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College Graduation Hood Colors

What color is your hood.

In addition to the graduation gown, stole and cap there is also the graduation hood.

The graduation hood comes in three sizes to help distinguish the college graduate’s degree, with the smaller hood signifying a bachelor’s degree, the medium-sized hood representing a master’s degree and the large-sized hood representing a doctoral degree.

In addition to various sizes, the hood also comes in various colors. The color of the satin lining of the hood will represent the school of the graduate and the soft velvet border will indicate the field of the graduate’s study.

While there are specific colors that have been established for certain degrees, (defined by the 1893 the inter-Collegiate Costume Code) a few schools may have established their own colors for certain degrees. Below you will find which color the American Council on Education prefers for which degree. Shop for all your graduation essentials today.

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Collection: master's degree graduation hoods - academic hoods, deluxe masters graduation custom hood - academic hood, deluxe bachelors/master hood - light blue velvet, light blue & golden yellow, deluxe bachelors/master hood - light blue velvet, royal blue & golden yellow, deluxe bachelors/master hood - science gold velvet, royal blue & golden yellow, deluxe bachelors/master hood - light blue velvet, royal blue & white, deluxe bachelors/master hood - white velvet, golden yellow & black, deluxe bachelors/master hood - scarlet velvet, red & white, deluxe bachelors/master hood - light blue velvet, purple & white, deluxe bachelors/master hood - drab velvet, red & white, deluxe bachelors/master hood - white velvet, royal blue & white, deluxe bachelors/master hood - white velvet, red & white, deluxe bachelors/master hood - science gold velvet, red & white, deluxe bachelors/master hood - light blue velvet, navy & white, deluxe bachelors/master hood - science gold velvet, red & golden yellow, deluxe bachelors/master hood - apricot velvet, royal blue & white, deluxe bachelors/master hood - peacock blue velvet, royal blue & white, deluxe bachelors/master hood - drab velvet, royal blue & white, deluxe bachelors/master hood - light blue velvet, royal blue & red, deluxe bachelors/master hood - scarlet velvet, royal blue & golden yellow, deluxe bachelors/master hood - brown velvet, red & white.

The pursuit of higher learning has always been fraught with challenges requiring great mastery, hence the honorific title. Now that you’re graduating with a Master’s Degree, you are entitled to wear a graduation hood that best sums up your achievement.

A Deluxe Master’s Academic Hood from GraduationCapandGown.com has everything you need to march up that stage with unmistakable distinction. Our hoods offer the following features:

• Premium matte fabric for superior comfort and fit.
• Customizable lining, velvet and chevron colors.
• Fast, reliable and efficient delivery.

Ordering is just one click away and the price is very affordable. No stress, no hassles, just a fabulous and memorable graduation for you! Get that dream Master’s Graduation Hood that befits a master. Purchase your Deluxe Master’s Graduation Hood from GraduationCapandGown.com today!

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High Quality Affordable Academic Hoods & Regalia Delivered Quick with no Hassle!

AcademicHoods.com provides excellent custom service and knowledge and provides our products with the highest quality Academic Regalia.

How to Wear

We have videos & downloadable instructions that will make it easy for you to dress correctly on your graduation day.

Academic Hood Packages

We offer an array of hood and gown packages.

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Custom doctoral graduation tam, gown and hood package - doctorate regalia, custom doctoral graduation gown and hood package - doctorate regalia, custom doctoral graduation gown and tam package - doctorate regalia, custom classic doctoral gown, tam and hood package.

About Academic Hoods for Graduation

Academic hoods trace their history back to the medieval time period. There were colorful silk hoods and fur-lined hoods that were worn by academics in the 16th century. They became associated with learned people since hoods had mostly fallen out of fashion after window glazing became common among laymen in the 15th century.

The length and shape of the hood itself are designed to show the level of education the wearer has received. For example, a bachelor’s hood has a “simple” design, meaning it only has a cow and liripipe (tail,) and was only three feet in length. The master’s hood, was similar, but had a liripipe of four feet in length. Due to its high cost and low prestige, it was often omitted from academic dress – a tradition that continues today.

Standardizing Graduation Hoods

The Intercollegiate Code was one of the first documents used to standardize academic hoods. It initially stated that the hood should be edged with either stain, silk or velvet – in a special color that would show the degree title of the wearer, as it appears on their diploma.

This lining was originally intended to be no wider than six inches. However, over time some major universities stipulated a width of no more than four inches. Below shows the standard velvet sizes.

• Velvet edging 2 inches wide for bachelor’s hoods
• Velvet edging 3 inches wide for master’s hoods
• Velvet edging 5 inches wide for doctoral hoods

We have adopted these standards. Velvet is the most often-used material, as it provided a good contrast to the softer, silken material and complemented other design aspects of the doctoral gown.

However, as there were hundreds of different educational institutions in the US, it became difficult to assign a unique lining pattern for the hood.

