Academic costume

Bachelor

The bachelor gown is black, full-cut with long pointed sleeves.

Master

The master gown is black, with long or short sleeves, an arc-shaped panel extending from each sleeve.

Doctor

The Ohio State University Doctor of Philosophy, Doctor of Education, Doctor of Musical Arts,  Doctor of Nursing Education and Doctor of Nursing Practice gowns are scarlet with gray velvet panels on the front and three velvet bars on each sleeve. Other doctor gowns are black with velvet panels and bars, the color of which is distinctive of the field of study.

The Ohio State University honors emblem is a scarlet and gray tasseled braid (honor cord) worn over the gown. Students eligible for this curricular honor are those graduating summa cum laude, manga cum laude, and cum laude. At the discretion of their college, students graduating with distinction or with honors may also be eligible. Graduates meeting these criteria receive the honors cord through their college office--contact your advising office to learn how to pick up the honors emblem.

Master

Three-and-one-half feet long with a three-inch-wide velvet edging.

Doctor

Four feet in length with a five-inch-wide velvet edging and panel at the sides.

The lining of all hoods, which is folded out, bears the official colors of the institution granting the degree. The color of the velvet indicates the degree being earned and generally reflects the field of study.

Wear the tassel on the left side of your cap.

Bachelor's and master's degree candidates at The Ohio State University wear the black mortarboard with a tassel. The color is distinctive of the degree being received. Tassel colors are as follows: