sample cover page for thesis

APA Title Page (Cover Page) Format, Example, & Templates

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On This Page:

In APA Style (7th edition), the cover page, or title page, should include:

• A running head (professional papers only) and page number
• The title of the paper
• The name of the author(s)
• The institutional affiliation
• An author note; optional (professional papers only)
• A student paper should also include course information

Note : APA 7 provides slightly different directions for formatting the title pages of professional papers (e.g., those intended for scholarly publication) and student papers (e.g., those turned in for credit in a high school or college course).

Professional paper APA title page

Student paper APA title page

Formatting an APA title page

Note : All text on the title page should be double-spaced and typed in either 12-point, Times New Roman font. In the 7th edition, APA increaded the flexibility regarding font options: which now include Calibri 11, Arial 11, Lucida Sans Unicode 10, Times New Roman 12, or Georgia 11. All words should be centered, and capitalize the first letter of important words.

Running Head

In the 7th edition of the APA style manual, running heads are only required for professional papers that are being submitted for publication (student papers do not require a running head, but still need a page number).

Your title page should contain a running head that is flush left at the top of the page and a page number that is flush right at the top of the page.

Place the running head in the page’s header:

• The running head is the abbreviated title of the paper (IN UPPERCASE LETTERS) aligned left on the page header of all pages, including the title page. APA (7th edition) guidelines require that running heads be a maximum of 50 characters (spaces count as characters).
• The “Running head:” label used in the APA sixth edition is no longer used.
• Place the page number in this same header, but align right, beginning with page number 1 on the title page.
• This header should be 1 inch from the top. Some instructors allow for 1/2 inch, too, but the default is 1 inch.

Paper Title

Position the title of the paper in the upper half of the page. The title should be centered and written in boldface, and important words should be capitalized.

The APA recommends that your title should be a maximum of 12 words and should not contain abbreviations or words that serve no purpose.

Author Name(s)

Institutional affiliation.

Position the school or university’s name below the author(s) name, centered.

A student paper should also include the course number and name, instructor name, and assignment due date.

Further Information

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Dissertation title pages must follow a specific format. Refer to the PhD Dissertation Formatting Guide  and view the examples below. Certain graduate groups follow a special format.

Standard sample title page (exceptions listed below):

Students in Francophone, Italian and Germanic Studies (FIGS) must follow the format below:

Students in Wharton must follow the format below:

Students in the Social Welfare Graduate Group must follow this format:

What’s Included: The Dissertation Template

If you’re preparing to write your dissertation, thesis or research project, our free dissertation template is the perfect starting point. In the template, we cover every section step by step, with clear, straightforward explanations and examples .

The template’s structure is based on the tried and trusted best-practice format for formal academic research projects such as dissertations and theses. The template structure reflects the overall research process, ensuring your dissertation or thesis will have a smooth, logical flow from chapter to chapter.

The dissertation template covers the following core sections:

• The title page/cover page
• Abstract (sometimes also called the executive summary)
• Table of contents
• List of figures /list of tables
• Chapter 1: Introduction  (also available: in-depth introduction template )
• Chapter 2: Literature review  (also available: in-depth LR template )
• Chapter 3: Methodology (also available: in-depth methodology template )
• Chapter 4: Research findings /results (also available: results template )
• Chapter 5: Discussion /analysis of findings (also available: discussion template )
• Chapter 6: Conclusion (also available: in-depth conclusion template )
• Reference list

Each section is explained in plain, straightforward language , followed by an overview of the key elements that you need to cover within each section. We’ve also included practical examples to help you understand exactly what’s required in each section.

The cleanly-formatted Google Doc can be downloaded as a fully editable MS Word Document (DOCX format), so you can use it as-is or convert it to LaTeX.

FAQs: Dissertation Template

What format is the template (doc, pdf, ppt, etc.).

The dissertation template is provided as a Google Doc. You can download it in MS Word format or make a copy to your Google Drive. You’re also welcome to convert it to whatever format works best for you, such as LaTeX or PDF.

What types of dissertations/theses can this template be used for?

The template follows the standard best-practice structure for formal academic research projects such as dissertations or theses, so it is suitable for the vast majority of degrees, particularly those within the sciences.

Some universities may have some additional requirements, but these are typically minor, with the core structure remaining the same. Therefore, it’s always a good idea to double-check your university’s requirements before you finalise your structure.

Will this work for a research paper?

A research paper follows a similar format, but there are a few differences. You can find our research paper template here .

Is this template for an undergrad, Masters or PhD-level thesis?

This template can be used for a dissertation, thesis or research project at any level of study. It may be slight overkill for an undergraduate-level study, but it certainly won’t be missing anything.

How long should my dissertation/thesis be?

This depends entirely on your university’s specific requirements, so it’s best to check with them. As a general ballpark, Masters-level projects are usually 15,000 – 20,000 words in length, while Doctoral-level projects are often in excess of 60,000 words.

What about the research proposal?

If you’re still working on your research proposal, we’ve got a template for that here .

We’ve also got loads of proposal-related guides and videos over on the Grad Coach blog .

