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Thesis & Dissertation Title Page | Free Templates & Examples

Published on May 19, 2022 by Tegan George . Revised on July 18, 2023.

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 dissertation topic or field of study, your student number, your supervisor’s name, and your university’s logo.

Table of contents

Title page format, title page templates, title page example, other interesting articles, frequently asked questions.

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

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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:

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

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.

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

In most styles, the title page is used purely to provide information and doesn’t include any images. Ask your supervisor if you are allowed to include an image on the title page before doing so. If you do decide to include one, make sure to check whether you need permission from the creator of the image.

Include a note directly beneath the image acknowledging where it comes from, beginning with the word “ Note .” (italicized and followed by a period). Include a citation and copyright attribution . Don’t title, number, or label the image as a figure , since it doesn’t appear in your main text.

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George, T. (2023, July 18). Thesis & Dissertation Title Page | Free Templates & Examples. Scribbr. Retrieved November 8, 2023, from https://www.scribbr.com/dissertation/title-page/

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Research paper format

Research paper cover page/title page.

The title page needs to include 4 items:

• The title of your paper. The title should concisely state the topic of the paper and the variables or theoretical issues that are being explored in relation to that topic. The title should be about 10-12 words long and should be centered in the middle of your page.
• The author’s name and institutional affiliation. The institutional affiliation is just the name of the place (usually a college or university) where the research was conducted. The author’s name and institutional affiliation should be centered and placed directly below the title.
• A running head. This is just an abbreviated version of your title, and should include no more than 50 characters (including spaces and punctuation). The running head is what appears at the top of each page next to the page number throughout the paper. The running head designation should be left justified and appear at the top of the page after the page number.
• A page number. Page numbers should appear on the title page in the upper right hand corner, after the running head. Pages should then be numbered consecutively in the upper right hand corner throughout the paper.

Here is a sample title page in APA format. Note how it includes the running head and page number in the upper right hand corner, defines the running head that will title all manuscript pages, and centers the title and author information in the middle of the page.

Composing A Cover Page For An MLA Research Paper

Modern Language Association style (MLA) is designated for specifying the requirements for academic writing, such as formatting and use of English. Although many research papers are created according to the MLA style, this style usually does not provide for a cover page. All the necessary information is mentioned on the first page instead. Therefore, do not compose a cover page, unless there are some special requirements.

Nevertheless, sometimes instructors may require a separate cover page, as they consider it more professional. Usually instructors specify the requirements for the title page. However, the standardized MLA Format title page includes the following information:

• University name.
• Paper title.
• Your class.
• Professor’s name.

You should format your cover page as follows:

• Write the name of your university.
• Write the title of your paper, skipping about one third of the page. Make sure, that the formatting is correct. The title should be written according to the title capitalization standards. Remember, that the first word of the title is always written in capital letters, despite the fact that it may be an article or a preposition. Keep in mind, that you should use punctuation rules as required. Do not underline, italicize your title and do not use quotation marks. However, punctuate citations as required.
• Skip a couple of lines and write your name. Remember to write both your first and last names.
• Skip another couple of lines and write your class, professor’s name, and the due date on separate lines. Make sure, that you write names accurately. When writing your professor’s title, remember to use the title as required. Write all the information about your course or class according to the instructions. According to the MLA format dates are usually written in European style. This means that you should write it in the following order: the day, the month, and the year.
• Remember to double-space the title page and center all the lines. Use the same format for each line. Do not use any special formatting, such as underlining, highlighting, or italicizing.

If your research requires a cover page, don’t forget that your first page will have special formatting. You are not supposed to mention all the information from the cover page there. However, the first page always contains the title of your work and your name. In addition, remember to write your name and page numbers on each page of the paper.

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Step-by-step Guide for a Title Page for a Research Paper

So you have finally done it; writing a research paper. However, just before you begin celebrating your triumph in writing a perfect research paper, the title page begs to be done before you break. Typically, the question of the research paper title comes before you even commence writing your research paper.

