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Setting up a Table of Contents

You can force the "automated" (inserted) Microsoft Word Table of Contents into our University format requirements; however, it can take considerably more time than using tabs if you do not already know how to modify an inserted table of contents.

Below you will find the basic instructions on setting up the tabs required for creating a table of contents. All of these instructions are based on Microsoft Word for PCs not Macs. Students using Macs should be able to get the general idea and then utilize the Microsoft Word Help feature to find the commands needed for this version.

If your document is a new document, without text or formatting of any kind, proceed straight to “To find the Tabs Dialog Box” instructions.

If you already have text and formatting:

• Remove  all formatting (this includes any tabs you have manually entered and any line indentation).
• Bring all lines back  to the 1 inch left margin
• Delete  any periods (or dots) you may have used to create "dot leaders" from the words of a listing to the page number
• The last word of each title and its page number should be joined as one. Example:  LIST OF TABLESv Example:  3. METHODOLOGY34
• Select all text  and leave selected through steps 6 and 7 and throughout the tab setting process.
• Clear the format settings : In the HOME tab, under the Font Group, the top right icon is the Clear Format command button (looks like the letter A partially covered by a red eraser).
• Set to single-line spacing : In the HOME tab or the PAGE LAYOUT tab, click on the small box to the right of the word "Paragraph" to bring up a dialog box. In the "Spacing" section near the middle of the Paragraph Dialog Box, set line spacing to "Single" and line spacing boxes (marked "Before and "After") to "0 pt"

To find the Tabs Dialog Box:

Bring up the Paragraph Dialog Box as described in step 7. Then click on the Tabs command button in the bottom left-hand corner. This will bring up the Tabs Dialog Box.

Once in the Tabs Dialog Box:

All of the following instructions are based on the following margins:

• Left = 1.0 inch
• Right = 1.0 inch
• Bottom = 1.0 inch
• Top = 1.0 inch 
• Footer (from bottom edge) = 0.8 inch
• Click  on the  Clear All  command button. This will clear all tabs that may still be in your table of contents.
• Basic Instructions:   Place  your cursor in the  Tab stop  position field and enter the first tab stop position.  Next, click on the needed  Alignment  and the needed  Leader .   Click  the  Set  command button (you must complete this step for each tab you want to create).  Then enter the next tab stop position ( repeat process for each new tab ). 
• It is advisable to click on the Show/Hide command button which has this symbol, ¶ . This will reveal where you have hit tabs, enters, and spaces. Tabs will appear as a single right-facing arrow. Paragraph returns or enters will appear as the ¶ symbol. Spaces will appear as a tiny solid dot in the middle of the line.

The Show/Hide command button typically appears under the HOME tab.

Setting the Tabs:

• Tab (1):  Chapter titles or appendix titles (indent for entire line, including the chapter number or appendix letter)
• Tab stop position = 0.25”
• Alignment = Left
• Leader = NONE

Click the Set command button.

• Tab (2): Extra indentation for chapter titles or appendix titles that are longer than one line
• Tab stop position = 0.75”
• Tab (3):  Dot leaders  
• Tab stop position = 6.32”
• Alignment = Right
• Leader = 2.....
• Tab (4):  Page number
• Tab stop position = 6.45”

To finish and go back to your document click OK.

Using the Tabs:

If you have not yet typed your titles or pages numbers:

For the chapter title or appendix title, hit the Tab key once. This will indent the line 0.25 inch. Type your chapter number and the title.

If chapter title or appendix title is longer than one line, hit Enter key where needed to force words to the next line (do not extend words into column of page numbers) and then hit Tab key twice. This will indent the line 0.75 inch.

Once you have indented your lines appropriately, you are ready to add the dot leaders (row of dots leading from words of title to page number). With our cursor placed after the last word of the title (chapter or section title), hit the Tab key once. This will produce the dot leaders. Then hit the Tab key once more to move your cursor over to the page number position. 

Now type your page number. Because this tab was right aligned, when you type you will notice that as you type the numbers are moving left instead of moving right (i.e., you are typing right to left).  This means that your page numbers will always align correctly.

If you have already typed your titles and page numbers:

For the chapter title or appendix title, place your cursor in front of the chapter number or appendix letter, then hit the Tab key once. This will indent the line 0.25 inch.

If chapter title or appendix title is longer than one line, hit Enter key where needed to force words to the next line (do not extend words into column of page numbers) and then hit Tab key twice. This will indent the line 0.75 inch.

Once you have indented your lines appropriately, you are ready to add the dot leaders (dots leading from words of title to page number). If you have already typed your page numbers and they are adjoined to the last word of your titles as instructed (refer to the instructions under “If you already have text and formatting”), then place your cursor between the last word of your title and the page number and hit the Tab key once. This will produce the dot leaders.

Now hit the Tab key once more. This will move your page number over. The page number will be right aligned; this means that your page numbers will always align correctly.