How do I write a literature review?

We have a wealth of free resources on the Grad Coach Blog that unpack how to write a literature review from scratch. You can check out the literature review section of the blog here.

How do I create a research methodology?

We have a wealth of free resources on the Grad Coach Blog that unpack research methodology, both qualitative and quantitative. You can check out the methodology section of the blog here.

Can I share this dissertation template with my friends/colleagues?

Yes, you’re welcome to share this template. If you want to post about it on your blog or social media, all we ask is that you reference this page as your source.

Can Grad Coach help me with my dissertation/thesis?

Within the template, you’ll find plain-language explanations of each section, which should give you a fair amount of guidance. However, you’re also welcome to consider our dissertation and thesis coaching services .

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• Tags: Academic Writing , Dissertation , Formatting

A title page (also sometimes referred to as a cover page) is the first thing that your evaluator or any reader will see when they encounter your dissertation . It must contain important information that gives the reader an idea of what they are about to look at. Let’s spend some time deconstructing this. 

The format of the title page will differ to an extent, based on the journal of publication, university, and citation style used. But there are some common elements you’ll have to include, regardless of the style you’re using. These guidelines will remain the same regardless of what level you’re at — whether it’s a Master’s thesis or a PhD dissertation. 

What goes on a dissertation title page? 

Title of the dissertation .

Academic writing is objective and direct, so your title too should be such. Focus on l etting the reader know what exactly they’re dealing with. Use keywords that highlight the scope, purpose, and methods used in your research. Here are some examples: 

A New Determination of Molecular Dimensions

The Difference Between the Democritean and Epicurean Philosophy of Nature

An Alternate Historiography of the Boer Wars 

That said, there’s also scope for some creativity here. Your evaluators may appreciate a title that’s more creative as long as you accompany it with an explanatory subtitle. From some examples, check out this Reddit thread where people are sharing some of the funniest titles they’ve ever seen.

Pro-tip: If you decide to go for a catchy title, just make sure your university approves it!

Author information and affiliation

Your title page should also shed light upon you as the researcher, your qualifications, and affiliations. You will be expected to specify the following details: 

• Your name 
• ID number 
• Department and university you are affiliated with 
• Date and year of submission
• Programme under which you undertook the dissertation (MA, MSc, PhD, etc.)

Additional information on your dissertation title page 

While these are the primary elements of a dissertation title page, there are additional details you may have to include, based on what style guide your university has told you to follow. Expect to include details such as these: 

• Your primary advisor’s name 
• Type of article (Is this a dissertation or a thesis?)
• Word count or total number of pages 
• University logo 

Formatting your dissertation title page 

Refer to the prescribed style guide or the guidelines followed by your university when you format a title page. While there will be minor variations depending on the style, a title page typically looks like this: 

Your university will give you specific guidelines about where each element should be placed on the title page. They will also give you details about indentation, spacing, and margins. They may even give you guidelines about font, font sizes, and capitalization. 

Tips for a well-formatted title page

• The title page should not be too wordy. An evaluator should be able to glean the essential information about your paper at a single glance. 
• Make sure you space the title page well, or else it might look too cluttered or too empty. 
• Formatting a title page often means dwelling on incredibly specific and tedious things like spacing and sentence casing, so ensure that you double-check with your supervisor about whether you have followed these guidelines thoroughly. 
• Proofread the title page to ensure that you have spelled each word correctly and that each element is where it should be.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Do i need to add a page number to the title page , can i put a picture on the title page, how can i create a title page in ms word, do i need to list committee members on the title page, do i need to add a copyright page.

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Trapped in dissertation revisions?

Sample dissertation cover page + how to, published by steve tippins on may 26, 2020 may 26, 2020.

Last Updated on: 6th June 2024, 02:20 am

If you’re wondering about making your dissertation cover page, chances are you’re nearing the final stretch of your doctoral journey. Congratulations!

Luckily, making your title page is one of the simplest tasks you’ll have to complete. Generally speaking, there’s a template your institution will use and you just have to fill in your information.

What Should a Dissertation Cover Page Include?

The inner artist in you might want to make your dissertation cover page beautiful: printed in color, maybe with pictures, or with an interesting font or design. However, you’re going to be limited by your university. 

Pretty much every university that I’ve come across has a template and guidelines that you must follow for your dissertation cover page. You may just be filling in things like your title, name, your university’s name, maybe your committee members’ names, and not much more. You won’t have much (if any) creative license.

The advantage of this is, by the time you get to that stage, you may be tired of writing and it will be easier to follow directions than to come up with something creative. Your dissertation cover page doesn’t need to be a work of art. It just needs to convey what the dissertation is about.

Dissertation Cover Page: The Title

The aspect of your dissertation cover page that you have the most control over is the title . It’s also the most important to get right. 

The main thing to remember is, keep the title simple . It should simply tell a person what they’re going to read in the document. Don’t try to intrigue people or be too clever, just tell them directly. Having a straightforward title helps your committee approve your dissertation more quickly.

Over 50% of doctoral candidates don’t finish their dissertations.

