USC Aiken Awards Graduate Degrees

Aiken, SC (05/23/2019) — As part of its spring commencement activities, the University of South Carolina Aiken awarded several graduate degrees in three areas of study: Master of Business Administration, Master of Education in Educational Technology, and Master of Science in Applied Clinical Psychology.

"Students, I hope you will recall today's events for many years, especially when challenging moments creep in, when the streets of your lives seem to run only uphill, and when the roads ahead seem to stop short of the goal," said Dr. Sandra Jordan, chancellor.

"May the knowledge that you've accomplished something rare and distinguished -- the completion of a graduate degree -- provide perspective on all that you have the power to do and give you confidence in your resolve and courage as you face future challenges."

She noted that according to the latest census data, only 30 percent of Americans hold a bachelor's degree, and only 6 percent hold a master's degree.

"Whenever you put on your academic regalia, you will wear your hood to distinguish yourself as one who has earned a master's degree," Jordan told the graduate students.

Academic regalia in the United States has a history going back to the colonial-colleges era, influenced by the academic dress traditions of Europe. An Inter-Collegiate Code, established in 1895, outlines a detailed uniform scheme of academic regalia, followed by most institutions.

The master's hood's coloring and size represents the type and subject of degree earned, as well as the institution from which it was awarded. The master's hood hangs 3.5 feet in back, and the interior lining is generally satin. The hood is worn so as to display the colors of the institution from which the wearer received the degree.

If more than one color is used, they are usually arranged in the pattern of chevrons, which is the pattern typically associated with "coats of arms" or flags representing clans or families' emblems. Finally, in most American colleges and universities, the color of the velvet edge trimming is distinctive of the academic field, or in some instances, it matches the gown.

"We hope you will proudly wear your regalia and embrace the notion of life-long learning," Jordan said.

The School of Business Administration presented MBA hoods to:

The School of Education presented Master of Education in Educational Technology hoods to:

The School of Sciences and Engineering presented Master of Science in Applied Clinical Psychology hoods to:

Media Attachments

As part of its spring commencement activities, the University of South Carolina Aiken awarded several graduate degrees in three areas of study: Master of Business Administration, Master of Education in Educational Technology, and Master of Science in Applied Clinical Psychology.