Thesis & Dissertation Format
The School of Informatics graduate program requires that final theses adhere to a particular format. This may deviate somewhat from the IU thesis guide. Please be aware of these additional guidelines and exceptions as you complete your thesis. See your academic advisor with questions.
Make an appointment to check the format of your thesis or dissertation, gradoff [ at ] iupui dot edu. The format check will last approximately one and one half (1.5) hours. Note: Pre-check appointments are also available. Only applies to doctoral students.
Format check appointment:
- Must bring a copy of the signed Acceptance page.
- Materials must be in final form, no “notes” or “gaps” for modifications.
Students should make sure that the Graduate Office has received a final transcript showing the completion of your bachelor’s degree (this should be submitted to the office during the first year of study). Only applies to doctoral students.
Master’s students need to make sure the “Application for Advanced Degree” and the “Recommendation for Advanced Degree” forms are submitted to the graduate office at least 60 days and 30 days, respectfully, prior to graduation.
Doctoral students need to make sure the Nomination to Candidacy and Nomination of Research Committee forms are submitted at least 6 months prior to defense.
Doctoral students need make sure the Defense announcement is submitted at least 30 days prior to defense.
Title Page: Make sure that the date on the title page reflects the month and year you will graduate, not the date of the defense. Your graduation date is the month and year that you submit your bound copies to the Graduate Office by the 10th of that month. Submit bound thesis to the Informatics Dean’s Office along with an electronic copy of your thesis on a CD and the permission form to post on the university library archive.
Acceptance Page: names of your committee members should be typed below the signature lines. This is the required format.
Acknowledgements and Abstract pages should be double-spaced.
Table of Contents: Curriculum Vitae is the last entry, without a page number.
References – may be single spaced; be consistent with formatting; i.e. layout, spacing, punctuation.
Curriculum Vitae (CV, vita) – a summary of one’s personal history and professional qualifications; a resume. The Curriculum Vitae, bound in the back of the thesis/dissertation, is a requirement. Curriculum Vitae is not paginated.
Page Numbers:
- Page numbers must be consistent throughout the text. All numerals whether Roman or Arabic should be in the same place on the page throughout (centered at the top or bottom) and must be the same font and size as the text.
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- Landscape format used for graphs and tables should also have page numbers that are in the same place as the rest of the text and facing the right direction.
- All pages are numbered except the title page and CV. There are no exceptions to this.
- The first page that has a number is the acceptance page (should be numbered “ii”). Continue with lower case roman numerals until the first page of the text. Start with “1” on the first page of text.
Paper – must be white 100% cotton watermarked paper, 20lb or 24lb.
Places to get 100% cotton watermarked paper:
- Cavanaugh Hall Bookstore, 278-2665
- Office Max, various locations
- Office Depot, various locations
- Arvey Paper, 634-3227
(call stores ahead of time to see if they have it in stock)
Paper may be called: 100% cotton paper; cotton rag; thesis paper; watermarked paper.
Before printing on the watermarked paper, be sure the watermark is facing right side up.
Doctoral students must provide a box for the unbound materials, preferably a 9” x 11 ½”, ideally use the box from the cotton paper.
Degree will not be conferred until all “I” and “R” grades are removed.
