Our thesis formatting tutorial steps you through the process of formatting your thesis from our template file. Note: Rules/guidelines for thesis formats are developed by the Graduate School. Questions about the guidelines, or interpretation of them, should be directed to the Office of Degree Requirements at (413) 545-0025.
Tutorial
Download a PDF version of the thesis-formatting workshop OIT offers each semester.
Using Template & Example Files
OIT provides a template for creating your thesis and an example of what a final thesis should look like. The Graduate School rules permit three different formats of headings and Table of Contents. To provide support for the greatest possible number of students, these files help you use either of the two most-frequently-used formats. Please see the tutorial before deciding which format you want to use.
Simple Formatting |
Numeric Formatting |
Details |
Each .zip file contains preliminary pages and template files for your thesis. Once you download the file, right-click it and select Extract all files (Extract All in Windows Vista) from the drop down menu. A window will open with several prompts that will help you extract (unzip) the files. Save the regular documents with the rest of your documents and place the template files in the My Templates folder. The .zip file also includes an example thesis. Use it as a reference for your work. |
To place the template file in the My Templates folder:
- Move or copy/paste the umass07simple.dotx (or umass07numeric.dotx) file to the \Microsoft Office\Templates folder. Where this folder is depends on how your system is set up. If you need help finding it, see the tutorial.
- Select umass07simple.dotx (or umass07numeric.dotx) as the template to create your thesis Word file.
Need Help?
If you encounter problems, submit an online Help Request.
- or -
Contact the OIT Help Desk at 545-9400.
