thesis and dissertation manual
DESCRIPTION
Thesis and dissertation manual.TRANSCRIPT
Dis
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Revised November 2011
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Table of Contents
GENERAL INFORMATION ...................................................................................................................... 3
Introduction ..................................................................................................................................... 3
Presentation of Material .................................................................................................................. 3
Journal Model .................................................................................................................................. 4
Style Manuals .................................................................................................................................. 5
Publication of Research ................................................................................................................... 5
Copyright ......................................................................................................................................... 5
Student Assistance ........................................................................................................................... 6
SUBMISSION PROCEDURES .................................................................................................................. 7
Submission of a Thesis .................................................................................................................. 7
Submission Contacts ...................................................................................................................... 8
Corrections ...................................................................................................................................... 9
Final Clearance ................................................................................................................................ 9
Availability of Thesis to the Public ................................................................................................. 9
GENERALSPECIFICATIONS ................................................................................................................. 10
Type and Spacing .......................................................................................................................... 10
Margins and Pagination ................................................................................................................ 11
Tables and Figures ......................................................................................................................... 11
Photographs ................................................................................................................................... 11
Audio, Music Files, Graphics or Animation ................................................................................. 11
Electronic Submission Internal Links ........................................................................................... 12
MANUSCRIPT DETAILS AND SAMPLE PAGES ................................................................................ 13
Font and Point size ........................................................................................................................ 13
Margins .......................................................................................................................................... 13
Page Numbers ................................................................................................................................ 13
Journal Model ................................................................................................................................ 13
Major Headings ............................................................................................................................. 13
Content Order ................................................................................................................................ 14
Title Page ....................................................................................................................................... 15
Approval Page ............................................................................................................................... 17
Abstract ......................................................................................................................................... 20
Dedication, Acknowledgments, and Nomenclature ...................................................................... 22
Table of Contents .......................................................................................................................... 23
List of Figures and List of Tables .................................................................................................. 28
Text of Thesis ................................................................................................................................ 30
Major Headings and Subheadings ................................................................................................. 32
References ..................................................................................................................................... 34
Appendices and Vita ..................................................................................................................... 35
Thesis Checklist ............................................................................................................................ 36
Thesis Process ............................................................................................................................... 37
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I. GENERAL INFORMATION
A. Introduction
The Texas A&M Health Science Center (HSC) School of Graduate Studies (SGS) requires the submission of a
dissertation or record of study from all Doctoral candidates and a thesis from all thesis-option Master's candidates. The
dissertation, record of study or thesis should be presented in a scholarly, well-integrated, properly documented manner,
reporting the original work done by the student under the supervision of their Advisory Committee.
This manual has been prepared by HSC Office of Graduate Studies (OGS) to assist students and their Committee
members in the preparation of journal submissions, theses, dissertations and records of study. The primary purpose of
this manual is to provide certain uniform standards regarding style and format and to allow enough flexibility to satisfy
the acceptable practices of each academic discipline. The word thesis will henceforth be used in reference to those
general instructions that are equally applicable to all theses, dissertations, and records of study.
In this publication the term School refers to either Baylor College of Dentistry, College of Medicine, Institute of
Biosciences and Technology, or School of Rural Public Health, as appropriate to each student.
*Note: As a Texas public institution, the research conducted at the HSC is ultimately for the benefit of the public. To
support this goal, all theses are available through the appropriate Texas A&M University System libraries. The
availability may be delayed temporarily only for patent, proprietary, and/or publication issues.
B. Presentation of Material
The finished work must reflect a comprehensive understanding of the pertinent literature and express, in clear and
legible English, the materials and methods used, the results, and a discussion of the significance of the student’s
research. Full documentation and appropriate tabular and/or graphic presentation is especially important. The completed
manuscript should be no longer than is necessary to present all pertinent information. The length will vary widely
according to research topics, academic disciplines and the degree sought. Two types of presentation format are
available: a traditional thesis and a thesis with primary emphasis on publications.
General requirements for either format include:
Title Page
Approval Page
Abstract (350 words for Doctoral Thesis; 150 words for Master’s Thesis)
Dedication Page (optional)
Acknowledgments Page
Table of Contents
List of Figures
List of Tables
Introduction
Methods and Materials
Results
Discussion: Summary and Conclusions
References
Vita
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Traditional Thesis Format
In following the traditional thesis format, the thesis should be presented as a single unit; continuity from chapter to
chapter is important in this model. Several studies or experiments may be presented in separate chapters or major
sections and each chapter may have subdivisions such as “Materials and Methods”, “Discussion”, and “Summary”;
however, the entire thesis may have only one “Abstract” and one “Reference” section, with the “Reference” section of
the thesis will be an integrated list, not a series of lists. The common “Abstract”, “Introduction”, “Conclusion” and
“Reference” sections in the traditional format provides continuity in the thesis.
Chapter Outline:
Chapter 1: Introduction (a comprehensive review of the pertinent background literature for the project)
Chapter 2: Methods and Materials (detailed description of all methodologies, materials, and protocols utilized
in the generation of the data)
Chapters 3 through n: Results (description of collected data and observations)
Chapter n+1: Discussion (overall summary of conclusions and interpretation of the data with integration of
new observations into the existing body of knowledge)
References: A single reference section consisting of all references cited in chapters 1 through n+1
Thesis Format with Emphasis on Publications
In following the thesis format with an emphasis on publications, the thesis should be presented in such a way that each
chapter is presented with the organization of a typical manuscript. This model maintains an overarching “Introduction”
and “Discussion” section; however, each chapter should maintain its own manuscript structure, complete with an
“Introduction”, “Discussion” and “Reference” section.
