MID Thesis Guide

MID candidates will submit a print-ready PDF file.

• Recommended resolution: 1200 DPI
• Maximum number of sheets: 60 (i.e., up to 120 pages for double-sided printing)
• One PDF page = one printed page (i.e., no "two-page spreads")

Thesis books will be printed double-sided. Include a blank page after any page that is intended to be single-sided.

The outline is provided through Canvas.

The thesis should include a title page and sign-off page as shown in this sample:

Page Layout

Pages should be 8.5" x 11" (letter size), landscape orientation.

The typical page will have two columns of body text, with figures and illustrations occurring within the columns.

• Tip: To convert from one column (the default in Word) to two columns, highlight the text you want to change and select from the ribbon Layout > Columns icon, then use the drop-down.

Page numbers

Page numbers must be centered at the bottom of the page.

Margins

Use 1/2-inch margins on every side of the page. This margin will accommodate the printer’s requirement for a “lay-flat” spine. There should be no border or decorative elements within this margin.

Line spacing

Body text should be double-spaced. See APA 2.21 for further guidance:

Paragraph alignment

Align the text of each paragraph to the left (left justification). Paragraphs may either:

• be right-justified in addition to left-justified (full justification), or
• have an uneven right-margin (“ragged”).

Indentation

The first line of every paragraph may be indented or not in accordance with the writer’s preference. Indentation must be consistent throughout the document.

Font

A variety of fonts are permitted in the body text. Font options include the following:

• sans serif fonts such as Calibri, Arial, or Aptos
• serif fonts such as Times New Roman or Georgia

The font size may range from 10 – 12 pt. Note that actual size varies by font; Times New Roman works well at 12 points but Century Gothic at 12 points is too large.

See APA 2.19 for further guidance.