Your title should include relevant information that gives the reader a complete picture of what your study was about. Generally speaking, you’ll want to cover a few specific areas.

Quantitative Title Requirements

• Type of relationship between variables.
• Key variables (independent and dependent).
• Population.

Qualitative Title Requirements

• Central conceptual issue investigated.
• Qualitative tradition applied.
• Participant group.

See this article for a more in-depth discussion of choosing your dissertation’s title .

Sample Dissertation Cover Page

Your dissertation cover page should look something like this:

While each university has slightly different requirements, generally speaking, a dissertation cover page looks something like this, above. The required sections are as follows:

A Dissertation

Submitted to XXXXX University

Graduate Faculty of the School of XXXXXXXX

in Partial Fulfillment of the 

Requirements for the Degree of 

DOCTOR OF XXXXXXXXXX

City, State (of the university)

Final Thoughts

While your dissertation title page doesn’t have to be fancy, it’s important that it aligns with your university’s requirements. Take a look at their rubric and, if needed, look at completed dissertations’ title pages as well. If all else fails, ask your mentor for help.

Once you’ve finished this, pat yourself on the back. You’re almost done!

PS. Need support getting through the final stages of your dissertation, or moving into the world of your career? As a dissertation coach and career coach , I’ve helped countless students achieve their dreams. Let’s achieve yours. Book a free 30-minute consultation today.

Steve Tippins

Steve Tippins, PhD, has thrived in academia for over thirty years. He continues to love teaching in addition to coaching recent PhD graduates as well as students writing their dissertations. Learn more about his dissertation coaching and career coaching services. Book a Free Consultation with Steve Tippins

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Dissertation title page

Published on 30 May 2022 by Shona McCombes . Revised on 18 October 2022.

The title page (or cover page) of your thesis, dissertation, or research paper should contain all the key information about your document. It usually includes:

• Dissertation or thesis title
• The type of document (e.g., dissertation, research paper )
• The department and institution
• The degree program (e.g., Master of Arts)
• The date of submission

It sometimes also includes your student number, your supervisor’s name, and your university’s logo.

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Table of contents

Title page format, title page templates, title page example, frequently asked questions about title pages.

Your department will usually tell you exactly what should be included on your title page and how it should be formatted. Be sure to check whether there are specific guidelines for margins, spacing, and font size.

Title pages for APA and MLA Style

The format of your title page can also depend on the citation style you’re using. There may be guidelines in regards to alignment, page numbering, and mandatory elements.

• MLA guidelines for formatting the title page
• APA guidelines for formatting the title page

Prevent plagiarism, run a free check.

We’ve created a few templates to help you design the title page for your thesis, dissertation, or research paper. You can download them in the format of your choice by clicking on the corresponding button.

Research paper Google doc

Dissertation Google doc

Thesis Google doc

A typical example of a thesis title page looks like this:

The title page of your thesis or dissertation should include your name, department, institution, degree program, and submission date.

The title page of your thesis or dissertation goes first, before all other content or lists that you may choose to include.

Usually, no title page is needed in an MLA paper . A header is generally included at the top of the first page instead. The exceptions are when:

• Your instructor requires one, or
• Your paper is a group project

In those cases, you should use a title page instead of a header, listing the same information but on a separate page.

Cite this Scribbr article

If you want to cite this source, you can copy and paste the citation or click the ‘Cite this Scribbr article’ button to automatically add the citation to our free Reference Generator.

McCombes, S. (2022, October 18). Dissertation title page. Scribbr. Retrieved 24 June 2024, from https://www.scribbr.co.uk/thesis-dissertation/title-page/

Is this article helpful?

Shona McCombes

Other students also liked, thesis & dissertation acknowledgements | tips & examples, dissertation table of contents in word | instructions & examples, research paper appendix | example & templates.

10+ Free Cover Page Templates for Thesis and Dissertation Projects

Download cover pages in ms word format.

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#10 – Psychology Thesis

Tips on choosing the right template for your project

Tips for creating an effective dissertation cover page, what are a few must-haves for your thesis and dissertation cover page.

• Title of the project: It should be brief yet comprehensive and reflect the essence of your research work.
• Author/Student’s name: It is essential to mention the name of the author/student who has carried out the research work. This will help in identifying the author of the document.
• Roll number/Student number: This is an important identifier that helps the institute maintain the record of the students.
• Department/Batch/Class: This information helps the institute to categorize the research work based on the department, batch, or class.
• Institution’s name: It is important to mention the name of the institute where the research work has been conducted.
• Details of the requirements: Mentioning whether it is a thesis, final-year project, or dissertation is crucial for the reader to understand the context of the research work.
• Name of the degree: Mentioning the name of the degree (Ph.D. or M.Phil.) will help in identifying the level of the research work.
• Date of submission: It is important to mention the date of submission to establish the timeline of the research work.
• Session: Mentioning the session will help in identifying the academic session during which the research work has been carried out.
• Name of the supervisor: It is important to mention the name of the supervisor who has guided the research work.

How is the thesis cover page formatted?