Chapter Outline:
Chapter 1: Introduction (a comprehensive review of the pertinent background literature for the project)
Chapters 2 through n: Results (presented in manuscript format; each chapter should have the typical manuscript
organization including an introduction, materials & methods, results, and discussion)
Chapter n+1: Discussion (overall summary of conclusions and interpretation of the data with integration of
new observations into the existing body of knowledge)
References: Each chapter will have its own reference section rather than a composite reference section at the
end of the thesis.
C. Journal Model
The student must select a journal to be used as a style guide in writing the thesis. The journal must be a respected,
scholarly journal well known in the major field. The journal will be noted in both the research proposal and the thesis
(see pages 13 and 31 for specific instructions). A style manual such as Turabian’s A Manual for Writers of Term Papers,
Theses and Dissertations or the Publication Manual of the APA is not to be listed as a model.
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The student should follow the journal for the following stylistic issues:
location of table titles (above or below table)
location of figure titles (above or below figure)
citation within the text
reference section
Whenever there are differences in format and layout between the specifications of this Thesis Manual and the journal
model, the Thesis Manual overrules the journal. Consistency of style and form should be the rule throughout the
manuscript. The thesis is not expected to duplicate a published journal in typographic arrangement and display. The
more sophisticated publication and layout practices of some journals (such as the use of double columns on a text page,
etc.) are not to be followed. A journal's "Instructions to Contributors" are not to be followed exactly when writing a
thesis. These instructions are for the convenience of the editors and printers of a journal and do not necessarily apply to
the format of a thesis.
D. Style Manuals
The Thesis Manual does not address all questions pertaining to style and format for the preparation of a thesis. Many
manuals and handbooks are available for this purpose. To address more specific questions that are not answered in the
Thesis Manual, the current editions of the following manuals may be helpful:
Kate L. Turabian's A Manual for Writers of Term Papers, Theses, and Dissertations
American Institute of Biological Sciences Style Manual
Publication Manual of the APA
The MLA Handbook
Style Manual for Biological Journals
The Chicago Manual of Style
E. Publication of Research
Students may publish material that subsequently will be used as part of their thesis provided that the School is notified in
writing at the time the student submits the paper for publication. The notification should include the article title, the
journal name, the authors' names and the date of submission.
In addition, students should be aware of the agreement that is signed when a journal accepts an article for publication. At
that time, the student assigns rights to the journal as publisher and the student may no longer possess the right to publish
the material. Written permission must be obtained from the copyright holder to include the material in the thesis.
Doctoral students should inform the copyright holder that the thesis will be sent to ProQuest Learning and Information
Company (formerly UMI), will be sold on demand, and will be available worldwide through the Internet. Proper credit,
as instructed in the letter of permission, must be given in the text. A copy of the letter should also be provided to the
appropriate contact within a student’s School.
F. Copyright
Since a thesis is legally classified as a publication, care must be taken not to violate the United States copyright laws. If
the manuscript contains any material (figures, tables, text, etc.) taken from copyrighted sources, the student has the
responsibility to determine if a Letter of Permission from the copyright holder is needed. This is true even if the student
is an author of the paper; a Letter of Permission from the publisher may still be needed. Proper credit (as instructed in
the Letter of Permission) must be given in the text. An extra copy of the Letter must be provided to the School.
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Doctoral candidates who wish to copyright their work may do so through ProQuest Learning and Information Company.
Copyright arrangements and payment must be made at the time the manuscript is submitted to the School. Master's
degree candidates should contact the School for information regarding the procedures for purchasing a copyright.
G. Student Assistance
To assist students with the development, submission, and publication of their Thesis, each School offers the following
services:
Assistance with specific style and formatting questions
Binding Information (for binding of students' personal copies)
Information for use of copyrighted material (Letter of Permission usage and submission)
If there is anything that seems out of the ordinary in the thesis, it is important to check with the School’s contact well in
advance of deadlines to work through the potential difficulties.
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II. SUBMISSION PROCEDURES
A. Submission of a Thesis
After the student has had their Final Defense and has satisfied the requirements of their Advisory Committee, the student
must obtain the signatures of the Committee on the approval pages. At this point the student is ready to submit the thesis
to the School.
Students will submit their thesis electronically as a single PDF file. The traditional Thesis Manual format requirements
(including adhering to prescribed margins, consistent type size and style, headings, figures, references, and front matter)
apply to electronic submissions with a few differences: color figures are allowed in electronic files, as well as audio,
movie files, graphics, animation, and internal links.
The submission process is complete once the School receives the following:
1) An electronic copy of the thesis, uploaded as a single PDF file to the following sites:
o Graduate Program in Biomedical Sciences:
Bryan/College Station, Temple submissions:
Dallas submissions: http://www.etdadmin.com/cgi-bin/school?siteId=3
Houston submissions:
o Graduate Program in Public Health Sciences: http://www.etdadmin.com/cgi-bin/school?siteId=356
2) One signed approval page submitted in person (or via U.S. mail)
3) An article from the journal model used that contains an example of both a table and a figure and has an
extensive reference section (the article must have been published within the last five years)
4) A completed “Research Focus and Benefits” form
5) A completed and signed “Doctoral Dissertation Agreement” form from ProQuest (available from each School’s
contact)
o If obtaining a copyright, sign the appropriate place and provide a certified check or money order for
the service (for doctoral students only)
Committee Review and Approval Page Signatures
The committee review process for the electronic thesis is the same as for traditional paper theses. Once the Committee
has approved the thesis, each member must sign the approval page. This page is not scanned into the electronic thesis,
but rather the student delivers the original copy to the School. The School will accept the thesis only after all the
required signatures of the Committee are obtained. Each chair, co-chair and committee member must sign for
him/herself. There are no exceptions. An authorized signer may sign for the head of the department. The minimum
signatures for submission are the signatures of the chair (or both co-chairs) and the head of the department. If a student
is unable to secure the signature of a committee member, the manuscript may still be submitted if an "Absentee
Committee Member Form" is properly signed. Any student who is having trouble obtaining the appropriate
signatures should contact their respective School for guidance.
