UNIVERSITY OF MASSACHUSETTS LOWELL Thesis Guide

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Spring 2008
UNIVERSITY OF MASSACHUSETTS LOWELL
THESIS AND DISSERTATION GUIDE
A web version of this guide is available at http://www.uml.edu/admin/registrar/forms.html
Revised Spring 2008
Approved by GPAC, April 2008
Spring 2008
ii
Introduction............................................................................................................................... 1
Thesis/Dissertation Submission Check List.............................................................................. 2
Summary of Thesis/Dissertation Charges and Number of Copies ....................................... 3
Technical Specifications........................................................................................................... 4
Paper ..................................................................................................................................... 4
Typing................................................................................................................................... 4
Corrections............................................................................................................................ 4
Margins................................................................................................................................. 4
Page Numbering.................................................................................................................... 5
Tables and Figures................................................................................................................ 5
Headings ............................................................................................................................... 5
Equations............................................................................................................................... 5
Footnotes and Quotations ..................................................................................................... 5
Bibliography ......................................................................................................................... 5
Photographs........................................................................................................................... 6
Diagrams and Graphs............................................................................................................ 6
Formats ..................................................................................................................................... 7
Traditional Format................................................................................................................ 7
Multi-Monograph (Alternative) Format ............................................................................... 8
Multi-Monograph Thesis/Dissertation Format Sequence................................................. 9
Parts of a Thesis/Dissertation.................................................................................................. 10
Title (Signature) Page......................................................................................................... 10
Abstract............................................................................................................................... 10
Acknowledgements............................................................................................................. 10
Table of Contents................................................................................................................ 10
List of Tables ...................................................................................................................... 11
List of Illustrations.............................................................................................................. 11
Text ..................................................................................................................................... 11
Introduction..................................................................................................................... 11
Methodology................................................................................................................... 11
Results............................................................................................................................. 11
Discussion....................................................................................................................... 11
Conclusions..................................................................................................................... 11
Recommendations........................................................................................................... 11
Notes ............................................................................................................................... 12
Literature Cited............................................................................................................... 12
Appendix............................................................................................................................. 13
Biographical Sketch of Author ........................................................................................... 13
Format for a Doctoral Title (Signature) Page..................................................................... 14
Format for a Master’s Title (Signature) Page..................................................................... 15
Format for a Doctoral Abstract Title Page.......................................................................... 16
Format for a Master’s Abstract Title Page.......................................................................... 17
Style Manuals and Resources ................................................................................................. 18
Additional Tips for Thesis and Dissertation Writers.............................................................. 19
Spring 2008
Introduction
This guide outlines the required thesis/dissertation format, technical specifications, and submission
procedure to be followed by master’s and doctoral candidates at the University of Massachusetts
Lowell. If the author of a thesis or dissertation has a question regarding a point not covered in this
guide, he or she should confer with his or her thesis/dissertation advisor, as the query may be one
common to students in that discipline.
The main intent of this document is to ensure that the University of Massachusetts Lowell theses and
dissertations are presented in a conventional form, following universally accepted standards for
academic papers, and that they are written in a manner which will provide maximum utility to readers
who may use them in their research. This guide does not deal with detailed information on how to
research or write a dissertation or thesis.
All research involving “Human Subjects” must be approved by the Institutional
Review Board (I.R.B.) Call the I.R.B. office at (978) 934-4134 or go to
http://www.uml.edu/ora/institutionalcompliance/IRB/IRB.html for guidelines, forms and
additional information.
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Thesis/Dissertation Submission Check List
1. Make certain that ALL MARGINS, including those for figures and tables, are a minimum of 1 ½”
on the LEFT and 1” on the OTHER THREE SIDES. The first page of a new chapter should
begin 2” from the top. The goal in spacing should be to make the page layout pleasing to the eye,
without crowding the text onto the page. More white space makes reading easier.
2. Plan enough time to make revisions to your thesis/dissertation after your oral defense. Do
not assume that you will be able to submit the thesis/dissertation immediately afterward.