Mla cover page formatting guidelines:, apa cover page formatting guidelines:.

• Title of the dissertation
• Author’s name
• Name of the university and department
• Degree information
• Date of submission

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Center for Digital Scholarship

Sample Title Pages

A few examples.

• Division of the Biological Sciences and the Pritzker School of Medicine
• Division of the Humanities
• Division of the Physical Sciences
• Division of the Social Sciences
• The Crown Family School of Social Work, Policy, and Practice
• The Divinity School
• The Irving B. Harris Graduate School of Public Policy Studies
• The Law School
• The Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering
• The University of Chicago Booth School of Business

This is a work in progress. Additional examples are available on request.

The font on your title page should be the same as the font used in the rest of your dissertation. Settings should be the same also: double line spacing, 0 pt spacing before and after paragraphs, one inch margins on all sides, and 12-point font size. Text on the title page should use upper case and should not be bold. The title page counts as page "i" but the number should not be entered on the page.

Use your diploma name on the title page.

The last line on the title page should be the month and year of the end of the quarter you receive your degree and graduate, with no date and no comma. If you will receive your degree this summer, your degree date is AUGUST 2024. Your options for this academic year are:

• AUGUST 2024
• DECEMBER 2024

The Graduate College at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Templates and examples.

Please download a title page template in order to correctly format your master's or doctoral title page and refer to the additional instructions below. You can also consult the master's or doctoral title page example as you format your title page.

Master's Title Page Template

Master's Title Page Example

Doctoral Title Page Template

Doctoral Title Page Example

Title Page with Minor or Concentration Example

Requirements

• All margins should be 1 inch and must be consistent on all sides of the page.
• All font should be the same size and should be set to either 10 pt. or 12 pt.
• Do not display a page number anywhere on the page.
• Do not use boldface type on the title page.
• Capitalize the title, BY, your name, and either THESIS (for master's thesis) or DISSERTATION (for doctoral dissertations).
• Your name on your title page should match what appears in the University's system.
• The text block beneath THESIS or DISSERTATION should appear as follows:
• Submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements
• for the degree of <add earned degree> in <add major>
• with a concentration in <add concentration>
• with a minor in <add minor>
• in the Graduate College of the
• University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, <add year of degree conferral>
• The major must fit entirely onto line 2 of the text block.
• Most students will not include lines 3 or 4. There are very few campus-approved graduate concentrations and graduate minors. (The list of campus-approved graduate minors can be found  here .) If a concentration or minor cannot be verified by the University’s records, it will not be allowed on the title page.
• The year in line 6 of the text block must be the year of the degree conferral period for which the student will deposit (e.g., if a student deposits in December 2015 for the May 2016 graduation period, the year in the text block should be 2016).
• Master’s students will use the heading “Adviser:”, "Advisers:", or “Master’s Committee:”, depending on which is applicable or preferred.
• Doctoral students will use the heading “Doctoral Committee:” to list the final examination committee.
• For committees, the committee chair should be listed first, and the director of research (adviser) should be listed second; all other committee members may be listed in the order preferred by the student or the student’s adviser.
• The committee chair should be indicated by adding a comma and the word “Chair” after the chair’s name. The director of research (if different from chair) should be indicated by adding a comma and the phrase “Director of Research” after the director’s name.
• “Co-Chair” and “Co-Director of Research” designations may be used when applicable.
• Faculty members should be listed with their professorial title (i.e., Professor, Associate Professor, Assistant Professor, etc.). The professorial title should be spelled in full (do not abbreviate) and listed before the faculty member’s name.
• Affiliations should be listed only for committee members who are not University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign faculty (i.e., departmental affiliations should not be listed).

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• Knowledge Base
• Dissertation
• Dissertation & Thesis Outline | Example & Free Templates

Dissertation & Thesis Outline | Example & Free Templates

Published on June 7, 2022 by Tegan George . Revised on November 21, 2023.

A thesis or dissertation outline is one of the most critical early steps in your writing process . It helps you to lay out and organize your ideas and can provide you with a roadmap for deciding the specifics of your dissertation topic and showcasing its relevance to your field.

Generally, an outline contains information on the different sections included in your thesis or dissertation , such as:

• Your anticipated title
• Your abstract
• Your chapters (sometimes subdivided into further topics like literature review, research methods, avenues for future research, etc.)

In the final product, you can also provide a chapter outline for your readers. This is a short paragraph at the end of your introduction to inform readers about the organizational structure of your thesis or dissertation. This chapter outline is also known as a reading guide or summary outline.

Table of contents

How to outline your thesis or dissertation, dissertation and thesis outline templates, chapter outline example, sample sentences for your chapter outline, sample verbs for variation in your chapter outline, other interesting articles, frequently asked questions about thesis and dissertation outlines.

While there are some inter-institutional differences, many outlines proceed in a fairly similar fashion.