There are always two things about a research paper title page. One, it is the page that sets the first impression of your research paper. Thus, it can make the tutor or professor read it first or skip to the next one first. Secondly, the lack of it makes your papers look incomplete.

Any student should invest time and patience in making a presentable, standard, and professional research paper cover page. To say the least, you MUST learn how to format a title page of a research paper to grab the attention of your examiner, professor, or tutor.

Now, while making a title in APA, MLA, Harvard, or Chicago formatting might not be hard, trust us, some people find it otherwise.

In this article, our key focus is on how to make a perfect title page for research paper in MLA and APA formatting styles.

What is a Research Paper Title?

A well written and formatted research paper title page is the first page of your research paper. It bears your research paper title or topic. The title page gives a compressed overview of what to expect in the research paper.

The title page is always structured and formatted according to the citation and formatting style guidelines. For example, when writing a paper in APA, your first page- the research paper title page, must be formatted according to APA title page guidelines. The same applies to MLA, Harvard, and Chicago formats.

Your title page comprises of the running head, research paper topic, page number, student name and number, and student affiliation. During academic writing, you can structure your cover page in more than three standard styles: MLA, APA, and Chicago.

However, your research paper prompt or rubric will outline the instructions of the style to use. Research paper title pages are easy to format, structure, and edit. However, it would help if you had a guideline sometimes.

Format and Features of a Title Page

Now that we?ve defined it let us see the features and formats do we have for a title page of your research paper. If you aspire to score the highest possible grades in your research papers and improve GPA, include these into your research paper topic page:

• The research paper topic;
• Your name (the author?s name);
• Institutional Affiliation (high school, college, or university)
• Year of submission (Can be the date)

Like we highlighted before, a title page gives a sneak peek into your work. But, the adage demands that we do not judge a book by its cover. Well, is that true in the academic world? Probably to a smaller extent.

You will need to format your research paper title correctly. So, to answer the question of how to write a title page for a research paper accurately, you need a step-by-step guide.

Step-by-Step Guide on How to Develop a Research Paper Title Page

• Always write the research paper cover page first. However, take note of the respective formats.
• Your title page should be center-aligned, written third way down the document, and must have your full credentials.
• Ensure that the title is written in title case and that your official name is written.
• Add your institution's name. The name should be written in full.
• If the research paper was written by a group or co-authored, ensure that their different institutional affiliations come after the respective names of the authors/writers.
• Include the name of the course and the course code. The date can always come afterward.

So now that you know the drill on how to make a title page for a research paper, what are some of the ground rules?

Rules on making the best Research Paper Title

Regardless of the formatting style, there are specific rules that you must keep in mind. For a well-written and excellent research paper title page:

• Your title page should always be center-aligned.
• The title page must be double-spaced unless the paper you are writing is single-spaced.
• Maintain a 1-inch margin in all the sides of the paper as is the standard academic writing format.
• Preferably, use either Times New Roman, font 12 or any font as per the research paper instructions.
• Ensure your title page is correctly capitalized. When writing the names and topic, make sure you use capital letters where necessary. The conjunctions and pronouns can always take the lower case.
• As is with writing the other pages of your research paper, the title page should be well-numbered as well.
• The title of your research paper should be based on the research paper topic chosen and should be clear, catchy, and concise.

So then, let us have a look at the common examples of research paper titles.

APA Research Paper Title Page Guide

A title page for research paper APA format comprises of:

• Running head plus Topic
• The Research Paper Title
• Personal Credentials
• Page Number

An APA research paper title page has the research paper title halfway through the page. On the header, the APA title page features the Running head and the research paper topic or title. The title or topic should never be past 50 characters.  It also entails the page number.

Consult with your research paper prompt on some of the details to include. Most professors or tutors will list what to add therein.