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Deadlines
To graduate in a given semester, students must meet the scheduled deadline for submittal of the thesis in final form.
The Office of the Registrar posts a calendar on the HSC web site for each semester, and these dates must be observed.
There are no exceptions for late submittal. Students submitting after the deadline cannot graduate until the following
semester. Components may have earlier deadlines. Any student not graduating must register for at least one semester
credit hour in the subsequent semester in order to meet the institution’s continuous enrollment requirement.
B. Submission Contacts
The completed, approved thesis (and supplemental documentation) should be submitted to the following offices:
Graduate Program in Biomedical Sciences – Bryan/College Station, and Temple students
College of Medicine - Office of Graduate Studies
Attn: Rachel Levins
8477 State Highway 47
Medical Research and Education Building, Suite 1001
Bryan, TX 77807-1359
Phone: 979 458-3243
Fax: 979 845-3322
Email: [email protected]
Graduate Program in Biomedical Sciences – Dallas students
Baylor College of Dentistry - Office of Graduate Studies
Attn: Jo Spears
3202 Gaston Avenue
Dallas, TX 75226
Phone: 979 458-3243
Fax: 979 845-3322
Email: [email protected]
Graduate Program in Biomedical Sciences – Houston students
Institute of Biosciences and Technology – Office of Graduate Studies
Attn: Janis Bender
2121 Holcombe Boulevard
Houston, TX 77030-3303
Phone: 979 458-3243
Fax: 979 845-3322
Email: [email protected]
Graduate Program in Public Health Sciences
School of Rural Public Health - Office of Student Affairs
Attn: Devy Hardeman
Adriance Road
College Station, TX 77843-1266
Phone: 979 458-3243
Fax: 979 845-3322
Email: [email protected]
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C. Corrections
Only those corrections required by the School may be made after the manuscript is submitted electronically. Additional
corrections requested by the student, the chair, or other committee members will not be accepted.
The student or the student's local representative will be contacted once the manuscript has been reviewed. Theses
deemed unacceptable by the School will be returned to the student's department head. When making corrections, the
student will edit the thesis in the original Word (or other) file, convert the revised document to a new PDF file and
upload the revised version to the appropriate ETD site. All original submission deadlines must be met during the re-
submission process in order to graduate that semester. If a thesis is re-submitted after the deadline, the student will not
be allowed to graduate that semester. In such cases, a new “Title”, “Approval” and “Abstract” page with the revised
graduation date must be submitted.
D. Final Clearance
In addition to defending and submitting their thesis, a student must complete the following items in their final semester
in order to be eligible for graduation:
apply for graduation
pay graduation (diploma) fee
pay thesis processing fee
E. Availability of Thesis to the Public
After the student has graduated, the thesis will be available from the Texas A&M University Libraries Digital Archive
(http://etd.tamu.edu). Additionally, the thesis will be made available by ProQuest and doctoral abstracts will be
published in Dissertation Abstracts International.
All theses will eventually be available to the public. However, at the time of submission, a student has the option to
release the document immediately or to have it held for a certain period of time in order to attend to patent or proprietary
issues.
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III. GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS
A. Type and Spacing
Typeface
1) The entire thesis must be of uniform font or typeface, excluding figures, tables and appendices.
2) Any standard book face font may be used.
3) Do not attempt to copy the journal's use of various sizes and styles of typeface or font.
4) The School will make the final decision on the legibility and acceptability of fonts.
5) If using WordPerfect, do not use WordPerfect’s proprietary fonts (WP Math or WP Greek, etc.)
Spacing
The thesis may be double-spaced or one and one-half spaced. Mixing of spacing in the text is not acceptable. Single
spacing is used only for long, blocked and inset quotations, footnotes, endnotes, and itemized or tabular material.
Type Size
The acceptable point size for the text is 10-point minimum and 12 point maximum. Italics or boldface print (in the same
point size as the text) may be used for major headings, subheadings and for emphasis. Underlining is an acceptable
alternative to italics; but, do not use underlining and bold together. Major headings may be up to two point sizes larger
than the text (maximum size is 14 point). If this option is chosen, it must be used for major headings throughout the
entire thesis.
Reduced Type Size
Reduction may be made in narrative text footnotes, tables, figures and appendix material only. The minimum size for
numbers and upper case letters is 1.5 millimeters; symbols must be large enough to remain legible after microfilming.
The preliminary pages, narrative text, equations, endnotes, reference section and Vita cannot be reduced or enlarged.
Tables, figures and appendix material may be larger than text size and may be different from each other.
B. Margins and Pagination
Margins
Margin settings are 1.4” on the left, 1.15” on the right, and 1.25” on the top and bottom. All typing must be within the
appropriate margins, except for the page number. Justified right-hand margins may be used in theses only with standard
internal spacing, i.e., regular and consistent spacing between words in the text. Excessive variable spacing is not
acceptable because it inhibits legibility.
Page Numbers
Every page in the thesis except the Title Page and the Approval Page must be numbered. The Title Page is considered to
be page i and the Approval Page is considered to be page ii, but no pagination numeral is shown on these two pages. The
preliminary pages are numbered with lower-case Roman numerals. The first numbered page is the Abstract, which is
numbered iii. The text and supplementary pages are numbered with Arabic numerals. The first page of the text has the
number 1; every page following will have a page number. The Vita is the last numbered page.
Page Number Placement
Page numbers are placed in the upper right-hand corner of the page, above the margin, one-half inch below the top edge
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of the paper, and one inch from the right edge of the paper. Page numbers are the only characters that appear outside the
margin.
