Rutgers University–New Brunswick Dissertation Format
The rules Rutgers University–New Brunswick 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. Body page numbers placed 1 in from right edge and 1/2 in from top; preliminary page numbers 1/2 in from bottom. |
|---|---|
| Font | One easy-to-read typeface throughout; no script or italic typefaces for main text; body 10 to 12 point. |
| Spacing | Double-space preliminary pages, appendices and all body text. Single-space footnotes, endnotes, references and bibliography. Block quotations (4+ lines of prose) single-spaced and indented five spaces from left (no right indent); verse quotations (2+ lines) single-spaced and centered. Dedication single-spaced. |
| Title Page Number | no page number (not counted; abstract begins at ii) |
| Front Matter Page Numbers | lowercase roman, centered 1/2 in from bottom, starting at ii on first abstract page |
| Body Page Numbers | arabic starting at 1 on first page of text, upper right corner (1 in from right edge, 1/2 in from top), consecutive |
| Chapter First Pages | same as body |
| Citation Style | No single style required; entries must follow one consistent style manual. Consult advisor for the preferred discipline style (APA, MLA, etc.). Footnotes at page bottom or endnotes at end of each chapter or manuscript, numbered consecutively (restart per chapter if endnotes are per chapter). |
| Copyright Page | Optional (required if registering copyright). Placed BEFORE the title page, unnumbered, centered: '©[Year]' / '[Your Name]' / 'ALL RIGHTS RESERVED'. Year = year dissertation is submitted. |
| Abstract | 350 words maximum. Heading 'ABSTRACT OF THE DISSERTATION' (or 'ABSTRACT OF THE THESIS'), then title, 'by [AUTHOR NAME IN CAPS]', then 'Dissertation Director:' / '[Name]'; text begins four spaces below director's name; double-spaced throughout; summarize problem, methods, major findings. |
| Contents Heading | TABLE OF CONTENTS |
| Chapter Headings | Each chapter/section starts on a new page; label format not prescribed (sample uses 'Introduction', 'Chapter One: [Title]' style in TOC). |
| Bibliography Heading | BIBLIOGRAPHY (alternatives allowed: Literature Cited, Works Cited, References) |
Title Page Wording
Lines from top to bottom, as the guide shows them. Words in brackets are yours to fill in. Everything centered and double-spaced, one line after another with no large gaps; signature lines (one per committee member) after 'And approved by'; place and date at foot of page.
Title capitalization: ALL CAPS (title and author name).
Front Matter Order
- Copyright Page (optional, unnumbered, before title page)
- Title Page (unnumbered)
- Abstract (begins at ii)
- Acknowledgements and/or Dedication (optional)
- Table of Contents
- List of Tables (if applicable)
- List of Figures (if applicable)
- List of Illustrations (if applicable)
- Introduction
- Chapters
- Bibliography (required)
- Appendices (optional, after bibliography)
Rules Students Often Miss
- Copyright page comes BEFORE the title page.
- Body page numbers top right, but front-matter numbers bottom center.
- Appendices come AFTER the bibliography.
- Do not include a C.V.
- Title page has committee signature lines and 'New Brunswick, New Jersey' plus conferral month (October, January or May).
- Abstract heading 'ABSTRACT OF THE DISSERTATION'.
- No running header.
- Previously published work must be acknowledged with citations in preface or acknowledgements.
What Style Guide Pro Does for You
- Builds the title page in Rutgers University–New Brunswick’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 Rutgers University–New Brunswick require?
1 inch on all sides. All margins 1 inch. Body page numbers placed 1 in from right edge and 1/2 in from top; preliminary page numbers 1/2 in from bottom.
Where do page numbers go in a Rutgers University–New Brunswick dissertation?
Front matter: lowercase roman, centered 1/2 in from bottom, starting at ii on first abstract page. Main text: arabic starting at 1 on first page of text, upper right corner (1 in from right edge, 1/2 in from top), consecutive.
What citation style does Rutgers University–New Brunswick use?
No single style required; entries must follow one consistent style manual. Consult advisor for the preferred discipline style (APA, MLA, etc.). Footnotes at page bottom or endnotes at end of each chapter or manuscript, numbered consecutively (restart per chapter if endnotes are per chapter).
Can Style Guide Pro format my Rutgers University–New Brunswick dissertation?
Yes. Choose Rutgers University–New Brunswick 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 Thesis and Dissertation Style Guide (SGS) (accessed 2026-10-29 (mirror at https://grad.rutgers.edu/node/809))
- Sample Electronic Thesis or Dissertation (full sample document) (2025-09)
- Sample doctoral title page (2024-02)
- Sample copyright page (2025-11)
- Sample abstract page (2021-07)
Summarized from Rutgers University–New Brunswick’s official guide, which School of Graduate Studies (SGS) publishes. Checked October 2026. Programs sometimes add their own rules, so confirm with your graduate school or program before you submit.