Once the thesis/dissertation has been successfully defended, you must submit the following to the
Registrar’s Office, Dugan Hall, UML South:
a. One clean COPY, do not use original, of the signature page only, dated and with signatures
of the thesis/dissertation advisor and all committee members. The original signature page is
needed for the archival bound copy, and
b. Signed and completed Graduation Clearance Form.
c. In addition, doctoral students must also submit a completed “Survey of Earned Doctorates” at
the time of graduation clearance. The form is available at the Registrar’s Office, Dugan Hall,
UML South.
The signature page, dated and signed by all committee members, must be turned into the
Registrar’s Office on or before the “last day to submit clearance forms" in the Graduate
Academic Calendar. You will not be eligible to graduate unless the Registrar’s Office receives
this page which verifies that you have successfully defended your thesis/dissertation
3. The binding of all theses and dissertations is done through the office of Susan Koczarski, located
on the first floor of O'Leary Library, UML South. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30
a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Phone: (978) 934-4568
After your oral defense and final corrections, call Ms. Susan Koczarski and arrange a time when
you can bring a completed and signed copy of the UMI Thesis/Dissertation Agreement Form
(The form is available at the Registrar’s Office, Dugan Hall, UML South) and two copies of your
thesis/dissertation to the South Campus Library for binding and publishing. One original copy
will be placed on permanent file in the Library, and the other will be given to your department. At
this time, also bring any additional copies that you may wish to have bound for your own use.
The binding and publishing fee is $75.00 for a master’s thesis and $85.00 for a doctoral
dissertation. Students may order additional bound copies at $15.00 each. These costs are subject
to change (Charges listed are as of 10/10/07). If a student wishes to have a thesis/dissertation
copyrighted the cost is $65.00. Fees should be paid by check, and since they are paid to different
entities, bring at least 2 blank checks with you. The first check covers the cost of binding and
publishing, and the second check is for copyright (optional).
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Summary of Thesis/Dissertation Charges and Number of Copies
ITEM COST REQUIRED/OPTIONAL
1. Signature Page with ------------ Required by the Registrar’s Office
all Signatures/dated in order to graduate
2. Complete Copies Two Required
of Thesis/Dissertation
3. Thesis/Dissertation Abstracts ------------- One Extra Required
4. Abstract Title Page ------------- One Extra Required
5. UMI Thesis/Dissertation ------------- Required Agreement Form
6. Binding (2 copies) and $75.00 Master’s Required
Publishing Fee $85.00 Doctoral Required
$15.00 (per add’l copy) Optional
(Check made payable to the UML
Library Trust Fund)
7. Copyright $65.00 Optional (Check made payable to
PROQUEST)
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Technical Specifications
Paper
The two required copies of the thesis/dissertation should be on 8½ by 11 inch plain, white, acid-
free, watermarked, archival bond paper of at least 20-lb weight and a minimum 25% rag
content. Some brands that meet these requirements include:
Permalife Bond (Fox River)
Crane’s thesis 100% pH Neutral
Gilbert NEU-Tech 25% cotton bond
Archival Bond XXV
Nuanse-text (Mohawk)
Archival Permdura
Southworth 100% cotton fiber
Both of these copies will be sent out for binding after which one copy will be returned and remain in
the library, and the other will be sent to the department. Students are responsible for making
additional copies for their thesis/dissertation advisor, committee members, and for their own use.
Typing
The thesis/dissertation should be printed in black on one side of the paper only using a letter
quality printer. The thesis/dissertation should be double-spaced except for tables, headings,
footnotes, quotations, and title pages. The first sentence of a paragraph should be indented ten spaces.
Times New Roman font is recommended; be consistent throughout the main text. A 14-pt. font size
should be used for all major headings (Introduction, Methodology, etc.), and 12-pt. for the
remainder of the document.
Corrections
Corrections must be made by retyping and reprinting the entire page. Corrections made with
correction fluids, handwritten notations and other methods are not acceptable.
Margins
Margins must be a minimum of 1½ in. on the left and 1 in. on the other edges. If large sheets are used
for tables or illustrations, then they should be photocopied and reduced to 8½ x 11 in. size. Nothing is
to protrude beyond any margin of any page of the thesis/dissertation (page numbers may be within the
1-in. bottom margin, but must not fall within the side margins). This applies to subject matter,
reference numbers, equation numbers, any part of a graph or diagram, photographs, or anything else
contained in the thesis/dissertation. The first page of a new chapter should begin 2 in. from the top of
the page.
