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As a graduate student, you may need to complete a thesis or dissertation as part of your program's graduation requirements. While theses are common among master’s students and dissertations among doctoral students, this may not apply universally across all programs. We encourage you to reach out to your program adviser to determine the specific requirements for your culminating project.
Office of Theses and Dissertations
The Office of Theses and Dissertations is the unit of the Graduate School responsible for certifying that theses and dissertations have been prepared in accordance with formatting requirements established by the Graduate School, the University Libraries, and the graduate faculty of Penn State. We are here to help you navigate the review and approval process to ensure you are able to graduate on time.
Handbook
The Thesis and Dissertation Handbook explains Penn State formatting requirements for all master’s theses and doctoral dissertations. It covers the submission process and approval deadlines, the responsibilities of each student, and provides page examples. We highly recommend all students doing theses or dissertations to carefully review the handbook.
View and DownloadGuidance
Contact Us
Questions about theses, dissertations, or Graduate School commencement should be directed to the Graduate School Office of Theses and Dissertations (OTD).
Office of Theses and Dissertations
115 Kern Graduate Building
University Park, PA 16802
Resources
Among these resources, you can get help from the Graduate Writing Center and the Statistical Counseling Center, notify the University of your intent to graduate, and prepare for Commencement.
Electronic Theses and Dissertations for Graduate School (eTD)
Submit your own work or explore published submissions.
Graduate School Commencement
Learn how to register for commencement, when to order regalia, how to prepare, and more.
Graduate Writing Center
The Graduate Writing Center provides consultation to graduate students in all disciplines and locations.
LaTeX Document Preparation Software
A guide to using LaTeX document preparation software, from the University Libraries.
Multimedia & Printing Center Copying & Binding
Multimedia & Print Center will help you re-create and preserve your important work with professional copying and binding services.
Notifying the University of Your Intent to Graduate
To graduate, you must satisfy all the University, college, and major requirements that were in effect at the time of your most recent admission, or re-enrollment, as a degree candidate to the University.
Statistical Consulting Center
Gives advice on statistics to graduate students working on dissertation or thesis research.
Thesis and Dissertation Fees
Pay thesis fee ($10) or dissertation fee ($50).
Thesis and Dissertation Handbook
Requirements and guidelines for the preparation of Master's Theses and Doctoral Dissertations.
Thesis and Dissertation Submission Requirements and Deadlines
Find required thesis and dissertation submissions dates for all Penn State graduate students.
Thesis and Dissertation Templates
Download a template to make sure your thesis or dissertation meets required formatting requirements for all Penn State theses and dissertations.