Special Announcement: Need help with formatting? ITS Formatting Worskshops are available throughout the Fall semester.

Since 2005, Baylor's thesis/dissertation process has been fully digitalized. We think you'll really like the change. Electronic Dissertation and Theses (EDTs) bring the benefits of wider availability and easier accessibility of your document, greater variety of types of materials that can be included, and perhaps best of all . . . reduced cost to you because the Graduate School and the University Libraries no longer require bound paper copies of your dissertation or thesis.

Most graduate programs at Baylor University require graduate students to conduct a project that represents independent research or some other form of advanced scholarship. The products of such scholarship are dissertations (for doctoral programs) and theses (for master's programs). These documents are archived digitally in various collections on campus and are made available internationally via UMI Dissertation Services. The quality of these works reflects the standards of Baylor University, the Graduate School, your department or institute, and the professors who work with you on this project. Most importantly, the quality of your dissertation or thesis directly reflects your professionalism.

The responsibility for the content of your dissertation/thesis rests solely with you and your advisory committee. Also, with guidance from your advisory committee, you are responsible for presenting the document in proper writing style and format. The Graduate School defines the style and format that applies to all dissertations and theses across the University. The purpose of these Guidelines is to assist you in doing the job effectively and efficiently. The Guidelines are revised each semester, so be sure you are working with the current version; you may download the current version of the Guidelines in a PDF. If you are unable to download a copy, you may obtain one from the Graduate School at the beginning of each semester.

Our desire is to assist you in producing the best possible product, one that you and all others concerned will be proud of far into the future. We in the Graduate School are pleased to work with you throughout the process of producing your dissertation or thesis. Handling questions early in the process facilitates meeting the specifications and diminishes the problems and anxiety that often occur if questions are deferred until late in the process. Please stop by our office or call ahead for an appointment if you need assistance. You may also contact Sandra Harman by email. For an overview of important dates and deadlines, check out the Semester Calendars page.

Click here for the Electronic Dissertation and Thesis Page.