• Working Title
• “Elevator pitch” of your work (often written last).
• Introduce your area of study, sharing details about your research question, problem statement , and hypotheses . Situate your research within an existing paradigm or conceptual or theoretical framework .
• Subdivide as you see fit into main topics and sub-topics.
• Describe your research methods (e.g., your scope , population , and data collection ).
• Present your research findings and share about your data analysis methods.
• Answer the research question in a concise way.
• Interpret your findings, discuss potential limitations of your own research and speculate about future implications or related opportunities.

For a more detailed overview of chapters and other elements, be sure to check out our article on the structure of a dissertation or download our template .

To help you get started, we’ve created a full thesis or dissertation template in Word or Google Docs format. It’s easy adapt it to your own requirements.

 Download Word template    Download Google Docs template

It can be easy to fall into a pattern of overusing the same words or sentence constructions, which can make your work monotonous and repetitive for your readers. Consider utilizing some of the alternative constructions presented below.

Example 1: Passive construction

The passive voice is a common choice for outlines and overviews because the context makes it clear who is carrying out the action (e.g., you are conducting the research ). However, overuse of the passive voice can make your text vague and imprecise.

Example 2: IS-AV construction

You can also present your information using the “IS-AV” (inanimate subject with an active verb ) construction.

A chapter is an inanimate object, so it is not capable of taking an action itself (e.g., presenting or discussing). However, the meaning of the sentence is still easily understandable, so the IS-AV construction can be a good way to add variety to your text.

Example 3: The “I” construction

Another option is to use the “I” construction, which is often recommended by style manuals (e.g., APA Style and Chicago style ). However, depending on your field of study, this construction is not always considered professional or academic. Ask your supervisor if you’re not sure.

Example 4: Mix-and-match

To truly make the most of these options, consider mixing and matching the passive voice , IS-AV construction , and “I” construction .This can help the flow of your argument and improve the readability of your text.

As you draft the chapter outline, you may also find yourself frequently repeating the same words, such as “discuss,” “present,” “prove,” or “show.” Consider branching out to add richness and nuance to your writing. Here are some examples of synonyms you can use.

If you want to know more about AI for academic writing, AI tools, or research bias, make sure to check out some of our other articles with explanations and examples or go directly to our tools!

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When you mention different chapters within your text, it’s considered best to use Roman numerals for most citation styles. However, the most important thing here is to remain consistent whenever using numbers in your dissertation .

The title page of your thesis or dissertation goes first, before all other content or lists that you may choose to include.

A thesis or dissertation outline is one of the most critical first steps in your writing process. It helps you to lay out and organize your ideas and can provide you with a roadmap for deciding what kind of research you’d like to undertake.

• Your chapters (sometimes subdivided into further topics like literature review , research methods , avenues for future research, etc.)

Cite this Scribbr article

If you want to cite this source, you can copy and paste the citation or click the “Cite this Scribbr article” button to automatically add the citation to our free Citation Generator.

George, T. (2023, November 21). Dissertation & Thesis Outline | Example & Free Templates. Scribbr. Retrieved June 24, 2024, from https://www.scribbr.com/dissertation/dissertation-thesis-outline/

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• TemplateLab
• Art & Media
• Cover Page Templates

55 Amazing Cover Page Templates (Word, PowerPoint + PSD)

In the academic and professional arenas, you often need to prepare reports or projects which need a cover page template. The cover page is the very first thing that the reader would see. Therefore, the cover page for project should be well-made.

Table of Contents

• 1 Title Page Templates
• 2 When do you use a cover page?
• 3 The important elements of a cover page template
• 4 Report Cover Page Templates
• 5.1 Academic cover page
• 5.2 Business cover page
• 5.3 Report cover page
• 6 Cover Sheet Examples
• 7 How to make a cover page?
• 8 Cover Page For Project
• 9 How to create a title page?

Title Page Templates

When do you use a cover page?

A cover page template is also known as a title page template, and you can use it in different kinds of projects such as:

• academic essays
• business plans
• professional reports
• white papers

However, this template differs from cover sheets and cover letters. A cover sheet is a type of document sent with fax which provides the recipient with additional information. On the other hand, a cover letter is usually attached to a resume when you apply for a job .

The important elements of a cover page template

Before making your portfolio cover page, you should know what elements to include in it. Simple as this page may seem, there are some things which you need to incorporate into it. These are:

• The title or subtitle of the document
• The name of the author
• The title of the author
• The cover image or cover photo
• The completion or submission date
• The description of the document

Also, the color spread, style, and layout of the report cover page should blend together with the rest of the document seamlessly. Also, you should follow any other requirements set by your instructor or the recipient of the document.

Report Cover Page Templates

Common types of cover page templates

When you look at different cover sheet examples online, you’ll discover that there are different types to choose from. Here are the most common ones:

Academic cover page

In the academic world, making a cover page template requires some rules. In fact, following these guidelines is just as essential as the content within the paper or the document. Also, the cover page should follow the proper format depending on the style set by the instructor. The most common format styles of academic cover pages are:

• American Psychological Association or APA This format is now in its 6th Edition, and it’s commonly used in the field of social sciences. When following this format style, the cover page should include a title, a running header, the name of the author, the name of the institution, and any other notes the author wants to include.
• Modern Language Association or MLA This format is now in its 8th Edition, and it’s commonly used in the fields of humanities and arts. Normally, this format doesn’t require a cover page, but some instructors still ask for it. If you’re required to make a cover page, follow the guidelines set by your instructor .
• Chicago Manual of Style or CMS This format is now in its 16th Edition, and it’s also commonly used in the fields of humanities and arts. In such a format, you might need to make a standalone cover page, or you may add the title on the first page of your document.

