Word templates and instructions for theses, dissertations, and records of study
Basic template
In the Basic Template, the layout is preformatted, but the student will need to manually enter content into each section. Using the Basic Template will assist you in meeting all the formatting requirements.The template follows Texas A&M University’s formatting standards, including spacing, page numbering, margins, heading styles, and the 5 PDF accessibility checks. The Template Walkthrough below provides guidance on using the template. A Sample Manuscript that meets the guidelines and accessibility standards is also included to help you review your own document.
You may either type your thesis/dissertation/record of study directly into the template or copy and paste content from another source. Recognize that changes made to the template during the writing process may cause deviations from the formatting requirements, so please review your manuscript prior to submission.
Word Download: Basic Template
Template Walkthrough
The Template Walkthrough offers a clear, step-by-step guide to help you complete the Basic Template. In addition, the Template Walkthrough provides information on the PDF conversion process. Details on running the accessibility check for the five new formatting requirements can be found on our PDF Accessibility Check Guide.PDF Download: Template Walkthrough
A LaTeX walkthrough is currently in development, but for now the general guidelines outlined in the Word Template Walkthrough will enable meeting formatting guidelines.
Sample Manuscript
The Sample Manuscript illustrates a properly formatted dissertation, demonstrating how your final document should appear when the Basic Template is followed correctly. The sample manuscript is intended to be used in conjunction with the Template Walkthrough to help you complete the Basic Template more efficiently. Once your manuscript is complete, whether it is a thesis, dissertation, or record of study, its formatting should match the sample dissertation exactly.
Word Download: Sample Manuscript
Using the three resources above will enable students to meet the Graduate School's formatting requirements including the five new accessibility checks. In general, using these resources should result in over 85% compliance across all 32 possible checks in the Adobe Acrobat Accessibility Checker to comply with WCAG 2.2 accessibility standards. In general, we highly encourage students to create an accessible document for a broader readership.