For all academic purposes, including trimmings of doctors' gowns, edging of hoods, and tassels of caps, the colors associated with the different disciplines are as follows:

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Collection: master's degree graduation hoods - academic hoods, deluxe masters graduation custom hood - academic hood, deluxe bachelor/master hood - science gold velvet, royal blue & golden yellow, deluxe bachelor/master hood - light blue velvet, royal blue & white, deluxe bachelor/master hood -light blue velvet, purple & white, deluxe bachelor/master hood - light blue velvet, light blue & golden yellow, deluxe bachelor/master hood - light blue velvet, royal blue & golden yellow, deluxe bachelor/master hood - scarlet velvet, royal blue & golden yellow, deluxe bachelor/master hood - drab velvet, royal blue & white, deluxe bachelor/master hood - white velvet, golden yellow & black, deluxe bachelor/master hood - white velvet, royal blue & white, deluxe bachelor/master hood - white velvet, royal blue & red, deluxe bachelor/master hood - light blue velvet, royal blue & red, deluxe bachelor/master hood - scarlet velvet, red & white, deluxe bachelor/master hood - apricot velvet, royal blue & white, deluxe bachelor/master hood - science gold velvet, red & golden yellow, deluxe bachelor/master hood - science gold velvet, royal blue & red, deluxe bachelor/master hood - drab velvet, red & white, deluxe bachelor/master hood - peacock blue velvet, royal blue & white, deluxe bachelor/master hood - white velvet, red & white, deluxe bachelor/master hood - science gold velvet, red & white, master's graduation hoods built for excellence.

Designed to convey an individual’s rank, discipline, and achievements, the graduation hood is unique to each graduate. Create a custom look for each graduate by correctly choosing the color code for each graduation hood.

Designed to be worn with any of our gowns, a graduation hood comes in a variety of colors. Many universities and colleges choose to use formal black for the gown, but choose to show the particular degree by the hood color. Our hoods are worn over the gown, but held securely in place by the clever shape and design details.  

Made up of several different quality fabrics, our specialty graduation hoods pay fine attention to detail, style, and color placement. Faculty or graduates can wear hoods denoting their particular level of education and course of study.  

Our Graduation Hood options include:

A full compliment of color to denote any discipline or field of study

Use of the highest quality fabrics to ensure durability

Ease of styling that allows for ease of wear

• Customizable lining, velvet and chevron colors
• Fast, reliable and efficient delivery.

Ordering is just one click away and the price is very affordable. No stress, no hassles, just a fabulous and memorable graduation for you! Get that dream Master’s Graduation Hood that befits a master. Purchase your Deluxe Master’s Graduation Hood from GraduationAttire.com today!

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Champlain College Commencement

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Master’s Hood: How to Wear It During Commencement

Congratulations to all of our master’s degree recipients! The hard work you have put into your advanced degree can now be shown off by wearing your master’s hood over your graduation gown.

Attending Commencement in person? Keep your hood draped over your forearm; once you go to accept your degree on stage, someone will place your hood on you!

Here are the outlined steps:

• Find the loop at the top of the hood
• Point the loop down your chest as you put on the hood (the velvet, solid color of the hood should be facing outwards)
• Find the button on the inside of your gown
• Fasten the loop to the button and zip up your gown

The velvet, solid color of your hood represents the specific degree or area in which you have completed your advanced studies, and the satin interior represents the institution, in this case, Champlain College .

At Champlain, the following colors are represented:

• Drab (Tan) – MBA, MS Leadership, MS Health Care Administration, and MS Human Relations & Organization Development
• Gold – MS Digital Forensic Science, MS Information Security, and MS Information Security Operations
• Light Blue – M.Ed. Early Childhood Education

We’re looking forward to seeing how you’re celebrating this amazing accomplishment: share your photos, videos, and well wishes using #ChampGrad.

Class of 2022 Candidates for Online Graduate Degrees

Class of 2022 candidates for online undergraduate degrees, student speaker paula realbuto to address champlain college online graduates.

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Academic Apparel

Graduation Cap and Gown, Choir Robes, Academic Regalia, and more.

Official Degree Color Chart

This  Academic Hood Colors List  serves an important function for your set of graduation Academic Regalia (hood, tam, and gown). 

The regalia hood colors typically include four sections: shell fabric, velvet edge, satin field, and satin chevron. The color of the velvet edge is determined using this  official degree color chart . That velvet edge hood color, sometimes known as Academic Regalia Inter-Collegiate Colors, represents your specific degree or discipline. The satin field and chevron (the hood lining colors) represent your university or college school colors. The overall size and shape represents the type of degree: bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral (with the narrow end getting progressively longer with the higher ranking degrees). Finally, the fabric shell color simply matches the fabric color of the graduation gown, which is usually black but sometimes is another color depending on the degree-granting institution. Associate degrees use a special cowl instead of a hood.

Below is the official academic regalia hood color list. Your academic hood colors are ultimately the decision of your degree-granting institution and you. However, these are the official academic regalia colors.

*See the footnote for PhD degrees, rules regarding multiple degrees, and determining your field and chevron colors.

* In determining your academic regalia colors, please note the following: All PhD degrees (as opposed to Doctorate degrees) use "PhD Blue", which is dark blue, in the academic colors. For example, a Doctorate in Psychology would include in your academic hood colors the color Gold, however a PhD in Psychology would use dark blue. If you are unsure if your degree is a Doctorate or PhD, please contact your administrative advisor to determine your precise degree title and academic regalia hood colors.

