University of Colorado Boulder Dissertation Format
The rules University of Colorado Boulder 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 inch from all edges; right edge justified or ragged. Oversized tables/figures may extend slightly into margins if they cannot be reduced. |
|---|---|
| Font | Sans serif font accessible to screen readers (guide lists Times New Roman, Calibri, Aptos as examples, though Times is serif). Consistent type size across body, captions and table titles; no point size specified. Underline for links only; unusual type styles need advance approval. |
| Title Page Number | counted (every page assigned a number); display on title page optional |
| Front Matter Page Numbers | Option 1: lowercase roman (title page through lists), sample shows bottom center; abstract is page ii |
| Body Page Numbers | Option 1: arabic starting at 1 on first page of text, continuing through bibliography and appendix; Option 2: arabic on all pages from first to last. Sample shows bottom center. |
| Chapter First Pages | numbered; number display optional on chapter first pages |
| Citation Style | No single style mandated; consult department about a style guide (examples MLA, APA, Turabian). Three permitted reference methods: footnotes (page bottom or chapter end), author-year citations, or numbered bibliography. A bibliography is required even when notes are used. |
| Copyright Page | Not described; guide notes ProQuest inserts an extra page denoting author copyright. Not in required page order. |
| Contents Heading | CONTENTS (sample) |
| Chapter Headings | Each chapter begins on a new page. Sample: 'CHAPTER I' centered, then title in ALL CAPS centered (e.g., 'INTRODUCTION'). |
| Bibliography Heading | Bibliography, Selected Bibliography, or References (sample TOC: 'BIBLIOGRAPHY') |
Title Page Wording
Lines from top to bottom, as the guide shows them. Words in brackets are yours to fill in. Per sample: title, 'by', name and prior degrees grouped at top (centered); 4 blank lines; submission statement through year (centered, single block); blank; 'Committee Members:' and names right-aligned at bottom.
Title capitalization: ALL CAPS (sample).
Front Matter Order
- Title Page (required)
- Abstract (required)
- Dedication (optional)
- Acknowledgments (optional)
- Table of Contents (required), with Lists of Tables/Figures/Maps/Photos (optional, in TOC or separate pages)
- Introduction/Preface (optional, roman or arabic)
- Glossary (optional, last front-matter page or as appendix)
- Text
- Bibliography / Selected Bibliography / References (required; after text or after each chapter)
- Appendix (optional)
Rules Students Often Miss
- Two pagination options allowed: roman front matter + arabic body, or arabic throughout.
- Abstract header block includes name, degree initials, department, title and 'Thesis directed by'.
- Title page lists prior degrees and committee members (right-aligned in sample); statement says 'thesis' for both degrees.
- Lists of tables/figures may be inside the TOC.
- Sans serif accessible font requested (guide text internally inconsistent).
- Thesis Approval Form (TAF) uploaded as a supplemental file, not bound in the document.
- Accessibility: alt text, programmatic headings, real tables required.
What Style Guide Pro Does for You
- Builds the title page in University of Colorado Boulder’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 Colorado Boulder require?
1 inch on all sides. 1 inch from all edges; right edge justified or ragged. Oversized tables/figures may extend slightly into margins if they cannot be reduced.
Where do page numbers go in a University of Colorado Boulder dissertation?
Front matter: Option 1: lowercase roman (title page through lists), sample shows bottom center; abstract is page ii. Main text: Option 1: arabic starting at 1 on first page of text, continuing through bibliography and appendix; Option 2: arabic on all pages from first to last. Sample shows bottom center.
What citation style does University of Colorado Boulder use?
No single style mandated; consult department about a style guide (examples MLA, APA, Turabian). Three permitted reference methods: footnotes (page bottom or chapter end), author-year citations, or numbered bibliography. A bibliography is required even when notes are used.
Can Style Guide Pro format my University of Colorado Boulder dissertation?
Yes. Choose University of Colorado Boulder 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
- Specifications for Preparation of Master's Theses & Doctoral Dissertations (Revised 2018, 2023, 2026)
- Sample formatted thesis/dissertation pages (.docx) (undated (sample shows 2015))
- Thesis & Dissertation Templates (accessed 2026-10-29)
Summarized from University of Colorado Boulder’s official guide, which The Graduate School publishes. Checked October 2026. Programs sometimes add their own rules, so confirm with your graduate school or program before you submit.