College OF Orlando
Thesis and Dissertation Manual

This online manual includes all the text within the paper manual but doesn’t range from the forms and sample pages. You are able to evaluate the forms and sample pages within the copies on reserve in the Reference Services Desk (second floor) within the UCF Library.

For your benefit, the internet manual is stored as of your web pages so that you can print everything previously (as many as about 10 printed pages).

This manual is supposed to function as a guide for that preparation, submission, and acceptance of master’s theses and doctorate dissertations that should be bound and archived within the College of Orlando Library. This manual sets needs for th esis/dissertation format established by Graduate Studies in the College of Orlando. Its use ensures consistency in format and search for those theses/dissertations completed in the College of Orlando. Preparation from the thesis/di ssertation should be in compliance with instructions within this manual.

While students’ academic departments and advisory committees have the effect of the topic and content of theses and dissertations, Graduate Studies (AD 243) establishes standards and criteria for format. Most of the formatting needs, suc h as keeping page figures and management of margins, exist to facilitate publication of ultimate documents through the bindery by College Microfilms Corporation.

An authorized style manual can be used along with this manual. Style manuals should be consulted for reference citations, tables, figures, formulas and equations, and then any additional formatting procedures not covered here. However. this Graduate Studies Thesis and Dissertation Manual will be adopted for particular UCF format needs and takes priority within the style manuals.

Generally, students should follow the newest edition of either the Publication Manual from the American Mental Association (APA) or even the MLA Guide for Authors of Research Papers. You can purchase these manuals within the UCF Book shop, locate them in many libraries, or make use of the online sources on the web.

Liberal arts students might find the MLA guide most helpful. Students within the sciences should make use of the APA manual because it includes instructions for formulas and scientific abbreviations.

Approved style manuals range from the following:

• Biology — based mostly on journal that jobs are posted see advisor students must submit a duplicate from the “instructions towards the author” towards the thesis/dissertation editor in the initial format review.
• Communication, Education, Political Science, Psychology, and Sociology — Publication Manual from the American Mental Association (APA).
• British – MLA Guide for Authors of Research Papers.

For those who have questions regarding thesis/dissertation format that aren’t addressed satisfactorily here or perhaps in your discipline’s style manual, talk to your consultant and also the thesis/dissertation editor.

Final responsibility for that thesis/dissertation may be the author’s. Formatting should be consistent and proper. The College reserves the authority to refuse any manuscript that doesn’t observe format guidelines, that isn’t and also legible, or that isn’t in appropriate condition for microfilming and/or binding.

Underneath the doctrine of “Fair Use,” as much as 200 words in one source can be utilized without permission, if full credit is offered towards the source in notes and references. However, using any table or figure (including photographs, charts, etc.) or of quoted ma terial that exceeds 200 words should be approved, on paper, through the holder.

If such permissions are needed, a student accounts for contacting the holder and acquiring the required written releases. Copies of written permissions ought to be incorporated within an appendix from the thesis/dissertation.

Because all UCF doctorate dissertations are microfilmed by College Microfilms Corporation. (UMI), written releases will include permission for microfilming.

The UCF Library requires all copies from the thesis/dissertation to become created on white-colored bond, 81/2 x 11 inch, minimum 20 lb. watermarked, 100% cotton paper. Other copies to become bound or delivered to College Microfilms Corporation. ought to be on white-colored bond, minimum 2 lb. 25% cotton paper.

Any smooth, flat-surface paper which will create a obvious copy can be utilized for that original typed manuscript. Instructions-quality printer or laser printer creates the best original by which to reproduce copies. Us dot matrix printing is unacceptable. Copie s might be reproduced by offset printing or professional photocopying.

All copy should be clean. Pages with background shading, machine discolorations, or errors brought on by printers or photocopiers are unacceptable. Text should be straight on every page. While any correction technique can be utilized around the original manuscript prio r to reproduction, corrections aren’t allowed on final copies.

Responsibility for acquiring acceptable copies rests using the student. Don’t make final copies before the manuscript is reviewed through the thesis/dissertation editor.

The UCF Library requires two copies from the thesis/dissertation on thesis paper. A departmental copy can also be needed on thesis paper (seek advice from advisor). For dissertations, yet another copy is needed for College Microfil ms Corporation. The amount of extra copies (personal copies) is dependent upon a student.

Select a standard, easy-to-read typeface for example Courier, Occasions New Roman, or CG Occasions. The purpose size for those text should be 12. You possibly can make major division headings slightly bigger (14 points) if preferred, but use a maximum of three various sizes throu ghout the manuscript.

Frequently it’s essential to lessen the point size to suit a table or figure onto a webpage. In these instances, the tiniest point size permitted is 10.

Phrases or words normally underlined to exhibit emphasis might be occur italics. Don’t use bolding for emphasis.

