Thesis and Dissertation Information
Whether you’re just beginning to write a thesis/dissertation or you’re in the final stages, you want to ensure your document is presented in the most professional manner possible. Below you’ll find resources on formatting your document properly, binding your work professionally, and more.
Formatting Your Thesis/Dissertation
Resources
- Thesis/Dissertation Specifications
- Formatting Quick Reference - Traditional
- Formatting Quick Reference - Publication Option
- Example of Traditional Dissertation
- Example of Publication Option
- Avoiding Plagiarism
For questions regarding format, please contact your graduate education specialist or email grad@mst.edu
Microsoft Word Templates
- Traditional Thesis Template - updated 11/5/19 (v11)
- Traditional Dissertation Template - updated 11/5/19 (v11)
- Publication Option Template - updated 2/3/20 (v5)
- Guide to Using Traditional T/D Word Templates
- Guide to Using Publication Option Word Template
Templates developed in Word 2016.
LaTeX Templates
LaTeX users must email matsons@mst.edu for access to the most current version of the campus approved thesis class and template. Use of other class and/or style files are less likely to meet the university approved specifications. For best results begin the preparation of your thesis/dissertation with the campus approved class and its associated template.
How to Submit Your First Format Check Electronically:
- Review the university specifications and formatting resources, found under the resources section on this page.
- Format your thesis/dissertation accordingly using the templates approved by the Office of Graduate Studies (see below).
- Once your thesis/dissertation is complete, convert your file to a PDF.
- Complete the online First Format Check Submission Form and upload your document by clicking HERE
After submission, you will receive further instruction via email. Please allow three business days to receive this notification.
CHECKLIST:
SUBMITTING AND BINDING:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of the Survey of Earned Doctorates and who is required to complete it?
Why isn’t my thesis/dissertation appearing in Scholars’ Mine?
Should I have ProQuest file for Copyright Registration?
Will I be allowed to pursue publication of work in my thesis at some future date?
How long will it take me to receive the copies I have ordered from ProQuest?
What are the fees for Copyright Registration through ProQuest?
How can I order copies of my Thesis or Dissertation?
What is the purpose of the Survey of Earned Doctorates and who is required to complete it?
The basic purpose of this survey is to gather objective data about doctoral graduates. These data play an important role in local, regional and national initiatives concerning graduate education. All doctoral students must complete the survey and submit the Certificate of Completion to the person format checking your dissertation before the final copy of your dissertation can be accepted. Please complete the survey here.
Why isn’t my thesis/dissertation appearing in Scholars’ Mine?
It typically takes 6 to 8 weeks after your graduation date for items to appear in Scholars’ Mine.
Should I have ProQuest file for Copyright Registration?
In accordance with U.S. Copyright law, copyright protection is automatically extended to both published and unpublished works at the time the work is created in a fixed form. It is not necessary to register your work or even place the copyright symbol in your work to receive copyright protection.
Although registration is not a condition of copyright protection, copyright law does provide several inducements to encourage copyright owners to register their work. These inducements are: (1) Registration establishes a public record of the copyright claim. (2) Before an infringement suit may be filed in court, registration is necessary for works originating in the United States. (3) If registered before or within five years of publication the registration serves as prima facie in court of the validity of the copyright. (4) Registrations also allows the owner of the copyright to record the registration with the U.S. Customs Service for protection against importation of infringing copies. It is also important to note that registration can be done at any time during the life of the copyright.
The best way to determine if it is necessary to register you work is to ask yourself how likely is it that someone might infringe upon your copyright? If there is little chance of infringement then there is less need to register. Should you desire to register your copyright now you may complete the optional Copyright Registration Form from ProQuest/UMI or you may register it directly with the U.S. Copyright Office at http://www.copyright.gov/.
Will I be allowed to pursue publication of work in my thesis at some future date?
When submitting your thesis you will be asked to agree to a non-exclusive license agreement. This agreement allows you to maintain copyright which means that you are free to publish in the future.
How long will it take me to receive the copies I have ordered from ProQuest?
It can take several months to receive copies ordered from ProQuest. Regardless of when your manuscript is submitted, it will not be delivered to ProQuest until 6 to 8 weeks after the actual commencement date for that semester. Any processing time required by ProQuest, for copies ordered from ProQuest, will begin after the manuscript has been delivered. There will be no exceptions to the delivery dates. If your thesis/dissertation will be placed on hold, it is recommended that you wait until the hold is released to order copies or copyright registration.
What are the fees for Copyright Registration through ProQuest?
Copyright registration costs $55.00.
How can I order copies of my Thesis or Dissertation?
Information on ordering copies can be found at http://library.mst.edu/bindery/.
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