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Page Numbering
For the preliminary pages (Abstract Title Page, Abstract, Acknowledgment, Table of Contents, List of
Tables, and List of Illustrations), small Roman numerals are used centered at the bottom of the
pages. The numbering should begin with ii, on the first page of the Abstract. The abstract title page
counts as page i, but it is not numbered.
For the remainder of the thesis/dissertation, Arabic numerals are used. Each page must be numbered.
Do not use letter suffixes such as 10a, 10b, etc. The Arabic numbering should begin with 1 on the
first page of the Introduction and run consecutively to the end of the thesis/dissertation at the right
top.
Tables and Figures
Follow the style for tables and figures that is standard for your discipline. The format and styles must
remain consistent throughout your thesis or dissertation.
Tables and figures should be numbered consecutively and consistently in Roman or Arabic numerals.
The numbering system must be consistent with what is listed in your List of Tables or List of Figures.
The table number should be centered and underlined. Margins for Tables and Figures must be the
same as for the rest of the manuscript.
Headings
All major headings (Introduction, Methodology, etc.) and their Roman numeral designations should
be capitalized, centered from left to right on the page, and underlined. Each major section should start
a new page.
Equations
All equations should be numbered consecutively by means of Arabic numerals placed within
parentheses at the right margin.
Footnotes and Quotations
Both footnotes and quotations should be single-spaced, using side margins 5 spaces narrower than
those used in the regular text. Footnotes which appear at the bottom of the page should be referenced
by a superscript small letter. Footnotes are inserted by double spacing after the last line of page type,
moving five spaces in from the left margin, then single-spaced below this for the beginning of the
footnote.
Bibliography
The bibliography should be single-spaced with double-spacing between entries. Follow the standard
citation format for major journals in your field and the style manual recommended by your
department.
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Photographs
When used, photographs should be clear and contrast should be sharp. Acceptable methods for
including photographs in a thesis or dissertation include scanning and dry mounting.
Scanning photographs or drawings into digital form avoids the problems of mounting images and
allows you to include the page number on the image before copying.
For mounting photographs to a page, acceptable adhesives include:
Dry mounting adhesive sheets such as: Scotch Brand #567, Perma/Mount 2 (Falcon Products), or 3M
Positionable Mounting Adhesive #568, 3M Double Sided Tape #415. (This material is sold in 1/4"
wide rolls. Two vertical strips of double-sided tape should be applied to the back left and right sides
of the photograph.)
Diagrams and Graphs
All diagrams and graphs must be printed on the same kind of paper as the rest of the thesis with black
drawing ink if done by hand, rub-on, or computer print-out, if possible. Please keep in mind some
photocopying processes reproduce in black and white only; therefore, any colors in original diagrams
will appear as gray or black. Avoid the use of pastel shades in diagrams, as these generally do not
offer enough contrast.
Some diagrams may not reproduce well if scanned or photocopied. If this is the case, an original
diagram will be required for each thesis/dissertation copy. If you dry mount photos, diagrams or
graphs yourself, be sure they are permanently fastened to the page. Do not use any of the following
methods: tape, spray adhesive, rubber cement, dry mounting corners, glue or glue sticks, tape (other
than 3M #415), staples, or transparent tape. The correct adhesives are generally sold in rolls and must
be cut to the size of the illustration. The photograph or illustration can be positioned until pressure is
applied.
Odd-sized materials, illustrations, and photographs that cannot be secured may be submitted as pocket
material. This method should be considered a last resort, since materials are not secured within the
binding and risk falling out of the bound volume.
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Formats
Traditional Format
The content of the traditional thesis/dissertation is to be assembled in the following sequence:
TITLE (Signature) Page
ABSTRACT TITLE PAGE
ABSTRACT (ii)
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS (iii)
TABLE OF CONTENTS (with page references) (iv)
LIST OF TABLES (with titles and page references) (v)
LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS (with titles and page references) (vi)
TEXT
I. INTRODUCTION
II. METHODOLOGY
III. RESULTS
IV. DISCUSSIONS
V. CONCLUSIONS
VI. RECOMMENDATIONS
VII. LITERATURE CITED
Appendix (if necessary)
Biographical Sketch of Author
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Multi-Monograph (Alternative) Format
The Multi-Monograph thesis/dissertation has at its core a set of monographs (commonly three,
but this might range from two to six) each judged by the thesis/dissertation committee to be of a
quality and form suitable for publication in the peer reviewed literature of a relevant field. In
addition, comprehensive introductory and concluding chapters are required and, when
appropriate, supplementary supporting materials are to be presented in appendices.