C. Tables and Figures
Color and Size
Color is acceptable in figures. Check all figures and tables to ensure that minimum size (1.5mm for capital letters and
numbers) and legibility requirements are met. All lettering must be of publishable quality. This includes scanned
images. Check all figures and tables to ensure minimum size and legibility requirements are met.
Figures & Tables in Text
Each table and figure in the text must have a separate number and title. Each figure and table must have a unique title.
Figures and tables are numbered consecutively throughout the text, and each table or figure must be mentioned by
number in the text. First mention of each table or figure must be within a page and a half of text before it appears
or on the next page of text following its appearance. Tables and figures may be included on a page with text or
appear on separate pages. If a table or figure is placed on a page with other materia1, the table or figure should be
separated from the text (or other material) by a minimum of a triple space at the top and bottom.
Table & Figure Titles (captions)
Placement of titles on tables and figures (above or below) is determined by the journal chosen as a model. If the table or
figure is placed lengthwise (landscape position), the top of the table or figure must be at the left-hand, binding side of
the page. The title is placed in the same direction as the figure or table. The page number stays in regular (portrait)
position.
Continued Tables & Figures
Tables or figures longer than one page in length must have the complete title and the number of the table or figure on the
first page only. Subsequent pages have the table or figure number and the word "Continued", plus the necessary column
headings for ease of reading. The end line of the completed table appears only on the last page of the table.
Titles for Large Figures
Captions or titles on a facing page are to be used only when absolutely necessary. Facing page captions may be used for
figures only, never tables. This format applies only when there is not enough space for the caption on the page with the
figure. If the title or caption must go on a separate page, place it on the page preceding the figure. The pages are
consecutively numbered, with the page numbers in the standard position. In the “List of Figures”, the number of the
page on which the figure itself appears is the only page number recorded.
D. Photographs
Photocopies or digitized reproductions of photographs are acceptable if there is enough contrast for a good
reproduction. Please see the guidelines at.
E. Audio, Movie Files, Graphics or Animation
Digital media may be added as separate files but will not be linked to the PDF document. The narrative text in the thesis
and/or a page in the appendix will have a statement describing the separate files.
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F. Electronic Submission Internal Links
Students should utilize the Bookmark feature of Adobe to link between the Table of Contents, List of Tables, List of
Figures, and the main body of the thesis.
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IV. MANUSCRIPT DETAILS AND SAMPLE PAGES
A. Font and Point Size
Choose one font and use throughout manuscript. The font selected must be one found in a scholarly journal. The
exception: appendix material, tables, and figures may be in different fonts
Choose one point size (10-12 point) and use throughout manuscript. The exception: tables, figures and appendix
material can vary in point size. An option: point size of all major headings may be slightly larger (12-14 point)
Equations and the Vita are considered part of the text; the font and point size must match the text
When creating the PDF file, make certain all fonts are embedded
B. Margins
All typing must be within the prescribed margins, except page numbers
Sample margin settings are: 1.4" on the left, 1.15" on the right, and 1.25@ top and bottom
C. Page Numbers
The first two pages (Title Page and Approval Page) are unnumbered
Preliminary pages are numbered with lower case Roman numerals, beginning with the Abstract (numbered iii)
Text pages are numbered with Arabic numerals, beginning with the first page of text (numbered 1)
Page numbers are outside specified margins, in the upper right hand comer, one-half inch below the top edge and
even with the right-hand margin or 1@ from the right edge of the page
D. Journal Model
Must be noted at the bottom of the first page of text (Page 1)
Must be a respected, peer-reviewed, scholarly journal
The model journal is used for placement of figure titles, placement of table titles, and the format of the reference
section
Thesis Manual requirements override elaborate journal model formats
Need to provide journal article (published within the last 5 years) with a comprehensive reference list that contains
samples of types of citations used; may provide reference lists from several journal articles if necessary
See page 31 for specifics on the journal model sentence
E. Major Headings
All must be handled consistently regarding point size and the use of bold type
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All must be centered at the top of a new page and in all capital letters
Point size may be either the same size as text or up to two point sizes larger than the text
Major headings consist of the following:
*the title of the thesis on the title page
*the title of the thesis on the approval page
*the headings ABSTRACT, DEDICATION, ACKNOWLEDGMENTS, TABLE OF CONTENTS, LIST OF
FIGURES, LIST OF TABLES on the preliminary pages
*the CHAPTER designations and titles (or major section titles)
*the word REFERENCES (or LITERATURE CITED, etc.) on the first page of the references.
*the APPENDIX designations and tiles
*the word VITA on the vita page
F. Content Order
The following list gives the contents in the proper order of presentation. All sections marked with an asterisk (*) must be
included in the manuscript.
Preliminary Pages (with Roman numeral page numbers)
*Title Page
*Approval Page
*Abstract
Dedication
*Acknowledgments
*Table of Contents
*List of Tables (if two or more tables in text)
*List of Figures (if two or more figures in text)
Text (with Arabic numeral page numbers)
*Introduction (as first chapter or section)
*Main body of text divided into various chapters or sections
*Summary or Conclusion (as last chapter or section)
References and Supplemental Sections
*Reference section
*Appendix material
*Vita (See page 33)
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G. Title Page
Font must match text
Point size of title is the same as other major headings; point size for rest of the page is the same as text
Vertical spacing must match sample page
No bold on this page; exception, title is bold if major headings are bold
No page number on this page
Title of Manuscript
All capital letters, centered. Exception: genus, species, chemical element symbols may be upper and lowercase
X Use italics as needed to comply with the custom of the discipline
X Double space if more than one line
X No period at the end of the title
Thesis/ Thesis Statement
Double space.