Business cover page

This style is very common in the corporate world, and its design would depend on the nature of the company or the organization. Some cover pages require formality and professionalism while others may need more flair and creativity. For instance, some technical reports only show figures and facts which means that you would only need to use a conservative design for the template. But marketing and business plans might need more imagery and color to attract more readers.

Report cover page

There are different styles you can use when making a template for a cover page template for a report. You would use a different style when making a template for a marketing report compared to when making a template for a business proposal . Use your professionalism or creativity as you see fit to impress your target audience.

Cover Sheet Examples

How to make a cover page?

When you’re thinking about preparing a cover page template, remember that it’s all about the first impression. Your document might have a lot of good content, but without a well-made report cover page, your target audience might not even read it. There are many crucial things to keep in mind when creating your report’s cover page.

The cover page is at the very start of a document. From the beginning, the purpose of this page is to provide the reader with a good idea of what your document is all about. You communicate this information by including all the relevant information on this page. Here are some helpful steps to follow when making a cover page for the project in Microsoft Word:

• First, open a new document in Microsoft Word.
• Click on the Insert tab to find the drop-down menu for cover page templates. From there, you can choose which template you’d like to use for your project.
• When you click on a template, it will appear as the first page of your document.
• Click on the fields which have already been pre-formatted and start typing the information. First, the title of your document then the subtitle, the date, your name, and more.
• If you don’t see a style you like in among the available templates, you can also customize one of the pre-formatted templates. For instance, you’d like to change the background image of the template, simply right-click on that picture then select “Click Picture” in the menu.
• If in the middle of making your document, you’d like to change the cover page, you can do this too. Just go back to the first page then choose a new template from the menu. In doing this, the information you’ve added won’t get changed.
• After you’ve added all the information on your cover page, don’t forget to save it in a location that’s easily accessible.

As we’ve said, making a cover page doesn’t require much effort. Even if you want to make your own customized template, you can do this in a matter of steps and in very quick time. The pre-formatted templates available in Microsoft Word will save you a lot of time and effort. However, using such a template would mean that you can’t make your own personality and style shine through. Here are some steps to follow if you plan to design your own portfolio cover page:

• Choose one of the pre-formatted templates from the Insert tab then start editing the template. Change the colors, font styles, and all the other elements in the template.
• You can get stock-free images online and use those for your cover page. Move the elements around and see which arrangement is the most aesthetically appealing.
• When you’re happy with how you cover page, save your document to preserve your customized design.

No matter how you choose to make your cover page, make sure to add all of the important elements which we have discussed in the previous section.

Cover Page For Project

How to create a title page?

Title pages are simple and easy to make. However, you need to follow some specific guidelines when making them. You can download our title page template if it fits into the style you’re instructed to follow. Since making such a template isn’t complicated, you can also make it yourself. Just follow these steps:

• Space the title of the document about a third down the page. If your document has a long title or it has a colon somewhere in it, you can use two lines for the title.
• Make use of “title case capitalization” wherein you use a capital letter at the beginning of the important words such as the verbs, nouns, adjectives, and adverbs.
• Add your name as the author of the document right below the title. Use your complete name and start with your first name, middle initial, then your surname. If more than one person wrote the document, include all of the full names.
• Add the name of your institution, organization or university. This will tell the readers where you performed most of your research. If several authors from different institutions wrote the document, add the name of the institution right below the name of the author/s.
• Now it’s time to format your template. Your title page should be double-spaced. To do this, highlight the text and choose the double space option in the line spacing drop-down menu.
• Your title should have a horizontal center alignment.
• Then add a running header which appears at the top of the page and continues throughout the document. But the header isn’t the title of the document, just a few keywords or about 50 characters.
• The next thing to add is the page number which appears at the upper right-hand corner of the cover page and all the other pages in the document.

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23 Free Cover Page Templates

In professional and academic settings, the importance of a well-crafted cover page for reports and projects is paramount. Serving as the initial point of engagement, a cover page not only introduces but also sets the tone for the document’s content. Its design and layout play a pivotal role in conveying the quality and relevance of the information that follows. Cover Page Templates are invaluable tools in this process, providing a framework for creating a compelling and informative front page. For those preparing a report for work or a project for school, mastering the use of these templates can be a game-changer. It ensures that the document makes a strong first impression , capturing the reader’s attention and interest right from the start. Learn how to effectively utilize Cover Page Templates to introduce your work and establish its significance.

