Thesis/Dissertation Writing
Many departments have theses/dissertations formatted in both a traditional style and a journal article style. Please check with your adviser to determine which style you should write.
- How To Videos
- Traditional Format
- Journal Format
- Style Manual/Handbook/Guide
- Bibliography/Source List
- Employing an Editor
The following is a video tutorial on how to set up your ProQuest account.
The following is a list of How To videos to assist you with the thesis/dissertation template. Each video covers a specific aspect of the template, and Word, in relation to creating the final document (whether thesis or dissertation).
- Sections of a Thesis or Dissertation and Downloading the Template File
- Overview of the Grad School Word Template
- Preliminary Settings in Word
- One Click Formatting within the Template Document: Understanding the Word Styles Gallery
- The Correct Way to Copy and Paste Text
- Adding or Deleting Pages within the Template
- Inserting a Landscape Page
- Inserting a Figure
- Inserting and Formatting a Table
- Automatically Generate a Table of Contents
- Inserting a List of Tables or Figures
If you are using a traditional format, you can either use a pre-formatted template or format your own document.
APA Style
- Thesis/dissertation template for APA style
- APA 7 template
- Guide to Using the Template
- Formatting Thesis/Dissertation Video Series
MLA Style
- Thesis/dissertation template for MLA style
- Guide to Using the Template
- Formatting Thesis/Dissertation Video Series
If you plan to create your own document, consult the Guidelines for Formatting Your Own Document.
- Use the either the thesis/dissertation template for APA style or thesis/dissertation template for MLA style for the general structure of the document.
- To create your own document, consult the Guidelines for Formatting Your Own Document
- Each journal article will be its own chapter.
- An optional introductory first chapter and/or summary chapter may be included.
- Each journal article chapter may be formatted as required by the journal you plan to submit to, including headings, tables, figures, and bibliography. Each chapter may be formatted differently.
- When delivered to the Examiner for the format check of the thesis or dissertation, include a copy of the Instructions to Authors from each relevant journal publisher and a sample journal article that illustrates tables, figures, section designations, bibliography format, etc.
- Your committee will generally provide you with precise guidance on the content and style for your thesis/dissertation.
- Before you begin to write, check the list of styles (e.g. MLA, APA, Chicago) selected by your department/school. If you have several choices, find out from your committee which style manual to follow.
- If you discover a conflict between the instructions in your style manual and the University requirements, check with the Graduate School immediately.
- Overview of Milner Library Resources
- Citation Style Guides
- Most graduate students edit and type their own theses/dissertations.
- The Graduate School does not endorse or recommend any specific editors or typists.
- Employing an editor or typist does not guarantee that the document will meet the University’s requirements.
- If you hire an editor or typist, it is your responsibility to meet all requirements and deadlines.
Download the Thesis/Dissertation Planner to stay on track with deadlines.
Fill out the online binding request form to request bound copies of your thesis/dissertation from Milner Library.