Do graduate students get tassels?

Yes, graduate students (Master's and Doctoral) get tassels, but they wear them differently from undergraduates: graduate tassels start on the left side and stay there the entire ceremony, signifying their degree is already earned, while undergraduates move theirs from right to left after the degree is conferred. Graduate students also often wear special regalia like hoods and tams (velvet caps) to distinguish their advanced degrees.

Do graduate students wear tassels?

Master's and doctoral students:

Do not move the tassel. It should already be worn on the front left side of your mortarboard (or tam for doctoral graduates).

Are there honors cords for master's degrees?

The protocol for most schools is not to award honor cords for Graduate level and above, its an undergrad thing. However, some schools allow honor societies to induct students and wear their cords.

Do master's graduates move their tassels?

Tassel Rules for Master's and Doctoral Graduates

For those receiving a master's or doctoral degree, the tassel placement is much simpler. You'll start the ceremony with your tassel already on the left side, and it stays there the entire time. No moving required!

What side is the tassel on for Masters degree?

For those earning master's or doctoral degrees, the tassel starts on the left side and remains there throughout the ceremony. This position reflects their prior academic achievements and the advanced nature of their degree​.

Why Do We Turn the Graduation Tassel? What Side Does the Graduation Tassel Go On?

What are the rules for graduation tassels?

Graduation tassel rules involve placement based on degree level: undergraduates start with the tassel on the right and move it to the left after graduation, symbolizing the transition; while Master's and Doctoral candidates wear it on the left throughout the ceremony, indicating their advanced status. The tassel attaches to the cap's button, hanging down, and the color often signifies the field of study, but always follow your specific institution's instructions. 

Why do graduates move the tassel from right to left?

You move your tassel from the right to the left at graduation to symbolize the transition from being a student to a graduate, marking the completion of your degree, with the right side representing your student status and the left side signifying your new graduate status. This is a key moment in the ceremony, usually directed by the officiant, and it's a visual declaration of achievement for undergraduates. Master's and doctoral graduates typically start with their tassel on the left, as they already hold a higher degree. 

Do masters get hooded at graduation?

While modern day undergraduates wear robes and caps, those with masters or doctorate degrees are presented with hoods to show their continued pursuit of knowledge. Such hoods are an expression of tradition and are used to communicate the wearer's school, degree, and field of study for the rest of their lives.

Can I buy a graduation tassel separately?

Many schools include tassels as part of the graduation regalia package, which may be available for purchase through the school's bookstore or a designated supplier. Alternatively, you can order them online with us - offering a variety of colors to match your academic field or school colors.

What GPA is honors for Masters?

Typically, students receive honors on their degree when they have at least a 3.5 GPA.

What cord do you get for a 4.0 GPA?

For a 4.0 GPA, you typically earn the highest academic honor, Summa Cum Laude, which usually corresponds to a gold or gold/color braided honor cord, though colors (like blue/gold) and specific GPA cutoffs (around 3.9-4.0) vary by university, so always check your specific school's policy. 

Do graduate students get on the dean's list?

Dean's List honors only apply to undergraduate students. Post-baccalaureate and graduate students are not eligible. To be named to the Dean's List, a student must have earned a minimum semester grade point average of 3.70 with no grade lower than a "C" while being enrolled in at least 12 graded semester hours.

What GPA do you get cords for?

To get graduation cords, you typically need a cumulative GPA of around 3.25 to 3.5 or higher, with different cords (like white for Cum Laude, purple/maroon for Magna Cum Laude, gold for Summa Cum Laude) awarded for progressively higher GPAs (e.g., 3.25-3.49, 3.5-3.79, 3.8-4.0), but requirements vary significantly by institution, sometimes including departmental or specific honor society cords. 

How to put a grad cap on?

To wear a graduation cap, place the flat mortarboard level on your head, about an inch above your eyebrows, with the front point centered and the elastic band at the back. Secure it with bobby pins if needed, and keep the tassel on the right side until instructed to move it to the left after graduation.
 

What goes around your neck when you graduate?

A graduation stole is a sash-like graduation gown accessory worn by graduates during commencement ceremonies to symbolize achievements, affiliations, or honors. Typically draped around the neck and over the shoulders, graduation stoles come in various colors and designs, each carrying its own significance.

How much money is an appropriate college graduation gift?

For a college graduation gift, parents/grandparents often give $100-$500, close family $50-$250, and friends/acquaintances $25-$50, though amounts vary widely by relationship, location, and your budget, with cash being a popular choice for its practicality. Consider the graduate's needs (student loans, starting out) and your own financial situation, as any thoughtful amount, from $20 to more, is appreciated.
 

What are the rules for tassels at graduation?

Graduation tassel rules involve placement based on degree level: undergraduates start with the tassel on the right and move it to the left after graduation, symbolizing the transition; while Master's and Doctoral candidates wear it on the left throughout the ceremony, indicating their advanced status. The tassel attaches to the cap's button, hanging down, and the color often signifies the field of study, but always follow your specific institution's instructions. 

Is graduating with a master's a big deal?

Career advancement

A master's degree can make it easier to transition into more senior positions, such as management and leadership. Many organizations not only recognize the benefits of a master's degree, but even prefer their employees to have one.

What is the highest honor in a master's degree?

The highest academic distinction is summa cum laude, followed by magna cum laude and cum laude.

Do master's graduates wear tassels?

For college graduates, Bachelor again wear tassels on right side until their degrees are conferred, then move to left. Graduate students wear on left from the beginning.

What is this 🎓 called?

That symbol (🎓) is called a Graduation Cap, also known as a Mortarboard, which is a flat, square academic cap with a tassel worn during graduation ceremonies to signify academic achievement and the completion of a degree. It's a common emoji used to represent education, graduation, and learning. 

Does the tassel color matter?

The color of your graduation tassel has a specific meaning, representing the academic discipline or field of study you have successfully completed. Think of it as a visual code that instantly communicates your area of expertise, turning your graduation cap into a proud statement of achievement.

What is the tradition of graduation cap?

Over time, the attire naturally became associated with academia. By the 14th century, universities like Oxford and Cambridge mandated that graduates wear caps and gowns as a symbol of unification. Today's graduation cap is also known as a mortarboard, because it resembles a tool for holding and applying mortar.