Products of unique format, for example formerly issued questionnaires or surveys, might be incorporated within an appendix.

Virtually every aspect of the manuscript should be double-spaced.

Products which may be single-spaced include references, extended quotes (40 words or even more), and lengthy tables. Other products which may be single-spaced are identified throughout this manual.

The very first type of a paragraph will not be the final line on the page the final type of a paragraph will not be the very first line on the page. Most word processors possess a widow/orphan safeguard feature that stops this from happening.

The very first type of each new paragraph ought to be indented while using Tab key. Most word processors curently have the paragraph tab set at 1/2 inch (.5), that is acceptable.

Margins should be a minimum of 11/2 ” around the left and 1 ” on other sides. Page one of certain preliminary sections (Approval Page, Title Page, Abstract, Acknowledgments, Table of Contents, and then any Lists), page one of chapters or major s ections, and page one from the Listing of References, Endnotes, and Index need a 2-inch top margin.

All textual material, including page figures, tables, and figures must meet margin needs.

An uneven, or ragged, right margin is recommended, however, many colleges should you prefer a justified right margin.

The manuscript ought to be organized using major chapter or section headings and 2 or 3 amounts of subheadings. Greater than three amounts of subheadings causes it to be hard for a readers to acknowledge the hierarchy of the document’s organization.

Each chapter begins on the new page. An instalment heading begins 2 ” from the top page and it is entered all capitals and centered (without punctuation in the finish). It’s not underlined.

Begin the written text two double-spaces underneath the heading (titles in most capitals). (Because the document is double-spaced, simply press Enter, or Return, two times.)

Within each chapter or major section, as much as three subheading levels are permitted:

• First-level subheadings are centered, underlined, and entered upper- minimizing-situation letters.
• Second-level subheadings are centered and entered upper- minimizing-situation letters. They’re just like first-level subheadings except they aren’t underlined.
• Third-level subheadings are flush left, underlined, and entered upper- minimizing-situation letters.

All subheadings should be preceded by two double-spaces and adopted by one double-space. (Because the document is double-spaced, press Enter two times before and when after each subheading.) Spacing pre and post subheadings should be consistent throughout th e manuscript.

A subheading that falls towards the top of a brand new page must start in the 1-inch top margin it shouldn’t be preceded by spaces. A subheading should not appear because the last type of text on the page it ought to be gone to live in the top following page.

If chapters or sections are numbered, subheadings can also be numbered (1.1, 1.2, 1.21, etc.) consistently. Place each number on a single line because the subheading, having a constant space between your number and also the subheading.

Around the preliminary pages from the manuscript, lower-situation Roman numerals are centered at the end from the page. Even though the title page is recognized as page i, really begin numbering on page one following a abstract — normally the dedication or acknowledgments page. Throughout the manuscript, Arabic figures are centered at the end of pages. Table 1 outlines the correct order and numbering of pages inside a thesis/dissertation.

No punctuation can be used with page figures.

Page figures are required to follow margin needs figures should be 1 ” in the base from the page.

Some word processors, for example WordPerfect, put the page number in the margin specified and then leave sufficient space between your text and also the number.

However, when the word processor used mandates that page figures participate a footer, as Ms Word does, the underside page margin ought to be set at 11/2 “. The footer margin may then be set at 1 “, along with a couple of spaces will exist between your text and also the page figures.

Table 1. Numbering Your Manuscript Pages

MANUSCRIPT PAGES (so as)

PAGE NUMBERING PLACEMENT

Continue Arabic numbering

All tables and figures are required to follow the format from the approved style manual getting used. General guidelines for table and figure formatting receive below.

Tables and figures (photographs, charts, diagrams, graphs, maps, along with other illustrative material) should be placed inside the manuscript as near as you possibly can towards the areas of text they supplement. If at all possible, put them directly following a first referen ce for them within the text.

Within the text, make reference to tables and figures by their figures (e.g. as proven in Table 7 Figure 4 contains).

Tables and figures sufficiently small to look on the page with text ought to be set in addition to the text with two double-spaces.

All tables and figures must meet margin needs. Wide tables and figures might be placed sideways (landscape) around the page using the table number and title or the surface of the figure in the left 11/2 inch margin. The page number should be within the usual upright position around the page. Printing the page number on the landscape table/figure requires you to definitely feed the paper using your printer two times: once to print the table/figure (landscape orientation), and when to print the page number (portrait orientation).

Tables which are too wide to satisfy margin specifications might be reduced to no smaller sized than 10 points. Oversize figures that aren’t computer-generated might be photographically or xerographically reduced to satisfy margin specifications. Page figures, table ti tles and figures, and figure captions on these pages should remain 12 points.

