University of Alberta Thesis Formatting Guide

University of Alberta Thesis Formatting Standards

The University of Alberta maintains rigorous formatting guidelines for master’s theses and doctoral dissertations across all faculties and schools. These comprehensive standards ensure professional presentation, consistency, and proper preservation of scholarly work.

Essential Formatting Standards

Font and Typography

University of Alberta requires professional, clearly readable fonts suitable for academic work. Times New Roman is the preferred font; Arial is also widely accepted. Your font size must be consistently 12 points throughout the main text.

Headings may be formatted in bold or larger font sizes for visual distinction, but maintain the same font family as body text. This ensures professional appearance while maintaining readability.

Margin Specifications

Standard margins are 1.5 inches on all sides: top, bottom, left, and right. These margins accommodate proper binding for archived copies and ensure professional appearance for both digital and printed thesis versions.

Line Spacing

Double-spacing is required for the main body of your thesis. This applies to all chapter text and most supplementary content. Footnotes, endnotes, tables, and appendices may be single-spaced.

Title Page and Front Matter

Your title page must include:

• University name and faculty
• Thesis title (centered, bold, in title case)
• Your full name
• Degree sought (Master of Science, Doctor of Philosophy, etc.)
• Department or program name
• Names of thesis supervisor(s)
• Month and year of submission

The front matter should follow this order:

• Title page
• Declaration of originality and authenticity
• Acknowledgments (optional)
• Abstract (150-250 words)
• Table of contents
• List of figures (if applicable)
• List of tables (if applicable)

Chapter Organization and Structure

Number chapters clearly and consistently using Arabic numerals. Chapter headings should be descriptive and formatted distinctly from body text, typically using bold formatting.

Maintain a clear hierarchical structure for subheadings. Use consistent formatting for each heading level throughout your thesis. This hierarchical organization improves document structure and helps readers follow your argument.

Citation and Reference Style

University of Alberta typically requires APA citation style (Author-Date system). Some programs may accept other styles, so confirm with your supervisor or department coordinator.

Whichever style you adopt, apply it consistently throughout your entire document. Your reference list should appear at the end and include complete publication information for every source you cite.

GenText can automate APA citation formatting, ensuring consistency throughout your document.

Quotations and Block Quotes

Short quotations (fewer than 40 words) should be incorporated into paragraph text with quotation marks and citations. Longer quotations should be formatted as indented block quotes, set 0.5 inches from the left margin and single-spaced, without quotation marks.

Provide source citations immediately following all quotations, including page numbers when available.

Tables and Figures

All tables and figures must be numbered consecutively and include descriptive titles or captions. Tables should have titles above them; figures should have captions below. Include source attributions for any tables or figures derived from published sources.

Reference all tables and figures in your text before they appear. Explain their significance and how they support your argument.

Page Numbering

Number all pages consecutively using Arabic numerals. Page numbers should appear in the top right corner or bottom center of each page. The title page is typically counted but the number does not appear on it.

Abstract and Keywords

Your abstract should be approximately 150-250 words and provide a concise summary of your entire thesis. Include your research question, methodology, key findings, and significance.

Write your abstract in third person and past tense. Include 5-8 keywords representing your research topic.

Appendices

Appendices should contain material that supports your argument but would disrupt the narrative flow if included in chapters. Examples include raw data, interview transcripts, detailed calculations, research instruments, or extended tables.

Label appendices sequentially as Appendix A, Appendix B, and so on. Each appendix should have a descriptive title and appear on a separate page.

Reference List Organization

Arrange your reference list alphabetically by author surname. Include complete publication information for every source you cite. Format entries consistently according to APA style guidelines for different source types.

Every source referenced in your text must appear in the reference list, and every item in the reference list should be cited in your thesis.

Digital and Print Submission

University of Alberta requires both digital and print submission of theses. Digital submission should be in PDF format with all formatting preserved. Test your PDF carefully on multiple devices to ensure proper display.

Print copies should be professionally bound according to university specifications. Confirm current submission procedures with your graduate office.

Using GenText for Alberta Theses

GenText simplifies thesis preparation by automating formatting tasks. The tool ensures consistent margins, line spacing, heading hierarchy, and page numbering throughout your document.

APA citation management features automatically format your references according to APA style guidelines, updating them as your thesis develops. GenText’s outline and organizational features help you structure chapters logically and maintain consistent numbering.

Common Formatting Issues to Avoid

• Inconsistent font sizes or styles throughout the document
• Incorrect margin widths or inconsistent spacing
• Improper spacing in block quotations
• Inconsistent or incomplete citation formatting
• Missing or poorly formatted tables and figures
• Incorrect page numbering or numbering inconsistencies
• Incomplete or improperly ordered front matter sections

Pre-Submission Verification Checklist

Before submitting your thesis, verify:

• All margins are exactly 1.5 inches on all sides
• Font is consistently 12 points throughout
• Line spacing is double throughout main text
• Page numbers appear correctly on every page
• Abstract is 150-250 words with appropriate keywords
• Citations follow APA style consistently
• All tables and figures are numbered and captioned
• Front matter appears in correct order
• Both digital PDF and print copies meet all specifications

Adhering to University of Alberta’s comprehensive formatting standards ensures your thesis meets institutional requirements and is properly preserved in the university library’s collection.