Capitalize A and also the T in Thesis (or the D in Dissertation or the R and S in Record of Study)
Student's name in all capital letters; name must be same as in official records of the HSC
Submittal Statement
Single space
The Texas A&M University System Health Science Center on line by itself
Double space between submittal statement and degree
Degree is in all capital letters; full name of the degree is used, check HSC Catalog for correct wording of degree
Date
Month and Year of graduation (May, August or December)
No comma between month and year
Major Subject
Wording must agree with major subject in the official HSC records
Use upper and lower case letters
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TITLE OF THE THESIS Double space title
Last line of title ~2.25@ from MORE TITLE OF THE THESIS Title is in all capital letters Top of Page
Double space thesis statement A Thesis Begin statement ~3.25@ from top
Of page by
ANDREW CHARLES HARDY Name is in all capital letters
Submittal statement is
Centered on the page & Submitted to The Office of Research and Graduate Studies of
single spaced The Texas A&M University System Health Science Center
Begin ~ 5@ from top in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of of page
Double space between MASTER OF SCIENCE Degree is in all capital
Submittal statement and letters
degree
Place ~ 7.25@ from top
Of page May 20xx
Place ~ 8.75@ from top of Major Subject: Biomedical Sciences page
Note carefully
vertical spacing
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H. Approval Page
Match font and point size to Title Page
One original copy of the signed Approval Page with original signatures of the committee and department head (or
authorized signer for the department head) must be submitted to the School
No bold on this page; exception, title is bold if major headings are bold
No page number on this page
Title of Manuscript
Same wording as on Title Page. All capital letters, centered. Exception: genus, species, chemical element symbols
may be upper and lower case.
Double space if more than one line
No period at the end of the title
Thesis/Thesis Statement
Capitalize A and also the T in Thesis (or D in Thesis or the R and S in Record of Study)
Double space
Student's name in all capital letters, same wording as Title Page
Submittal Statement
Single space
Double space between submittal statement and degree
Degree is in all capital letters; must match wording on Title Page
Signatures
No substitute signatures for chair, co-chairs or members of committee; head of department line may be signed
by an authorized signer for the department
Signatures must be in blue ink
Names do not include Dr. or Prof. or Ph.D.
Name and position on committee single spaced and centered under line
If co-chairs, then put Co-Chair of Committee (instead of Chair) under each co-chair’s name
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If the department head serves as a member, chair or co-chair, he/she must sign in the signature space allotted for
each position
Date
Graduation month (May, August or December) written out with year. Do not use the defense or submittal month
No comma between month and year
Major Subject
Wording must agree with major subject in the official HSC records
Use upper and lower case letters
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TITLE OF THE THESIS Double space title.
Last line of title ~2.25@ from MORE TITLE OF THE THESIS Title is in all capital letters Top of Page
A Thesis
by
ANDREW CHARLES HARDY Name is in all capital letters
Submittal statement is
Single spaced Submitted to the Office of Research and Graduate Studies
The Texas A&M University System Health Science Center
in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of
Double space between MASTER OF SCIENCE Degree is in all capital Submittal statement and letters degree
Approved as to style and content by:
______________________________ ____________________________
Charles E. Brown Jeremy J. Jones
(Chair of Committee) (Member) Names do not include Name and position on
Dr. or Prof. committee (in parentheses) centered under line
______________________________ ___________________________
William T. Armstrong Robert A. Reckford
(Member) (Member)
______________________________ ___________________________
David D. Smith Jacob M. Marle
(Member) (Head of Department)
May 20xx
Major Subject: Medical Sciences
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I. Abstract
First numbered page, lower case Roman numeral (iii). Page numbers are outside the prescribed margin, everything
else inside the margin
No bold on this page; exception, heading (ABSTRACT) is bold if major headings are bold
Preliminary Lines
Title of manuscript appears in upper and lower case letters with a period at the end of title, wording must match title
on Title and Approval Pages
Date of graduation is in parentheses (no comma between month and year)
Student's name must be the same as on first two pages, but typed in upper and lower case letters. Comma after
student’s name
Previous degree abbreviated, followed by comma, followed by institution
If more than one previous degree, semicolon separates degree information
If co-chairs, single space between co-chairs' names and align one directly under the other:
Co-Chairs of Advisory Committee: Dr. M. Smith
Dr. J. Wilson
Consistently space all lines (same spacing as text)
Text
Begins three single spaces below preliminary lines
Text may be no more than 350 words for the Doctoral Thesis and 150 words for the Master’s thesis; any term with a
space on each side is counted as a word
Spacing is same as used in text
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First numbered page; iii
Outside margins.
ABSTRACT
Title in upper and lower
case with period at end. Title of the Thesis
More Title of the Thesis. (May 20xx) Date of graduation
Comma after name and Andrew Charles Hardy, B.S., Central College;
after degree abbreviation. Semicolon separates degrees.
M.S., Glenn State University
Chair of Advisory Committee: Dr. Charles E. Brown Dr. or Prof. before chair's name
The text of the Abstract begins three single spaces below the preliminary lines. The
text of the Abstract is typed double-spaced or space-and-a-half according to the spacing
style followed in the narrative text; it must not exceed 350/150 words in length. Any term
(or numeral) with a space on either side of it will be counted as a word.
22
J. Dedication, Acknowledgments, and Nomenclature
Dedication (Optional)
Follows the Abstract
Does not need the heading DEDICATION at the top of page
If listing preliminary pages in Table of Contents, include Dedication
Heading is bold if major headings are bold
Limited to one page, same style as text
Acknowledgments
Limited to four pages
Follows the Dedication Page (or Abstract, if no Dedication)
Heading (ACKNOWLEDGMENTS) is bold if major headings are bold
Spacing and paragraph style are same as used in text
Nomenclature
May be placed in the following places: before the Table of Contents, as last preliminary pages, before the reference
section or in the Appendix
Heading is bold if major headings are bold
Same type style as text
23
K. Table of Contents
General Format
No bold on this page; exception, heading (TABLE OF CONTENTS) is bold if major headings are bold
No italics on this page (except for Latin terms, titles of works, etc.)
