Thesis/Dissertation Format and Style (F&S) and Electronic Publication Approval

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Thesis/Dissertation Requirements

 

Description

Format:

  • Monograph Format: This, the ‘traditional’ format, consists of a multi-chapter document that uses the same style throughout. A single chapter is not acceptable for a thesis or dissertation.
  • Multiple-Paper Format: A thesis or dissertation using this format consists of at least two chapters, typically written as independent papers, preceded by an introductory chapter that sets the context for the research, and followed by a summary and conclusions chapter that integrates all of the studies.

Style:

  • The style defines the way that text is presented on the page (e.g., fonts, font sizes, margins, indents, line spacing, page numbering). For a document in the monograph format, the style should be consistent throughout the document. For a document in the multiple-paper format, the style may differ for chapters that are targeted for publication in different journals, however the style should be consistent within each chapter. The style in which a thesis/dissertation is written is dependent upon the student’s departmental guidelines and the specifications of this document. The terms ‘journal style’ or ‘manual style’ refer only to the style guide a graduate student follows for citations, a reference list, headings/subheadings, table titles, figure captions, mathematical symbols, and other stylistic elements not specified by the USU Publication Guide. A journal style or a conventional style manual (such as APA or MLA) may be used as a guide for either a multiple-paper or a monograph format.
  • The USU Publication Guide and department-approved style manuals are the final authority for format and style. Do not use previously approved theses or dissertations as models. Handling of special problems/materials not covered by this guide or by the departmental style manual should be discussed with and approved by Erika Beckstrand, the thesis and dissertation reviewer for the School of Graduate Studies.
  • The USU publication guide is not a style guide. It should be referenced for your front matter and appendices.

You, your major professor and your supervisory committee should agree on the format and style of your thesis or dissertation early in the writing process. The Dissertation/Thesis Format and Style form communicates which format and style have been chosen.

You are responsible for proofreading your thesis/dissertation and having it read and approved by all committee members and the department reviewer before having the Graduate Program Coordinator submit an electronic version (PDF format) of the document to Box.

Erika Beckstrand in the School of Graduate Studies will review your thesis or dissertation for proper format and conformity to departmental and School of Graduate Studies standards. If corrections are required, an annotated copy of the electronic file will be uploaded to Box where it can be accessed by the student, the major professor and the department reviewer.

Electronic Thesis/Dissertation Approval

  • The Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Approval grants Utah State University a non-exclusive license to archive your work and make it accessible to the public. As the author, you retain ownership rights to the copyright and the right to use it in future works.
  • If you have questions about the Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Approval form or uploading your digital copy in ProQuest, contact the Merrill-Cazier Library at digitalcommons@usu.edu.

Due Date

After your defense, before you are ready to begin the thesis/dissertation review process with the School of Graduate Studies. Your thesis or dissertation will not be reviewed until all necessary paperwork has been fully approved.

Students Who Need This Form

Signatures Needed

  • Student
  • Major professor
  • Departmental format/style reviewer (check with your department to identify your format/style reviewer)