The purpose of the introductory chapter is to explain the background or context in which the
research is set, and to lay out its significance for the field. This chapter serves as an overview to
connect the individual monographs together. It provides an argument justifying the choice of
thesis/dissertation topic and would typically include a literature review demonstrating that the
research was needed, not yet performed by others, and has a reasonable chance of achieving its
stated objectives.
The monographs, which form the body of the thesis/dissertation, are of “publishable quality” but
they are often longer than the currently acceptable length of papers in most journals. This permits
the thesis/dissertation to serve its archival value, documenting the detailed research methods and
results more fully than journal publication will permit. The level of detail in the monographs will
be agreed upon by the candidate and the thesis/dissertation advisor and/or committee.
The thesis/dissertations concluding chapter provides the opportunity to present the broad
conclusions of the body of work because it focuses on implications for the field as a whole, rather
than simply on the next steps in the research process. In addition, this chapter presents the
necessary opportunity to discuss the interdependence of the individual monographs.
The following outline presents the format for the multi-monograph thesis/dissertation. The outline
illustrates its basic similarity to the traditional format. It differs in only minor ways, chiefly that
methods, results, references, etc. may be presented in smaller units relevant to the various aspects
of the work, rather than being collected together in single, large chapters.
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Multi-Monograph Thesis/Dissertation Format Sequence
TITLE PAGE (signature page)
ABSTRACT TITLE PAGE
ABSTRACT
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
TABLE OF CONTENTS (with page references)
LIST OF TABLES (with titles and page references)
LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS (with titles and page references)
Text: Introduction (Overall)
Body (each monograph contains the following)
METHODOLOGY
RESULTS
DISCUSSIONS
CONCLUSIONS
RECOMMENDATIONS
LITERATURE CITED
CONCLUSION (OVERALL)
Appendix
Biographical Sketch of Author
NOTE: Although formats for citations vary from journal to journal, literature cited in each
monograph must conform to that of the traditional format. Each reference must include
complete authorship, title, journal name, date of publication, volume, and inclusive page
numbers.
In either format, traditional or multi-monograph, the work must be logically connected and integrated
into a thesis/dissertation in a coherent manner. Binding reprints or collections of manuscripts together
is not acceptable as a thesis/dissertation in either form or concept. The thesis/dissertation must also
meet the requirements of the department and the University; these include originality, creativity, and
demonstration of mastery of the subject area, which are discussed further below.
When master’s/doctoral research is part of a larger collaborative project, it is crucial that an
individual student’s contribution be precisely delineated. Candidates must demonstrate the uniqueness
of their contributions and define what part of the larger project represents their own ideas and
individual efforts. The candidate should be the sole or first author on the manuscripts included in the
thesis/dissertation.
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Parts of a Thesis/Dissertation
Title (Signature) Page
The form and contents of the title page must follow the examples in this guide. Scientific formulas
and abbreviations should be avoided in titles whenever possible. The year listed on the abstract title
page is the year in which one’s degree is conferred. It may or may not be the same as the year the
manuscript is submitted.
Choose your title carefully as scholars and researchers will use keywords to search databases for
published works. The title should represent the content of your thesis/dissertation as accurately as
possible.
Abstract
The abstract should give a succinct account of the work so that readers can quickly decide if he/she
wants to read the complete thesis/dissertation. It should contain a clear statement of the
problem/issue, the procedure and/or method followed, the results, and the conclusions. Although 150
words is the maximum length allowed for a master’s thesis and 350 words for the doctoral
dissertation, all abstracts should be shorter if possible.
Diagrams and illustrations are not appropriate for the printed abstract. Remember that the abstract is
published for the convenience of potential readers who are doing research in your field. Tell them
what they can learn from reading your thesis/dissertation. Have a friend not in your field read the
abstract. If they can understand it, then all of your potential readers will probably also be able to do
so.
