Dissertation Overview

All dissertations must include the following elements and pages:

  • Title page (aka cover page)
  • Signature page (aka committee page but without signatures)
  • Copyright page (strongly recommended to protect your scholarship)
  • Abstract (We’ll emphasize spending quality time refining the abstract as it’s widely read)
  • Dedication page (optional)
  • Acknowledgments page (optional, but highly recommended)
  • Table of Contents (We’ll recommend that you use auto formatting with Word headings)
  • List of Tables (if applicable)
  • List of Figures (if applicable)
  • Dissertation chapters (See below)
  • Footnotes (if separate from dissertation)
  • References
  • Bibliography (rare but valuable for other researchers – ask your chair)
  • Appendix (can include consent forms and other research documents)

See WEX Resource: Dissertation Front Pages With Notes for more information on the “Front” section of the dissertation.

Download AU Dissertation Front Pages Templates Here!

(Individual programs have a tailored set of front pages available in their handbooks.)