Cornell University Dissertation Format
The rules Cornell University sets for thesis or dissertation, summarized from the official guide, plus a formatter that applies them to your Word file for you.
Try It Free on Your Paper →The Rules at a Glance
| Margins | 1 inch top, 1.1 inch right, 1 inch bottom, 1.6 inch left. Requirement: 'Margins should be at least 1 inch with page numbers at least 3/4 inch from the edge of the page.' The official templates use 1.6 in left and 1.1 in right (values above reflect templates; minimum is 1 in all sides). Letter size only (A4 not allowed); 11x17 allowed for large tables/illustrations. |
|---|---|
| Font | Embedded, 11-point or larger (applies to all text including captions, footnotes, citations; smaller may be appropriate for footnotes or material outside main text). Black recommended. |
| Spacing | Double-spaced, except quotations as paragraphs, captions, lists, graphs, charts, footnotes/endnotes, bibliographic entries, items within tables, and lists in appendices (single-spaced within entries allowed). Lengthy tables may be single-spaced. Bibliography: 24 pt between entries. TOC often single-spaced. |
| Title Page Number | Counted (as i), number not typed |
| Front Matter Page Numbers | Lowercase roman: copyright page counted (ii) not typed; abstract neither counted nor numbered; biographical sketch iii; dedication iv; acknowledgements v; table of contents vi; lists vii…; preface follows |
| Body Page Numbers | Arabic starting at 1; at least 3/4 in from page edge (position not prescribed) |
| Chapter First Pages | Same as body |
| Citation Style | No single style mandated; Graduate School recommends following the standards of the field's journals. Bibliography heading may be BIBLIOGRAPHY, REFERENCES, or WORKS CITED. |
| Copyright Page | Required. Sole item on page, centered vertically and horizontally: '© [year of conferral] [Primary or Preferred Name]'. No heading. Counted (ii), not numbered. |
| Abstract | 350 words maximum. Doctoral: heading block centered about 1.1 in from top, 'TITLE OF DISSERTATION' / '[Name], Ph.D.' / 'Cornell University [year of conferral]', text begins on same page; usually not over 350 words, no more than two pages. Master's: heading 'ABSTRACT' only, ~600 words. |
| Contents Heading | TABLE OF CONTENTS |
| Bibliography Heading | BIBLIOGRAPHY, REFERENCES, or WORKS CITED (all caps, new page) |
Title Page Wording
Lines from top to bottom, as the guide shows them. Words in brackets are yours to fill in. Title in all caps about 1.5 in from top; gap; five-line degree statement; gap; 'by' and name; gap; month year (May, August, or December; no comma).
Title capitalization: ALL CAPS (title); remaining lines as written.
Front Matter Order
- Title Page
- Copyright Page
- Abstract
- Biographical Sketch
- Dedication (optional)
- Acknowledgements
- Table of Contents
- List of Figures (optional)
- List of Illustrations (optional)
- List of Tables (optional)
- Preface (optional)
Rules Students Often Miss
- Abstract is neither counted nor numbered (pagination jumps from uncounted abstract to biographical sketch at iii)
- Biographical Sketch (third person) is required, placed right after the abstract
- Acknowledgements required
- Copyright page required
- Doctoral abstract header carries title, '[Name], Ph.D.', and 'Cornell University [year]' instead of an 'ABSTRACT' heading
- Templates use 1.6 in left / 1.1 in right margins
- 11 pt minimum font
What Style Guide Pro Does for You
- Builds the title page in Cornell University’s wording, order, and spacing.
- Sets the margins and puts page numbers where the guide asks, with roman numerals in the front matter when required.
- Builds the contents page with dot leaders and the real page numbers filled in.
- Styles every heading level, block quotation, footnote, and bibliography entry.
- Gives you a short list of what only you can fix, like signature pages.
- Formatting software only. It never writes or rewrites a word of your paper.
Format Your Dissertation in About a Minute
Pick your school, drop in your Word file or PDF, and see your own title page done to these rules before you pay. Your paper never leaves your computer.
Common Questions
What margins does Cornell University require?
1 inch top, 1.1 inch right, 1 inch bottom, 1.6 inch left. Requirement: 'Margins should be at least 1 inch with page numbers at least 3/4 inch from the edge of the page.' The official templates use 1.6 in left and 1.1 in right (values above reflect templates; minimum is 1 in all sides). Letter size only (A4 not allowed); 11x17 allowed for large tables/illustrations.
Where do page numbers go in a Cornell University dissertation?
Front matter: Lowercase roman: copyright page counted (ii) not typed; abstract neither counted nor numbered; biographical sketch iii; dedication iv; acknowledgements v; table of contents vi; lists vii…; preface follows. Main text: Arabic starting at 1; at least 3/4 in from page edge (position not prescribed).
What citation style does Cornell University use?
No single style mandated; Graduate School recommends following the standards of the field's journals. Bibliography heading may be BIBLIOGRAPHY, REFERENCES, or WORKS CITED.
Can Style Guide Pro format my Cornell University dissertation?
Yes. Choose Cornell University when you upload your Word file or PDF. Style Guide Pro rebuilds it with the title page, margins, page numbers, contents, headings, footnotes, and bibliography laid out the way the guide asks, then lists anything only you can fix. You can preview your own title page free before you pay.
Sources
- Formatting Requirements (Thesis and Dissertation) (page modified 2021-09-10, accessed 2026-10)
- Required Sections, Guidelines, and Suggestions (accessed 2026-10)
- Thesis and Dissertation Templates (LaTeX updated 2026-09; Word templates 2018)
Summarized from Cornell University’s official guide, which The Graduate School (Ithaca) publishes. Checked October 2026. Programs sometimes add their own rules, so confirm with your graduate school or program before you submit.