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.)