All tabular information must have a similar typeface as all of those other text. Tables ought to be labeled Table and numbered consecutively, with Arabic figures, through the text and appendixes. Each table should have a title. Table figures and titles prece de the table and therefore are typed in the left margin.

Place table sources and/or notes in the left margin, immediately underneath the table that they refer. Tables are often double-spaced throughout (in the table number towards the table notes). Very lengthy tables might be single-spaced. Table titles and ta ble notes that exceed one line might be single-spaced.

Tables which are too lengthy for any single page (sideways or upright) might be ongoing around the following right-hands page. Don’t repeat the table title or number or make use of the word ongoing. Simply repeat the column headings and continue the table.

A diploma of versatility exists with table structure. Tables should have a “clean” format. Use lines of horizontal type to split up parts of a table, but limit using vertical lines. Tables should be consistent in dimensions and elegance through the document.

All figures should be labeled Figure and numbered consecutively with Arabic figures, through the text and appendixes. Legends (explanatory lists of symbols on the map/chart) are thought area of the figure and really should appear there, if at all possible.

Each figure should have a caption (title/description). Captions are put in the left margin, immediately underneath the figure. Biology students carrying out a journal format may place captions around the facing page (i.e. the rear side from the previous page), if re quired. Captions must have a similar typeface as all of those other text within the manuscript. Captions exceeding one line might be single-spaced.

Colored ink isn’t allowed. For instance, lines on the graph ought to be recognized by labels or symbols instead of color. Use crosshatching rather of color to shade areas, for example regions on the map. Colored photographs ought to be reprinted in black and w hite unless of course otherwise authorized by the student’s advisor.

Photographs should be developed having a matte finish on 81/2 x 11 inch medium-weight paper, or dry-installed on thesis paper.

Other products that can’t be computer-generated should be either xerographically reproduced or dry-installed on thesis paper. Glue, tape, or paste aren’t allowed because these materials eventually deteriorate. All products should be perfectly aligned and positioned.

All equations, formulas, and symbols are required to follow the format from the approved style manual getting used. They ought to be presented with similar amount of professionalism as figures.

Symbols (square root signs, integral signs, Greek letters, etc.) ought to be computer-generated or robotically attracted or typed. Press-on symbols can be utilized on original pages that should be photocopied but might not be utilized in the ultimate copies on thesis paper. Handwritten symbols are unacceptable.

Double-space two times before and two times after each equation or formula. Number each consecutively. Put the number in parentheses close to the right margin from the page.

Products of unique format initially issued inside a different typeface or on several paper, for example formerly issued questionnaires or surveys, might be incorporated within an appendix. Original blueprints aren’t acceptable. Unique format products must stick to margin needs and should be employed on thesis paper.

Reference citations, the reference list, and then any endnotes must comply with either the APA or MLA style manual. Both APA and MLA make use of a parenthetical citation style by which brief parenthetical citations are incorporated inside the text. Citations provide sufficient information for readers to discover the entire citation within an alphabetical listing of references in the finish from the manuscript.

If notes are essential, use endnotes instead of footnotes. Endnotes are notes collected inside a separate section and placed prior to the Listing of References. Footnotes are notes printed at the end of text pages.

A correctly formatted manuscript is consistent in most areas. Spacing, capital, punctuation, and sizing should be consistent through the document.

If a person chapter heading continues to be sized at 13 points, all chapter headings should be 13 points. All subheadings should be preceded by two double-spaces and adopted by one double-space. If your table heading that spans two lines is single-spaced, all table headi ngs that span several line should be single-spaced.

It’s highly suggested that students keep an eye on formatting decisions on the “style sheet.” Utilizing a style sheet eliminates frequent double-checking and ensures consistency through the manuscript.

Many word processors possess a function known as “Styles,” which enables users in order to save formatting information and put it on selected text whenever preferred. For instance, instead of formatting each first-level subheading (underlined, centered, two double-spac es before, one double-space after), you may create a method using the preferred formatting and apply that style to every first-level subheading. If used properly, the Styles feature will help you make a consistent manuscript and save your time in formatting rev isions.

The next sections provide guidelines for formatting specific pages from the thesis/dissertation. Pages are indexed by an order they ought to come in a thesis/dissertation.

We’ve provided sample pages that you should view. Bear in mind that different browsers may display these pages less intended. Make reference to the Thesis and Dissertation Manual to have an accurate sample of those pages. Please pick a page out of this list:

• Announcement Page
• Title Page
• Table
• Equation
• Table of Contents
• Listing of Tables

The Thesis/Dissertation Approval page ought to be the first page within the manuscript. An agreement page on thesis paper, with original black and white signatures, is needed for library copies (one out of each copy). Additional copies might be photocopied for inse rtion in most other copies.

Approval forms which have been typed incorrectly, while they happen to be signed, is going to be came back towards the student. Forms with signatures in blue ink are unacceptable.

