Master's theses and projects are University records. As such, they must conform to a standardized "look and feel" in order to achieve consistency.
The University Library keeps two permanent copies of your thesis/project as a matter of record. One copy circulates and the other copy is stored in the University Archives.
A Library thesis reviewer must sign off on the format (not content) of your thesis/project before you may graduate.
You must make an appointment for Library format review prior to turning your work into the Graduate Studies Office. It is recommended that you schedule a preliminary Library format review appointment approximately 30 days before the final submission deadline to correct any format problems.
The library reviewer will not sign off on your binding instructions form until you have all signatures on your signature page and you have sucessfully followed the format rules and sequence.
Paper used for the two library copies (original and copy) will be white, at least 25% cotton, 20 pound, 8.5" x 11". Paper for other copies may be of lower quality. Paper with lines or punched holes or fan-fold continuous form computer paper is not acceptable for the University Library copies. Suitable paper is available at the university bookstore and most office supply stores.
Theses/Projects should be typed double-spaced on one side of the page. Font size should range from 10 points through 12 points.
Erasures and corrections are not acceptable and standard typefaces such as Arial, Courier and Times New Roman are required. When in doubt regarding type font, format, illustrations or non-printed materials, consult the Library Reviewer before the final copy is prepared.
When making final printout, the printer must be of letter quality with standard typefaces and must print on single sheet approved stationery.
Leave at least 1.5" margin at left for binding. Double check with a ruler before submitting. Margins on the top, right and bottom will be at least 1". All material to be included in the bound copies (including appendices) must fit within the margins. Margins are measured from the edge of the text to the edge of the sheet.
Beginning with the first page of the main body of the text (which is counted but not numbered), pages are numbered consecutively with Arabic numerals (2, 3, 4, etc.). All pages preceding the first page of the body are counted and numbered with lower case Roman numerals (ii, iii, iv, etc.). The title page is counted but not numbered.
Individual departmental policy will govern the handling of over-sized pages. Confer with the University Graduate Studies Office to make sure all binding requirements are satisfied.
Complete sets of photographs must be submitted for each copy of the thesis/project if required by those who receive copies. Large photographs must fit within the specified margins. Smaller photographs should allow space for captions.
Scanned or digital photographs may also be inserted into the text and printed out. Due to image permanence questions, those students with theses/projects making important use of photographs are encouraged to also consider submitting an electronic copy.
All illustrations, graphs, tables, drawings, and charts must fit within the specified margins.
If a CD-ROM or DVD is included, it must be listed under Special Requirements on the Binding Instructions form and one disk for every bound copy MUST be provided. An extra binding fee is charged for accompanying materials.
The cover sheet should be blank .
View sample Title page (PDF).
The sample title page (PDF) shows the recommended form and spacing. Alter your font choices to conform to the spacing shown on the sample page.
View sample Signature page (PDF).
The sample signature page
shows the recommended form and spacing.
Alter your font choices to conform to the spacing shown on the sample page.
The name of each member of the committee is included with department or
discipline identification, and the chairman is always listed first, as
shown in the sample. Make sure that the form of your name is consistent
with what appears on the title page. In the Date area, indicate the quarter
and year submitted. Also, be sure your signature page is on the correct
paper.
An acknowledgment page for special help given is optional and should be decided upon between the candidate and the major professor.
An abstract is required and should be 250 words or less.
Must include a Table of Contents. Check for correct page numbers before final printing.
The student's thesis/project adviser will specify which style manual is to be followed. It will be the responsibility of the student's thesis/project committee to see that proper bibliographic forms are followed. Style manuals are available at the university bookstore and in the University Library. When the thesis/project is presented to the Library format reviewer for approval, you must identify the style manual used.
COMPLETE CITATIONS ARE REQUIRED. Use a style manual to construct your bibliography or list of references. Check with your Advisor or Department for the recommended style manual for your subject area. Take special care to note the full citation information when referencing electronic or web resources, and do so according to your style manual guidelines.
Provide numbering for all pages in your appendices and list the appendices in the Table of Contents.
