Academic regalia had its beginnings in the Middle Ages . When the English universities were forming in the 12th and 13th centuries , the scholars also were clerics . They adopted gowns similar to those of their monastic orders . Caps were a necessity in the drafty buildings , and capes with hoods attached were needed for warmth . These early scholars selected the hood as the article for distinguishing various degrees by color , trim , and binding .

The use of academic regalia in the United States has been continuous since Colonial times . A uniform code was not widespread until about 1895 when the well-defined code of the Intercollegiate Commission was adopted by all institutions of higher learning .

The cap , called a mortarboard , is usually square and is the same for all degrees . The standard tassel is usually black ; however , colored tassels that signify the discipline are often used . The Doctor ’ s cap may have a gold tassel . NWTC graduates wear a blue , teal and white colored tassel on their caps .

Gowns and hoods vary for different degrees . The Associate ’ s gown is usually black with plain sleeves , though other colors may be worn . NWTC graduates wear blue gowns . The Bachelor ’ s gown is black and has pointed sleeves . The Master ’ s gown , also black , has longer , narrower sleeves that extend below the knee . The Doctor ’ s gown usually is black but may be of a color representing the institution granting the degree . The Doctor ’ s gown is faced down the front with velvet and has three velvet bars across the bell-shaped sleeves .

The academic hood varies in length according to the degree and is lined with the official colors of the institution granting the degree . The velvet border or edging of the hood indicates the discipline of the degree it represents ; apricot-nursing , dark blue-philosophy ; light blue-education ; brown-fine arts and architecture ; copper-economics ; taupe-business administration ; golden yellow-science ; orangeengineering ; pink-music ; purple-law ; russet-forestry ; scarlet-theology ; and white-arts , letters and humanities .

Associate degrees , technical diplomas , and certificates requiring more than 15 or more credits are eligible to receive honors notation .

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