Acknowledgements
An acknowledgement page is optional. On this page you would note professional and personal
thanks to specific individuals for special assistance and/or permission to use previously copyrighted
material. Use care to express yourself professionally and to be consistent in your use of first or third
person references.
Table of Contents
The table of contents should list all parts of the manuscript other than the Title Page, Abstract, and
Acknowledgments, indicated in the preceding sections of the “sequence of the traditional and multi-
monograph formats” and should include the major divisions and first level of subdivisions of the
thesis. Page numbers for each heading are to be shown in a column at the right margin, headed
“Page”. It is therefore obviously not possible to prepare the Table of Contents until after the rest of
the thesis/dissertation has been typed. As with the rest of your manuscript, be consistent. Make sure
the numbering format, headings, and capitalization match exactly.
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List of Tables
This should be a complete list of all tables and the respective page number on which they appear.
List of Illustrations
This should give a complete list of all figures and the respective page numbers of all illustrations,
including photographs, maps, and charts.
Text
Introduction
This should give a statement of the problem, the motivation for the research, and its importance and
relevance. The history and literature should be reviewed with appropriate comments. It is essential to
reference all material thoroughly to avoid plagiarism.
Methodology
This section should describe the work done in enough detail so that another person in the same
academic discipline could repeat the work by following the description. Any apparatus or equipment
specially designed for the thesis/dissertation work should be described in complete detail. All
materials should be described and identified carefully. Techniques should be described thoroughly.
Results
This section will normally contain all data collected, examples of any calculations required, and
results from the data and calculations. Wherever appropriate, graphical analysis is very beneficial.
Discussion
The material covered and the method of presentation in this section will vary with the nature of the
thesis/dissertation. In general, there should be an exhaustive explanation and interpretation of all
results presented which should be related to the previously published literature in the field.
Conclusions
This section should give a concise narrative of the significant conclusions drawn from the
thesis/dissertation.
Recommendations
This section should include suggestions for future work on the thesis/dissertation topic or analogous
problems.
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Notes
The notes or footnotes may be at the bottom of pages, at the end of each chapter or at the end of the
main body of the text immediately preceding the literature cited. Use a consistent style throughout
your thesis/dissertation.
Literature Cited
Warning about PLAGIARISM:
All ideas and concepts that do not represent your original thoughts must be referenced. Direct
use of someone else’s words must be set off with quotation marks and properly referenced. Use
of another person’s ideas, even if paraphrased, or word-for-word copying of all or part of the
work of another without due acknowledgment constitutes plagiarism and is strictly prohibited.
The format for references must include: complete authorship (last name and initial of first
name), journal abbreviation, full title of the article, beginning and ending page numbers, as well
as the volume of the journal and the year when the article was published. References to books
must include the author and/or editor, the name of the book, date of publication, publisher, city of
publication, and inclusive page numbers. References to unpublished technical reports should explain
as fully as possible where the document can be found. In all cases, use appropriate abbreviations for
journal names consisting of multiple words. Never abbreviate single title journals such as Science or
Nature.
It is essential that all text references appear in the section titled “LITERATURE CITED” and that all
references listed be cited in the text.
The numerical referencing system is recommended for your thesis/dissertation. Cite the first reference
[1] or multiple references [1-4] at the end of sentence within parentheses. Abstracts do not contain
references. Subsequent references are listed as [2], [3], [4], etc. in numerical order throughout the
remainder of the text. Compile your references in numerical order at the end of your
thesis/dissertation under the heading “LITERATURE CITED.” Each reference should be single-
spaced with a double-space between references. Only materials actually cited in the text are to be
listed under the, “Literature Cited.” Additional sources used but not cited should be added under the
heading “Additional References Used But Not Cited.”
Examples of acceptable format for journal and book citations listed below.
JOURNAL:
1. Devenyi, P., Robinson, G.M. and Roncari, D.A.K. 1980.
Alcohol and high-density lipoproteins. J. Can. Med. Assoc.
123:981-984.
