On appropriate occasions anyone with a college degree may wear academic apparel. From the style of each person’s attire, one may determine the degree held, the major field in which the degree was granted, and perhaps the name of the university which granted the degree.

Bethany has adopted the traditional color of black for the bachelor of arts gown. This degree is indicated by a pointed sleeve on the gown. The associate in arts gown is blue, and those wearing red gowns are junior marshalls, members of the junior class.

A master's degree gown is signified by the closed sleeve with a slit near the upper part of the arm. This gown is without trim. A doctor's degree gown is distinguished by velvet trim on the front facings and three chevrons on the sleeves. This trim may be black or may match the edging of the hood, identifying the major field of academic achievement.

The colors of the hood worn by bachelor, master and doctorate degree holders are significant. The inside lining holds colors and designs unique to the institution granting the degree — in the case of Bethany hoods, the lining shows the school's colors, red and white. The velvet edging around the border indicates the academic field of study according to the following system:

		Arts, Letters, Humanities				Physical Education
		Theology				Library Science
		Philosophy				Business
		Music				Public Health
		Fine Arts				Social Work
		Science				Education
		Social Science