The Guide to the Preparation of Theses and Dissertations
This document is in downloadable .pdf format. Make it your essential reference as you prepare your thesis or dissertation. (Please note that all theses/dissertations are now required to be submitted in electronic form, so disregard those guidelines that state they are specifically for PAPER submittal, which is no longer relevant. For instance, please do NOT mirror your margins.)
§ Approval sheet: One of the most important documents in the thesis/dissertation submittal process. Please read the instructions and use the samples.
§ You may also find our FAQ helpful: Frequently Asked Questions
Other Important Resources
Workshops:- Thesis/Dissertation Workshops (offered each semester by The Graduate School)
- Technology Workshops (offered on a regular schecule by OIT), including the Electronic Thesis/Dissertation workshop focusing on converting documents to .pdf
- Library Workshops and Studio Short Courses (including workshops on finding and using sources, the End Note citation software, graphic design and presentation software, and more.)
Help with your document:
- The Guide to the Preparation of Theses and Dissertations
- Frequently Asked Questions
- "Hot Spots" in Theses and Dissertations
- An MSWord template (Note: This not the only acceptable format, just one possible, and correct, way to format the document.)
- Another MSWord template using adapted APA style
- LaTeX template (Email the consultant for information on this strongly recommended software; you can find copious information online. Start with The LaTeX Project.)
- Editing services: The campus Writing Center will not be able to edit or proofread your thesis or dissertation. The Thesis/Dissertation Consultant can refer you to professional editors who can help with formatting, editing and proofreading.
Technical tips and shortcuts for MSWord users:
(Through MSOffice 2003; if you use MSOffice 2007, you will be able to
find these same features, only arranged differently.)
- Page numbering: http://web.utk.edu/%7ethesis/pagenumbering.shtml: Use these steps to change from the required lower-case roman numerals in the preliminary pages to arabic numerals in the main body of the text.
- Headings and Table of Contents: http://web.utk.edu/~thesis/headings.shtml: Use these steps to set up headings that will allow you to generate a Table of Contents automatically (and keep your headings consistently formatted, too).
- Captions and List of Tables/Figures: http://web.utk.edu/~thesis/captions.shtml: Use these steps to get automatically numbered captions on your tables/figures; these will also let you generate a List of Tables and List of Figures automatically.
- Dot Leader fix: http://web.utk.edu/%7ethesis/wordtabs.shtml (If you must do the Table of Contents "by hand" but still have it line up properly. Please, please, please consider an automatic table of contents; this will soon be MANDATORY, so you might as well do it properly now.)
Other technical resources:
- Ideas for enriching your .pdf document (ways to make the final electronic version easier to navigate)
- Acceptable Multimedia Formats
- The Studio (Hodges Library Media Center): Assistance with document preparation (including multimedia, .pdf conversion, etc.)
- OIT Labs
- The LaTeX Project: Learn about (and get) the software here
Don't forget: All theses and dissertations are submitted electronically now! Steps to Electronic Submittal
Other Resources
- Graduate Student Forms (The Graduate School)
- Statistical Consulting Center: Graduate students receive up to 10 hours per semester free of charge (included in the Technology Fee).
- Office of Research Compliance Guidelines: Confirm your compliance BEFORE beginning research! (See also: Office of Research main page)
- University Libraries Reference and Instructional Services
- OIT main page
- Copyright Information from UT Libraries (See also: The U.S. Copyright Office)
Contact The Consultant
Jennifer W. Spirko
P-105 Andy Holt tower
Knoxville, TN 37996-0104
Phone: (865) 974-1337
Email (preferred): thesis@utk.edu