You’ve spent years grinding away in Butler Library. You’ve survived the brutal New York winters and the endless climb up the Low Steps. Now, it’s finally time to wear the velvet. But honestly, trying to figure out the columbia university masters gown situation can feel like a whole separate degree program. If you think you’re just clicking "buy" on a black robe and calling it a day, you’re in for a surprise. Columbia is old-school. Very old-school. Their regalia reflects that history, and if you show up in the wrong shade of blue or with the wrong tassel, people will notice.
It’s expensive. It’s heavy. It’s iconic.
Most people assume all masters gowns are created equal. They aren’t. While the standard American academic dress follows the Intercollegiate Code, Columbia likes to do things a bit differently. We’re talking about a school that was founded as King’s College in 1754. That royal DNA is woven into every stitch of the fabric. The "Columbia Blue" isn’t just a color; it’s a specific identity.
The Anatomy of the Columbia University Masters Gown
Let’s get into the weeds. A columbia university masters gown isn't your average high school graduation polyester. It’s a slate blue—technically "Columbia Blue"—and it features a very specific design. Look closely at the chest. You’ll see two embroidered crowns. These are the King’s Crowns, a direct nod to the university’s pre-Revolutionary War roots.
The sleeves are weird. If you’ve never worn a master’s gown before, the "oblong" sleeve can be confusing. It’s long, square, and has a slit at the wrist so your arms can actually function. The rest of the sleeve just hangs there like an extra limb. It’s meant to symbolize the higher level of scholarship you’ve achieved compared to a bachelor's student.
The fabric matters too. Oak Hall is the official supplier, and they use a material called "Greenweave," which is basically recycled plastic bottles. It sounds eco-friendly, and it is, but it also means the gown is thick. If Commencement day hits 85 degrees in Upper Manhattan, you are going to sweat. Trust me.
Why the Hood is the Real Star
If the gown is the suit, the hood is the tie—except it’s way more complicated. The master’s hood is 3.5 feet long. It’s lined with silk in the university’s colors (light blue and white) and trimmed with velvet.
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That velvet color? That’s the most important part. It tells everyone exactly what you studied without you saying a word.
- White velvet is for Arts and Letters (MA).
- Golden Yellow is for Science (MS).
- Peacock Blue is for Public Administration (MPA).
- Citron is for Social Work (MSW).
If you show up to the Morningside Heights campus with a yellow trim when you earned an MA in History, you’re technically wearing the wrong outfit. It sounds pedantic, but these traditions are what make the ceremony feel like a thousand-year-old ritual rather than just a very expensive party.
Buying vs. Renting: The Great Debate
Should you buy it? Probably not. Unless you’re planning on going into academia and attending several graduations a year as a faculty member, a columbia university masters gown is a "one and done" garment.
Renting is the standard move. You order it through the Columbia Bookstore (managed by Barnes & Noble College). You pick it up, wear it for a few hours, take your photos by the Alma Mater statue, and then you give it back. If you lose it? The replacement fees are astronomical.
But here is the catch.
Every year, students try to save money by buying cheap knock-offs on Amazon or eBay. You can spot these from a mile away. The blue is usually too bright—almost a neon sky blue—and they lack the embroidered crowns. If you’re okay with looking slightly "off" in your photos to save $100, go for it. But for most, the official regalia is part of the experience. It’s the final piece of the puzzle.
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The Cap and Tassel Situation
The mortarboard is standard black, but the tassel placement is where people mess up. For a master’s candidate, the tassel usually starts on the right and is moved to the left after the degree is conferred. However, at Columbia, many students are told to just keep it on the left because, technically, you already have a degree.
Actually, check your specific school’s instructions. SIPA (School of International and Public Affairs) might do it differently than the School of the Arts.
A History You’re Literally Wearing
Wearing the columbia university masters gown connects you to people like Alexander Hamilton and Barack Obama. It’s not just clothes. When the university switched from the traditional black gown to the Columbia Blue in 1963, it was a massive deal. It was a way to stand out in the Ivy League. While Harvard has its crimson and Yale has its deep blue, Columbia’s light blue is unmistakable.
It’s meant to be regal. It’s meant to be a bit "extra."
I remember seeing a student a few years ago who had customized their gown with patches on the inside. It’s technically against the rules, but hey, you paid for the degree. Just don’t mess with the velvet on the hood. That’s the sacred part.
Practical Logistics for Commencement Day
Don't wait until the morning of the ceremony to take the gown out of the bag. It will be wrinkled. It will look like you slept in it. Because of the synthetic material, you cannot—I repeat, CANNOT—hit this thing with a high-heat iron. You will melt it.
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Use a steamer. If you don’t own a steamer, hang it in the bathroom while you take a very hot shower. The steam will drop most of the heavy creases.
Also, wear something light underneath. The gown adds a solid five degrees to your body temperature. Men usually wear a light button-down and slacks; women often go with a dress that doesn’t pop out above the neckline of the gown. You want the hood and the gown to be the focus, not a stray hoodie string or a bright collar.
The Shoe Factor
You will be walking. A lot. From the staging areas to the South Lawn, you’ll be on your feet for hours. New York City pavement is unforgiving. If you’re wearing brand-new heels or stiff dress shoes, you’ll be limping by the time they call your name. Break them in a week before.
Mistakes to Avoid
- Ordering late: The deadline is usually in March or early April. If you miss it, you’ll be paying massive "expedited" fees, or worse, you’ll be stuck with a "one size fits most" loaner that makes you look like you’re wearing a blue tent.
- Hood placement: The velvet should be visible, and the silk lining should be turned out slightly. If you don't know how to do it, find a faculty member. They’ve done this a hundred times.
- The Hair: If you’re planning an elaborate hairstyle, remember that a flat board is going to be sitting on top of your head for four hours. Plan accordingly.
Actionable Steps for Grads
If you are graduating this May, here is your immediate checklist to ensure you don't mess up the columbia university masters gown process:
- Verify your school’s velvet color: Double-check your specific degree requirements on the Columbia Commencement website. Don't assume "science" means MS if you're in a specialized interdisciplinary program.
- Order by the "Early Bird" deadline: This usually saves you about $20-$40 and ensures your height/weight proportions are actually in stock.
- Secure a steamer now: Don't be the person frantically trying to borrow one in a dorm or apartment at 6:00 AM on graduation day.
- Check the return policy: If you are renting, know exactly where the drop-off bins are located. They are usually scattered around campus for 48 hours after the ceremony. If you miss that window, you’re mailing a heavy box to Virginia at your own expense.
- Safety pins are your best friend: The hoods tend to slide around and choke you or fall off your shoulders. Pinning the hood to the gown (and the gown to your shirt) keeps everything symmetrical for the photos that will live on your parents' mantel for the next thirty years.
Getting your masters is a massive achievement. The gown is just the wrapper, but it's a wrapper with a lot of weight—literally and figuratively. Wear it right, keep it steamed, and make sure those crowns are centered. You earned it.