Thesis/Dissertation Writing

The following is a video tutorial on how to set up your ProQuest account. 

1. How to set up a 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).

1. Sections of a Thesis or Dissertation and Downloading the Template File
2. Overview of the Grad School Word Template
3. Preliminary Settings in Word
4. One Click Formatting within the Template Document:   Understanding   the Word   Styles Gallery
5. The   Correct Way to   Copy   and Paste Text
6. Adding or   Deleting   Pages  within the Template
7. Inserting a Landscape Page
8. Inserting a Figure
9. Inserting   and   Formatting a Table
10. Automatically Generate a Table of Contents
11. 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

• Source Manager Comparison

  • Zotero

  • EndNote Basic

  • Mendeley

• 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.