Quantitative Dissertation Template for the Plan, Prospectus, and
Proposal
This document is to be used as a reference to ensure that the dissertation
manuscript is a quality document. This document provides information about
formatting the manuscript, as well as information about the content that should be
contained in each section of the manuscript. This is an instructional document for
dissertation courses. This template aligns with the template in the dissertation
handbook.
The dissertation plan/prospectus (EDUC 919) is approximately 25 - 40 pages in
length. It includes a title page, an abstract, a table of contents, and reference pages.
All of the other elements of the first three chapters of a dissertation are present.
Chapter 2 is a minimum of 15 well written pages. All headings and subheading
presented with supporting references. This is a shorter version of the 980
prospectus.
The dissertation prospectus (EDUC 980) is approximately 40-80 pages in length,
and the minimum length of the literature review (chapter two) is 20 pages. It
includes a title page, an abstract, a table of contents, and a reference page. All of
the other elements of the first three chapters of a dissertation are present. This is a
shorter version of the proposal.
The dissertation proposal (EDUC 989) is approximately 50-100 pages in length,
with a minimum length of 30 pages for the literature review (chapter two). It
includes a title page, an abstract, a table of contents, and a reference page.
Although the proposal is normally lengthened as it is transformed into the first
three chapters of the full dissertation, it may not change drastically once it is
completed and approved as part of EDUC 989.
Formatting and Pointers
Margins and Font
The margins for all chapters of the dissertation, prefatory pages, and reference pages should be 1
inch: 1 inch at the top and bottom, 1 inch on the right side, and 1 inch on the left side. All text
should be Times New Roman, 12 point font. Text within the body of the manuscript should be
left justified.
Page Counts and Numbers
Page numbers should be centered, 1 inch from the bottom of the page. All pages should use
Arabic numerals, with the page number for the title page suppressed.
General Pointers
 As per APA (see p. 69) and the dissertation handbook, we encourage the use of first person
rather than third person throughout the manuscript. This improves word economy and also
helps reduce the use of passive language (see APA pp. 77 – 78).
 As per APA, when reviewing specific literature, always use past tense. If discussing the general
state of the literature, use present.
 As per APA, references should be ordered alphabetically by first author.
 All direct quotes must be followed with a page number.
 As per APA use (a), (b), and (c) rather than (1), (2), and (3)
 Every paragraph in your manuscript should have a clear topic sentence, supporting sentences,
and a concluding sentence.
 Use direct quotes selectively and sparingly. Use and cite the literature to develop your
argument, but try to keep your own _voice._
 Find primary sources rather than citing secondary sources. Your research will appear more
credible if you rely on primary sources rather than relying on another researcher’s interpretation
of the primary source. It is comparable to the telephone game. The more the message travels,
the more distorted it gets from the original. It is always best to go to the original source.
 Check for alignment throughout. Your purpose statement and research questions must always
be worded the same, from your abstract through to Chapter 3. When you identify data collection
procedures in your abstract and Ch 1, be sure that they are aligned with the procedures you
describe in Ch 3. Please carefully and painstakingly check all aspects of your manuscript for
full alignment