Need “Page” above page number column
Need leader dots between listings and page numbers
Double space or use same spacing as in text above and below all major headings
Single space all subheadings
If more than one page, need appropriate headings at the top of page (add “Page” above page number column; add
“CHAPTER” if new chapter listed on the page)
Do not justify
Content
Must contain the major headings and the first level subheadings; subordination of subheadings should be indicated
by appropriate indentation
Major headings are in all capital letters
Preliminary pages do not have to be included on this page; however, if included, begin with ABSTRACT and
include all preliminary pages
Check spelling of ACKNOWLEDGMENTS against spelling on ACKNOWLEDGMENTS page
If using chapter method, chapter numbers must be Roman (not Arabic)
If using section method, sections may be numbered or unnumbered; numbers may be Roman or Arabic
First major heading of text contains the word INTRODUCTION
Last major heading contains the word SUMMARY or CONCLUSION
Must show a reference section, APPENDIX (if applicable) and VITA
Consistency
Check against text for agreement of page numbers, levels and styles of headings and subheadings and the wording
of headings and subheadings (levels of subheadings are shown by indentation)
Check for consistency in capitalization
24
Check that wording of APPENDIX listing matches exactly what is in text; Appendix titles are optional but if they
are listed, they need to be in all capital letters
Examples
Examples of chapter method and section method for table of contents follow, as well as a sample of the first page of
text
25
CHAPTER I
INTRODUCTION
Or (depending on heading method)
1. INTRODUCTION
The important features of the first page of the thesis are the page number, the major
heading, and the journal model sentence. The page number is outside the prescribed margin, in the
upper right (much like “23” above). The numbering begins with 1 (Arabic number). From this page
forward, every page will be numbered in sequence (all positioned in the upper right corner). If the
thesis is written in the chapter format, the major heading will consist of two parts: the chapter
designation (the word CHAPTER and the number) and the title. Both will be centered, all capital letters.
The chapter designation will be on the top line; the title will be on the next. The chapter number must be
written as a Roman number. Between the lines use double or triple space. The same spacing must be
used at the beginning of all chapters. There is no punctuation at the end of either part.
If the thesis is written in the section format, the major heading will consist of a title,
centered and in all capital letters. This heading may be numbered, either Arabic or Roman. If you are
numbering your subheadings by section (1.1, 1.2, etc.), you must number your major headings. Do not
use the word 'chapter' in your text since your work is not organized in chapters.
If the chapter/section title is longer than one line, be sure that you do not single space
the title. If you are using bold for your major headings, then the major heading on this page must be
bold. The point size must be the same as the other major headings.
The journal model sentence appears at the bottom of the page, within the prescribed
margin. It is separated from the text by a horizontal line about 1 inch in length. If you are putting journal
names in italics in the references, then use italics for the journal name in this sentence. If journal names
are in regular typeface, then use regular typeface for the journal name.
This thesis follows the style of Adult Educational Quarterly.
26
Page No. vi
Chapter Method goes here
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page Major headings are in
all capital letters ABSTRACT ................................................................................................. iii Double space or use spacing of text between major headings
DEDICATION .............................................................................................. iv
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS ........................................................................... v
TABLE OF CONTENTS .............................................................................. vi
LIST OF FIGURES ..................................................................................... vii
LIST OF TABLES ...................................................................................... viii Include CHAPTER
If using chapter CHAPTER No leader dots or page number for word CHAPTER No words in page # col. method
I INTRODUCTION .............................................................................. 1
Indent chapter II PROBLEM ........................................................................................ 2 numbers
Mechanics .......................................................................................... 3
Chapter numbers Thermodynamics ............................................................................... 4
Roman numerals Problem Summary ............................................................................. 8
No period after chapter III SOLUTION ALTERNATIVES ........................................................ 15 number
IV SUMMARY AND CONCLUSIONS ................................................ 29
Single space Summary ........................................................................................ 30
subheadings Conclusions .................................................................................... 42
REFERENCES ............................................................................................ 51
APPENDIX A .............................................................................................. 56
APPENDIX B .............................................................................................. 72
VITA ............................................................................................................ 97 First chapter title must Last chapter title must include SUMMARY or CONCLUSION
include INTRODUCTION
27
Page number vi goes here
Section Method TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
ABSTRACT ................................................................................................. iii
DEDICATION .............................................................................................. iv Major headings are in all capital letters
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS ........................................................................... v
TABLE OF CONTENTS .............................................................................. vi Double space or use spacing of text between major headings
LIST OF FIGURES ..................................................................................... vii
LIST OF TABLES ...................................................................................... viii
INTRODUCTION ......................................................................................... 1
PROBLEM..................................................................................................... 2 Double Space
Single space subheadings
Mechanics .............................................................................................. 3
Thermodynamics ................................................................................... 4
Problem Summary ................................................................................. 8 Double Space
SOLUTIONS ............................................................................................... 15
SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION ............................................................ 29
Single space Summary ............................................................................................. 30
subheadings Conclusions ......................................................................................... 42 Double Space
REFERENCES ............................................................................................ 51
APPENDIX A .............................................................................................. 56
APPENDIX B .............................................................................................. 72
VITA ............................................................................................................ 97
First major section title must Last major section title must include No words in page
Include INTRODUCTION SUMMARY or CONCLUSION number column
28
L. List of Figures and List of Tables
General Format
Heading (LIST OF FIGURES or LIST OF TABLES) is bold if major headings are bold
Include list if two or more figures (or tables) in main body of text
Need separate list for tables and separate list for figures; either list may come first
Need “Page” above page number column
Need FIGURE (or TABLE) above appropriate column or include the word Figure (or Table) with each title
Need leader dots from last word of title to page number
Double space or use same spacing as in text between figure (table) titles, single space title if two or more lines
If list is more than one page, need appropriate column headings on each page
Content
Each figure (or table) must have a unique title; no two titles may be exactly the same
If figures (or tables) in Appendix continue numbering from text, they must be included in LIST OF FIGURES (or
TABLES); if numbered A-1 A- 2, etc, they need not be included
Need to include only the first sentence of title (up to the first period) in List
Parenthetical information may be excluded from the List
Consistency
Check against text for agreement of page numbers
Title in the LIST OF TABLES (or FIGURES) must agree word for word with the title in the text
Need only include the first sentence (up to the first period); parenthetical information may be excluded from the
listing
Check consistency of capitalization
29
Page number vii goes here.