Research Paper Title Page APA Format Example

If your research paper title is about ?The Impacts of Aviation Industry on Human and Arms Trafficking,? here is what the title page for your research paper should look like.

Running head : AVIATION INDUSTRY AND HUMAN AND ARMS TRAFFICKING (plus the page number aligned to the right of the page)

Title : The Impacts of Aviation Industry on Human and Arms Trafficking

Student Name : Gavin Gray (center aligned)

Institutional Affiliation : New York University (Center-aligned)

Professor/Supervisor : Dr. Langston Wick (Center-aligned)

Research Paper Title Page MLA

This is for you if you are wondering how to make a title page in MLA research paper. Kindly note that MLA research paper title pages are rarely asked, which means you can format it like the normal essay cover page in MLA .

The Modern Language Association (MLA) mostly used in humanities and literature also has some standard requirements for a research paper title page. Here are the components:

• Research paper topic/title.
• Your name (author?s Name).
• Course/class.
• Supervisor?s/instructor?s/Professor?s Name.
• Date of Submission.

Here is how to make a title page for a research paper, MLA formatting.

• Use standard Times New Roman font, 12pt when undertaking MLA research paper writing.
• The MLA research paper title comes a third down the page.
• Write the title in title case except for the prepositions, conjunctions, and pronouns.
• If the title of your research paper is a title or a published work, italicize
• Skip 2-3 lines after the MLA research paper title and write your name
• Again, skip 2-3 lines down and write the course/class
• Write the name of your instructor, tutor, or professor.
• Write the date of submission or the due date.

The Correct MLA Research Paper Title Page Example

If you are writing an MLA research paper on the topic: ?The Causes and Consequences of Anorexia Nervosa among Adolescents,? here is what the title page of your research paper should look like:

Title : The Causes and Consequences of Anorexia Nervosa among Adolescents

Student Name (2-3 lines down) : Gavin Gray

Course/Class Name (2-3 lines down) : Psychology 321

Instructor/Professor/Tutor : Dr. Rhodes McKenzie

You can also have a look at the ASA title page components in our previous articles. We are sure you can learn a thing or two and implement in your research paper title page.

Parting Shot!

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Our research paper service follows a strict confidentiality and customer satisfaction policy. We have research paper writers with experience in extensive research and research paper writing. Trust us for both APA style formatting and MLA style research papers. 

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How to Make a Research Paper Title with Examples

What is a research paper title and why does it matter?

A research paper title summarizes the aim and purpose of your research study. Making a title for your research is one of the most important decisions when writing an article to publish in journals. The research title is the first thing that journal editors and reviewers see when they look at your paper and the only piece of information that fellow researchers will see in a database or search engine query. Good titles that are concise and contain all the relevant terms have been shown to increase citation counts and Altmetric scores .

Therefore, when you title research work, make sure it captures all of the relevant aspects of your study, including the specific topic and problem being investigated. It also should present these elements in a way that is accessible and will captivate readers. Follow these steps to learn how to make a good research title for your work.

How to Make a Research Paper Title in 5 Steps

You might wonder how you are supposed to pick a title from all the content that your manuscript contains—how are you supposed to choose? What will make your research paper title come up in search engines and what will make the people in your field read it? 

In a nutshell, your research title should accurately capture what you have done, it should sound interesting to the people who work on the same or a similar topic, and it should contain the important title keywords that other researchers use when looking for literature in databases. To make the title writing process as simple as possible, we have broken it down into 5 simple steps.

Step 1: Answer some key questions about your research paper

What does your paper seek to answer and what does it accomplish? Try to answer these questions as briefly as possible. You can create these questions by going through each section of your paper and finding the MOST relevant information to make a research title.

Step 2: Identify research study keywords

Now that you have answers to your research questions, find the most important parts of these responses and make these your study keywords. Note that you should only choose the most important terms for your keywords–journals usually request anywhere from 3 to 8 keywords maximum.