If you have  multiple degrees , the rule is that you use only one hood, and only one degree/discipline color. You use the hood and color that represents your highest ranking degree (with Doctoral as highest, Masters as second highest, Bachelors as third highest, and Associate as the lowest). If you have two different degrees at the same highest ranking degree, you generally use the most recently awarded degree as your hood.

If you have an  unlisted degree , there is no official color and it is dependant on the individual college or university to determine the color to be used for your hood. Typically, the most similar degree on the official chart is chosen. For example, if your degree is in an advance computer science field, usually the school chooses Science Gold for the degree color.

The above list describes only your velvet colors. There are three additional colors that typically go into your hood. They are the shell fabric (usually black, but sometimes the  color of your robe  if your robe is a special color that your university uses), and the lining colors.

Hoods are lined with the official color or colors of the college or university conferring the degree. More than one color is shown by division of the field color in a variety of ways. Most schools divide the color by using a single chevron. Occasionally, a school might use more than one chevron, no chevron but instead a single field color, an equal division, a reverse chevron, a straight bar, or other methods. While Academic Apparel can make any variety of hood, please note that the online ordering system assumes a single field and a single standard chevron. For other unusual types of hoods, you will have to use our downloadable fax forms.

The official "Academic Costume Code and Academic Ceremony Guide" includes a sentence that reads as follows: "The various academic costume companies maintain complete files on the approved colors for various institutions."

Once upon a time long ago, that sentence was correct. However, that was before colleges started springing up across the nation at a rapid rate in the last 50 years or so, and before institutions started the practice of changing their hood colors depending on style or taste or the desires of the student body or economics for bulk manufacturing (sometimes even on a yearly basis).

We are the direct manufacturer of academic regalia.  This means one good thing and one bad thing (from your perspective). 

The good thing is our prices are significantly lower than your degree-granting university would charge to sell them to you, yet the quality is the same or better than what they offer.  That's because we are a relatively lean organization, independent, with over 60 years of experience, and we do not pay sales representatives, or have retail stores, or have a large advertising and marketing budget.

The bad thing is we cannot keep up with the changes each university makes to their regalia each year, and therefore require that our customers make their own inquiries to their degree-granting universities to discover what the current regalia colors are supposed to be for that school before placing an order.

We suggest you find out in advance of ordering what your school colors are, and which goes in the field and which goes in the chevron of the hood. You might also ask the following additional information: 1) whether they use 6 or 8 sides for their tam (if you are buying a tam); 2) whether they use a tam or a mortarboard for a Master's degree (if you are inquiring about a master's gown regalia set); 3) whether they use the standard black for the gown and hood shell color or if they have a special color; 4) whether they use an embroidered school emblem or symbol on the gown velvet an dif so what it looks like (these are fairly rare, but a few schools use them); 5) and if there is anything special about the regalia not covered by those questions. 

Generally the best source for this information is the University book store or student store. Someone at most bookstores has all of this information.

You should know that you have the right to purchase your gown from any manufacturer, and not just the company that has a contract with your university. By getting this information on your own and purchasing your regalia from Academic Apparel, you will be saving money, and getting a regalia set that looks at least as good as what your school offers, and often it looks and feels significantly better than the bulk manufactured chinese gowns many colleges are now selling (and ours will last longer than those gowns too).

While we would really like to help you obtain this information, and hope to some day send out surveys each year to each university asking for this data, it is beyond our abilities to do so right now. If you are willing to do the footwork to find this information out, we know you will get a superb robe, hood, and tam from us, at prices that cannot be beat.

How to Wear the Master's Hood With Graduation Gowns

How to Wear the Master’s Hood with Graduation Cords

What was once considered common wear for any graduate has become a distinct piece of clothing that depicts a graduate’s efforts and accomplishments. But the commencement hood and how to wear it can be confusing. Academic regalia, like those for Master’s degrees, Bachelor’s Degrees, Doctoral Degrees, Associate Degrees and other graduation degrees, can often be difficult to put on and determine how to wear correctly for those who are unsure. While the tassel is known to go on top of the graduation cap, academic hoods and other aspects of a graduation gown require more detail and direction.

Color also has important aspects to graduation regalia, as different colors represent different schools and organizations, like apricot, royal blue, peacock blue, light blue, or black tassels, cords, stoles and honor cords. Commencement ceremony stoles and other academic dress adornments can follow school colors and also have differential styles for Doctoral gowns, Doctoral hoods, Masters regalia, and Master’s gowns, also different from those set for high school grad students. Academic costumes vary by graduate degree, but most have similar styles across schools and universities for similar graduation ceremonies. Degree candidates should know how to properly wear their graduation regalia before graduation photos and ceremonies.

History of the Master’s Hood

The master’s hood harks back to the Middle Ages and was originally worn by all classes as simply a hood, or caputium. It carried no actual academic significance. Around the 13th or 14th centuries, the hood evolved into other areas of culture, including monks who were also often teachers, clergy, and students who were pursuing higher education subjects and exploring math and science.