Home > Blog > Tips for Online Students > Dissertation vs Thesis: The Differences that Matter

Tips for Online Students , Tips for Students

Dissertation vs Thesis: The Differences that Matter

Updated: November 27, 2024

Published: April 26, 2020

In this article

As a graduate student, you will have many different types of challenging coursework and assignments. However, the biggest project that you’ll work on when earning your master’s or doctoral degree will be your thesis or dissertation . The differences between a dissertation vs thesis are plenty. That’s because each of these pieces of writing happen at different times in one’s educational journey.

Let’s break down what a dissertation and thesis are so that you have a strong handle on what’s expected. For both a thesis and a dissertation, there is an obvious fluency and understanding of the subject one studies.

Let’s take a look at their similarities and differences.

Photo by  Glenn Carstens-Peters  on  Unsplash

What is a dissertation.

When you enter a doctoral program to earn a PhD, you will learn a lot about how to conduct your own research. At the culmination of your degree program, you’ll produce a dissertation.

A dissertation is a lengthy piece of written work that includes original research or expanded research on a new or existing topic. As the doctoral student, you get to choose what you want to explore and write about within your field of study.

What is a Thesis?

A thesis is also a scholarly piece of writing, but it is for those who are graduating from a master’s program. A thesis allows students to showcase their knowledge and expertise within the subject matter they have been studying.

Main Differences Between a Thesis vs. Dissertation

The biggest difference between a thesis and a dissertation is that a thesis is based on existing research.

On the other hand, a dissertation will more than likely require the doctoral student to conduct their own research and then perform analysis. The other big difference is that a thesis is for master’s students and the dissertation is for PhD students.

Structural Differences Between a Thesis and a Dissertation

Structurally, the two pieces of written analysis have many differences.

• A thesis is at least 100 pages in length
• A dissertation is 2-3x that in length
• A thesis expands upon and analyzes existing research
• A dissertation’s content is mostly attributed to the student as the author

Research Content and Oral Presentation

Once completed, some programs require students to orally present their thesis and dissertation to a panel of faculty members.

Typically, a dissertation oral presentation can take several hours. On the other hand, a thesis only takes about an hour to present and answer questions.

Let’s look at how the two scholarly works are similar and different:

Similarities:

• Each is considered a final project and required to graduate
• Both require immense understanding of the material
• Written skills are key to complete both
• Neither can be plagiarized
• Both are used to defend an argument
• Both require analytical skills
• You will have to draft, rewrite, and edit both pieces of writing
• For both, it is useful to have another person look over before submission
• Both papers are given deadlines

Differences:

• A dissertation is longer than a thesis
• A dissertation requires new research
• A dissertation requires a hypothesis that is then proven
• A thesis chooses a stance on an existing idea and defends it with analysis
• A dissertation has a longer oral presentation component

The Differences in Context: Location Matters

The united states.

In the US, everything that was previously listed is how schools differentiate between a thesis and a dissertation. A thesis is performed by master’s students, and a dissertation is written by PhD candidates.

In Europe, the distinction between a thesis and dissertation becomes a little more cloudy. That’s because PhD programs may require a doctoral thesis to graduate. Then, as a part of a broader post-graduate research project, students may complete a dissertation.

Photo by  Russ Ward  on  Unsplash

The purpose behind written research.

Each piece of writing is an opportunity for a student to demonstrate his or her ability to think critically, express their opinions in writing, and present their findings in front of their department.

Graduate degrees take a lot of time, energy, and hard work to complete. When it comes to writing such lengthy and informative pieces, there is a lot of time management that is involved. The purpose of both a thesis and a dissertation are written proof that you understand and have mastered the subject matter of your degree.

Degree Types

A doctoral degree, or PhD, is the highest degree that one can earn. In most cases, students follow the following path to achieve this level of education: Earn a bachelor’s degree, then a master’s, and then a PhD. While not every job title requires this deep educational knowledge, the salaries that come along with each level of higher education increase accordingly.

Earning Your Degree

Whether you are currently a prospective student considering earning your higher education degree or a student enrolled in a master’s or doctoral program, you know the benefits of education.

However, for some, earning a traditional degree on-campus doesn’t make sense. This could be because of the financial challenges, familial obligations, accessibility, or any other number of reasons.

For students who are seeking their higher education degrees but need a flexible, affordable, and quality alternative to traditional college, take a look at the programs that the University of the People has to offer.

University of the People is an entirely online, US accredited and tuition-free institution dedicated to higher education. You can earn your Master’s in Business Administration or your Master’s in Education . Not to mention, there are a handful of associate’s and bachelor’s degree programs to choose from as well.

If you want to learn more, get in touch with us !

The Bottom Line

Regardless of where and when you earn your master’s or doctoral degree, you will likely have to complete a thesis or dissertation. The main difference between a thesis and dissertation is the level at which you complete them. A thesis is for a master’s degree, and a dissertation is for a doctoral degree.

Don’t be overwhelmed by the prospect of having to research and write so much. Your educational journey has prepared you with the right time management skills and writing skills to make this feat achievable!

At UoPeople, our blog writers are thinkers, researchers, and experts dedicated to curating articles relevant to our mission: making higher education accessible to everyone. Read More