The required apparel for associate and bachelor degree candidates is a black gown, black cap and black/gold tassel. The optional NKU stole of gratitude is also available for an additional cost.

The required apparel for master degree candidates is a black master’s gown, black cap and a tassel and hood in the color corresponding to the field of study (see below). The optional NKU stole of gratitude is also available for an additional cost.

Graduates who are earning both a certificate(s) and an undergraduate or graduate degree should wear the regalia for their degree as described above. Students earning an undergraduate certificate only should wear regular undergraduate regalia: black gown, black cap and black/gold tassel. Students earning a graduate certificate only should wear their regalia from their highest earned degree. The optional NKU stole of gratitude is also available for an additional cost.

Doctoral regalia must be specially ordered. Doctoral candidates will receive notification from their program director with order and pricing information. 

• COLLEGE OF ARTS AND SCIENCES  
  English (white); Integrative Studies (white); Public History (white); Industrial-Organizational Psychology (old gold);  Public Administration (peacock blue)
• COLLEGE OF EDUCATION   
  Education (light blue); Teaching (light blue); Educational Leadership (light blue); Education Specialist (light blue) 
• HAILE COLLEGE OF BUSINESS   
  Accountancy (drab); Business Administration (drab);  Business Leadership and Innovation (drab)
• COLLEGE OF INFORMATICS   
  Communication (copper); Computer Science (copper);  Health Informatics (copper); Business Informatics (copper); Computer Information Technology (copper); Cybersecurity (copper)
• COLLEGE OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES  
  Nursing (apricot); Health Science (sage green); Exercise Science (old gold);  Clinical Mental Health Counseling (light blue); School Counseling (light blue); Social Work (citron); Health Administration (sage green); Athletic Training (sage green)
• COLLEGE OF LAW
  Legal Studies (purple)

December 2024 undergraduate students who qualify for University Honors can pick up honor cords at Grad Fair, your dean's office, or upon arrival at the commencement ceremony on December 14.

If you plan to not walk in commencement, please pick up your cords prior to December 14.

Please note that master and doctoral candidates DO NOT receive University Honors cords. 

CUMULATIVE GPA REQUIREMENTS FOR HONORS
Summa cum laude = 3.90-4.00
Magna cum laude = 3.75-3.8999
Cum laude = 3.50-3.7499

Please contact the head of your organization, department, or club to inquire if stoles or cords will be offered. The office of Special Events only handles academic honor cords.