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componeNt (formatting) details
PAGE UNDER CONSTRUCTION!
Each component is discussed in the order it appears and must be included in the final document. This applies to all doctoral dissertations and master's and EDS theses. For information about style, see Style Information. Or visit style manual web pages for APA, MLA, Chicago, or ASPA (note: some Graduate School requirements may supersede manual styles).
The sample pages offered below are adaptations of previous work, used with permission.
Sample A Thesis Pages (title, copyright, signature, fair use, abstract) PDF format
Sample B Thesis Pages (table of contents, list of figures, list of tables) PDF format
Sample EDD Dissertation Pages (title, copyright, signature, fair use, abstract) PDF format
Sample DPA Dissertation Pages (title, copyright, signature, fair use, abstract) PDF format
Sample of a Chapter's First Page
Title Page
The title should reflect the actual content of the study by using key words that represent major areas of your investigation. Space text from top to bottom margins (see samples). Avoid using symbols, formulae, and numerals in the title. You should also avoid “jargon” in the title, wherever possible, and avoid being “cute.” Do not count or number. Left margin - 1.5"; top, right, and bottom margins - 1".
Copyright Page
You are strongly encouraged to copyright your thesis or dissertation. The copyright page immediately follows the title page and consists of the following statement, modified only by the correct year and your name as shown on the title page, centered in the page.
© Copyright 2011 Mary Jane Doe
All Rights Reserved
Most word processing packages contain the copyright symbol “©.” The copyright statement must be double-spaced. Do not count or number.
Signature Page
(Have you sent your sig page to the Graduate School for proofing before your defense to avoid "redos" later?)
You must have a signature page with original signatures for each official copy of your dissertation. Each signature must be in blue ink. It is a good idea to have adequate copies of the signature page and an appropriate pen with you when you defend. Assuming your defense is successful, you can get signatures while your committee is together. (If changes must be made, you may still be able to get signatures from each member of your committee except your major professor, who will sign only after verifying that the changes have been properly made.) Submit all signed signature pages with the final draft of your thesis or dissertation and proof of binding fees paid. These pages must all be produced on the 20 pound weight acid- free paper used for your archival copy. Do not count or number.
For each member of the committee, indicate their full name, academic degree (Ed.D., Ph.D., Ed.S., etc.) and their proper rank and field of study (i.e., Professor of Biology, Associate Professor of Special Education, Assistant Professor of English, etc.)
Fair Use and Duplication Release Form
This form must follow your signature page. It states whether or not appropriate personnel in the Odum Library have your permission to act as your agent to release copies of your document if they are requested. The form also lets the reader know that your document is protected under the laws of copyright. Both signature lines and statements should be included on the form. Do not count or number.
Abstract
The abstract should tell the reader your topic, research methods, and major findings. The abstract is double-spaced and should not exceed one page in length. It is useful to keep within the guidelines established by University Microforms International, which limits an abstract to 350 words. Begin numbering using Roman numeral i.
Table of Contents
Only material following the table of contents is listed in the table of contents. Use Roman numerals (for example, Chapter I, Chapter II, etc.); include appendices and their titles. Be sure to check page numbers; if corrections are made the pages may require renumbering.
List of Tables, Figures, or Illustrations
Number and title all tables, figures, photographs, and illustrations. If you have three or more figures and/or illustrations, present a list showing their location after your table of contents. There should be a separate list for Tables, a list for Figures, and one for illustrations if needed.
Preface (optional)
The preface may be included in an introductory section of a manuscript. The preface is preliminary to and separate from the main text and explains the purpose, plan, or preparation of the work. A preface is not necessary for most theses or dissertations but may be included if the author believes it serves a useful purpose, and his or her committee agrees. If a preface is included, it normally contains acknowledgments.
Acknowledgements (optional) Sample Acknowledgement Page
While your thesis or dissertation must be your intellectual property, you could not have written it without the assistance of a number of individuals and institutions. The acknowledgements page provides you with the opportunity to thank those who provided that assistance. You may include as many individuals as you desire. This is also the appropriate place to list permission to quote copyrighted material. Single space text.
Dedication (optional)
A dedication is not required but may be included if desired. A dedication should be short and to the point. Single space text.
Body of Text Sample of a Chapter's First Page
Your text should be arranged in a logical order, divided into appropriate chapters. Refer to the style manual approved by your department in this regard. Begin numbering with Arabic number i. The first page of each chapter should have a 2" top margin; remaining pages 1" top. Left margins: 1.5". No bold-faced type in headings or sub-headings (for graduate school purposes, follow current style for headings); double space. (In latest version of Microsoft Word, change default setting - no extra spaces between sections.)
Footnotes, Endnotes, and In-Text References
Footnotes, endnotes, or in-text references (short explanations in parentheses in the text) are acceptable to the Graduate School. You must consult the style manual approved by your department and use its recommended format consistently in your thesis or dissertation.
Bibliography
Consult your program's style. For example, in APA style, a bibliography includes all sources consulted that relate to your research project. A Reference List is used to compile all the sources actually cited in your manuscript. If you are not using APA, consult the appropriate style manual for the proper format preferred by your department.
Appendices Sample Appendix Cover Page
Supplemental material should be placed in appendices. You need a separate appendix for each type of material presented. Some style manuals allow you to place tables, figures, and other graphical representations in an appendix, rather than dispersed throughout your text. Each appendix should have a cover page that identifies it. A copy of your IRB or IACUC approval or exemption (if applicable) must be included here. Be sure to mention the IRB or IACUC in your “Methods” chapter.
Autobiographical Statement (optional)
If you wish to provide an autobiographical statement, it should appear as the final component of your document. It should include basic vita information such as schools attended, degrees received, positions held, titles of publications, and honors received. It should not include your address or telephone number, as your thesis or dissertation is a public document.
Additional Components/Formatting (paper, margins, etc.)
Thesis Committee Appointment Form (PDF format)
Helpful Hints for Submitting a Thesis or Dissertation to the Graduate School
Library Binding Fee Form (PDF format)
V-Text Form Word format (permission form for submitting electronic copy of thesis or dissertation to Odum Library Archives - submit when dropping off hard copies of theses and dissertations to be bound)
Many forms are in PDF format. To update your PDF software click below:
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT SCHOLARLY CONDUCT
VSU expects all students to meet high standards of academic conduct, and this is particularly true of graduate students. Graduate students have been through the experience of completing undergraduate degree programs, and they should be familiar with the expected standards of conduct within academe. Some of the key principles relating to these standards are found in the Thesis and Dissertation Guide. Students may also consult individual program standards. See http://www.valdosta.edu/academic/AcademicHonestyatVSU.shtml for additional information.