It was given distinct coloring and linings to depict the ‌ student’s level of education ‌. For instance, undergrads were often given black hoods that were simple in assemblage and not lined. Graduates were given fur hoods or fur lined hoods to show their level of achievement in academia.

Purpose of the Hood

The hood served many purposes. It was used as a:

• Shoulder cape
• Bag for alms for students looking to continue education
• Head covering

The drafty medieval buildings left many students shivering as they hunched over their work.

Hood Moves On

The front of the hood had a piece of material that was originally used for plucking the hood on and off of the student’s head. It was called the ‌ liripipe or tapetum ‌. This later served as a type of scarf that wrapped around either side of the hood to keep the cool air at bay.

Bachelor’s Hood vs. Master’s Hood

Both hoods meant something in the world of academia. They were originally distinguished by the ‌ high or low value ‌ of the material that was used to make them rather than the shape or color.

Bachelor’s hoods were typically made from badger fur or would have a lamb wool lining. Eventually, the liripipe or scarf material became longer for undergraduates, further distinguishing them from graduates.

Master’s hoods evolved into scarlet colors around the ‌ 14th century ‌ and were required to have fur that was of good quality. Eventually silks were introduced around the 15th century for summer ceremonies or other events.

What to Wear Under There

After all the trouble of figuring out how to wear the Balfour master's hood and gown, it can be confusing what to wear under all that ceremonial dress. Beneath the robe and master’s hood, the students should simply ‌ wear dress clothing ‌ before donning the regalia of graduation.

Each institution of higher education will have its own dress code. More than likely pants and dresses need to be of a certain hue and fall at a certain place, such as the ankle for pants and mid-calf for dresses.

How to Wear the Master’s Hood

Place the graduation hood over your head with the velvet side up. The small tapered V-shaped end should be at the front of the neck. The long U-shaped rear part of the hood should ‌ drape over ‌ the back of the gown. The front of the hood should rest comfortably just below the chin and sit well over the shoulders.

The front loop should be secured to the gown’s zipper or your own clothing. This will keep the graduation hood firmly in place as you walk to and from your seat and across the stage.

The back of the gown may need an extra set of eyes or hands to put on correctly. Turn the lining of the hood out to expose the colors underneath from below the shoulders. Make sure to smooth the base of the rear of the hood so that it ‌ lays flat ‌. The rear cord should be fastened to the two buttons within the hood lining to ensure the hood stays firmly in place.

Related Articles

How to Wear Graduation Regalia, Stole & Cord

What Are the Color Meanings in Graduation Stoles?

The Etiquette For Graduation Gowns

How to Tie Graduation Cords

What Kind of Clothing Did the Pioneers Wear?

The Reason for Switching Your Tassel at Graduation

What Is a Graduation Stole?

The Meaning of Graduation Honor Cords

• Herff Jones: Academic Regalia
• Balfour: Caps & Gowns
• Check your university's graduation website for instructions specific to your school.

Kimberley McGee is an award-winning journalist with 20+ years of experience writing about education, jobs, business trends and more for The New York Times, Las Vegas Review-Journal, Today’s Parent and other publications. She graduated with a B.A. in Journalism from UNLV. Her full bio and clips can be seen at www.vegaswriter.com.

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Master's & Doctoral Hood Colors

Confirm your hood color by using the charts, organized by college, below. For cap and gown information, please visit the  commencement website .

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Update: Pacific University’s Forest Grove, Hillsboro and Eugene campuses, and all Pacific healthcare clinics, remain closed all day Friday, Jan. 19. More Details

How to Choose the Right Master's Degree in Education

An advanced degree in teaching or education can result in faster career growth, more money and greater job satisfaction. Discover the difference between an MAT and MEd graduate pathway so you can pick the program that matches your passion.

Save your place in Pacific’s MAT program with Guaranteed Graduate Admissions ! Start your teaching journey as soon as your first-year in college and graduate ready to make an impact.

A bachelor’s degree in teaching is only the beginning of a rewarding education career , one that can touch the lives of countless students and give rise to a new generation of young people ready to change the world.  

For those who want to expand that reach and deepen their impact, a master’s degree in education can equip teachers and administrators with new tools to make a difference in the classroom.

Whether it’s a  master’s degree in teaching (MAT) or a master’s degree in education (MEd) , an advanced degree can elevate your existing practice or launch you into a career with in-demand skills .

The benefits of furthering your education are abundant, but how do you choose the best master’s of education degree to suit your career goals?

The next step in pursuit of your purpose is just around the corner. Here’s how to find it.

EXPLORE TEACHING PATHWAYS

Why Should You Get a Master’s Degree in Education or Teaching?

Like many careers grounded in a rich history of research and experimentation, teaching and education roles utilize lifelong learning and refinement to better serve their communities. 

Leaders in advancing how young people flourish, teachers and educators use their advanced education degrees to champion new initiatives and styles of teaching, bolstered by experience and theory.

A master’s degree in education can benefit new and established educators by:

Allowing for greater career advancement. Not only do teachers with an advanced degree earn more over their lifetime — up to 27% in most cases — but a master’s-level degree enables educators to further their career more quickly.