Step 3: Research title writing: use these keywords

“We employed a case study of 60 liver transplant patients around the US aged 20-50 years to assess how waiting list volume affects the outcomes of liver transplantation in patients; results indicate a positive correlation between increased waiting list volume and negative prognosis after the transplant procedure.”

The sentence above is clearly much too long for a research paper title. This is why you will trim and polish your title in the next two steps.

Step 4: Create a working research paper title

To create a working title, remove elements that make it a complete “sentence” but keep everything that is important to what the study is about. Delete all unnecessary and redundant words that are not central to the study or that researchers would most likely not use in a database search.

“ We employed a case study of 60 liver transplant patients around the US aged 20-50 years to assess how the waiting list volume affects the outcome of liver transplantation in patients ; results indicate a positive correlation between increased waiting list volume and a negative prognosis after transplant procedure ”

Now shift some words around for proper syntax and rephrase it a bit to shorten the length and make it leaner and more natural. What you are left with is:

“A case study of 60 liver transplant patients around the US aged 20-50 years assessing the impact of waiting list volume on outcome of transplantation and showing a positive correlation between increased waiting list volume and a negative prognosis” (Word Count: 38)

This text is getting closer to what we want in a research title, which is just the most important information. But note that the word count for this working title is still 38 words, whereas the average length of published journal article titles is 16 words or fewer. Therefore, we should eliminate some words and phrases that are not essential to this title.

Step 5: Remove any nonessential words and phrases from your title

Because the number of patients studied and the exact outcome are not the most essential parts of this paper, remove these elements first:

 “A case study of 60 liver transplant patients around the US aged 20-50 years assessing the impact of waiting list volume on outcomes of transplantation and showing a positive correlation between increased waiting list volume and a negative prognosis” (Word Count: 19)

In addition, the methods used in a study are not usually the most searched-for keywords in databases and represent additional details that you may want to remove to make your title leaner. So what is left is:

“Assessing the impact of waiting list volume on outcome and prognosis in liver transplantation patients” (Word Count: 15)

In this final version of the title, one can immediately recognize the subject and what objectives the study aims to achieve. Note that the most important terms appear at the beginning and end of the title: “Assessing,” which is the main action of the study, is placed at the beginning; and “liver transplantation patients,” the specific subject of the study, is placed at the end.

This will aid significantly in your research paper title being found in search engines and database queries, which means that a lot more researchers will be able to locate your article once it is published. In fact, a 2014 review of more than 150,000 papers submitted to the UK’s Research Excellence Framework (REF) database found the style of a paper’s title impacted the number of citations it would typically receive. In most disciplines, articles with shorter, more concise titles yielded more citations.

Adding a Research Paper Subtitle

If your title might require a subtitle to provide more immediate details about your methodology or sample, you can do this by adding this information after a colon:

“ : a case study of US adult patients ages 20-25”

If we abide strictly by our word count rule this may not be necessary or recommended. But every journal has its own standard formatting and style guidelines for research paper titles, so it is a good idea to be aware of the specific journal author instructions , not just when you write the manuscript but also to decide how to create a good title for it.

Research Paper Title Examples

The title examples in the following table illustrate how a title can be interesting but incomplete, complete by uninteresting, complete and interesting but too informal in tone, or some other combination of these. A good research paper title should meet all the requirements in the four columns below.

Tips on Formulating a Good Research Paper Title

In addition to the steps given above, there are a few other important things you want to keep in mind when it comes to how to write a research paper title, regarding formatting, word count, and content:

• Write the title after you’ve written your paper and abstract
• Include all of the essential terms in your paper
• Keep it short and to the point (~16 words or fewer)
• Avoid unnecessary jargon and abbreviations
• Use keywords that capture the content of your paper
• Never include a period at the end—your title is NOT a sentence

Research Paper Writing Resources

We hope this article has been helpful in teaching you how to craft your research paper title. But you might still want to dig deeper into different journal title formats and categories that might be more suitable for specific article types or need help with writing a cover letter for your manuscript submission.