BOOK
2. Packard, C.J. and Shepard, J. 1983. Low density lipoprotein levels.
In: Gotto, A.M. and Paoletti, R., eds.,
Atherosclerosis reviews. Raven Press, New York,
Vol. 11, pp.29-63
3. Jones, Janice. 1987. Thermodynamics. Raven Press, New York, pp.35-48
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Appendix
Appendices are not always necessary in a thesis/dissertation. Its inclusion is largely a matter of
judgment on the part of the author and his or her advisor. It is generally used when there are materials
such as extensive data, involved derivations, and the like, which do not conveniently fit into the main
body of the thesis/dissertation. Each appendix should be a self-contained document.
Biographical Sketch of Author
The required brief biographical sketch should include the names of schools attended, the exact
designation of diplomas and degrees awarded, the title and nature of any post-collegiate employment,
together with the name and location of the employing organization, and a description of any previous
graduate study or related research, publications, or special professional interests.
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Format for a Doctoral Title (Signature) Page
A 10-MEGACYCLE CALIBRATED
PHASE SHIFTER USING A STABILIZED (14pt.)
TRANSISTOR OSCILLATOR
BY
JOHN DOE SMITH
B.S. UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN (1991) (12pt.)
M.S. UNIVERSITY OF MASSACHUSETTS LOWELL (1993)
SUBMITTED IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS
FOR THE DEGREE OF DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY
ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING (12pt.)
UNIVERSITY OF MASSACHUSETTS LOWELL
Signature of
Author: _____________________________________________Date:___________________
Signature of Dissertation Chair: ________________________________________________
Name Typed: ________________________________________________________________
Signatures of Other Dissertation Committee Members
Committee Member Signature: _________________________________________________
Name Typed: _________________________________________________________
Committee Member Signature: _________________________________________________
Name Typed: _________________________________________________________
Committee Member Signature: _________________________________________________
Name Typed: _________________________________________________________
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Format for a Master’s Title (Signature) Page
A STUDY OF THE EFFECT OF DAILY EXERCISE PROGRAMS
ON LONGEVITY OF PATIENTS (14pt.)
IN CLASS B NURSING FACILITIES
BY
MARY ANN SHANAHAN (12pt.)
B.S. BOSTON UNIVERSITY (1991)
SUBMITTED IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS
FOR THE DEGREE OF MASTER OF SCIENCE
DEPARTMENT OF NURSING (12pt.)
UNIVERSITY OF MASSACHUSETTS LOWELL
Signature of
Author:__________________________________________Date:_________________________
Signature of Thesis
Supervisor:____________________________________________________________________
Name Typed: __________________________________________________________________
Signatures of Other Thesis Committee Members:
Committee Member Signature: _________________________________________________
Name Typed: _________________________________________________________
Committee Member Signature: _________________________________________________
Name Typed: _________________________________________________________
Committee Member Signature: _________________________________________________
Name Typed: _________________________________________________________
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Format for a Doctoral Abstract Title Page
SOME AZO-TRIAZINE DYES (14pt.)
CONTAINING SILICON
BY
WILLIAM Q. JONES (12pt.)
ABSTRACT OF A DISSERTATION SUBMITTED TO THE FACULTY OF THE
DEPARTMENT OF CHEMISTRY (12pt.)
IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS
FOR THE DEGREE OF
DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY
POLYMER SCIENCE (12pt.)
UNIVERSITY OF MASSACHUSETTS LOWELL
1996
Dissertation Supervisor: Joseph F. Shea, Ph.D.
Associate Professor, Department of Chemistry
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Format for a Master’s Abstract Title Page
A SURVEY OF CLASS B NURSING FACILITIES
IN WACO, TEXAS (14pt.)
1888-1990
BY
LINDA SOUTHWORTH (12pt.)
ABSTRACT OF A THESIS SUBMITTED TO THE FACULTY OF THE
DEPARTMENT OF NURSING
IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS
FOR THE DEGREE OF (12pt.)
MASTER OF SCIENCE
UNIVERSITY OF MASSACHUSETTS LOWELL
1996
Thesis Supervisor: John S. Doe, Ph.D.
Associate Professor, Department of Nursing
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Style Manuals and Resources
American Chemical Society, Handbook for Authors. Washington, D.C. American Chemical Society
Publications, 1978.
