Discipline Colors

Since the Middle Ages, color has been a key element in academia.  In addition to the beauty that colorful regalia add to academic ceremonies, the colors carry great meaning.  In academia today, colors are used to designate areas of study.  At Southern Methodist University, we refer to these colors as “discipline colors,” but the term may vary depending on the institution. 

Discipline colors, which are regulated by the Academic Costume Code of the American Council on Education, are displayed on the tassels of mortar boards, hoods, school gonfalons, and occasionally on the chevrons of Doctoral gowns.  By a quick glance of the color of a graduate’s tassel, you can tell which type of degree he or she has earned. 

A detailed list of approved discipline colors is located on the far right hand column of the Inventory of Approved Academic Programs, maintained by the Office of the University Registrar.  The colors used at each of the college’s at Southern Methodist University are found below

Cox School of Business
All Degrees – Drab

Dedman College
Ph.D. – Dark Blue
Arts – White
Sciences – Science Gold

Dedman School of Law
All Degrees – Purple

Lyle School of Engineering
Ph.D. – Dark Blue
D.E., Sciences – Orange

Meadows School of the Arts
Fine Arts – Brown
Music – Pink
Arts – White

Perkins School of Theology
All Degrees – Scarlet

Simmons School of Education & Human Development
Ph.D. – Dark Blue
Dispute Resolution – Drab
Counseling – Science Gold
Education – Light Blue
Liberal Studies - White
Applied Physiology and Sports Management - Science Gold

The Guildhall at SMU
Art Creation – Brown
Level Design – Violet
Software Development – Orange