When writing a dissertation, using the right format is just as important as having good ideas. Different subjects use different formatting styles, and each has its own rules. The three most common styles are APA, MLA, and Chicago. These styles tell you how to organize your pages, add in-text citations, and list your sources.
If you do not follow the rules, your paper can look messy or lose marks. To do your best, you must know which format your school or teacher wants. Learning the basics of each style helps you stay organized and avoid mistakes at a cheaper cost. Below, we explain these styles so you can format your dissertation the right way.
1. Formatting Your Dissertation in APA Style
APA style is used mostly in nursing, psychology, education, and other social sciences. APA helps your paper look clean and easy to follow, which is great for scientific writing.
- Begin with a title page that includes your paper title, your name, school, and date.
- Use double spacing and a clear font like Times New Roman, size 12.
- Add page numbers at the top right corner of every page.
- Include a running head (short version of the title) on each page.
- Use in-text citations that include the author’s last name and year, like (Johnson, 2022).
- Organize your paper with headings and subheadings (e.g., Introduction, Methods, Results).
- End with a References page listing all your sources in alphabetical order.
2. Formatting Your Dissertation in MLA Style
MLA style is used in subjects like English, history, and literature. MLA is simple and works well for essays and writing-heavy subjects.
- Start your paper with your name, teacher’s name, class, and date on the top left of the first page.
- Center your title right below that—no bold, underline, or title page needed.
- Use double spacing and Times New Roman, size 12.
- Add page numbers with your last name at the top right corner (e.g., Smith 1).
- Use in-text citations with the author’s last name and page number, like (Lee 45).
- End with a works Cited page that lists all the books, articles, or websites you used.
- Everything should be lined up to the left, with a hanging indent on the source list.
3. Formatting Your Dissertation in Chicago Style
Chicago style is used in history, arts, and some business subjects. Chicago is a bit more detailed but very useful for long research papers and dissertations.
- You can use either footnotes or in-text citations, depending on what your teacher asks.
- Add a title page with the title in the middle and your name, class, and date at the bottom.
- Use double spacing and a 12-point font like Times New Roman.
- Page numbers usually go at the bottom center or top right of each page.
- If you use footnotes, put the number in the sentence and give full info at the bottom of the page.
- Include a Bibliography at the end with a full list of your sources.
- Chicago style gives you more freedom, but it is best to follow a clear guide to stay consistent.
