Vanderbilt University Dissertation Format
The rules Vanderbilt 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. Range rule: each margin minimum 0.5 in and maximum 1 in (top measured from page edge to top of first text line). 1 in shown as the maximum allowed. Right margin may be justified or ragged. |
|---|---|
| Font | One standard font consistently; 10 to 12 point for all text including titles and headings. Point size may change in tables, figures, captions, footnotes, appendices; imported charts may use other fonts. Italics for book/journal titles, foreign terms, scientific terms; bold for emphasis/headings in moderation. |
| Spacing | Entire text may be single, 1.5, or double spaced. Block quotations, footnotes, endnotes, captions, multi-line titles and individual reference entries may be single-spaced. Two enters after chapter numbers, chapter titles and major section titles; two enters before first- and second-level headings; one enter after sub-level headings; two enters before/after embedded tables and figures. |
| Title Page Number | counted as i, number not shown |
| Front Matter Page Numbers | lowercase roman, centered about 1/2 in from bottom (copyright page shows ii in 2026 template) |
| Body Page Numbers | arabic starting at 1 on first page of text (or Introduction), centered about 1/2 in from bottom, consecutive to end |
| Chapter First Pages | same as body (bottom center) |
| Citation Style | No citation style specified; Graduate School guidelines (not other style manuals) are the final authority on format. Reference list titled 'References' is required; may be at end of each chapter or end of document for multi-part/article formats per disciplinary custom. |
| Copyright Page | Optional (Ph.D. only). 2026 template: centered 'Copyright © [Year] [Full Legal Name]' / 'All Rights Reserved', numbered ii. |
| Abstract | 350 words maximum. Dissertation max 350 words including title (thesis 250). Abstract template says minimum 250, maximum 350. Format: major in caps at top right ('[MAJOR]'), centered title, centered name, 'Dissertation under the direction of Professor [Name]', text double-spaced, then 'Approved ____ Date ____' with advisor signature. English required. |
| Contents Heading | TABLE OF CONTENTS |
| Chapter Headings | Each chapter begins at top of new page: 'CHAPTER 1' (all caps, centered) then two enters, then chapter title centered in title case, then two enters. Chapters numbered with uppercase Roman or Arabic numerals, consistently. Dissertation must be divided into chapters. |
| Bibliography Heading | References |
Title Page Wording
Lines from top to bottom, as the guide shows them. Words in brackets are yours to fill in. All centered. Title at top; gap; 'By'; gap; name; gap; 'Dissertation' through 'Nashville, Tennessee' as a double-spaced block; larger gap; 'Approved:' followed by double-spaced committee names. Spacing varies with title length; the five lines following the name must match the sample exactly.
Title capitalization: ALL CAPS in the 2026 template (guidelines also say capitalize important words in titles; sample PDFs show title as written).
Front Matter Order
- Title Page (required)
- Copyright (optional, Ph.D. only)
- Dedication (optional)
- Acknowledgments (optional)
- Preface (optional)
- Table of Contents (required)
- List of Tables (required if tables)
- List of Figures (required if figures)
- List of Abbreviations/Nomenclature/Symbols (optional)
- Introduction (may be Chapter 1)
- Body
- References (required)
- Appendices (optional)
Rules Students Often Miss
- Margins are a 0.5 to 1 inch RANGE (maximum 1 inch).
- Single spacing permitted for entire text.
- Abstract is not part of the manuscript; separate signed page uploaded as an administrative file.
- Title page date is full month/day/year of conferral and includes 'Nashville, Tennessee'.
- 'Approved:' committee list with Ph.D. on ETD title page; separate signed title page required.
- References come BEFORE appendices.
- Copyright page allowed only for Ph.D.
- Graduate School guidelines override other style manuals.
What Style Guide Pro Does for You
- Builds the title page in Vanderbilt 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 Vanderbilt University require?
1 inch on all sides. Range rule: each margin minimum 0.5 in and maximum 1 in (top measured from page edge to top of first text line). 1 in shown as the maximum allowed. Right margin may be justified or ragged.
Where do page numbers go in a Vanderbilt University dissertation?
Front matter: lowercase roman, centered about 1/2 in from bottom (copyright page shows ii in 2026 template). Main text: arabic starting at 1 on first page of text (or Introduction), centered about 1/2 in from bottom, consecutive to end.
What citation style does Vanderbilt University use?
No citation style specified; Graduate School guidelines (not other style manuals) are the final authority on format. Reference list titled 'References' is required; may be at end of each chapter or end of document for multi-part/article formats per disciplinary custom.
Can Style Guide Pro format my Vanderbilt University dissertation?
Yes. Choose Vanderbilt 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
- Thesis & Dissertation Guidelines (web page) (modified 2026-10-20)
- Dissertation Template 2026 (PDF) (2026-10)
- Format Guidelines (complete PDF) (08/2021)
- ETD Title Page Dissertation Sample (uploaded 2023-09)
- Abstract Template (uploaded 2023-09)
Summarized from Vanderbilt University’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.