Serving students better. Studies have shown that teachers with advanced degrees, especially those who pursue their MAT or MEd after some amount of professional experience, lead classrooms to better learning outcomes .

Empowering specialization. The best master’s of education programs encourage teachers and administrators to perfect their areas of expertise, resulting in experts in the classroom.

Helping shape education policy. Greater education and experience can result in a seat at the table when creating new strategies, techniques and curriculums that have the ability to influence schooling in your backyard or across the country .

MAT vs MEd: What’s the Difference?

While many teachers will begin their career by pursuing a bachelor's degree in education or a related program, advanced degrees allow for greater specificity in how exactly you want to make a difference.

Designed for teachers who want to shape education at the front line, the Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) degree prepares educators for a career in the classroom.

The MAT also empowers those who have a bachelor’s degree in another discipline to serve students by transitioning to a teaching career, putting their passions to work in the classroom .

With the ability to specialize in general or special education , MAT teachers can receive in-school experience while in studying , uniquely preparing them to manage classrooms and inspire students.

For already licensed teachers, the Master of Education (MEd) degree can add to your classroom preparation through special emphasis on creating education outcomes through curriculum development , administration, and counseling.

While these two degree paths do focus on different aspects of the education system, it’s important to note that both programs allow for opportunities to teach and impact education development.

What Jobs Can You Do With an MAT?

The most common route for MAT graduates is to enter or resume teaching in the classroom , with a master of arts in teaching affording them new skills.

However, beyond classroom instruction there are other opportunities for MAT degree holders to make a difference in the lives of young people.

Specializations. Frequently interacting with students on an individual level, specializations in literacy , special education , and English for speakers of other languages (ESOL) can help students thrive.

Private tutoring. Supplementing in-class instruction, tutors in reading, writing, math, and more often have teaching experience and can use skills gained in their MAT to start their own practice.

Education outside the classroom. Anywhere learning can be done, teachers can have an impact. Children’s museums, enrichment camps, or online video all afford MAT graduates to flex their prowess in nontraditional settings. 

What Jobs Can You Do With an MEd?

While less frequently in the classroom, MEd graduates still have an impact on how young people can be successful through learning. 

Curriculum design. As social justice becomes more and more essential, it’s important that highly-educated and experienced professionals are redesigning learning outcomes for students to create inclusive and equitable spaces .

Guidance counseling. Helping young people enter adulthood and discover their purpose, careers in guidance counseling make use of a foundation of child development and education theory to best prepare students for life after high school.

School administration. Want to help lead schools and create equitable spaces for all students through leadership? An MEd is a great start.

At both the school and district levels, the skills gained during a master of education degree contribute to helping create successful students and satisfied, well-funded teachers .

How Much More Can You Make With an MAT or MEd?

Teacher and educator pay goes up the more experience you have, with added salary benefits coming as a result of advanced education and specialized skills.

In the Portland-metro area, starting salaries for teachers with only a bachelor’s degree in education ranged between $49,000 and $53,322.

MAT graduates can make more, however, with salaries for teachers starting with advanced degrees increasing to between $55,000 and $58,000.

After MAT degree holders begin to gain experience, pay rises much faster than if you only had a bachelor’s degree, with salaries between $80,000 and $91,000 for those with advanced training.

Salaries for MEd graduates follow a similar path, with advanced pay coming with more robust skills and experience. 

That said, MEd degree holders can make substantially more if they transition to working at state or national-level education departments, helping to design curriculum and meet teacher needs.

You can get your advanced teaching degree online with our flexible MAT program ! Submit your application during our rolling admissions period today!

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Collection: masters degree cap, gown & hood packages, academic regalia, deluxe masters academic cap & gown, classic masters academic cap, gown & hood package, deluxe masters academic gown & hood package, classic masters academic gown & hood package, master's degree academic cap, gown, tassel and hood packs.

Save time and money and purchase you  master's degree regalia  offered by Gradshop to accomodate your graduation requirements in one simple package. Ordering master graduation packages allows you to save rather than ordering individually. This outstanding Deluxe master's degree academic pack consists of best craftsmanship classic  master's degree gown , cap, tassel and hood. When placing your graduation pack order you have the option to customise the  master's academic hood  and  master's cap tassel  to your requirements. All made simple and accessable to complete your graduation ceremony in comfort and style.

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Kent State Ranks Best Online Master’s in Education Programs, Best Online Master’s in Nursing Programs, Best Online Master’s in Business Programs and Best Online Master’s in MBA Programs in the U.S. News 2024 Best Graduate Schools Rankings

Kent State University is recognized nationally for high-quality 100% online graduate degree programs.

U.S. News & World Report recognizes Kent State in the Best Online Master’s in Education Programs, Best Online Master’s in Nursing Programs, Best Online Master’s in Business Programs, and Best Online Master’s in MBA Programs lists in its new 2024 Best Online Programs rankings. Notably, three of the university’s online programs rank among the top 100 on the list, with the online master’s in education programs moving up 84 spots to No. 58, the highest ranking for a public institution in northern Ohio on this year’s list.

