Academic Writing: Guide Sections
Dissertation Format: First Impression Matters
One of the key indicators of academic competence is appropriate dissertation format. Complying with the requirements of dissertation format is a must for a successful scholar. Therefore, it is essential to get acquainted with the basics of dissertation format.
Dissertation Format: Title Page:
Includes dissertation title, degree name, program name, author’s official name, date of title conferring, and dissertation committee.
Dissertation Format: Copyright Page (Optional):
A statement of copyrighted manuscript on a separate page.
Dissertation Format: Signature Approval Page (Optional):
Signed by all committee members and included in one of the copies of the dissertation.
Dissertation Format: Acknowledgements/Dedications (Optional):
Acknowledgement of help of particular people, statement of dedication. The first page to be numbered in lower case Roman numerals.
Dissertation Format: Abstract:
A brief, up to 350 words, summary of the research problem, methodology, and findings of the dissertation.
Dissertation Format: Table of Contents:
Easy to read, consistent listing of dissertation sections with indication of page numbers.
Dissertation Format: Lists:
Separate lists for figures, maps, diagrams, tables, etc. with page number and capture for every item. Not required if there is only one aforementioned item in the dissertation.
Dissertation Format: Text:
The text of the dissertation, starting with Introduction. The first page to be numbered in Arabic numerals.
Dissertation Format: Notes:
May appear throughout the text as footnotes; may be placed after each chapter of the dissertation; or may be gathered at the very end of the dissertation text.
Dissertation Format: Bibliography:
Alphabetical listing of entries at the end of the document.
Dissertation Format: Appendices:
Supporting data for the text. In case it exceeds the format of the dissertation, should be submitted separately as oversize material.


