The Ohio State University Dissertation Format
The rules the Ohio State 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. All margins 1 inch. Left margin 1.5 inches recommended only if you want a personally bound copy. A 2-inch top margin is recommended (aesthetic, not required) on pages with a major heading (title page, chapter/major section titles, preliminary pages, abstract, appendices, references); required minimum for major headings is 1 inch. List of Tables/Figures headings described as 'placed at the two-inch margin'; first page of each appendix shown 2 inches down in the sample. Page number sits above the 1-inch bottom margin (may need footer 1 inch and bottom margin 1.3-1.5 inch). |
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| Font | Readable font, 10 to 12 point, consistent throughout. Captions, endnotes, footnotes and long quotations may be slightly smaller if readable. |
| Spacing | Double spacing preferred; 1.5 spacing acceptable for long documents. Single spacing recommended for bibliography entries, long quotations, long endnotes/footnotes and long captions; double space between bibliography entries recommended. Three single-spaced (or two double-spaced) blank lines between text and an illustration. |
| Title Page Number | Technically page i but no number shown. Copyright page also unnumbered. Frontispiece (if any) neither counted nor numbered. |
| Front Matter Page Numbers | Lowercase roman numerals, bottom center; numbering begins on the first page of the Abstract, which may be i or ii. |
| Body Page Numbers | Arabic numerals starting at 1, bottom center, continuing consecutively through references and appendices. |
| Chapter First Pages | Same as body (bottom center); every page except title and copyright pages is numbered. |
| Citation Style | Candidates are free to select a style suitable to their discipline as long as it complies with Graduate School format guidelines; Graduate School guidelines take precedence over the style manual; style must be consistent throughout. |
| Copyright Page | Required, immediately after the title page, no page number. Centered notice: 'Copyright by [Full Name] [Year]' (the 2017 sample sets it as three lines 'Copyright by' / '[Full Name]' / '[Year]' in the lower part of the page). |
| Abstract | 500 words maximum. Heading 'Abstract' centered, no punctuation, at least 1 inch from top; text begins four spaces below the heading; all lines double spaced (sample). Sample pages say a maximum of 500 words is recommended; OhioLINK submission requires a separate abstract with a 500-word limit. Must be in English. |
| Contents Heading | Table of Contents |
| Chapter Headings | Chapters numbered and titled on one line, e.g. 'Chapter 1: Introduction', centered, at least 1-inch top margin (2 inches recommended), Title Case recommended. |
| Bibliography Heading | Student's choice; 'References' or 'Bibliography' most common. Centered, at least 1 inch from top; listed in TOC. |
Title Page Wording
Lines from top to bottom, as the guide shows them. Words in brackets are yours to fill in. 1-inch top margin; title at top; gap; document type ('Dissertation', 'Thesis', or 'D.M.A. Document'); gap; two-line degree statement; gap; 'By'; name with last degree; 'Graduate Program in ...'; gap; 'The Ohio State University' then year; gap; committee block at bottom (members separated by blank lines in sample). All centered.
Title capitalization: Title Case (recommended; sample labelled 'Mixed Case, Title format').
Front Matter Order
- Frontispiece (optional, no heading, not counted)
- Title Page (required)
- Copyright Page (required)
- Abstract (required)
- Dedication (optional)
- Acknowledgments (optional, strongly recommended)
- Vita (required)
- Table of Contents (required)
- List of Tables / List of Figures / other illustration lists (if applicable)
- Body (chapters)
- Bibliography/References (required, complete, at end of document before appendices)
- Appendices (if applicable)
Rules Students Often Miss
- A Vita (biographical sketch, publications, 'Fields of Study' with 'Major Field: [Program]') is REQUIRED in the front matter, placed before the Table of Contents.
- Abstract comes right after the copyright page, before dedication and acknowledgments.
- A complete bibliography is required at the END of the document even if references appear at the end of each chapter, and it precedes the appendices.
- Committee names (adviser marked ', Adviser') and candidate's prior degree initials appear on the title page.
- Title page uses 'By' (capital B) and 'Graduate Program in [Program]'.
- First front-matter number may be i or ii (student's choice).
- Font size range 10-12 pt allowed.
- Appendix headings 'Appendix A: Title'; a half-title page may begin an appendix if the 2-inch margin interferes.
What Style Guide Pro Does for You
- Builds the title page in Ohio State 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 Ohio State University require?
1 inch on all sides. All margins 1 inch. Left margin 1.5 inches recommended only if you want a personally bound copy. A 2-inch top margin is recommended (aesthetic, not required) on pages with a major heading (title page, chapter/major section titles, preliminary pages, abstract, appendices, references); required minimum for major headings is 1 inch. List of Tables/Figures headings described as 'placed at the two-inch margin'; first page of each appendix shown 2 inches down in the sample. Page number sits above the 1-inch bottom margin (may need footer 1 inch and bottom margin 1.3-1.5 inch).
Where do page numbers go in a Ohio State University dissertation?
Front matter: Lowercase roman numerals, bottom center; numbering begins on the first page of the Abstract, which may be i or ii.. Main text: Arabic numerals starting at 1, bottom center, continuing consecutively through references and appendices.
What citation style does Ohio State University use?
Candidates are free to select a style suitable to their discipline as long as it complies with Graduate School format guidelines; Graduate School guidelines take precedence over the style manual; style must be consistent throughout.
Can Style Guide Pro format my Ohio State University dissertation?
Yes. Choose Ohio State 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
- Formatting Guidelines For Theses, Dissertations, and DMA Documents (web page) (undated (references Spring 2023 accessibility rules; accessed 2026-10-29))
- The Ohio State University Format Guidelines Sample Pages (hosted by OSU Center for the Study and Teaching of Writing; Graduate School link now 404) (2017)
- Graduate Dissertations and Theses Templates (OSU login required, not reviewed) (n/a)
Summarized from The Ohio State University’s official guide, which Graduate School (Graduation Services / Format Review) publishes. Checked October 2026. Programs sometimes add their own rules, so confirm with your graduate school or program before you submit.