Kent State aims not only to make quality education more accessible to the meritorious many but also to create lifelong learners. Both aspects have once again been recognized on a national scale.

Kent State University’s Graduate Education Programs

Kent State’s  College of Education, Health and Human Services   currently offers 25 master’s programs and 14 doctoral programs, including Doctor of Philosophy and Doctor of Education degrees. The breadth of these offerings, coupled with faculty expertise and experience in research and teaching, makes the college an ideal place to pursue graduate study in the disciplines related to education as well as health and human services.

Kent State University Online Master’s Degrees from the College of Education, Health and Human Services

The College of Education, Health and Human Services (EHHS) at Kent State University offers several graduate degrees, concentrations, and certificates 100% online . With the working professional in mind, the college provides quality education on an online platform.

Cultural Foundations (M.Ed.)

The Online Master of Education degree in Cultural Foundations  explores education through a range of disciplinary and interdisciplinary perspectives: philosophy of education, history of education, sociology of education, comparative/international education, anthropology of education, gender studies, multicultural studies, and religious studies.

Curriculum & Instruction (M.Ed.)

The Online Master of Education degree in Curriculum and Instruction   provides a wide range of graduate study opportunities in progressive, research-based curriculum and teaching practices. The program prepares educators for continuing professional development, education in a multicultural society, and leadership for curriculum reform and renewal.

Educational Psychology (M.Ed.)

The Online Master of Education degree in Educational Psychology  provides advanced study for students interested in the application of psychological principles to learning and instruction. It includes various disciplines, including cognitive psychology, human development, and learning theory.

Educational Technology (M.Ed.)

The Online Master of Education degree in Educational Technology   prepares students to design, develop, and use a variety of technologies in school classrooms, training facilities, or other educational settings. The program’s Online and Blended Learning Certificate and the Computer Technology Endorsement are also offered online.

Hospitality & Tourism Management (M.S.)

The Online Master of Science degree in Hospitality and Tourism Management provides an integrated hospitality and tourism graduate education, emphasizing regional, national, and global implications of the field. Students will develop critical analysis skills, and research abilities, and understand advanced hospitality and tourism issues.

Research, Measurement & Statistics (M.Ed.)

The Online Master of Education degree in Research, Measurement & Statistics   Develops educators and specialists in assessment, measurement, research design, and program evaluation for careers in schools (pre-kindergarten to grade 12) and in higher education.

Special Education (M.Ed.)

The Online Master of Education degree in Special Education   provides students with an advanced understanding of contemporary research and practice issues in special education. The General Special Education concentration, the Autism Spectrum Disorder graduate certificate, and the Behavioral Intervention Specialist graduate certificate are also offered fully online.

Interprofessional Leadership (Ed.D.)

The Online Doctor of Education degree in Interprofessional Studies   allows for the study of leadership from an interprofessional perspective that is framed around questions of equity, ethics, and social justice to bring about solutions to complex problems of practice. The program prepares leaders who can construct and apply knowledge to make a difference for individuals, families, organizations, and communities.

More information on Kent State Online Master’s Degrees from the College of Education, Health and Human Services .

Kent State University’s Online Master’s in Nursing Program

Kent State’s online master’s in nursing program offered by the College of Nursing ranks No. 54 on this year’s list, up 11 spots from last year, making it once again the highest-ranking program among all public and private institutions in northern Ohio.

Kent State’s Master of Science in Nursing program thoroughly prepares registered nurses for roles in advanced practice, education, research, and healthcare administration. Students develop a strong foundation for further postgraduate and doctoral-level study in nursing, with the College of Nursing  helping them during every step of their education and professional practice. 

Kent State University Online Master of Science in Nursing

The online Master of Science in Nursing degree prepares nurses for advanced clinical roles while making them eligible for national certification as clinical nurse specialists (CNS), nurse practitioners (NP) or to serve as nurse educators, health care management, or leadership roles.

This degree meets the educational eligibility requirements for national certification in the respective area of study. The degree program can be completed in four to five semesters (two full academic years) for full-time students. Part-time students typically take three to four years to complete the program.

For more information on Kent State’s Online Master of Science in Nursing degree, visit https://onlinedegrees.kent.edu/degrees/master-of-science-in-nursing .

More information on Kent State’s additional online nursing degrees .

Kent State University’s Online Master’s in Business Programs

The university’s online master’s in business program moved up three spots to land at No. 97 on this year’s list, the highest ranking among all institutions in Northeast Ohio. Lastly, the university’s online master’s in MBA program ranks No. 107 on the 2024 U.S. News list, making it the highest-ranked program among all institutions in northern Ohio. Both the online master’s in business program and the online master’s in MBA program are offered by Kent State’s Ambassador Crawford College of Business and Entrepreneurship.

Kent State University’s Online Master’s in Business Administration (MBA)

The online Master of Business Administration degree is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business International (AACSB).

The MBA degree prepares students for responsible leadership positions in private, nonprofit, and public organizations. Upon completion of the degree, graduates demonstrate a global mindset and competence in critical thinking, digital technology, communication, teamwork, and ethical and sustainable management.

