University of Wisconsin–Madison Dissertation Format
The rules University of Wisconsin–Madison 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 number in the upper right-hand corner at least 0.5 inch from the top and 1 inch from the side (preliminary-pages rule says 1 inch from top and side). No page headers (other than page numbers) or decorative borders. |
|---|---|
| Font | At least 12 point type. Footnotes/endnotes and graphic labels may be one size smaller but legible; superscripts/subscripts one size smaller. |
| Spacing | Main text double-spaced. Lengthy quotations, footnotes/endnotes, and bibliographies may be single-spaced with a double space (extra space) between entries or paragraphs. Appendices may be single-spaced. Equations isolated with double spacing. Title page text double-spaced. |
| Title Page Number | Not numbered (not counted; preliminary numbering begins at i). |
| Front Matter Page Numbers | Lowercase roman numerals beginning with i, upper right corner (1 inch from top and side). Copyright page not numbered. |
| Body Page Numbers | Arabic numerals beginning with 1 at the start of the main text, upper right corner, same position as preliminary pages; appendices continue the arabic sequence. |
| Chapter First Pages | Same as body: upper right (no exception stated). |
| Citation Style | Bibliography should meet the major program's style requirements; footnote/endnote placement per program preference. No Graduate School-mandated style. |
| Copyright Page | Optional; placed after the title page; unnumbered. Centered in the bottom third of the page within margins, two lines: '© Copyright by [Full Name] [Year degree awarded]' / 'All Rights Reserved'. |
| Abstract | 350 words maximum. 350 words is the preferred maximum for the separate ProQuest/UMI abstract (must be in English); in-document abstract follows program style. |
Title Page Wording
Lines from top to bottom, as the guide shows them. Words in brackets are yours to fill in. Upper block (title through year) is vertically and horizontally centered and double-spaced, with additional space after the title and after the name. Lower block left-aligned: 'Date of final oral examination:' + tab + date; a paragraph space; approval sentence; committee members each on one line, indented, single-spaced in sample.
Title capitalization: Title Case (sample); 'UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN–MADISON' must be all caps..
Front Matter Order
- Title Page
- Copyright Page (optional)
- Preliminary pages (dedication, acknowledgments, table of contents, abstract) - order not specified
- Main text
- Appendices
- Bibliography (placement per program)
Rules Students Often Miss
- ALL page numbers (front matter and body, including chapter first pages) go in the UPPER RIGHT corner.
- Title page includes the date of the final oral examination (MM/DD/YYYY) and the Final Oral Committee list with titles and departments.
- University name on title page in ALL CAPS: 'UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN–MADISON'; title page lines double-spaced.
- Copyright page has a second line 'All Rights Reserved' and sits in the bottom third.
- No running headers or decorative borders allowed.
- Published articles in the Appendix may keep their original format.
- Landscape pages must keep page numbers in portrait position.
- Digital accessibility (headings, alt text, contrast, table structure) required; ADA requirements effective April 26, 2027.
What Style Guide Pro Does for You
- Builds the title page in University of Wisconsin–Madison’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 Wisconsin–Madison require?
1 inch on all sides. Page number in the upper right-hand corner at least 0.5 inch from the top and 1 inch from the side (preliminary-pages rule says 1 inch from top and side). No page headers (other than page numbers) or decorative borders.
Where do page numbers go in a University of Wisconsin–Madison dissertation?
Front matter: Lowercase roman numerals beginning with i, upper right corner (1 inch from top and side). Copyright page not numbered.. Main text: Arabic numerals beginning with 1 at the start of the main text, upper right corner, same position as preliminary pages; appendices continue the arabic sequence.
What citation style does University of Wisconsin–Madison use?
Bibliography should meet the major program's style requirements; footnote/endnote placement per program preference. No Graduate School-mandated style.
Can Style Guide Pro format my University of Wisconsin–Madison dissertation?
Yes. Choose University of Wisconsin–Madison 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
- Completing Your Doctoral Degree: Guide to Preparing your Doctoral Dissertation (Formatting requirements) (accessed 2026-10-29 (page (c) 2026))
- Guide to Preparing your Doctoral Dissertation (PDF checklist) (2026-07)
- Sample PhD title page (2026)
- Sample copyright page (2026)
Summarized from University of Wisconsin–Madison’s official guide, which Graduate School (Doctoral Degree Coordinator) publishes. Checked October 2026. Programs sometimes add their own rules, so confirm with your graduate school or program before you submit.