Cover Page Templates

Business Plan Cover Page Template

A Business Plan Cover Page Template serves as the initial presentation of a business plan, offering a succinct snapshot of what the document contains. It typically includes essential details like the company's name, contact information, and a brief overview of the business initiative. The template provided in our previous response is designed to facilitate an organized and professional introduction to a business plan. By incorporating elements such as company and contact information, an executive summary, financial and strategic goals, and legal details, this template enables users to effectively present their business concept. The inclusion of sample data and clear placeholders makes it easily adaptable for various business scenarios, ensuring that users can tailor it to their specific needs while maintaining a structured and polished appearance. This approach helps in creating a strong first impression on potential investors or stakeholders, making it an invaluable asset for business planning.

Project Cover Page Template

A Project Cover Page Template serves as the introductory page for a project proposal or report, outlining key information such as the project title, team members, budget, and important dates. It provides a snapshot of what the project entails and who is involved, offering a professional and organized first impression. The template we discussed earlier is designed to be versatile, suitable for a broad range of projects. It includes essential elements like project goals, milestones, and team member details, making it easier for users to present their projects in a structured and clear manner. By providing sample data within fillable brackets, this template simplifies the process of customizing the cover page according to specific project needs, ensuring that important details are not overlooked.

Report Cover Page Template

A Report Cover Page Template is a pre-formatted design that serves as the front page of a report, providing essential information about the document in a structured and visually appealing way. This includes details like the report title, author's name, submission date, and other relevant data. The template we created earlier is versatile and adaptable for various academic and professional settings, offering clear placeholders for easy customization. With fields for university and department names, course details, executive summaries, and contact information, it's an ideal starting point for students and professionals alike. The inclusion of an executive summary and acknowledgments section, as well as optional notes, enhances its utility, ensuring users can present their work in a detailed and organized manner.

Resume Cover Page Template

A Resume Cover Page, also known as a cover letter, is a document sent alongside a resume to provide additional information on an applicant's skills and experience. It serves as an introduction to the candidate, highlighting key aspects of their professional background and explaining their interest in the specific position. The template provided in our previous response is designed to guide users through crafting an effective cover letter. It includes essential elements such as personal contact information, the date, employer details, and a structured body for the letter. By filling in the provided placeholders with their personal and professional information, users can create a personalized and impactful cover letter. This template simplifies the process of writing a cover letter, ensuring that users include all necessary details while tailoring the content to their unique qualifications and the job they are applying for.

What Is a Cover Page?

A cover page, also known as a title page, is the forefront of various documents like theses, books, projects, research papers, and business proposals. More than just an opening page, it provides essential information at a glance. This includes the document’s title, author, affiliated institution, date, and sometimes a brief summary or abstract. Its layout and design can also reflect the document’s tone and professionalism. For the reader, the cover page is a quick indicator of the document’s relevance and scope, helping them decide if the content aligns with their needs or interests. This makes the cover page a pivotal element in both academic and professional writing.

What Is a Cover Page Template?

A cover page template is a pre-designed layout that serves as a starting point for creating your document’s cover page. It typically comes as a downloadable and customizable file, allowing users to adapt it to their specific needs. These templates can include placeholders for elements like title, author name, date, and other pertinent details, ensuring that all necessary information is presented in an organized and visually appealing manner. It’s important to distinguish cover page templates from cover letters and cover sheets. While a cover letter is a personal introduction attached to resumes during job applications, and a cover sheet often accompanies faxes to provide context to the recipient, a cover page template specifically addresses the formatting needs of the front page of formal documents.

When Is a Cover Page Needed?

A cover page is essential in numerous scenarios, particularly in academic and professional environments. Its purpose is to offer a formal introduction and an immediate context to the document. Depending on the nature of your work, a cover page can be an integral part of:

• Business Proposals: Sets the stage for a proposal by presenting the project title, company name, and date, and sometimes a brief summary or slogan that encapsulates the proposal’s aim.
• Academic Essays: Provides essential details like the essay title, student’s name, course title, and date, ensuring that the work is properly identified and categorized in academic settings.
• E-Books: The digital equivalent of a traditional book’s front cover, offering a title, author’s name, and often a graphic or image that hints at the book’s content or genre.
• Professional Reports: In corporate settings, a cover page includes the report title, author or company name, and the submission date, sometimes accompanied by a company logo for branding purposes.
• White Papers: Similar to professional reports, a white paper’s cover page includes the title, author or organization, and date, often accompanied by a brief description or introduction to the topic.
• Magazines: The cover page of a magazine is its front cover, showcasing the main feature or theme, magazine title, issue date, and often eye-catching visuals or headlines.
• Albums: For musical or audio albums, the cover page (album cover) includes the album title, artist name, and artwork that reflects the album’s style or theme.
• Career Portfolios: The cover page sets a professional tone with the individual’s name, profession, contact information, and sometimes a photo or personal logo.

Each of these instances demands a specific approach to the cover page design, reflecting the document’s purpose and audience. The content, layout, and length of your cover page should align with the nature of your document, ensuring it effectively communicates the essence and professionalism of your work.

Fun Fact: The origin of the cover page traces back to ancient scrolls and manuscripts, where titles were inscribed on the edges to identify contents without opening them. This early practice laid the foundation for modern cover pages, highlighting the timeless importance of first impressions in documentation.

