Harvard University Dissertation Format
The rules Harvard 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 on all sides. 'At least 1 inch for all margins.' Page size 8.5 x 11 unless a musical score is included. |
|---|---|
| Font | 10–12 point. Fonts must be embedded in the PDF. The font used in the body must also be used in headers, page numbers, and footnotes (exception: tables/figures created with other software). Recommended-font list on guidance page includes Times New Roman among others. |
| Spacing | Body double-spaced. Block quotations, footnotes, and bibliographies: single-spaced within each entry, double-spaced between entries. Table of contents, list of tables, list of figures/illustrations, and lengthy tables may be single-spaced. |
| Title Page Number | Counted as i, number not printed (Thesis Acceptance Certificate precedes it and is neither counted nor numbered) |
| Front Matter Page Numbers | Lowercase roman (copyright page = ii, not printed; abstract = iii printed); centered, top or bottom |
| Body Page Numbers | Arabic starting at 1 on first page of text; centered at top or bottom ('Page numbers must be centered throughout the manuscript at the top or bottom'); no letter suffixes |
| Chapter First Pages | 'It is customary not to have a page number on the page containing a chapter heading.' First page of bibliography: number at bottom center, thereafter same position as rest of text. |
| Citation Style | No required style. 'In choosing an annotation or reference system, students should be guided by the practice of their discipline and the recommendations of their dissertation advisor, program, or committee.' Handbook lists optional guides: Chicago Manual of Style, MLA, APA, Turabian, Day & Gastel, Strunk. |
| Copyright Page | Required; separate page immediately after title page, counted as ii but not numbered. Wording: '© [year] [Author's Name]. All rights reserved.' Alternatively a Creative Commons license statement (then omit 'all rights reserved'). |
Title Page Wording
Lines from top to bottom, as the guide shows them. Words in brackets are yours to fill in.
Front Matter Order
- Thesis Acceptance Certificate (uncounted, unnumbered)
- Title Page (i, not shown)
- Copyright Page (ii, not shown)
- Abstract (iii)
- Table of Contents
- Front Matter (acknowledgments, dedication, list of illustrations/tables, glossary, epigraphs, if applicable)
- Body of Text
- Back Matter (appendices, bibliography, supplemental figures/tables, index)
Rules Students Often Miss
- Thesis Acceptance Certificate (signed) must be the first page of the PDF, uncounted and unnumbered
- Copyright page is required (not optional)
- Abstract page header block: author name right-justified, 'Dissertation Advisor: [Name]' left-justified, then centered title
- Page numbers must be centered (top or bottom); customary to omit number on chapter-opening pages
- Footnotes may restart per chapter or page, or run continuously, but consistently
- Supplemental figures/tables must go in an appendix at the end, never at the end of a chapter; tables/figures may not be collected at chapter end
- Figure taking a full page: caption alone on the preceding page; continued figures labeled 'Figure 5 (Continued)'
What Style Guide Pro Does for You
- Builds the title page in Harvard 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 Harvard University require?
1 inch on all sides. 'At least 1 inch for all margins.' Page size 8.5 x 11 unless a musical score is included.
Where do page numbers go in a Harvard University dissertation?
Front matter: Lowercase roman (copyright page = ii, not printed; abstract = iii printed); centered, top or bottom. Main text: Arabic starting at 1 on first page of text; centered at top or bottom ('Page numbers must be centered throughout the manuscript at the top or bottom'); no letter suffixes.
What citation style does Harvard University use?
No required style. 'In choosing an annotation or reference system, students should be guided by the practice of their discipline and the recommendations of their dissertation advisor, program, or committee.' Handbook lists optional guides: Chicago Manual of Style, MLA, APA, Turabian, Day & Gastel, Strunk.
Can Style Guide Pro format my Harvard University dissertation?
Yes. Choose Harvard 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
- Harvard Griffin GSAS Handbook for Students 2026–2027 (Dissertations: Formatting; Acknowledging the Work of Self and Others) (2026-07 (AY 2026–2027))
- Dissertation Formatting Guidance (best practices resource) (undated web page, accessed 2026-10)
Summarized from Harvard University’s official guide. Checked October 2026. Programs sometimes add their own rules, so confirm with your graduate school or program before you submit.