UDTS is here to help you create, complete, and submit your thesis or dissertation to us. To do so, we offer a variety of resources that will assist you in formatting your document.
Forms and Documents
Additional Resources
- Office Hours
- Assistance with Writing and Editing
- Workshops
- Mason Publishing Group
- University Registrar
- Bound Copies of Your Document
University Thesis and Dissertation Formatting Guidelines - UPDATED August 14, 2024
You can access the most recent update (8/14/24) by clicking here. The formatting rules themselves have not changed. All edits were made in an effort to clarify some points. If you have questions about specific formatting rules (e.g., margins, order of parts of the document, Tables and Figures, etc.), please consult the Formatting Guidelines. If you have any questions, comments, or suggestions about our newly revised Guidelines, please email us: udts@gmu.edu.
Templates, Formatted According to University Guidelines
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Word
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Word Template with Traditional (chapter-based) body text: The body of this document is set up in a narrative, chapter-based model, with each subsequent chapter building on the one(s) before it.
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Word Template with Manuscript-style body text: This document is useful if the body of your thesis/dissertation will contain at least 1 full manuscript that falls into one of the following categories: 1) it has already been published in a journal, monograph, etc.; 2) it is currently undergoing peer review by a journal or publisher; or 3) it will soon be submitted to a journal or publisher for consideration, with the intent to publish.
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Instructions for using the Word Template (applies to both the Traditional and Manuscript-style templates)
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LaTeX
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UPDATE, 8/31/23: After working with Tammy Stitz (Engineering Librarian, University Libraries) and Trevor Watkins (Teaching and Outreach Librarian, University Libraries), we are pleased to offer an updated, improved version of the LaTeX template.
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It is a Beta version, so please notify us of any issues: udts@gmu.edu.
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Forms
When you are ready to submit the final version of your thesis or dissertation, there is certain paperwork you will need to complete and turn in as well.
All Master's and Doctoral students writing theses and dissertations must turn in completed, signed copies of the following forms to our office on or by the Final Submission deadline in order to graduate within their intended semester of graduation:
Please note: Even if you choose not to delay the availability of your final document in MARS through an embargo, you still have to complete, sign, and submit an Embargo Request Form (ERF). If you choose to delay your work's availability in MARS, you will need to collect the signatures of your Committee Chair and the Graduate Associate Dean of your college/school on the ERF. If you do not choose to delay (embargo) your work's availability in MARS, you do not need to collect their signatures. Some Mason units require immediate availability of all student dissertations and do not permit embargo of any length under any circumstances. Please check with your academic program before submitting an embargo request.
In addition to completing, signing, and turning in all the forms listed above, Doctoral students are also required to complete the following steps:
- Complete and submit the Survey of Earned Doctorates.
- Submit their dissertations to ProQuest via the Administrator.
Office Hours
We can meet with you virtually, through your preferred platform (Zoom, Skype, etc.). Please visit our LibCal Scheduler to set up an appointment.
Workshops
We are offering virtual workshops on both the Process you must complete in order to graduate on time, and our Word template. To view the sessions and sign up for them, please visit University Libraries Workshops and Events.
Assistance with Writing and Editing
If you need assistance with issues ranging from simple proofreading to help crafting the structure of your thesis or dissertation as a whole, we recommend the Writing Center at Mason. This service is free.
If you need further assistance, UDTS has a list of freelance editors who can assist you. These individuals are private contractors, and their services are not free. They set their own fee schedules. If you are interested in learning more about this option, please email UDTS.
Mason Publishing Group
If you have questions about your rights as an author, about publishing your work in journals or as a monograph, or about copyright in general, please contact the Mason Publishing Group.
Bound Copies of Your Document
If you would like to purchase (a) bound copy(ies) of your document for yourself, family members, committee members, etc.:
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We provide this list of binderies. You are not required to use any bindery listed there; we simply provide this list. You are welcome to use any bindery you wish.
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Doctoral students are required to submit their dissertations to ProQuest; you can purchase (a) bound copy(ies) through ProQuest. It may take 6 months or longer to receive bound copy(ies) of dissertations from ProQuest; if you need (a) bound copy(ies) sooner than that, you may want to investigate other binderies (see above). UDTS has no control over how long ProQuest takes to send you a bound copy of your work.
University Registrar
The Registrar at George Mason University is an excellent resource for many of your questions, including:
Academic Calendar
This resource is especially important, because you need to be aware of Final Submission deadlines for each semester. Here are some upcoming Final Submission deadlines:
Special Registration under Fall 2024: 5:00 p.m. on Friday, August 23
Fall 2024: 5:00 p.m. on Friday, December 6
Spring 2025: 5:00 p.m. on Friday, May 2
Summer 2025: 5:00 p.m. on Friday, August 1
Graduation
Turning in your thesis, dissertation, or project to UDTS is just one element of the entire process you must complete in order to graduate. There are other steps, specific to each department, college and school, and specific to George Mason, that you must complete as well. Contact the Registrar's Graduation Services department with further questions.
Catalog
If you have any questions or need any further information about classes, fee payment, tuition, and admission, the University Catalog is an excellent resource.
Special Registration
Please review the rules governing Special Registration. University Dissertation & Thesis Services is not authorized to grant extensions for the final submission of theses and dissertations--that decision is ultimately up to your department, and to the Registrar.
Under Special Registration, you will still have to fulfill all University requirements in order to graduate. Your thesis or dissertation still has to go through a format review; you still have to have a submission consultation; and you still have to turn in your final document, along with all necessary paperwork, by the deadline.
