University of California, Berkeley Dissertation Format
The rules University of California, Berkeley 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 manuscript material including headers, footers, tables, illustrations at least 1 inch from edges; page numbers at least 3/4 inch from the edges. Page size 8.5 x 11 (larger requires prior approval). |
|---|---|
| Font | Basic text non-italic typeface, 12 pt or larger, used consistently; footnotes, figures, captions, tables, charts, graphs 8 pt or larger. Body text must be black. Italics allowed for quotations, foreign words, emphasis, book titles, captions, footnotes. A different font may be used for appendices, charts, drawings, graphs, and tables. |
| Spacing | Single-spaced throughout, including abstract, dedication, acknowledgments, and introduction. On the abstract page only the biographical (heading) information is double-spaced. |
| Title Page Number | Not counted, not numbered |
| Front Matter Page Numbers | Abstract numbered separately in arabic starting at 1; remaining preliminary pages (after abstract) lowercase roman starting at i. Position: upper right, lower right, or bottom center (student choice, consistent), at least 3/4 inch from edges. Copyright page not counted or numbered. |
| Body Page Numbers | Arabic starting again at 1, consecutive through illustrations, references, bibliography and appendices; upper right, lower right, or bottom center, consistent throughout (same position on landscape pages) |
| Chapter First Pages | Same as body (consistent position) |
| Citation Style | Not prescribed by the Graduate Division; the sample dissertation describes citation style as an area of individual discretion. Previously published material must be acknowledged as established for the discipline. |
| Copyright Page | Required as either a copyright page or a blank page; not counted or numbered. Sample wording: '[Title]' / 'Copyright © [Year]' / 'By' / '[Name]'. |
| Contents Heading | Table of Contents |
| Chapter Headings | Per sample dissertation: 'Chapter 1' on one line, then 'Chapter Title' on a following line (title case). Not a stated requirement. |
| Bibliography Heading | Not prescribed; sample uses 'References' and/or 'Bibliography' |
Title Page Wording
Lines from top to bottom, as the guide shows them. Words in brackets are yours to fill in. Line breaks must match the sample exactly. Title at top; gap; 'By' and name; gap; degree statement block (lines 'A dissertation submitted...' through 'University of California, Berkeley'); gap; 'Committee in charge:' with committee list (chair or each Co-Chair on its own line first); gap; semester and year at bottom. Centered.
Title capitalization: Title Case (mixed capitalization required; no bold anywhere on title page).
Front Matter Order
- Title Page
- Copyright Page (or blank page)
- Abstract
- Dedication (optional)
- Table of Contents
- List of Figures / Tables / Symbols
- Preface or Introduction (optional)
- Acknowledgments (optional)
- Curriculum Vitae (optional)
Rules Students Often Miss
- Whole manuscript must be SINGLE-spaced (including abstract, dedication, acknowledgments)
- Abstract numbered in arabic starting at 1, then preliminary pages restart at roman i, then main text restarts at arabic 1 (two pages numbered '1')
- Page number position may be upper right, lower right, or bottom center (consistent)
- Title page lists 'Committee in charge:' with 'Professor' before every member name
- Semester and year (Fall/Spring/Summer) on title page rather than year only
- Title page wording uses 'partial satisfaction' and 'in the Graduate Division of the University of California, Berkeley'
- Preliminary pages after the abstract may appear in any order
- No bold text allowed on title page
What Style Guide Pro Does for You
- Builds the title page in University of California, Berkeley’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 University of California, Berkeley require?
1 inch on all sides. All manuscript material including headers, footers, tables, illustrations at least 1 inch from edges; page numbers at least 3/4 inch from the edges. Page size 8.5 x 11 (larger requires prior approval).
Where do page numbers go in a University of California, Berkeley dissertation?
Front matter: Abstract numbered separately in arabic starting at 1; remaining preliminary pages (after abstract) lowercase roman starting at i. Position: upper right, lower right, or bottom center (student choice, consistent), at least 3/4 inch from edges. Copyright page not counted or numbered.. Main text: Arabic starting again at 1, consecutive through illustrations, references, bibliography and appendices; upper right, lower right, or bottom center, consistent throughout (same position on landscape pages).
What citation style does University of California, Berkeley use?
Not prescribed by the Graduate Division; the sample dissertation describes citation style as an area of individual discretion. Previously published material must be acknowledged as established for the discipline.
Can Style Guide Pro format my University of California, Berkeley dissertation?
Yes. Choose University of California, Berkeley 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 Writing and Filing - Berkeley Graduate Division (page modified 2026-09-09 (formatting rules 'as of April 2026'))
- Sample Title Page (Google Doc linked from Graduate Division) (accessed 2026-10-29)
- Sample Abstract Page (Google Doc linked from Graduate Division) (accessed 2026-10-29)
- Sample Dissertation (Google Doc linked from Graduate Division) (accessed 2026-10-29)
Summarized from University of California, Berkeley’s official guide, which Graduate Division publishes. Checked October 2026. Programs sometimes add their own rules, so confirm with your graduate school or program before you submit.