Johns Hopkins University Dissertation Format
The rules Johns Hopkins 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. 1 in. on all sides for digital-only documents; 1.5 in. on the left (binding) side if print copies will be made. Applies to all parts incl. footnotes, tables, figures, appendices. |
|---|---|
| Font | Sans serif font required (acceptable: Arial, Calibri, Helvetica; list not exhaustive). One font for all body text (headers, captions, footnotes excepted). Body text 10 pt or larger; footnotes two point sizes smaller than text and not smaller than 8 pt. Heading and figure/table label styles consistent. |
| Spacing | Main text and abstract double-spaced, except footnotes and long quotations; other elements single or double at author's discretion. |
| Title Page Number | counted as i, number hidden |
| Front Matter Page Numbers | lowercase roman, abstract begins at ii, bottom center within margins |
| Body Page Numbers | arabic starting at 1 with the Introduction/first chapter, bottom center within margins |
| Chapter First Pages | same as body (bottom center) |
| Citation Style | No required style; follow the convention of the field/department or a standard manual (e.g. Turabian's A Manual for Writers of Term Papers, Theses, and Dissertations, or the MLA Style Manual). |
| Copyright Page | No separate copyright page: optional copyright notice goes on the title page bottom ('© Year Name' / 'All Rights Reserved'), nothing else added. |
| Abstract | 350 words maximum. Double-spaced; must state problem/theory, procedure/methods, results summary, conclusions; name the reader(s) and/or advisor(s) after the body text; must be in English even if thesis is in another language. |
| Bibliography Heading | Per field convention (guide groups 'References' incl. appendices and bibliography) |
Title Page Wording
Lines from top to bottom, as the guide shows them. Words in brackets are yours to fill in. Title about 1.5 in. from top (single or double spaced); 'by' about 1 in. below title; name on next line single-spaced; statement about 1.5 in. below name; 'Baltimore, Maryland' about 0.5 in. below statement; date on next line single-spaced; optional copyright notice 1-2 in. from bottom (two single-spaced lines). All centered between margins.
Title capitalization: ALL CAPS (no special characters).
Front Matter Order
- Title Page (i, hidden)
- Abstract (required, begins page ii)
- Preface (optional: acknowledgments, quotations; each on separate page)
- Table of Contents (required)
- List of Tables (if needed)
- List of Figures (if needed)
- List of Plates (if needed)
Rules Students Often Miss
- Sans serif font required (Arial, Calibri, Helvetica) - unusual for US universities
- Body text may be as small as 10 pt; footnotes exactly 2 pt smaller than text (min 8 pt)
- Abstract must name the reader(s)/advisor(s) after its text
- Copyright notice goes on the bottom of the title page, not a separate page
- Title page always says 'Baltimore, Maryland' regardless of campus
- Every page numbered including blank pages, which must say 'Intended to be blank'; no suffix page numbers (12a)
- TOC starts with the Abstract
- Dedication/acknowledgments live within an optional 'Preface' section
What Style Guide Pro Does for You
- Builds the title page in Johns Hopkins 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 Johns Hopkins University require?
1 inch on all sides. 1 in. on all sides for digital-only documents; 1.5 in. on the left (binding) side if print copies will be made. Applies to all parts incl. footnotes, tables, figures, appendices.
Where do page numbers go in a Johns Hopkins University dissertation?
Front matter: lowercase roman, abstract begins at ii, bottom center within margins. Main text: arabic starting at 1 with the Introduction/first chapter, bottom center within margins.
What citation style does Johns Hopkins University use?
No required style; follow the convention of the field/department or a standard manual (e.g. Turabian's A Manual for Writers of Term Papers, Theses, and Dissertations, or the MLA Style Manual).
Can Style Guide Pro format my Johns Hopkins University dissertation?
Yes. Choose Johns Hopkins 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
- Electronic Theses & Dissertations: Formatting Guidelines (current, undated (accessed 2026-10))
- Electronic Theses & Dissertations (overview) (current (accessed 2026-10))
Summarized from Johns Hopkins University’s official guide. Checked October 2026. Programs sometimes add their own rules, so confirm with your graduate school or program before you submit.