National University Dissertation Format
The rules National 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. Template sections set to 1 in. on all sides (header/footer 0.5 in.); no binding margin. |
|---|---|
| Font | Times New Roman 12 pt throughout (template checklist: 'Use 12-point and Times New Roman font'). |
| Spacing | Double-spaced body (Normal style line 480); body paragraphs first-line indent 0.5 in. Abstract double-spaced, block format (not indented). Title page lines are single-spaced with blank lines between groups. TOC entries single-spaced with 12 pt before/after. |
| Title Page Number | no page number shown (separate section; front matter numbering restarts at i on the Abstract) |
| Front Matter Page Numbers | lowercase roman, centered in footer, for all pages before Chapter 1 (Abstract starts at i) |
| Body Page Numbers | arabic starting at 1 on first page of Chapter 1, upper right in header |
| Chapter First Pages | same as body (upper right) |
| Citation Style | APA 7 (template 'formatted to current APA standards'; reviews check 'most recent version of APA'); students must use the official NU template for their school/program. |
| Copyright Page | Not included in the template. |
| Abstract | 350 words maximum. Heading 'Abstract' centered bold; block format, double-spaced, not indented, no breaks; strive for one page; no citations, avoid abbreviations; include problem, purpose, method, results, conclusions/recommendations. |
| Contents Heading | Table of Contents |
| Chapter Headings | APA Level 1, centered, bold, one line: 'Chapter 1: Introduction', 'Chapter 2: Literature Review', 'Chapter 3: Research Method', 'Chapter 4: Findings', 'Chapter 5: Discussion, Recommendations, and Study Summary' |
| Bibliography Heading | References (APA Level 1); appendices titled 'Appendix A: [Name]' as Level 1 |
Title Page Wording
Lines from top to bottom, as the guide shows them. Words in brackets are yours to fill in. Title starts two single spaces (one double space) from top of page. Template blank single-spaced lines: 4 after title; 3 after 'Dissertation XXX'; 1 between each of 'Submitted to National University' / school / 'in Partial Fulfillment of the' / 'Requirements for the Degree of' / degree; 3 after degree; 1 between 'by' and name; ~10 after name; then 'San Diego, California' and 'Month Year'. All centered, single-spaced (Subtitle style).
Title capitalization: Title Case for title (bold; capitalize all words except articles and prepositions; 10-15 words); degree line in ALL CAPS ('DOCTOR OF XXX'); name shown as 'NAME' placeholder.
Front Matter Order
- Title Page
- Abstract (manuscript only)
- Acknowledgments (optional, manuscript only)
- Table of Contents
- List of Tables
- List of Figures
Rules Students Often Miss
- Fixed five-chapter structure with prescribed chapter titles and required subsection headings (e.g. 'Statement of the Problem', 'Purpose of the Study')
- Title page says 'San Diego, California' and month/year at bottom; degree in all caps
- Abstract (max 350 words) and Acknowledgments appear only in the final manuscript, not the proposal
- Front matter roman numbering starts at i on the Abstract (title page in its own unnumbered section)
- Applied doctorates (e.g. EdD in Sanford College) use a separate Applied Doctoral Proposal/Manuscript (ADP/ADM) template; PhD-CS and PhD-Data Science have their own templates
- Former Northcentral University (NCU) dissertation templates are now hosted in the NU Doctoral Center
What Style Guide Pro Does for You
- Builds the title page in National 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 National University require?
1 inch on all sides. Template sections set to 1 in. on all sides (header/footer 0.5 in.); no binding margin.
Where do page numbers go in a National University dissertation?
Front matter: lowercase roman, centered in footer, for all pages before Chapter 1 (Abstract starts at i). Main text: arabic starting at 1 on first page of Chapter 1, upper right in header.
What citation style does National University use?
APA 7 (template 'formatted to current APA standards'; reviews check 'most recent version of APA'); students must use the official NU template for their school/program.
Can Style Guide Pro format my National University dissertation?
Yes. Choose National 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
- Dissertation Proposal and Dissertation Manuscript Template and Guide (DSE DP and DM Template) (Version: July 2025)
- Doctoral Student Experience (DSE) Manual (July 2025)
- Doctoral Center: Templates and Resources by Program (COBET / SCOE pages) (page last updated 2026-06-08)
- NU ASC FAQ: Where do I find the dissertation templates? (NCU resources) (2022-12-02)
Summarized from National University’s official guide. Checked October 2026. Programs sometimes add their own rules, so confirm with your graduate school or program before you submit.