New York University Dissertation Format
The rules New York 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 four sides on every page (incl. abstract, figures, tables, appendices). Page numbers count as text: bottom margin measured from the page number to the edge; numbers at least 3/4 in. from edge. Leave at least two blank lines between last text/footnote and page number. |
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| Font | Minimum 10 pt throughout including footnotes; 12 pt requested for Times New Roman. Recommended Arial, Century Gothic, Courier (TNR, Arial, Courier New noted as screen-readable). Copyright symbol at least 12 pt. |
| Spacing | Body, Table of Contents and all lists double-spaced; entries within lists (TOC chapter subentries, individual bibliography citations) at least 1.5-spaced. Block quotations, footnotes and endnotes may be single-spaced. At least two blank lines between a heading (abstract, preface, introduction, chapter) and first line of text. Title page double-spaced. |
| Title Page Number | counted as page 1, number not shown (copyright, blank and frontispiece pages likewise counted, not numbered) |
| Front Matter Page Numbers | lowercase roman beginning on the Dedication (or first numbered front-matter page), bottom center or top center, consistent throughout |
| Body Page Numbers | arabic starting at 1 on the Introduction or Chapter 1, bottom center or top center (same location as front matter) |
| Chapter First Pages | same as body |
| Citation Style | One style manual used consistently throughout: MLA, Chicago/Turabian, or APA. Consistent labels required (e.g. choose one of 'Bibliography', 'References', 'Works Cited'). |
| Copyright Page | Optional; immediately follows title page; counted, not numbered. Use the © symbol (at least 12 pt), not the word 'copyright'. Sample: '© [Full Name]' / 'All Rights Reserved, [Year]'; year must match title page year. |
| Contents Heading | TABLE OF CONTENTS |
| Chapter Headings | 'CHAPTER 1' (all caps) per sample, with decimal-numbered section headings in sentence/mixed case (e.g. '1.1 Previous methods'); 'INTRODUCTION' and 'CONCLUSION' as all-caps headings |
| Bibliography Heading | BIBLIOGRAPHY (or References / Works Cited, used consistently); must be the final section and last TOC entry, after appendices and glossary |
Title Page Wording
Lines from top to bottom, as the guide shows them. Words in brackets are yours to fill in. Double-spaced, centered: title at top; 'by'; name; then degree statement block, department, university, date; advisor signature line (solid black line) flush right near bottom with advisor's typed name beneath.
Title capitalization: Title Case.
Front Matter Order
- Title Page (counted, unnumbered)
- Copyright Page (optional, counted, unnumbered)
- Blank Page (optional, counted, unnumbered)
- Frontispiece (optional, counted, unnumbered)
- Dedication (optional, first numbered page)
- Acknowledgments (optional)
- Preface (optional)
- Abstract (optional)
- Table of Contents
- List of Figures (if more than one figure)
- List of Tables (if more than one table)
- List of Abbreviations (if applicable)
- List of Plates (if applicable)
- List of Illustrations (if applicable)
- List of Appendices (if more than one appendix)
Rules Students Often Miss
- Title page is counted as page 1 (not i); front-matter roman numbering begins on the Dedication
- Advisor signature line on the title page
- Bibliography is the LAST section, after appendices
- Abstract is optional in the manuscript and must not repeat author/title/advisor/date
- Page numbers may be top center or bottom center; page number counts as text within the 1-in. margin
- List of Figures/Tables only required when more than one figure/table
- Optional blank page and frontispiece in front matter
- Graduation month restricted to September, January, or May
What Style Guide Pro Does for You
- Builds the title page in New York 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 New York University require?
1 inch on all sides. 1 in. on all four sides on every page (incl. abstract, figures, tables, appendices). Page numbers count as text: bottom margin measured from the page number to the edge; numbers at least 3/4 in. from edge. Leave at least two blank lines between last text/footnote and page number.
Where do page numbers go in a New York University dissertation?
Front matter: lowercase roman beginning on the Dedication (or first numbered front-matter page), bottom center or top center, consistent throughout. Main text: arabic starting at 1 on the Introduction or Chapter 1, bottom center or top center (same location as front matter).
What citation style does New York University use?
One style manual used consistently throughout: MLA, Chicago/Turabian, or APA. Consistent labels required (e.g. choose one of 'Bibliography', 'References', 'Works Cited').
Can Style Guide Pro format my New York University dissertation?
Yes. Choose New York 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
- Doctoral Dissertation Formatting Requirements (updated 2015-10-09 (still the version linked by GSAS))
- A Formatting Guide for Successful Completion of the Doctoral Dissertation (sample pages) (2015-10-09 revision (undated in body))
- Submitting Your Dissertation (current page (deadline table shows 2020-21))
Summarized from New York University’s official guide, which Graduate School of Arts and Science (GSAS), Office of Academic and Student Affairs publishes. Checked October 2026. Programs sometimes add their own rules, so confirm with your graduate school or program before you submit.