In addition to getting English proofreading services , including paper editing services , before submission to journals, be sure to visit our academic resources papers. Here you can find dozens of articles on manuscript writing, from drafting an outline to finding a target journal to submit to.

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Home » Research Paper Title Page – Example and Making Guide

Research Paper Title Page – Example and Making Guide

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Research Paper Title Page

Research Paper Title Page is the cover page of a research paper that provides basic information about the paper. It typically includes the title of the research paper, the author’s name, the date of submission, and the name of the institution or department where the research was conducted.

The title page of a research paper typically includes the following information:

• Title of the research paper
• Author(s) of the paper (including their name(s), affiliation(s), and contact information)
• Date of submission or publication
• Name of the academic institution or organization where the research was conducted (if applicable)
• Any acknowledgments or funding sources for the research
• Abstract of the research paper (usually a brief summary of the paper’s main findings or arguments)

Research Paper Title Page Example

Notes on formatting:

• The title of your research paper should be centered on the page, and should be written in title case (capitalizing the first letter of each major word).
• Your name should be written underneath the title, centered on the page.
• Your institutional affiliation (e.g. the name of your university or research institution) should be written underneath your name, centered on the page.
• The date of submission should be written underneath your institutional affiliation, centered on the page.

Research Paper Title Page Writing Guide

Here are some guidelines for writing a research paper title page:

• Title of the paper: The title should be concise and descriptive, reflecting the main idea or focus of the research paper. The title should be centered on the page and in title case (capitalize the first letter of each major word).
• Author’s name : The author’s name should be written below the title, also centered on the page. Use first name, middle initial, and last name.
• Institutional affiliation: The institutional affiliation is the name of the university, college, or organization where the research was conducted. It should be listed below the author’s name and centered on the page.
• Date of submission: The date of submission is the date when the research paper is being submitted for review or publication. It should be written below the institutional affiliation and centered on the page.
• Running head: A running head is a short version of the title that is used on subsequent pages of the paper. It should be written in all caps and flush left at the top of each page.
• Page number: The page number should be flush right at the top of each page.
• Font and spacing: Use a standard font such as Times New Roman or Arial in 12-point size. Double-space the entire title page.

Purpose of Research Paper Title Page

The purpose of the research paper title page is to:

• Identify the title of the research paper: The title page provides the title of the paper in a clear and concise manner so that readers can quickly understand the topic of the research.
• Indicate the author(s) of the paper: The title page should include the name(s) of the author(s) who conducted the research and wrote the paper. This information helps to establish credibility and accountability for the research.
• Provide information about the institutional affiliation: The title page should also include the name of the institution where the research was conducted. This information helps readers understand the context of the research and can be useful for citations and further research.
• Give the date of the research: The title page should include the date that the research was conducted or the paper was written. This information helps readers understand the currency of the research and can be useful for citing sources.
• Include other relevant information: Depending on the requirements of the research paper, the title page may also include other relevant information such as the course title, instructor’s name, or a brief abstract of the research.
• Establish a professional appearance : The title page provides an opportunity to present the research paper in a professional and organized manner. A well-designed title page with all necessary information can make a positive first impression on readers and demonstrate the author’s attention to detail.
• Facilitate easy referencing: A properly formatted title page can help readers locate the research paper easily in a database, library, or other sources. This is particularly important for academic and scientific research papers that may be referenced frequently by others.
• Comply with formatting guidelines : Many academic and scientific disciplines have specific formatting guidelines for research papers, including requirements for the title page. Adhering to these guidelines ensures that the research paper is presented in a consistent and standardized format that is familiar to readers in that field.
• Demonstrate compliance with ethical standards: Some academic institutions require that the title page include a statement of compliance with ethical standards for research, such as human subjects’ protection, data privacy, or animal welfare. This information ensures that the research was conducted in an ethical and responsible manner.

