Dissertation & Thesis Additional Tips

1) It is not advisable to use software specifically designed for industrial or technical purposes to prepare the thesis or dissertation. 

2) Include your prior degrees, and the institution and the year you received them on the signature page. 

3) Include the month and year you are receiving a diploma for this current degree (master’s or doctorate) on the abstract title page. Make sure you correctly note the degree you will be receiving. For example, the correct degree title is Master of Science in Engineering, not Master’s of Science in Engineering. Also, correctly note the month in which your degree will be conferred. 

    Spring graduates have their degrees conferred in May. 

    Summer graduates are conferred in August. 

    Fall graduates are conferred in February. 

Please note that there is no comma between the month and the year and that the month is not in all capitals. 

4) Begin the Table of Contents with “List of Tables…………v” and “List of Figures………….vi” (or appropriate page number) if these tables/figures are included in your thesis/dissertation. Otherwise, begin the Table of Contents with “Introduction…………..1.” 

5) If you use colors in graphs and tables, choose colors, line styles, line widths and symbols that are discernible after black and white copying. Identify lines on graphs by using labels or symbols rather than by colors.   

6) Make sure that the text does not run into the page numbers on any pages of the thesis or dissertation. 

7) Use inclusive page numbers in LITERATURE CITED for both books and journal articles. 

8) Proofread your final manuscript carefully before submission. Plan enough time to read it through several times and not necessarily in one sitting. Make sure there are no missing pages and that all pages are numbered consecutively. The UML ETD administrator is not responsible for proofreading any materials submitted.