There’s no better feeling than moving your tassel from right to left as you stand alongside your fellow graduates. Make sure you have all the right regalia to walk across the stage with confidence and capture unforgettable graduation moments.
Purchase Grad Gear in Person
The best place for undergraduate and graduate students to get their regalia is at a Commencement Fair, where you can also grab a free formal graduation photo and more. Don’t miss it!
Choosing your Regalia
Bachelor’s caps and gowns are blue, while master’s and specialists are black. Tassels, which vary in color by degree, should be worn on the right side of your cap. All regalia are made from 100% recycled materials.
Find your Tassel Colors
Each tassel color represents your field of study, symbolizing your academic journey at Florida International University.
- Architecture - Blue Violet
- Art Education - Light Blue
- Arts and Sciences - White
- Business - Drab
- Communication Arts - Crimson
- Criminal Justice - Peacock Blue
- Doctoral Candidates - Gold
- Economics - Copper
- Education - Light Blue
- Engineering and Computer Science - Orange
- Fine Arts - White
- Health Sciences - Green
- Health Service Administration - Green
- Honors - Gold
- Hospitality and Tourism Management - Navy Blue
- International and Public Affairs - White
- Mass Communication - Crimson
- Music - Pink
- Nursing - Apricot
- Physician Assistant - Green
- Public Administration - Peacock Blue
- Public Health - Salmon
- Social Work - Citron
- Other - White
Find your Hood
Each doctoral degree is distinguished by a unique hood color, symbolizing their field of study. Doctoral candidates wear gold tassels as a symbol of their academic achievement.
- All Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) candidates – Navy Blue
- Doctoral of Athletic Training (DAT) candidates - Sage Green
- Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) candidates – Light Blue
- Doctoral of Physical Therapy (DPT) candidates – Teal
- Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) candidates – Apricot
- Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) candidates – Green
- Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) candidates – Drab
Special Adornments
Only adornments approved per university policy, and/or those of Academic Honor Societies, are allowed to be worn at Commencement. All other non-academic adornments, including stoles, cords, and medallions, are prohibited during the ceremonies and are subject to removal. Altering gowns is also prohibited, and only gowns purchased from Herff Jones or the FIU Bookstore are permitted. The university reserves the right to request a graduate to remove any item deemed in violation of this policy and/or restrict the graduate from participating in Commencement.
Decorating Your Cap
Decorating your cap is allowed and encouraged as part of the commencement tradition! Add some family-friendly flair to make your celebration even more memorable. Let your creativity shine with age-appropriate embellishments to showcase your accomplishments.
Avoid the following:
- Don’t alter the structure of the cap or add anything that could obstruct the view of others, like tall or bulky items.
- Please avoid using wiring, batteries, or any items that could cause concern or be mistaken for something unsafe in your cap decorations to ensure everyone’s comfort and safety.
- No tossing of caps is allowed during or after the ceremony.
- If decorations don't meet guidelines, you may be asked to remove them or wear a replacement cap provided by the university.
Plan Your Outfit
Before you head to commencement, make sure to check the dress code for what to wear under your regalia.
Graduates must bring their cap and gown with them and put it on only after entering the arena and clearing security. Regalia cannot be worn when entering the arena.
Avoid wearing the following items:
- Sneakers
- Beach sandals
- Shorts