LIST OF FIGURES
Page above column.
FIGURE leader dots connect titles to page number. Page
1 Equipment……………………………………….…………………14 Double space
Use 2 Flow Chart…………………………………………………………21
spacing of
text between 3 Location of Study Area……………………………………………23
titles
4 Map of Brazos County………………………..…………………...24
5 Map of Navasota River Basin……………………………………..27
Single 6 Major Tributaries of the Navasota River between
space Highway 21 and Highway 6………………………………..…..….61 within an
entry 7 Debris Collected at Bridge # 72…………………….………..……62
No words in figure number No words in page number
column column
30
M. Text of Thesis
Organization (Chapter or Section Method)
Chapter or Section Method: Divide thesis into either chapters or major sections; a combination of both is not
acceptable
If using chapter method, use Roman numerals as chapter numbers and in any reference to chapters
The titles of each chapter or major section are considered major headings. (Subheadings are not major headings)
Chapter Method: The word ACHAPTER@ is used to designate major sections of the thesis. Each chapter must be
numbered using Roman numerals. All text mentions of chapter numbers in the text must be Roman numerals
Section Method: Major headings may be unnumbered or numbered using Roman or Arabic numbers. Do not use
the word AChapter@ in the thesis
New Page: Each new chapter or major section begins on a new page See the complete list of major headings on
page 4, 15
Chapter Method Format: The chapter designation (ACHAPTER I@) is uppercase letters, centered at the top of the
page; the chapter title is also upper case and centered at least one double space (no more than two double spaces).
below chapter designation. (See the Example of First Text Page on website)
Section Method Format: The major section title is uppercase letters, centered at top of page; if the title is more
than one line in length, use the spacing of the text between the lines (See the Example of First Text Page on p.25)
General Comments on Format
Do not use underline and bold together
Each text page needs at least 4 1/2 inches of text on it unless there is a table or a figure on the page or the next text
begins a new chapter or major section
Numbering of equations must be consecutive; no two equations can be numbered the same unless identical term for
term
No double columns in text
Paragraphs: Either indent the first line of each paragraph ½” or leave extra space between paragraphs. Do not use
both styles (The first paragraph under each subheading does not need to be indented if the journal does not indent.)
Format of Major Headings and Subheadings
Use of Bold: Major headings in text can be bold. But if bold is used, then all other major headings must be bold;
consistency is needed throughout the thesis
Use of Bold or Italics: Boldface or italics may be used for subheadings. Consistency is needed throughout thesis
Spacing: Titles and subheadings more than one line in length must be double-spaced. Maintain consistency in
spacing around headings and subheadings
31
Punctuation: No punctuation after a heading or subheading that is on a line by itself
Capitalization: Consistent capitalization is needed for each level of subheading
Subheading Format: Do not center or capitalize letters (except for first letter). This is reserved for major headings;
first-order subheadings may be in all capital letters provided they are placed flush left
Subheading Size: Use same point size as text for all subheadings
32
N. Major Headings and Subheadings
Major headings in text are bold if other major headings are bold; boldface or italics may be used for subheadings.
Each new chapter or major section begins on a new page
The chapter designation (CHAPTER I) is upper-case letters, centered at top of page; chapter title is also upper case
and centered at least one double-space (no more than two double-spaces) below chapter designation
Section titles need not be numbered, but must follow the same format as for chapter titles
Titles and subheadings more than one line in length must be double-spaced
No punctuation after a heading or subheading that is on a line by itself
Do not center or capitalize letters (except for first letter). This is reserved for major headings; first-order
subheadings may be in all capital letters provided they are placed flush left
Maintain consistency in spacing around headings and subheadings
Use same point size as text for all subheadings
The style used for subheadings must clearly show their various levels and must be consistent from chapter to
chapter or from section to section
Subheadings do not begin on a new page; text continues within a chapter or section
A subheading at the bottom of a page must have at least one line of text under it
Journal Model sentence
Within the prescribed margins at the bottom of first page of text (page 1)
Separated from the text by a solid line 10-15 spaces long
Is a complete sentence with a period at the end
Suggested wording: This thesis follows the style and format of <journal name>
Type for journal name (Italics, underlined or regular) is the same used for journal titles in reference section; journal
name should be spelled out completely
Single spaced if more than one line
Tables and Figures
Must be mentioned consecutively by number within text (first mention)
No material with inked in or smudged letters or numbers; no faint lettering
33
Legibility: Check all tables and figures for legibility, straightness on the page, general professional quality
Type Style and Size: Tables and figures and their titles/ captions may vary in font and point size. Minimum size
for numbers and letters is 1.5mm
Color: color figures are allowed
Titles: Must follow journal model for placement of titles. Title in the text must agree word for word with the title in
the LIST OF TABLES (or FIGURES) in the preliminary pages; the entire title up to the first period must be
included in the LIST; exception, parenthetical information may be excluded from the LIST. Consistency is needed
in formatting of table/figure titles--capitalization, boldface, italics, placement, spacing, use of period at end
Must be found on the page given in the LIST OF TABLES (or FIGURES)
Spacing: If a figure or table is on a page with text or another table or figure, it needs to be offset by a minimum of a
triple space above and below
Text Mention: First mention of tables and figures must be consecutive by number within text and must be either
within 1 1/2 pages of text before or on the page of text immediately following. (Pages with only figures or tables on
them do not count as text pages when determining distance from text mention.)