Essential Elements of a Cover Page

Contrary to common belief, a cover page involves more than just presenting a title. It is a critical component that can significantly influence the initial impression of your document. Particularly in academic and professional contexts, non-adherence to specified cover page formats can lead to negative perceptions or even rejection of the document. To ensure your cover page effectively represents your work, consider incorporating the following key elements:

• Document Title and Subtitle: The title should be prominently displayed and clearly convey the subject of the document. If applicable, a subtitle can provide additional context or specificity.
• Author’s Name and Title: Include the full name of the author(s). If relevant, also mention their professional or academic titles.
• Institution or Organization Name: For academic or professional documents, stating the name of the affiliated institution or organization is crucial for establishing credibility and context.
• Cover Photo or Image: A relevant image or graphic can enhance the visual appeal of the cover page and provide a visual summary of the document’s content.
• Brief Document Description: A concise summary or abstract can give readers a quick overview of what to expect in the document.
• Submission Date: Particularly important in time-sensitive documents, the date indicates the document’s timeliness and relevance.

In addition to these elements, the overall layout, color scheme, and style of the cover page should be consistent with the main document to maintain a cohesive look. Paying attention to these details can enhance the professional appearance of your work. Furthermore, always adhere to specific instructions or guidelines provided by your reader, instructor, lecturer, or employer, as these can vary significantly depending on the context and requirements.

How to Make a Cover Page

Creating an effective cover page is a crucial step in presenting your document. While specific instructions from instructors or organizations should always be your primary guide, the following general steps can help you construct a standard cover page:

• Choose a Suitable Template: If available, start with a pre-designed cover page template that suits the tone and style of your document.
• Supply the Title: Write the document title using ‘title case capitalization.’ Place the title about one-third down the page. For longer titles, consider using two lines.
• Add the Author Names: Below the title, list the author’s full name(s), starting with the first name, middle initial (if applicable), and surname. For multiple authors, list each one, considering their contribution order or alphabetical order.
• Include the Institution Name: Mention the name of the organization, university, company, or institution. For documents with authors from different institutions, include each relevant institution’s name.
• Insert a Cover Photo or Graphic (if applicable): Choose an image or graphic that complements the document’s theme and place it strategically on the cover page.
• Add a Brief Document Description or Abstract (if necessary): For academic or detailed reports, include a concise summary or abstract of the document.
• Format the Template: Ensure the cover page is double-spaced with a consistent font and size as the main document. Center-align the title and any other text.
• Include Additional Elements: Depending on the document type, add other elements like the submission date, course name (for academic papers), or a corporate logo.
• Review and Edit: Double-check for any typos, alignment issues, and ensure adherence to any specific guidelines provided.
• Finalize the Design: Ensure the overall design aligns with the document’s style and the intended audience. Adjust margins, spacing, and font as needed to create a clean, professional look.

Different Types of Cover Page Templates

Cover pages vary significantly across different fields, with the format often dependent on the document type and specific guidelines provided. Here are the main types of cover page templates commonly used:

• Modern Language Association (MLA): Primarily for humanities and arts, the MLA format (8th edition) typically doesn’t include a cover page, but instructors may require one. The MLA-style cover page usually features the title, author’s name, course name, instructor’s name, and the submission date.
• American Psychological Association (APA): Used in the social sciences, the APA format (7th edition) requires a cover page that includes the document title, author name, institution name, course number, instructor name, and submission date. A running header with a shortened title and page number is also standard.
• Chicago Manual of Style (CMS): Suited for arts and humanities, the CMS format (17th edition) often uses a standalone cover page. This includes the title, author’s name, course information, instructor’s name, and date. Sometimes, the title page is merged with the first page of the document.
• Report Cover Page: The style of a report cover page varies based on the report’s focus. Academic reports typically feature a formal design with essential information like the title, author’s name, institution, and submission date. Art or creative reports might incorporate more visual elements and thematic designs.
• Business Cover Page: In the corporate world, cover pages adapt to the nature of the document. Technical reports often adopt a formal, conservative design with key details like the title, author, date, and a brief summary. Marketing plans or business proposals, conversely, may use more vibrant designs, incorporating colors and images to engage potential clients or stakeholders.

Pro-Tip: When designing a cover page, consider using a color scheme that reflects the document’s theme or content. For instance, use cooler tones like blues or greens for professional or academic reports to convey a sense of calm and credibility. For creative or artistic documents, opt for warmer, more vibrant colors to evoke creativity and energy. This subtle use of color psychology can significantly enhance the impact of your cover page, making your document not just visually appealing but also emotionally resonant with its intended audience.

Cover page templates play an indispensable role in the preparation of reports and academic papers. They provide a structured and efficient way to create a cover page that enhances the professional appearance of your document. By clearly displaying key information like the document name, author name, and submission date, a well-crafted cover page does more than just introduce your work. It serves as an inviting entry point, encouraging the reader to delve into the content. Although the cover page itself doesn’t add to the content length, its impact in making a positive first impression and persuading the reader to engage with your document is profound.

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