing the higher level of achievement; these sleeves also historically served as convenient pockets for carrying items like notes or alms.
Why does my Masters gown have weird sleeves?
The sleeves are a dead giveaway for a master's robe: they have a squarish piece on them that hangs below the wrist. If you see long, dangly pieces on the sleeves of an academic robe, it most likely signals a master degree.
Why do Masters robes have long sleeves?
The sleeve design of the master's gown required a jacket to be worn underneath, otherwise the wearer's bare arms would show and create an awkward appearance.
Why do master students get hooded?
Hoods seem to have served to cover the tonsured head until superseded for that purpose by the skull cap. Today, hoods are the most expressive component of the academic costume. They serve to communicate the owner's school, degree and field of study through their length and the colors of the lining and binding.
Is graduating with a master's a big deal?
Earning a master's degree represents a significant investment in your future, as it not only opens doors to higher salaries but also unlocks opportunities for leadership positions that are often out of reach without higher education.
How to wear your Master cap and gown
What do 4 bars on a graduation gown mean?
The President is the focal point of a college or university commencement. For this reason, it is acceptable that they wear a distinctive gown unique to the institution over which they preside. The unique feature of a Presidential gown is the addition of the fourth chevron to each sleeve.
What is this 🎓 called?
That is a Graduation Cap, also commonly called a Mortarboard, which is part of academic dress symbolizing graduation and academic achievement, featuring a square board with a tassel attached to the center. The emoji 🎓 represents this cap, used to signify success, education, or upcoming graduations.
Why does the tassel go from right to left?
You move your tassel from the right to the left at graduation to symbolize the transition from being a student to a graduate, marking the completion of your degree, with the right side representing your student status and the left side signifying your new graduate status. This is a key moment in the ceremony, usually directed by the officiant, and it's a visual declaration of achievement for undergraduates. Master's and doctoral graduates typically start with their tassel on the left, as they already hold a higher degree.
Is a master higher than a bachelor?
Both bachelor's and master's degrees are valuable, but in the hierarchy of academic degrees, a master's degree signifies a higher level of educational attainment and specialization compared to a bachelor's degree.
What do 4 bars on a robe mean?
Those in the procession wearing regalia that is not black are likely to be faculty wearing the colors of the school from where they received their highest degree. Four bars on the sleeve indicate the wearer is a sitting president.
What is the difference between a PhD and master's gown?
Bachelor's gowns are your typical black robe without any adornments, while a Master's gown will have longer sleeves. PhD graduates usually wear a brightly coloured robe with bell-shaped sleeves and elaborate decorations, to match the significance of their accomplishment.
What to wear under a master's gown?
So, for men, you should wear a collared dress shirt. Adding a tie would be a nice touch, but it's not required. For women, because of the low-cut neckline, a scoop-neck top with a modest cut, or a collard blouse is suitable attire to wear under your graduation robes.
How much does a master's hood cost?
The price for master's hoods are $145.00 for the deluxe masters hood; $160.00 for deluxe masters hood with piping added; or $68.50 for student graduation quality masters hoods.
What does a black grad gown mean?
Black Robes: Black is the most traditional color for graduation robes. It symbolizes formality, dignity, and the gravity of the occasion. Black gowns are a universal representation of the academic journey and emphasize the scholarly accomplishments of the graduates.
What is a PhD graduation hat called?
A PhD hat is most commonly called a doctoral tam, a soft, round velvet cap with a tassel, or sometimes a beefeater (a more structured version with a brim). While some doctoral graduates wear a traditional square mortarboard, the tam or beefeater is the distinct headwear for PhDs, symbolizing their highest academic achievement, often featuring a gold bullion tassel.
What is a trencher graduation?
The trencher is the graduate hat worn by graduates receiving a Bachelor, Graduate Certificate, Graduate Diploma or Masters award. The small peak goes to the front. The flat top should be horizontal. If it's not horizontal - you have your hat on back to front. The tassel is worn to the right.
What is the 100 percent emoji called?
Officially called Hundred Points, this emoji commonly goes by 100, Keep it 100, or Perfect Score. It was introduced in Unicode 6.0 in 2010. 100 emoji originates from teachers' use of 100, often written or stamped in red ink, to indicate a perfect score on an assignment.
What cord do you get for a 4.0 GPA?
For a 4.0 GPA, you typically earn the highest academic honor, Summa Cum Laude, which usually corresponds to a gold honor cord, often combined with other colors like white or blue, depending on your school's specific system for highest distinction. Expect a gold cord for a perfect GPA, signifying "with highest praise".
What GPA do you need for honor cords?
You need a cumulative GPA of roughly 3.5 or higher for Cum Laude, 3.7 or higher for Magna Cum Laude, and 3.9 or higher for Summa Cum Laude, but exact requirements vary by school, with some using different tiers (e.g., 3.25-3.49 for Cum Laude) or different cord colors (white, silver, gold) for each level. Always check your specific college's registrar or commencement website for precise GPA cutoffs and cord colors.
Is regalia only for royalty?
Other regalia
Another example of non-royal regalia is the traditional dress that is worn by Native American peoples in the United States, and First Nations peoples in Canada for ceremonial purposes, such as powwow and hoop dancing.
Can I keep my master's cap and gown?
In many cases, the graduation gown regalia is something you can purchase and keep. Some schools, however, require graduates to rent the regalia, which must be returned after the ceremony.
Does the tassel go on my right or your right?
Traditionally tassels are worn on the right side and moved to the left during a special portion of the ceremony for high school graduates.
Do you give gifts for masters graduation?
Whether it's for a high school diploma, bachelors, or master's degree, here is a must-follow etiquette tip: if you're invited to the ceremony or are attending a graduation party, send or bring a gift.