Lists of Tables and Figures: Titles in the text must agree word for word with the titles in the LIST OF TABLES
(or FIGURES) in the preliminary pages; the entire title up to the first period must be included in the LIST.
(exception: parenthetical information may be excluded from the LIST.) Figures and tables must be found on the
page given in the LIST
Continued Tables and Figures: Tables or figures longer than one page in length must have the complete title and
the number of the table or figure on the first page only. Subsequent pages have the table or figure number and the
word "Continued", plus the necessary column headings for ease of reading. The end line of a table appears only on
the last page of the table
34
O. References
Each work will contain a formal reference section. A note section is not a substitute for the formal reference section.
Title section with same title used in model journal; heading is in all capital letters and bold if major headings are
bold
Reference list will be examined for consistency, accuracy and completeness
Journal article provided by student is used as a model reference list; follow capitalization, punctuation and ordering
of information
Check the following against the journal model: name given to reference section; order of citations (alphabetized, or
alphabetized and numbered, or non alphabetized and numbered); use of italics (or quotation marks) for book titles,
journal names and article titles; use of bold type
In an alphabetized list, the system of ordering multiple entries must be consistent
Citations should contain: volume number and page range for journal articles and date
Publisher and city books; city for universities, labs or corporations
Unpublished material must contain sufficient information for retrieval
Check for consistency in designation of state names (abbreviated or not)
Use single space within citations and the spacing of text between citations or use the spacing of text throughout
entire section
All references must be cited in the text; all text citations must be referenced. All text citations must be from sources
student has actually used
General references consulted and used as background study should be listed under a separate subdivision of the
reference section. A subheading, such as "Supplemental Sources Consulted" should be added at the end of the
sources cited section. Follow the same style used in the reference section
35
P. Appendices and Vita
Appendices
Optional, used for supplementary material; located after reference section
Headings (Appendix designations and titles) in bold if major headings are in bold
Appendix headings may either be on a separate cover sheet before Appendix material or on the top of first page of
each Appendix. Be consistent from Appendix to Appendix
Appendix titles are centered, all capital letters and at least one double space below designation
Titles more than one line in length must be double-spaced
Page numbering is continued from last page of references
All material must be within proper margins
Appendix tables and figures may be numbered consecutively following the text or they may be numbered with
appendix designation. If numbered consecutively from the text, they must be included in the List of Tables or List of
Figures
Material may be reduced, but must conform to minimum size and legibility requirements
Material may have mixed fonts and point sizes and may be single-spaced
Vita
Heading (VITA) in bold if major headings are in bold
Last page of thesis
Brief biographical sketch, which must include name, permanent address, and educational background
Wording of name needs to agree with name on first three pages
Need permanent address
Need educational background for all degrees from bachelor level; include: degree, major subject, university and
date of graduation -- may include current degree
Other information is optional but encouraged: professional experience, publications, business or academic
information
Name of the typist may be stated at the bottom of the page. (Example, The typist for this thesis was Mary Jones.)
Limited to one page
The font and point size need to be the same as the text
Either paragraph style with same spacing as text or resume style
36
THESIS CHECKLIST
Theses submitted will be reviewed for acceptable execution of the following requirements:
General neatness and legibility
Consistency of style and format throughout manuscript
Title Page, Approval Page, and Abstract must match the format of samples in the Thesis Manual
Exact correspondence of titles and page numbers in the text and the Table of Contents, List of Tables and List of
Figures
Journal model (followed for placement of table and figure titles and formatting of reference section) is listed at
the bottom of page 1
Each major heading is centered, in all capital letters, and at the top of a new page
Subheadings follow instructions on page 31.
Major headings and first level subheadings appear in the Table of Contents
Formatting and legibility of figures and tables follows Thesis Manual requirements
Consecutive numbering of tables and figures throughout the main body of the manuscript
Only page numbers outside the margins
Numbering of every page starting with Abstract (iii) and ending with the Vita (Arabic numeral)
A major introductory chapter or section (the title includes the word "Introduction") and a major concluding
chapter or section (the title contains "Summary" or "Conclusion")
Consistent subheading format throughout
Submitted in PDF via School submission web site
Approval page with signatures submitted to School
An article from the journal model that contains an example of a table, an example of a figure and has an
extensive reference section (the article should have been published within the last five years)
Complete and submit the Research Focus and Benefits form online at the School website
Complete, sign and submit the Thesis or Doctoral Dissertation Agreement form from Proquest (available from
your School contact.) If obtaining a copyright, sign the appropriate place and provide a certified check or money
order for the service (doctoral students only)
Complete and submit Survey of Earned Doctorates (doctoral students only)
37
Thesis Process
Research
▼
Write Thesis
▼
Defend and Obtain Appropriate Title Page Signatures
▼
Submit to appropriate School web site
▼
School Thesis Coordinator receives ETD
▼
School Reviews, makes corrections and returns or approves ETD
▼
All required documents submitted to School
▼
School sends ETD to BEPress
▼
Approval documents submitted to Registrar for graduation processing
▼
Student Graduate
38