Advantages of Research Paper Title Page

There are several advantages to including a title page in a research paper, including:

• Professional Appearance: A title page provides a professional appearance to the research paper. It is the first thing that readers see, and it gives them an impression of the paper’s overall quality.
• Credibility : Including a title page with all the necessary information, such as the author’s name, institutional affiliation, and the date of submission, enhances the credibility of the research paper.
• Easy Identification: A title page makes it easier for readers to identify the research paper among other papers. It provides important information about the paper, such as the title, author’s name, and institutional affiliation.
• Easy Access: A title page provides a quick reference for readers who need to cite the research paper in their own work. The necessary information is all in one place and easily accessible.
• Compliance with Formatting Guidelines: Many academic institutions have specific formatting guidelines for research papers, including the use of a title page. Including a title page ensures compliance with these guidelines and helps avoid any confusion or penalties.

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Title Page in Research Paper: Importance, Guidelines & Examples

Make your research paper stand out with an impressive title page. Learn how to craft the perfect title page in research paper in this guide.

The title page is a crucial component of a research paper, serving as the first point of contact between the reader and the study. It provides readers with a first impression, signaling the credibility and relevance of the work. Beyond conveying essential information, a well-designed title page adds visual appeal to the paper, contributing to its overall presentation. In this article, we will explore the importance of title pages in research papers, exploring how they capture attention, convey vital information, and enhance the overall quality of the study.

Overview of Title Page in Research Paper:

The title page in research paper is typically located at the beginning of the document and provides key information about the paper. The title page presents a professional and organized appearance, setting the tone for the entire research paper.

Purpose of a Title Page

The purpose of a title page in a research paper is to convey important details about the study. It includes the title of the paper, the author’s name, the institutional affiliation, and sometimes additional information such as the course name, instructor’s name, or submission date. The title page helps to identify and differentiate the research paper, making it easier for readers, instructors, and researchers to locate, reference, and cite the work accurately. Additionally, it establishes the credibility and professionalism of the study, demonstrating the author’s attention to detail and adherence to academic standards.

Creating a Title Page

To create a title page for a research paper, start by centering the title of your paper at the top of the page. Then, on separate lines, include your name, your affiliation (university or institution), and the date of submission. Optionally, you can also include the course name, instructor’s name, and any other relevant information specified by your institution or guidelines. Make sure to format the title page according to the required style guide (e.g., APA , MLA ) with consistent font, spacing, and alignment.

Elements of a Title Page

A title page is an essential component of a research paper, providing key information about the study and its authors. The elements commonly included on a title page are:

Title : Choose a concise and descriptive title that accurately reflects the main focus of your research. It should be informative, engaging, and capture the essence of your study.

Author’s Name : Include your full name as the author of the research paper. If there are multiple authors, list them in the order they contributed to the study.

Institutional Affiliation : Mention the name of the institution or organization with which you are affiliated. This could be your university, research institute, or academic department.

Course Information : If the research paper is being submitted for a course, include the course name and number.

Date : Indicate the date of submission or completion of the research paper.

Instructor : Include the instructor’s name below the author’s name, affiliation, and course (if the paper is being submitted for a course), using a centered format.

Page Number : Typically, the title page is counted as page 1, although it is often not numbered. Numbering usually starts on the second page, which is usually the abstract or introduction.

Formatting Guidelines for a Title Page

The formatting guidelines for a title page provide specific instructions on how to structure and present the elements of a title page in a research paper. These guidelines ensure consistency and uniformity in academic writing. They may vary depending on the required citation style, such as APA (American Psychological Association) or MLA (Modern Language Association).

APA Formatting Guidelines

The APA formatting guidelines provide a set of rules for formatting academic papers, including the title page. According to APA guidelines, the title page should include the title of the paper, the author’s name, institutional affiliation, and a running head. The running head is a shortened version of the paper’s title and appears at the top of each page. Additionally, APA guidelines specify the use of specific font size and type, margins, and alignment for the title page.