The program welcomes students from a full range of undergraduate degrees. Regardless of their undergraduate education, students will find a challenging program designed to prepare them for management positions in organizations.

For more information on Kent State Online’s Master’s in Business Administration (MBA) visit, https://onlinedegrees.kent.edu/degrees/mba .

More information on Kent State’s additional online business degrees .

About the U.S. News & World Report 2024 Rankings

To be considered for inclusion on the list, U.S. News evaluated schools in the Best Online Programs list based on a variety of factors, such as student engagement, faculty credentials, and services and technologies. The 2024 list is designed for individuals looking to complete or further their education. This year’s edition evaluates more than 1,800 online bachelor’s and master’s degree programs using metrics specific to online learning. The rankings only include degree-granting programs offered primarily online by regionally accredited institutions.

For more information about the U.S. News 2024 Best Online Programs list, visit www.usnews.com/education/online-education/rankings .

Kent State University Online Degrees

Kent State University is a pioneer in online and distance education, offering its first online program 20 years ago. Kent State now offers 90 online degree and online certificate programs, unmatched by most peer universities with new online programs and online degrees continually added.

Earn your degree anytime, anywhere, with Kent State University’s online graduate degrees, online undergraduate degrees, and online certificate programs.  Kent State Online   brings together online programs and assistance for students, faculty, the community, and global audiences.

For more information on Kent State’s Online Degrees, visit  https://onlinedegrees.kent.edu .

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Through a rich suite of courses and co-curricular experiences, along with the mentorship of exceptional faculty, a degree from Harvard Graduate School of Education prepares you to make a difference in education today.

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Part-time, career-embedded program, delivered online, for experienced educators looking to advance their leadership in higher education or pre-K–12.

Doctor of Education Leadership

Preparing transformative leaders to have the capacity to guide complex organizations, navigate political environments, and create systemic change in the field of education.

Doctor of Philosophy in Education 

Training cutting-edge researchers who work across disciplines, generate knowledge, and translate discoveries into transformative policy and practice.

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Ideas and Impact

From world-class research to innovative ideas, our community of students, faculty, and alumni are transforming education today.

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With deep knowledge of the education field, HGSE faculty members influence current conversations in the media, giving educators and students a much-needed voice for positive change.

"How do we balance the needs of individual students in our classroom with the needs of the group? This is a small thing, but it has profound consequences for everyone’s learning."

Royal, Whippman Named Presidents-in-Residence

• Posted May 9, 2024
• By Ryan Nagelhout
• College Access and Success
• Higher Education Leadership
• Teachers and Teaching

The Harvard Graduate School of Education has announced the latest members of its Judith Block McLaughlin Presidents-in-Residence (PIR) Program . Christina Royal, president of Holyoke Community College, and David Whippman, president of Hamilton College, will join HGSE for the 2024-25 academic year.

As presidents-in-residence, Whippman and Royal will teach and mentor students in HGSE’s higher education degree offerings, contributing to courses and providing valuable insight based on their long careers as university presidents. Senior Lecturer Francesca Purcell , faculty director of the Presidents-in-Residence Program, shared that the latest appointments offer unique insights from across the higher educational leadership landscape.

“Their varying perspectives on higher education leadership in the 21st century will enrich and deepen the learning experiences for our students in the residential higher education concentration and in the online higher education pathway,” Purcell said. “Christina has extensive experience leading community colleges and David brings insights leading a small liberal arts college with both boasting exceptional records advancing equity, opportunity, and excellence across the national higher education landscape. Importantly, they are thoughtful practitioners who will engage with and inspire HGSE students.”

Dozens of college and university presidents have taken part in the PIR Program since it was created in 2001. Royal is the first community college president, and she said she is “honored” by the distinction.

“It is important for Harvard graduate students who are studying higher education to understand that community colleges are essential to the ecosystem of public post-secondary education and the vital role they play as an economic engine for society,” Royal said. “I’ve dedicated my career to higher education, with a particular focus on historically marginalized and racially minoritized students.”

Royal, who announced her departure as Holyoke’s president in the spring of 2023, made history as the school’s first woman of color president when she was appointed in 2017.

Her tenure saw the school launch programs promoting diversity and equity in higher education, working with the Holyoke Housing Authority and Westfield State University to support low-cost housing for students. Royal also advocated for programs to develop child care options for students with children and a student emergency fund for sudden expenses. Upon her retirement, an annual equity award at Holyoke was started and named in her honor.

“I’m looking forward to engaging in meaningful discussions with Harvard learners to deepen their understanding of the complexities of our American system of higher education,” said Royal. “Through these discussions, my hope is that they continue to unlearn the systems and structures that no longer work for us and re-learn ways to strengthen the ones that do.”

Royal earned her bachelor’s degree in mathematics from Marist College in 1994 and received an M.A. in educational psychology in 2003. Royal received her Ph.D. in Instructional Design for Online Learning from Capella University in 2007. Her teaching career has included 15 years at Marist, another seven at Cuyahoga Community College and a stint as provost and chief academic officer at Inver Hills Community College.

