Doctoral Hood Colors by Discipline: Complete 2025 Guide
Share
Doctoral Hood Colors by Discipline: Complete 2025 Guide
When you earn a doctoral degree, the hood you wear is more than just a piece of fabric.
Its velvet color represents your academic discipline, while the lining often displays your university’s official colors.
Knowing the correct color ensures you meet your school’s dress code and proudly display your field of study.
This 2025 guide explains the meaning of each velvet color, how to match your university requirements, and tips for ordering the right doctoral hood.
1. Why Hood Colors Matter
Doctoral hoods follow the American Council on Education (ACE) academic costume code.
Each discipline is assigned a specific velvet color so that graduates can be recognized at a glance.
For example:
Dark Blue = Philosophy (Ph.D.)
Purple = Law
Scarlet = Theology
Using the wrong color may cause issues with your university’s graduation office or create confusion during the ceremony.
2. Complete List of Doctoral Hood Velvet Colors (2025)
| Discipline | Velvet Color | Hex / Visual |
| ------------------------ | ---------------------- | ------------ |
| Philosophy (Ph.D.) | Dark Blue | #00008B |
| Law / Juris Doctor | Purple | #4B0082 |
| Medicine | Green | #006400 |
| Education | Light Blue | #ADD8E6 |
| Fine Arts | Brown | #8B4513 |
| Music | Pink | #FFC0CB |
| Engineering | Orange | #FFA500 |
| Science | Golden Yellow | #FFD700 |
| Business / Commerce | Drab (Olive Brown) | #6B8E23 |
| Social Work | Citron | #D9B52C |
| Theology / Divinity | Scarlet | #FF2400 |
| Public Health |Salmon Pink | #FA8072 |
| Physical Education | Sage Green | #9DC183 |
| Library Science |Lemon Yellow | #FFF44F |
| Architecture |Blue Violet | #8A2BE2 |
| Arts & Letters (General) | White | #FFFFFF |
> ✅ Tip: Universities occasionally adopt unique shades, so always confirm with your school’s commencement office.
3. How to Choose the Right Hood
- 1. Confirm Your Degree Title
* A Ph.D. in Education still uses dark blue (Philosophy), not light blue.
* Professional doctorates (Ed.D., D.B.A.) use their discipline color.
- 2. Check University Guidelines
* Most schools follow ACE rules but may specify lining patterns with school colors.
- 3. Measure for Fit
* Standard doctoral hoods are 4 feet long with a wide velvet trim.
* Provide height and chest measurements when ordering custom regalia.
---
4. Buying Tips for 2025
* Custom Velvet: Some retailers allow custom shades to match university-specific tones.
* Fast Shipping: Rush delivery is available for most hoods—ideal if graduation is only weeks away.
* Matching Gown: Order your gown and hood together to ensure fabric and velvet colors align.
---
5. FAQs
Q: Can I wear a different color for style?
> Universities typically require the official discipline color. Check before experimenting.
Q: What if I have a dual doctorate?
> Most schools choose the color of your primary discipline. Some allow a special combination or dual hoods.
Key Takeaways
* Doctoral hood velvet colors are standardized to represent academic disciplines.
* Double-check your degree and school requirements before ordering.
* Buying from a trusted online retailer ensures correct colors, premium velvet, and timely delivery.
🎓 Ready to Order Your Doctoral Hood?
[Shop Custom Doctoral Hoods →]