University of Pennsylvania Thesis Format Guide

The University of Pennsylvania maintains comprehensive formatting standards for all graduate research theses and dissertations. This guide provides detailed information on UPenn’s formatting requirements across all schools.

Page Setup and Margins

UPenn’s margin specifications ensure proper binding and professional appearance.

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

UPenn maintains clear font specifications.

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)
• School/Department
• University of Pennsylvania
• 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 UPenn 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

UPenn permits different citation styles by school.

Engineering: IEEE style is standard.

Sciences: APA or CSE is common.

Humanities: Chicago Manual of Style is typical.

Social Sciences: APA or Harvard is acceptable.

Verification: Check with your school 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 UPenn conventions.

Submission Deadline: Check the Graduate Division for deadlines.

Tips for Formatting in Microsoft Word

Create Custom Styles: Define styles before writing.

Use Section Breaks: Separate front matter from body text.

Generate Table of Contents: Use References > Table of Contents.

Verify Margins: Check before finalizing.

Related Resources and Tools

GenText Citation Generator: Supports all major citation formats.

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

Conclusion

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

For the most current information on UPenn thesis requirements, consult the Graduate Division website. School-specific requirements may vary, so verify with your advisor.

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