Whippman, who has served as Hamilton’s president since 2016, announced his retirement at the end of the 2023-24 academic year. A recognized authority in international law, Whippman has taught about ethnic conflict, public international law, international criminal law, and international human rights.

His tenure at Hamilton has included the development of the College’s strategic plan, including a record-breaking Because Hamilton campaign to raise $400 million for College priorities, including $120 million for student scholarship aid. Whippman’s office prioritized diversity, equity and inclusion, and developed new programs to support student advising, digital fluency, and cross-boundary political thought and complex social issues.

Whippman was previously named dean of the University of Minnesota Law School in 2008. He also served as a professor and associate dean at Cornell Law School as well as vice provost for international relations at Cornell University.

“Serving as a President-in-Residence is a wonderful opportunity to work with and learn from future higher education leaders at a time when higher education leadership has become more challenging than ever,” Whippman said. “It's an honor to join a program with such distinguished faculty and talented students.”

A former U.S. Court of Appeals law clerk, Whippman served as a director in the National Security Council’s Office of Multilateral and Humanitarian Affairs, working on war crimes issues, the International Criminal Court, economic sanctions, and U.N. political issues. Whippman earned his bachelor's degree from Princeton University in 1976, a master’s degree from Yale in 1978, and his law degree from Yale Law School in 1982.

The Presidents-in-Residence program was fully endowed in 2023 and renamed in honor of former Senior Lecturer Judith Block McLaughlin, who retired at the end of the 2022-23 academic year. McLaughlin first started the Presidents-in-Residence program in 2001, and two decades later it continues to serve as an opportunity for Ed School students to gain new perspectives and learn lessons from groundbreaking educational leaders sharing their own experiences and insights.

“Fundamentally, students need to understand themselves as leaders, what drives their decision-making processes, and who they are as people, in order to effectively lead others,” Royal said. “We spend a lot of time educating students into a contemporary image of a leader, although the best preparation for leadership is learning to be authentically themselves and share their unique gifts, talents, and strengths with others.”

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Why pursue a bachelor’s or master’s degree in computer science?

With a bachelor’s degree in computer science or your master’s degree in computer science , you can expect to take courses in programming, security, computer systems, data visualization, and much more. While a bachelor’s degree can be a great entry point into the subject matter, a master’s degree will deepen your understanding while allowing you the space to specialize in a more niched area, like artificial intelligence (AI), full stack web development, or cloud computing.

What’s more, when you enroll in a computer science degree program at either the undergraduate or graduate level, you’ll get an opportunity to build and strengthen several key technical and workplace skills, such as programming, software development, problem-solving, critical thinking, and time management. Learn more about why computer science is considered a good major and what you can do with your degree after graduating.

In the U.S., the average starting salary for college graduates is around $59,000. However, according to the National Association of Colleges and Employers , computer science majors were projected to have the highest starting salaries for 2022, with an expected average over $75,000.

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Frequently asked questions

What is a bachelor’s degree in computer science.

A bachelor's degree in computer science is an undergraduate program that involves studying programming, computer and operating systems, databases and data structures, algorithms, and more. It’s an in-demand degree that emphasizes valuable skills such as analytical thinking and problem-solving, alongside a wealth of technical skills, all of which can lead to high-paying entry-level jobs . Learn more about whether computer science is a good major .

What is a master’s degree in computer science?

A master's degree in computer science is a graduate program focused on advanced concepts in computer science, such as software development, machine learning, data visualization, natural language processing, cybersecurity, and more. At this level, you’ll often choose a field to specialize in .

Computer science master’s programs build on your technical skill set while strengthening key skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, communication, and attention to detail. Learn more about whether a master’s in computer science is worth it and the types of salaries you may be able to command with the degree.

How do I choose the best computer science degree program for me?

On Coursera, you’ll find online computer science degrees at both the undergraduate and graduate level. To figure out which one might be best for you, it helps to first understand why you want to earn a degree and what you hope to get out of your education.

Beyond your larger goals, consider what you’ll learn and how you’ll learn it, as those factors can be important when it comes to determining the best program for you. Take time to review the various computer science degree options on Coursera, paying particular attention to the “Academics” and “Student experience” sections for more information.

What is the experience of earning an online computer science degree through Coursera like?

Earning your computer science degree from a leading university on Coursera means experiencing greater flexibility than in-person degree programs, so you can learn at your pace around your other responsibilities.

Once enrolled in your program, you may find a range of learning options, including live video lectures that encourage you to collaborate and self-paced courses that give you greater independence. Moreover, throughout your learning journey, you'll have access to a dedicated support team, course facilitators, and a network of peers to help you achieve your academic goals. Learn more about the benefits of learning online .

Will I earn a degree from an accredited university?

Yes, all online degree programs available on Coursera are directly conferred by accredited institutions. Accreditation is important because it shows that an institution meets rigorous academic standards, eases your ability to transfer credits, and helps employers validate the quality of education on your resume or application.

Is an online computer science degree worth it?

Yes, both a bachelor’s and a master’s in computer science can be worth it—depending on your goals and your resources. Both types of education tend to lead to higher salaries , in-demand careers , advanced knowledge and skill sets, and exciting networking opportunities, among other benefits.

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