Master's Theses Guidelines & Templates

Formatting for Written Thesis/Dissertation

If you are submitting a written thesis or dissertation, please follow these general guidelines and formatting specifications:

General Guidelines:

• All theses/dissertations should be typed neatly, with no strikeovers or handwritten corrections.
• For hybrid or intertextual theses/dissertations, the written component will serve as a digital access copy, or physical copy if required by your school.

Formatting Specifications:

1) Type:

• 12 pt font; If applicable, footnotes should be 10 pt font

Please use a legible font. Times New Roman, Verdana, Courier, Arial, are commonly used. Other fonts may be considered if approved by your mentor / thesis advisor.

2) Pagination:

All pages are numbered, except for the title page.

• Preliminary pages: Roman numerals
• Text: Arabic numbers

3) Text Body

Preliminary pages

• Required: Title page: Please see Thesis/Dissertation Template for exact formatting and verbiage that should be included
• If applicable: Table of Contents
• If applicable: List of figures and/or tables
• Required: Abstract: 125 - 175 words

Text

• Required: Introduction or Preface
• Required: Main body: Text may be divided into sections or chapters at author's discretion
• If applicable: Appendices
• Required: Works Cited or Bibliography using consistent citation style (MLA, APA, CMS)

Images

• If applicable: images contained in the body of the thesis must be formatted within the specified margins
• If applicable: images and graphics from outside sources must be properly cited / attributed

4) Margins:

• Single-side
• Left: 1.5” (The left margin is especially important if you are required to have a bound physical copy)
• Right: 1”
• Top: 1”
• Bottom: 1”
• Footer: .5”

NOTE: Margins are the only strictly required spacing element. If you have downloaded the MFA Creative Writing Program Thesis Template or the MA Aesthetics and Politics Thesis Template, then you should already have the correct margins.

Printing of Written Thesis/Dissertation

Printed hardcopies of typed theses or dissertations should be laser-printed and single-sided.  Please print hardcopies on paper that is at least 25% cotton, 20 lb paper (white); standard xerographic bond is not acceptable. Common brands of printing paper for these purposes include Southworth, Cranes, and Mohawk.  Materials are available in the CalArts Store and through various local and online distributors.

NOTE: Hardcopies of theses/dissertations should NOT be bound or stapled when submitting, although binder clips and/or paperclips are acceptable.

Bound Library Copy of Written Thesis/Dissertation

If you are required to submit a physical bound copy to the CalArts Library by your school, please:

1. Print a hardcopy of your thesis/dissertation, following all formatting and printing guidelines (see above)
2. Complete and print the Thesis Binding Request Form (see below)
3. Submit the Thesis Binding Request Form, and printed copy of the thesis, to the Reference & Instruction Librarian, or send the work CalArts Library's Thesis/Work Sample Submission Coordinator, via postal mail
4. Submit a digital copy of your work using this form thesis/work sample submission form

NOTE: The binding of theses/dissertations can take several months, and there may be additional delays this year due to various, unforeseen circumstances.