Thesis Format

Standards for a Thesis

Organization of Thesis

The original and copies of the thesis MUST include the following items IN THE ORDER LISTED:

1. Blank sheet of bond paper at the beginning of each copy submitted.
2. Copyright page (optional).
3. Title Page (must show month and year of graduation - see example)
4. Signature page (see example). All three required copies must have ORIGINAL SIGNATURES of the committee and the student.
5. Acknowledgment (optional).
6. Abstract Title Page (optional - must show month and year of graduation - see example).
7. Abstract (optional - University Microfilms, Inc. requires that abstracts for theses be no longer than 150 words.).
8. Table of Contents
9. Text
10. References
11. Blank sheet of bond paper at the end of each copy submitted.

The following are example pages for a thesis.

Copyright Page   Title Page   Signature Page   Abstract Title Page  

Although there is no prescribed style for the completed thesis, there are several style manuals available which may prove helpful. The student should contact the thesis advisor to discuss the style manual to be used. Above all, it is important to be consistent throughout the entire thesis. Decide how you wish to structure your manuscript and be consistent throughout it.

Binding the Thesis

Specifications for Binding

1. Paper: For the University copies you must use at least 20 lb., 8 1/2" X 11" white bond with 50% rag content (50% cotton paper). For your own copies, do not use less than 13 lb. paper (25% cotton).

2. Type: The type must be from a typewriter, typesetting, or letter quality printer. "Correspondence quality," "near-letter quality" and dot matrix methods are not acceptable. (The thesis must be double-spaced.)

3. Duplication: In general, carbon copy or electrostatic copies, such as Xerox, are acceptable for the copies required by the University. Means of duplication that are not acceptable include mimeographing or any fluid process.

4. Margins: The left margin should be one and one-half inches (1-1/2"). The right, top and bottom margins should be one inch (1") each.

Several companies in the Houston area have expertise in bookbinding as well as are familiar with the University of Houston thesis requirements for binding and engraving. One such company, A. V. Emmott & Sons Bookbinders, 5700 Michaeldale, has provided timely binding service to the University for many years. It is the student's responsibility to have the thesis bound. Proof of binding, in the form of a receipt from the binding company, must be submitted to the Graduate Program Advisor by the deadline date published in the class schedule. It is the student's responsibility to have the original and the copies bound before submitting them to the College. Students who select the thesis option for their Master's degree must submit the original and two copies of the bound thesis to the Graduate Program Advisor in the Academic Services Center (Room 385, T2). The bound copies are retained by the University for reference purposes, including library loans.

Thesis Microfilming and Copyright Examples

Students who are interested in having their thesis microfilmed and copyrighted should contact University Microfilms, Inc. (UMI) at the following address for additional information:

University Microfilms, Inc.
300 North Zeeb Road
P.O. Box 1346
Ann Arbor, MI 48106-1346
713/761-4700
1-800-521-0600
http://www.umi.com

All theses to be copyrighted must also be microfilmed. Microfilming and copyrighting information is also available from the graduate program advisor (Room 385, T2).

Master's theses that are copyrighted and microfilmed must include an abstract. The abstract is double-spaced and must not exceed 150 words.

Contact For Additional Information

Academic Services Center
Office: 385 T2
Phone: 713-743-4100
Email: asc@uh.edu