The Minneapolis College of Art and Design (MCAD) celebrates student achievement through formal Commencement Ceremonies that honor graduates from Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA), Bachelor of Science (BS), Master of Arts (MA), and Master of Fine Arts (MFA) programs. The Spring 2025 commencement will be held at the Children’s Theatre Main Stage in downtown Minneapolis, with an exhibition reception showcasing student work following the ceremony. Tickets are required for guests, and graduates do not need tickets to participate in the event.

While MCAD does not publicly provide detailed academic regalia color charts for tassels, honor cords, or stoles on its commencement pages, the school does require graduate students to wear traditional academic regalia for the ceremony. According to MCAD’s Commencement FAQs, graduate candidates are expected to wear rented caps and gowns provided by the college and return them after the ceremony, while undergraduate students choose their own attire and typically do not wear caps and gowns.

In standard U.S. academic dress tradition — which applies broadly to higher education institutions — the base graduation gown color is traditional black, paired with a coordinating graduation cap (mortarboard) and tassel for graduates. (Academic dress traditions establish that most academic gowns are black, with hoods and tassels sometimes indicating discipline or honors.)

Academic distinctions such as high honors are commonly recognized with honor cords in school or society colors and stoles representing student leadership, cultural identity, or membership in honor societies. These items are worn over the standard black graduation gown and cap, though MCAD’s official published materials do not list specific colors or honor cord protocols publicly. (Honor cords signify accomplishments and affiliations at academic ceremonies.)

Faculty participating in MCAD commencement typically wear traditional faculty regalia, which consists of black academic gowns with discipline‑specific hood trim that reflects their highest earned degrees and academic fields. These hood colors follow widely accepted academic costume standards and add visual representation of fields such as fine arts, design, media arts, and related disciplines. (Academic hood colors represent the discipline of the degree earned.)

Overall, MCAD’s commencement blends creative celebration with traditional academic regalia elements — offering graduates and faculty a dignified, ceremony‑ready academic appearance while honoring student achievement and artistic excellence.

Minneapolis College of Art and Design Graduation Cap & Gown Academic Regalia Collection

Prepare for MCAD commencement with official academic regalia. Each set includes a black graduation gown, matching graduation cap, tassel, and optional honor cords or stoles for a complete ceremony-ready look.

• Classic Graduation Gown: Black gown suitable for undergraduate and graduate ceremonies.
• Cap & Tassel Set: Mortarboard with coordinating tassel included for all degree levels.
• Honor Cords: Optional cords to signify academic honors and distinctions.
• Stoles: Approved stoles for leadership, recognition, and program affiliation.
• Faculty & Discipline Regalia: Faculty hoods display discipline-specific colors for earned degrees.
• Commencement Ready: Designed to meet MCAD graduation requirements and provide a professional appearance.

Order your Minneapolis College of Art and Design graduation gown, cap, and tassel set today for a memorable and ceremony-ready graduation experience.

Note: To confirm the exact colors of the graduation gown, cap, tassel, honor cords, and stoles for your specific program at Minneapolis College of Art and Design, you can reach out directly to the college's administration or the office responsible for commencement and student services. They can provide you with the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding academic regalia.