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As a graduate student, you may need to complete a thesis or dissertation as part of your program's graduation requirements. While theses are common among master’s students and dissertations among doctoral students, this may not apply universally across all programs. We encourage you to reach out to your program adviser to determine the specific requirements for your culminating project.

Office of Theses and Dissertations

The Office of Theses and Dissertations is the unit of the J. Jeffrey and Ann Marie Fox Graduate School responsible for certifying that theses and dissertations have been prepared in accordance with formatting requirements established by the Fox Graduate School, the University Libraries, and the graduate faculty of Penn State. We are here to help you navigate the review and approval process to ensure you are able to graduate on time.

Cover of the 2023-2024 Fox Graduate School Thesis and Dissertation Handbook

Handbook

The Thesis and Dissertation Handbook explains Penn State formatting requirements for all master’s theses and doctoral dissertations. It covers the submission process and approval deadlines, the responsibilities of each student, and provides page examples. We highly recommend all students doing theses or dissertations to carefully review the handbook.

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Guidance

Contact Us

Questions about theses or dissertations should be directed to the Fox Graduate School Office of Theses and Dissertations (OTD).

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Office of Theses and Dissertations

115 Kern Graduate Building
University Park, PA 16802

Resources

Among these resources, you can get help from the Graduate Writing Center and the Statistical Counseling Center, notify the University of your intent to graduate, and prepare for Commencement.

Electronic Theses and Dissertations for the Fox Graduate School (eTD)

Submit your own work or explore published submissions.

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Fox Graduate School Commencement

Learn how to register for commencement, when to order regalia, how to prepare, and more.

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Graduate Writing Center

The Graduate Writing Center provides consultation to graduate students in all disciplines and locations.

Documents

LaTeX Document Preparation Software

A guide to using LaTeX document preparation software, from the University Libraries.

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Multimedia & Printing Center Copying & Binding

Multimedia & Print Center will help you re-create and preserve your important work with professional copying and binding services.

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Notifying the University of Your Intent to Graduate

To graduate, you must satisfy all the University, college, and major requirements that were in effect at the time of your most recent admission, or re-enrollment, as a degree candidate to the University.

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Statistical Consulting Center

Gives advice on statistics to graduate students working on dissertation or thesis research.

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Thesis and Dissertation Fees

Pay thesis fee ($10) or dissertation fee ($50).

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Thesis and Dissertation Handbook

Requirements and guidelines for the preparation of Master's Theses and Doctoral Dissertations.

Checklist

Thesis and Dissertation Submission Requirements and Deadlines

Find required thesis and dissertation submissions dates for all Penn State graduate students.

Documents

Thesis and Dissertation Templates

Download a template to make sure your thesis or dissertation meets required formatting requirements for all Penn State theses and dissertations.