American Institute of Physics, Style Manual: Instructions to Authors and Volume Editors for the
Preparation of AIP Book Manuscripts. 5th ed. New York: AIP, 1995.
American Management Association, The AMA Style Guide for Business Writing. New York:
AMACOM, 1996.
American Mathematical Society, The AMS Author Handbook: General Instructions for Preparing
Manuscripts. Revised ed. Providence: AMS, 1996.
American National Standards Institute, American National Standard for the Preparation of Scientific
Papers for Written or Oral Presentation. New York: ANSI, 1979.
American Psychological Association, Publication Manual of the American Psychological
Association. 5th ed. Washington, D.C. American Psychological Association, 2001.
Bates, Robert L., Rex Buchanan, and Marla Adkins-Heljeson, eds., Geowriting: A Guide to Writing,
Editing, and Printing in Earth Science. 5th ed. Alexandria: American Geological Institute, 1995.
Campbell, William G., Stephen V. Ballou, and Carol Slade, Form and Style: Theses, Reports, Term
Papers. Sixth Edition, Boston: Houghton Mifflin Co., 1982.
The Chicago Manual of Style: The Essential Guide for Writers, Editors, and Publishers. Fourteenth
Edition, Chicago: Univ. of Chicago Press. 1993.
Council of Biology Editors, Scientific Style and Format: the CBE Manual for Authors, Editors and
Publishers. 6th ed. New York: Cambridge University Press, 1994.
Dood, Janet, editor, The ACS Style Guide: A Manual for Authors and Editors. 2nd ed. Washington:
American Chemical Society, 1997.
Garner, Diane L. The Complete Guide to Citing Government Information Resources: A Manual for
Social Science and Business Research. 3rd ed. Bethesda: Congressional Information Service, 2002.
Holoman, D. Kern, editor, Writing about Music: A Style Sheet from the Editors of 19th-Century
Music. Berkeley: University of California Press, 1988.
Iverson, Cheryl, et al, American Medical Association Manual of Style: A Guide for Authors and
Editors. 9th ed. Baltimore: Williams, 1998.
Modern Language Association, MLA Handbook for Writers of Research Papers. New York: MLA,
1984.
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NEA Style Manual for Writers and Editors. Washington, D.C., National Education Association of the
United States, 1974.
Swanson, Ellen, editor, Mathematics Into Type: Copyediting and Proofreading of Mathematics for
Editorial Assistants and Authors. Cambridge, MA: MIT Press, 1971.
Turabian, Kate L., A Manual for Writers of Term Papers, Theses, and Dissertations. Sixth Edition,
Chicago: Univ. of Chicago Press, 1996. (Available on “Microsoft Word for Windows”, academic
version).
In addition to these publications, you should consult the latest appropriate reference work in your
field. If such a publication does not exist, follow the format of the leading journal in your field.
Additional Tips for Thesis and Dissertation Writers
1. It is not advisable to use software specifically designed for industrial or technical purposes to
prepare the thesis or dissertation.
2. Include your prior degrees, and the institution and the year you received them on the
signature page.
3. Include the year you are receiving a diploma for this current degree (master’s or doctorate) on
the abstract title page. Make sure you correctly note the degree you will be receiving. For
example, the correct degree title is Master of Science in Engineering, not Master’s of Science
in Engineering.
4. Begin the Table of Contents with “List of Tables…………v” and “List of
Figures………….vi” (or appropriate page number) if these tables/figures are included in your
thesis/dissertation. Otherwise, begin the Table of Contents with “Introduction…………..1.”
5. If you use colors in graphs and tables, choose colors, line styles, line widths and symbols that
are discernible after black and white copying. Lines on graphs should be identified by labels
or symbols rather than by colors.
6. Make sure that the text does not run into the page numbers on any pages of the thesis or
dissertation.
7. Use inclusive page numbers in LITERATURE CITED for both books and journal articles.
8. Before you print the entire manuscript, print a single page and double-check for accurate
margins and good quality of print.
9. Proofread your final manuscript carefully before submission. Plan enough time to read it
through several times and not necessarily in one sitting. Make sure there are no missing pages
and that all pages are numbered consecutively.

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