Emory University Thesis Formatting Guide

Emory University Thesis Formatting Requirements

Emory University maintains detailed thesis formatting guidelines to ensure consistency and professionalism across graduate programs. These requirements apply to all master’s theses and doctoral dissertations submitted through Emory’s Graduate School.

Understanding Emory’s Academic Standards

Emory’s thesis formatting standards reflect the university’s commitment to rigorous academic presentation. The guidelines ensure that graduate research is presented professionally and that all theses meet consistent quality standards regardless of discipline or degree level.

Font and Typography Standards

Emory requires a standard serif font for body text, with Times New Roman (12 points) being the most common choice. Other acceptable fonts include Garamond, Georgia, and Palatino, all at 12 points minimum. Headings may use the same or different fonts but must remain professional and easily readable.

Your entire thesis must use consistent fonts throughout. Avoid mixing fonts except where necessary for special purposes (such as code in computer science theses). All text must be left-aligned except for centered headings and title page elements.

Margin and Page Layout Requirements

Emory specifies the following margin requirements:

• Left margin: 1 inch (or 1.5 inches for bound theses)
• Right margin: 1 inch
• Top margin: 1 inch
• Bottom margin: 1 inch

These margins must be consistent throughout your entire document, including front matter, body, appendices, and back matter. Page breaks should not alter margin settings.

Line Spacing Guidelines

Double-spacing is required throughout the body of your thesis. Block quotations, footnotes, and bibliography entries may be single-spaced but should align seamlessly with surrounding double-spaced text. Ensure consistent spacing between paragraphs and sections.

Page Numbering Conventions

Front matter pages use lowercase Roman numerals (i, ii, iii, iv, v, etc.), beginning with the title page. Switch to Arabic numerals (1, 2, 3, 4, etc.) starting with your introduction or first chapter. Page numbers should appear in the top right corner of every page, except the first page of each new chapter, where numbers should appear centered at the bottom.

Title Page and Front Matter Organization

Your title page should include your thesis title (centered and in all capitals), your full name, your degree type, your department name, Emory University as your institution, and the month and year of graduation. All elements should be centered on the page with appropriate spacing.

Following the title page, include an abstract (limited to 350 words), acknowledgments (optional), table of contents, list of tables, and list of figures. Each of these sections should begin on a new page.

Chapter Formatting Standards

Begin each new chapter on a fresh page. Chapter headings should be centered, numbered (Chapter 1, Chapter 2, etc.), and formatted distinctly from body text. Use consistent formatting for all chapter headings throughout your thesis.

Subheadings within chapters should be differentiated through size, boldness, or italics. Maintain a clear visual hierarchy with no more than three levels of headings in most documents.

Tables and Figures Requirements

All tables and figures must be numbered consecutively and include descriptive titles or captions. Table titles appear above tables, while figure captions appear below figures. Reference every table and figure in your text before its appearance in the document.

Create separate lists of tables and figures for your front matter, with page numbers indicating where each appears. Ensure consistent formatting for all visual elements throughout your thesis.

Citation and Bibliography Standards

Emory allows flexibility in citation styles, including APA, MLA, Chicago, and IEEE formats. Consult your department or advisor to determine which style is appropriate for your discipline. Whatever style you choose, apply it consistently throughout your entire thesis.

Your bibliography should appear on a new page at the end of your thesis, with entries arranged alphabetically by author’s last name. Use hanging indentation for all bibliography entries, with the first line flush left and subsequent lines indented.

Using GenText for Emory Theses

GenText provides comprehensive formatting support tailored to Emory University’s specific requirements. The platform automatically applies all institutional formatting standards, including margins, spacing, page numbering, and citation formatting. This allows you to focus on your research and writing while ensuring perfect compliance with Emory’s guidelines.

Appendices and Supplementary Material

Appendices should be placed after your main text and before your bibliography. Number appendices consecutively (Appendix A, Appendix B, etc.) and include descriptive titles. Each appendix should begin on a new page and follow the same formatting standards as your main text.

Abstract Guidelines

Your abstract should concisely summarize your research question, methodology, findings, and conclusions in no more than 350 words. It should be self-contained and understandable to readers who have not read your full thesis. Place it in your front matter on a separate page following the title page.

Acknowledgments Section

Though optional, many graduate students include an acknowledgments section thanking advisors, committee members, and others who contributed to their research. This section should be brief (usually one page or less) and should follow the title page and abstract in your front matter.

Common Formatting Errors to Avoid

Emory thesis writers frequently encounter these formatting issues:

• Inconsistent margins: Forgetting to account for binding when formatting margins
• Page numbering errors: Starting Roman numerals at the wrong location
• Spacing inconsistencies: Mixing single and double spacing incorrectly
• Citation format variations: Using different citation styles in different sections

GenText prevents these common errors through automated checking and real-time formatting corrections.

Final Review Process

Before submitting your thesis to Emory’s Graduate School:

1. Print or review a PDF version of your complete thesis
2. Verify all margins are correct throughout the document
3. Check that spacing is consistent in all sections
4. Confirm page numbers appear in correct locations
5. Review all citations for style consistency
6. Ensure all tables and figures are properly numbered and captioned
7. Verify your bibliography includes all cited sources

Submission Requirements

Emory’s Graduate School may request formatting corrections if your thesis does not meet institutional standards. Using GenText throughout your writing process helps ensure first-time acceptance by maintaining perfect formatting compliance and reducing revision cycles.

Conclusion

Emory University’s thesis formatting requirements ensure that graduate research meets professional academic standards. By understanding these guidelines and applying them consistently throughout your document, you’ll create a thesis that reflects the quality of your research. GenText’s automated formatting system makes this process straightforward, allowing you to concentrate on scholarship while maintaining institutional compliance.