MLA Formatting Guidelines

The MLA formatting guidelines, commonly used in humanities and liberal arts disciplines, also provide instructions for creating a title page. According to MLA guidelines, the title page should include the title of the paper, the author’s name, the course name and number, the instructor’s name, and the due date. Unlike APA, MLA does not require a running head on the title page. MLA guidelines specify the use of specific font size and type, margins, and alignment for the title page.

Title Page Examples

Title page examples provide visual representations of how a title page should be formatted and organized in different contexts. These examples serve as valuable references for students and professionals to understand the layout and presentation of a title page in various academic or professional settings.

Student Version Example

A student version example of a title page demonstrates how a title page should be formatted for academic papers or assignments completed by students. It typically includes the paper’s title, the student’s name, the course name and number, the instructor’s name, and the date. This example is designed to meet the specific requirements and guidelines provided by the educational institution or instructor.

Professional Version Example

A professional version example of a title page showcases how a title page should be formatted for research papers, articles, or other professional documents. In addition to the title, it typically includes the author’s name, institutional affiliation, and any relevant professional credentials. This example follows the formatting guidelines of the specific citation style used in the professional field, such as APA or MLA, and may also include additional information such as the publication date or the name of the journal or conference.

6 Tips for Writing an Effective Title Page

Here are some tips for writing an effective title page:

1. Follow the formatting guidelines

Familiarize yourself with the specific formatting guidelines provided by your educational institution or the citation style you are using (such as APA or MLA). Adhere to these guidelines for font size, margins, spacing, and other formatting elements.

2. Use a clear and concise title

The title should accurately reflect the content of your paper or document in a concise and descriptive manner. Avoid using vague or ambiguous titles that may confuse readers.

3. Include relevant information

Include essential information such as the author’s name, the title of the work, the course or assignment name (if applicable), the instructor’s name, and the date of submission. Ensure that all required elements are included based on the guidelines provided.

4. Use consistent formatting

Maintain consistency in font style, size, and formatting throughout the title page. This helps create a professional and organized appearance.

5. Consider the placement of elements

Arrange the elements on the title page in a logical and visually appealing manner. Typically, the title is centered at the top, followed by the author’s name and other details.

6. Double-check for accuracy

Before finalizing your title page, review it carefully for any spelling or grammatical errors. Make sure all the information provided is accurate and up to date.

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Research paper title page

The title page of a research paper is one page that provides a lot of information to readers of the paper. This explains why it is usually page number 1 in research papers. A glance through a research paper title page will provide you with vital details such as paper title, author name, affiliations, and more. In these digital times, search engines place a high value on the words that constitute a research paper title. It is those words that form the major search terms for those trying to read papers bothering on the subject matter of your paper.

Perhaps the best way to explain a research paper title page in greater detail is by using an example format from any of the popular citation styles out there. So this post will offer an in-depth explanation with the research paper template of the widely used APA style. All APA Style research papers require a title page. A title page in APA has both student and professional versions.

APA Student research paper title page

In an APA research paper, you’ll find the following information on the student title page:

• the paper title,
• author names (the byline),
• author affiliation,
• course number and name for which the paper is being submitted,
• instructor name,
• assignment due date, and
• page number.

Below is a sample APA research paper title page for students.

Guidelines for each element of the APA student research paper title page

APA professional research paper title page

The following details make up the professional title page in the APA style.      

• paper title,
• author affiliation(s),
• author note,
• running head, and

An example is shown below.

Guidelines for each element of the APA professional research paper title page

The title page serves an important purpose in research papers. Anyone that goes through this page will immediately obtain vital information about all aspects of the paper. In these internet times, a research paper’s title has become essential for SEO. Being one the first areas an instructor or supervisor will look at, the student should endeavor to format his or her research paper title page efficiently to make a good first impression.

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