Northwestern University Dissertation Format
The rules Northwestern 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. Page numbers, figures, headers/footers, footnotes/endnotes, and full-page images may be 3/4 in from edge. US Letter (not A4). |
|---|---|
| Font | Any legible font except script or ornamental; embedded; size equivalent to 10 pt Arial or 12 pt Times New Roman. |
| Spacing | Double-spaced: abstract, dedication, acknowledgements, table of contents, body. Single-spacing allowed for block quotations, captions, table items, lists, graphs/charts, footnotes/endnotes, bibliographic entries, appendix lists. |
| Title Page Number | Counted as page 1, not numbered |
| Front Matter Page Numbers | Arabic (no roman numerals), numbering begins on second page with 2; upper right corner, at least 3/4 in from top and right edges |
| Body Page Numbers | Arabic, consecutive; upper right corner, at least 3/4 in from top and right edges |
| Chapter First Pages | Same as body (every page except title page is numbered) |
| Citation Style | References required; must follow an approved style manual (not named), consult adviser, committee, and program. References may be at bottom of pages or end of text, but not at end of each chapter. |
| Copyright Page | Optional; own page immediately after title page. Template wording: '© Copyright by [Name] [Year]' / 'All Rights Reserved'. |
| Contents Heading | Table of Contents |
| Bibliography Heading | References (per template and required section name) |
Title Page Wording
Lines from top to bottom, as the guide shows them. Words in brackets are yours to fill in. University name at top; gap; title; gap; degree statement block (A DISSERTATION through Program Name); gap; By / name; gap; EVANSTON, ILLINOIS / month year at bottom. Follow sample template.
Title capitalization: Title Case (mixed case: capitalize first/last words and major words; lowercase articles, coordinating conjunctions, prepositions).
Front Matter Order
- Title Page
- Copyright Page (optional)
- Abstract
- Acknowledgment (optional)
- Preface (optional)
- List of Abbreviations (required if significant use)
- Glossary (optional)
- Dedication (optional)
- Table of Contents
- List of Tables, Illustrations, Figures, or Graphs
- Introduction (optional)
Rules Students Often Miss
- Page numbers in UPPER RIGHT corner
- Arabic numbering throughout, title page is 1 (unnumbered), front matter starts at 2; no roman numerals
- Dedication comes late in front matter (after glossary, just before TOC)
- References may not be placed at the end of each chapter
- Title page starts with 'NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY' and ends with 'EVANSTON, ILLINOIS' and conferral month
- Non-English dissertations need a 10–20 page English summary appendix
- Vita optional but recommended at end
What Style Guide Pro Does for You
- Builds the title page in Northwestern 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 Northwestern University require?
1 inch on all sides. Page numbers, figures, headers/footers, footnotes/endnotes, and full-page images may be 3/4 in from edge. US Letter (not A4).
Where do page numbers go in a Northwestern University dissertation?
Front matter: Arabic (no roman numerals), numbering begins on second page with 2; upper right corner, at least 3/4 in from top and right edges. Main text: Arabic, consecutive; upper right corner, at least 3/4 in from top and right edges.
What citation style does Northwestern University use?
References required; must follow an approved style manual (not named), consult adviser, committee, and program. References may be at bottom of pages or end of text, but not at end of each chapter.
Can Style Guide Pro format my Northwestern University dissertation?
Yes. Choose Northwestern 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 Formatting Requirements (undated web page, accessed 2026-10)
- Dissertation formatting PDF template (undated (example date June 2022))
- Dissertation formatting Word template (undated)
Summarized from Northwestern University’s official guide, which The Graduate School (TGS) publishes. Checked October 2026. Programs sometimes add their own rules, so confirm with your graduate school or program before you submit.