Levels formerly earned and also the institutions that awarded them might be placed underneath the student’s name. Degree abbreviations might not stick to the student’s name.

The title page for any dissertation must include the specific major professor roughly 1 ” underneath the graduation date.

Students wanting to their thesis/dissertation must register the work they do using the U.S. Office.

Doctorate candidates can complete the “Authorization to try to get Registration of My Claim that they can ” portion of the Doctorate Dissertation Agreement Form delivered to College Microfilms Corporation. (UMI). For any $35 fee, UMI will behave as a real estate agent using the U.S. C opyright Office.

Whether a claim is filed, a page might be incorporated following the title page to understand possession. The entire year of publication and also the author’s complete name ought to be centered vertically and horizontally around the page.

The abstract page ought to be an essay-style review of the needs, methodology, findings or results, and conclusions. It can’t contain tables or figures of any sort. It’s double-spaced. The heading ABSTRACT ought to be centered, without punctuation, a t the two-inch top margin. Text begins two double-spaces underneath the heading. If several page is essential, carry on the next page in the 1-inch top margin. Don’t repeat the heading or make use of the word ongoing.

For dissertations, a duplicate from the abstract should be posted for publication in Dissertation Abstracts Worldwide (DAI). This abstract is going to be mailed to UMI. Maximum entire abstract is 350 words (roughly 35 lines of text). Figures, symbo ls, and abbreviations each count as you word. Care should be drawn in the preparation from the DAI abstract, because it will likely be printed without further editing or revision.

Please be aware that the abstract really incorporated within the dissertation isn’t restricted to DAI needs. A student can include an abstract within the dissertation that’s more than the main one posted to UMI.

If preferred, a student can include an announcement of dedication. This statement ought to be brief and centered vertically around the page. No heading can be used in this article.

This site can also be optional, but many dissertations incorporate a brief statement of thank you for, or recognition of, any special assistance. The term ACKNOWLEDGMENTS ought to be centered, without punctuation, in the 2-inch top margin. Text begins two double-health spa ces underneath the heading.

The heading TABLE OF CONTENTS is centered, without punctuation, in the 2-inch top margin. The very first listing begins two double-spaces underneath the heading. Products listed should be worded just as they seem within the manuscript, including any figures used.

Chapter or section headings and a minimum of all first-level subheadings should be indexed by the Table of Contents. Don’t list pages that precede the Table of Contents. Appendixes should be listed also.

If several page is essential, carry on the next page in the 1-inch top margin. Don’t repeat the heading or make use of the word ongoing.

The format for lists is comparable to the Table of Contents. The heading Listing Of TABLES is centered, without punctuation, in the 2-inch top margin. The very first listing begins in the left margin two double-spaces underneath the heading (press Enter two times).

Each table within the manuscript, including individuals within the appendixes, should be incorporated within the Listing of Tables. Table titles must match individuals within the text.

If several page is essential, carry on the next page in the 1-inch top margin. Don’t repeat the heading or make use of the word ongoing.

Make use of the same format for that Listing of Tables, Listing of Figures, Listing of Symbols, Abbreviations, or Nomenclature, along with other lists within the preliminary pages.

If preferred, a student can start your body from the manuscript by having an Introduction. This copy is generally considered the very first major section or chapter.

Formatting is detailed within the Manuscript Format Needs section.

Products of unique format, for example formerly issued questionnaires or surveys, might be incorporated within an appendix. Copies of written permission to make use of ed material should also be incorporated within an appendix.

Margin needs and paper specifications should be met. Appendixes are entitled, lettered alphabetically, and separated by buffer pages. The appendix letter and title ought to be capitalized and centered in the 2-inch top margin of every buffer page.

If endnotes are essential, the heading ENDNOTES is centered, without punctuation, in the 2-inch top margin. Begin the very first note two double-spaces underneath the text.

If several page is essential, carry on the next page in the 1-inch top margin. Don’t repeat the heading or make use of the word ongoing.

History students are needed by their department to follow along with a particular endnote style. A handout describing the needed endnote style for history can be obtained in the thesis/dissertation editor.

Each source reported within the text should be incorporated within the Listing of References. Their Email List of References might not include products that aren’t reported within the text.

The heading Listing Of REFERENCES is centered, without punctuation, in the 2-inch top margin. The reference list might be single-spaced as lengthy as double-spacing can be used between citations. A dangling indent (first line flush left, other lines indented) for ea ch citation within the list is preferred.

If several page is essential, carry on the next page in the 1-inch top margin. Don’t repeat the heading or make use of the word ongoing.

Go back to Contents &nbsp &nbsp Manuscript Format &nbsp &nbsp Page Format This manual is maintained through the UCF Thesis and Publications Office, Graduate Studies.
Last updated 5/12/97