Decoding UCLA Commencement Regalia: A Bruin's Guide to Graduation Attire

Commencement at UCLA signifies more than just the end of academic pursuits; it embodies the very essence of the Bruin spirit. It's the culmination of cherished moments - from studying beneath the Jacaranda trees to rallying along Bruin Walk, from late-night study sessions in Powell Library to spirited game days at Pauley Pavilion. Understanding the specific regalia requirements for this momentous occasion is crucial for every Bruin preparing to cross the stage. This guide serves as your Commencement Central, providing comprehensive information on UCLA's graduation attire, ensuring you're well-prepared for this significant milestone.

Bachelor's Degree Regalia

UCLA bachelor’s graduates make their way across the stage in the traditional matte black gown, sustainably tailored from recycled fibers. The gown is designed with discreet side pockets and a neckline loop to secure stoles. The complete bachelor cap and gown set includes a mortarboard cap and a tassel, complete with a year charm specific to your college requirements.

Latin Honors

Undergraduates who have achieved Latin Honors-Summa Cum Laude, Magna Cum Laude, and Cum Laude-are awarded Gold Fourragère/Latin Honor cords. These cords, made of braided material, are worn over the arm at the left shoulder, signifying academic distinction. Bachelor of Science students eligible for latin honors can order the Gold Fourrageres/Honor cords from Graduation, Etc. Students will be asked to provide their UID and their School (if Samueli Engineering, please make sure to indicate Engineering!) to verify they are on the approved eligible list before they can purchase. Students with questions about eligibility can contact us via the Commencement MyUCLA Message Center. If you have not already completed your degree and have officially been awarded latin honors we will use the tentative latin honors eligibility as posted on your Degree Audit Report (DARS). You must have followed the degree audit process. Please run a DARS (via MyUCLA) to verify your tentative eligibility.

Master's Degree Regalia

Master’s graduates are distinguished by gowns featuring oblong sleeves and academic hoods lined in luminous gold satin, accented with a blue chevron that represents UCLA's colors. The velvet trim that finishes each hood denotes the specific discipline within UCLA's various schools.

Specific Master's Degrees

MS Degree Candidates: Wear a black gown, a cap (mortarboard), a golden yellow hood, and a black tassel indicating the level of their degree (MS). MS candidates wear their tassels on the left side, indicating they have already earned a degree.
MEng and Engineer Degree Candidates: Wear a black gown, a cap (mortarboard), an orange hood, and a black tassel indicating the level of their degree (MEng or ENGR). These candidates also wear their tassels on the left side, signifying prior degree attainment.

Doctoral Degree Regalia

Doctoral graduates don UCLA’s most prestigious attire: tailored crepe blue gowns highlighted by gold piping, plush blue velvet front panels, and three blue velvet chevrons on each bell sleeve. The doctoral hood is lined in UCLA’s signature colors of luminous gold satin with a bold UC blue chevron. Velvet trim denotes each discipline: Ph.D. blue, JD purple, and MD green. The ensemble is completed with an eight-sided blue velvet tam, adjustable for fit, and a gold bullion tassel for an added touch of prestige.

Important Note for PhD Candidates

PHD degree candidate attire consists of a black gown, cap (mortarboard), a dark blue hood, and a gold tassel indicating the level of their degree (PHD). PHD candidates wear their tassels on the left side indicating they have already earned a degree. PHD candidates also have a hood; the color of the velvet corresponds to the title of the degree (Doctor of Philosophy) rather than the subject studied (Engineering). Therefore, the color of the facing will be dark blue, NOT orange, no matter what the field of study for the PHD hood. NOTE: PHD students also have the option to purchase a TAM separately instead of a cap. This is a personal choice by the student.

Where to Acquire Regalia

While the UCLA Store is a conventional option, Bruins seeking cost-effective and faster alternatives have other choices. CAPGOWN fulfills bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral regalia orders swiftly-often in just one business day-and at approximately half the price of the UCLA Store. Backed by thousands of verified 5-star reviews from Bruins nationwide, their regalia are praised for craftsmanship, comfort, and durability that last well beyond the ceremony. Each regalia set adheres to the strict standards of the UCLA commencement committee, making CAPGOWN the trusted alternative source of regalia for UCLA grads.

Additional Graduation Items

Sashes which indicate Class of XXXX, UCLA Bruins, or show student organization affiliations are not required. However, many students buy them as keepsakes or additional flare. All additional items available for graduation including special tassels, diploma holders, etc can be found at the UCLA Store page, select Grad Etc tab.

Diploma Frames and Keepsakes

Bruins can extend their milestone with diploma frames embossed with the UCLA seal-the perfect way to showcase years of dedication. Many Bruins choose custom tote bags, alumni keepsakes, and memorabilia from Westwood that carry the spirit of UCLA after commencement into their professional careers.

A Historical Perspective on Graduation Attire

Despite the lack of an official dress code at UCLA, for at least 140 years, students have traditionally worn white on graduation, Marina Nye, a history doctoral student, said. “We have images of women in graduation gowns dating from the 1870s … which also corresponds with when women started going to college,” Nye said.

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In accordance with the Academic Costume Code, UCLA’s current graduation attire for undergraduates consists of a cap, gown and tassel. Students earning a bachelor’s degree from the School of Theater, Film and Television wear brown tassels. Purple tassels and trims are designated for School of Law graduates, while green tassels and trims are worn by those graduating from the David Geffen School of Medicine. Another distinctive element of the UCLA graduation attire is the satin blue stole. While not mandatory for the ceremony, many students opt to wear one. The standard stole sold at the UCLA store only features the name of the school and a student’s graduation class.

Personal Expression Through Graduation Attire

UCLA is not alone as students from schools across the country use their graduation attire as a form of political protest. Jessica Lin, a fourth-year molecular, cell and developmental biology student, said she decorated her sash to feature clubs on campus that highlighted her cultural identity - including UCLA Wushu, a Chinese martial arts club on campus.

“I never got to experience much of my Chinese heritage,” Lin said. “Being able to show that off … such a big milestone and graduating college - I really wanted that. “I not only chose to wear it as a symbol of my Mexican pride, but also because I spent all four of my years at UCLA in Mariachi de Uclatlán,” Romero said. Lin said she plans to wear different dresses for the commencement ceremony and graduation photos.

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