Rutgers University Thesis Format Guide

Rutgers University maintains comprehensive formatting standards for all graduate research theses and dissertations. This guide covers Rutgers’ specific formatting requirements across all schools.

Page Setup and Margins

Rutgers’ margin specifications accommodate binding and ensure professional presentation.

Left Margin: 1.25 inches - Provides space for binding.

Right Margin: 1 inch - Standard margin.

Top Margin: 1 inch - Applied consistently across all pages.

Bottom Margin: 1 inch - Ensures proper spacing for page numbers.

Paper Size: Standard letter size (8.5” x 11”) is required.

Page Orientation: Portrait (vertical) orientation is standard.

Setting Margins in Word: Page Layout > Margins > Custom Margins (left: 1.25”, right: 1”, top: 1”, bottom: 1”).

Font Requirements

Rutgers maintains clear font specifications for thesis preparation.

Body Text Font: Times New Roman in 12-point size is standard.

Line Spacing: Double-spacing (2.0) is required for all body text.

Footnotes and Endnotes: May be single-spaced in 10-point font.

Font Consistency: Use the same font throughout body text.

Headings: Chapter headings in 14-point bold, section headings in 12-point bold, subsection headings in 12-point bold italic.

Tables and Figures: May use fonts as small as 10-point if necessary.

Title Page Format

Your title page must include:

Required Elements:

• Thesis title
• Author name
• Degree (e.g., Doctor of Philosophy)
• Program/Field
• Rutgers University
• Date of submission

Layout: Center all elements with balanced spacing.

Page Numbering: Not numbered but counts as page i.

Line Spacing: Single-spacing for title page.

Abstract Requirements

Length: 150-350 words for most Rutgers theses.

Content: Summarize your research problem, methodology, findings, and significance.

Page Placement: On its own page following the title page.

Title: Center “ABSTRACT” in capitals.

Formatting: Double-spaced, same font as body text.

Table of Contents

Format: Include chapter titles and major sections with page numbers.

Title: Center “TABLE OF CONTENTS” in capitals.

Formatting: Double-spaced with dot leaders.

Automatic Generation: Use Word’s References > Table of Contents.

Heading Styles and Hierarchy

Chapter Headings (Level 1): 14-point bold, centered, begin on new page.

Section Headings (Level 2): 12-point bold, left-aligned.

Subsection Headings (Level 3): 12-point bold italic, left-aligned.

Paragraph Headings (Level 4): 12-point bold, run-in style.

Consistency: Use Word’s Styles gallery for all headings.

Page Numbering

Front Matter: Use lowercase Roman numerals (i, ii, iii).

Body Text: Begin Arabic numerals (1, 2, 3) with introduction.

Appendices: Continue Arabic numerals.

Page Number Location: Upper right corner or centered at bottom.

Implementation: Use Insert > Page Numbers with Section Breaks.

Citation Style Requirements

Rutgers permits different citation styles by discipline.

Engineering: IEEE style is typical.

Sciences: APA or CSE is common.

Humanities: Chicago Manual of Style is typical.

Social Sciences: APA or Harvard is acceptable.

Verification: Check with your program for specific requirements.

Using GenText: GenText supports IEEE, APA, Chicago, CSE, Harvard, and other major formats.

Figure and Table Formatting

Table Titles: Above tables in 12-point font.

Figure Captions: Below figures.

Source Citations: Include sources for all data.

Integration: Embed in text near references.

Lists: Include if you have more than 5 figures or tables.

Bibliography and References

Organization: Alphabetical by author’s last name.

Title: Center “BIBLIOGRAPHY” or “REFERENCES” in capitals.

Formatting: Use hanging indentation, double-spaced.

Appendices

Labeling: Label as “Appendix A,” “Appendix B,” etc.

Page Numbering: Continue from main text.

Content: Include supplementary materials.

Electronic Submission Requirements

File Format: Submit as PDF with embedded fonts.

File Naming: Follow Rutgers conventions.

Submission Deadline: Check your graduate program for deadlines.

Word Formatting Best Practices

Before Writing: Set margins, define styles, configure headers/footers, set paragraph formatting for consistent document setup.

During Writing: Apply styles consistently, use automatic page breaks (Ctrl+Enter), insert footnotes via References > Footnotes, save frequently.

Before Submission: Update automatic fields, check formatting consistency, verify margins and fonts, review for errors, create PDF with embedded fonts, test on different computer.

Critical Steps: Define styles before writing, use Section Breaks for different numbering, insert page breaks with Ctrl+Enter, manage footnotes consistently, save with backups.

Common Formatting Issues and Solutions

Issue: Inconsistent Heading Styles Solution: Use Word’s Styles gallery exclusively. Never manually format individual headings.

Issue: Page Numbers Not Resetting Solution: Insert Section Breaks (not page breaks) between sections. Configure numbering separately for each.

Issue: Margins Applied Inconsistently Solution: Select all text before applying margins to entire document.

Issue: Table of Contents Wrong Solution: Update after editing by right-clicking and selecting “Update Field.”

Formatting Checklist Before Submission

• Margins: 1.25” left, 1” others
• Body text: Times New Roman, 12-point, double-spaced
• Headings: Proper hierarchy via Styles gallery
• Page numbering: Roman for front matter, Arabic for body
• Abstract: 150-350 words, proper formatting
• Tables/Figures: Proper titles with sources cited
• Bibliography: Alphabetical, complete, properly formatted
• Title page: All required elements, centered
• Table of contents: Complete, accurate
• PDF: Fonts embedded, proper naming
• No spelling/grammar errors
• Consistent formatting throughout

Related Resources and Tools

GenText Citation Generator: Supports IEEE, APA, Chicago, CSE, Harvard formats. Generate citations and manage bibliography automatically.

Word Formatting Tutorials:

• How to Format a Thesis in Word
• How to Create and Update a Table of Contents
• How to Use Section Breaks for Different Page Numbering
• How to Create Custom Heading Styles
• How to Manage Footnotes and Endnotes

Conclusion

Proper thesis formatting at Rutgers demonstrates professionalism and academic integrity. Use Word’s tools effectively and reference this guide throughout your thesis.

Creating custom styles before writing is the most important step for ensuring consistent formatting throughout your document. This upfront investment saves significant time during final preparation.

For the most current information on Rutgers thesis requirements, consult your graduate program coordinator or the University Library website. Program-specific requirements may vary, so verify with your advisor.

With careful attention to these requirements, your thesis will meet all Rutgers standards and present your research professionally and accessibly.