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THESIS FORMAT AND COMPONENTS

FORMAT

1. GENERAL APPEARANCE

a. Length
The typical length of an undergraduate thesis is 80 – 150 pages.

b. Spelling
The American English spelling is used. If in doubt, consult the dictionary.

c. Paper and Printing

The final manuscript must be printed on one side using black ink on a white paper which is
8½” x 11” in size.

d. The Final Copy

The final manuscript must be hard bound with plastic jacket laminated in light blue color.
The title and authors of the thesis must be printed in gold in the front cover and the spine.
(see Page Specimen 1) All copies should be printed original or in laser copy. Submit five (3)
copies of the manuscript and one (1) softcopy (in CD) of the final manuscript. Video
production thesis shall also submit five (3) DVD copies of their video. Extra copies may be
required by the thesis teacher.

2. PAGE LAYOUT REQUIREMENTS (refer to Page Specimen 2)

a. Margin Requirements
The left margin must be 1.5 inches while all the other margins must be 1 inch. Nothing may
invade a margin. Every page must meet margin requirements.

b. Page Header and Page Number

The page header is an abbreviated thesis title in bold, heading caps (every major word is
capitalized). It goes inside the top margin, next to the left margin (left justified).
Page numbers must appear at the top right corner of pages, approximately 1 inch from the
top edge of the page and at least 1 inch from the right edge of the page. It should appear on
all pages except the title page. This means that all pretext pages are also numbered.

c. Paragraph Indentions
Each paragraph starts with a ½” indention or approximately 12 spaces from the left margin.
Block quotes do not require indentions in the beginning of the paragraph but require equal
indentions on both sides for the whole block.

d. Spacing
Double-spacing must be observed on all parts of the paper except for the following:
a. Abstract
b. Block quotes
c. Headings that are more than one line
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d. Tables
e. Table and Figure captions

3. TEXT REQUIREMENTS (refer to Page Specimen 2)

a. Font
Use only Times New Roman with a 12-point font size. Use the same font style and font size
throughout.

b. Alignment
Left alignment must be observed in the entire text. Do not hyphenate a word at the end of
the line and do not justify the right margin.

c. Headings
Chapter names are Level 1 headings and should be typed in bold and centered on the page.
Subheadings of a chapter are Level 2 headings and are typed bold and flushed left.
Subheadings of chapter subheadings are Level 3 headings, and so forth. Level 3 headings
are indented, typed in bold and need not be a complete sentence but ends with a period.
Each level must look different from the other levels. Headings of the same level must look
the same throughout the document. All headings, regardless of level, must be the same
font size. Single space headings that are more than one line. Use adequate and consistent
spacing between the headings and the text. A minimum of two subheadings may be used
within a given level. Each level 1 heading begins a new page.

d. Appendix Heading Page

A numbered, counted page should be inserted in front of your document's appendix/
appendices. The word APPENDIX (or APPENDICES) should be centered about 1/3 down this
page. This heading page and its page number should appear in the Table of Contents.

e. Blocked Quotes
Use Blocked Quotes for quoted material longer than 40 words. Use the same font size as
within the text. Single-space the quotation, and indent it evenly on both sides. There is no
need to justify quotations.

f. References
Use the same font size as within the text using the APA form of documentation. Double
space between and within entries with hanging indention.

4. FIGURES

a. Placement of Figures
Insert the figure (charts, diagrams, graphs, maps, photographs, etc.) within the text, as close
as possible after the first reference is made to it.

b. Figure Labels and Captions (refer to Page Specimen 3)

A figure’s labels denote the type of figure and its number, and a figure’s caption is its title
and description. Every figure must have a label and caption unless there is only one figure
of its type in the document. Use consecutive label numbers by order of appearance within
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the text. Each figure must have a unique number. Use double spacing between the figure
and its label and caption and between the figure and text. A figure’s label and caption
should be placed below a graph or illustration. An acknowledgment of the source is
required. This may be dispensed with if the author is the source.

c. Landscaping
Because of their shape, some figures may need to be placed crosswise on a page. If so, the
top of the figure should be at the left margin as viewed normally (i.e. portrait orientation),
and the caption should be parallel to the right margin. The page number keeps the same
location and orientation as all other page numbers in the text. Margin requirements apply.

d. Color
Color used to differentiate lines, bars, or segments will reproduce as shades of gray on
microfilm and in photocopies. Choose high-contrast colors that will remain distinct in the
black-and-white process, or use symbols with or without the color. Photocopy the image
directly onto the bond paper or use a laser printer. Do not print with water-based ink.

e. Oversized Figures
Reduction: Photographically reduce the size of figures to meet margin requirements. Page
numbers and figure captions must remain the same font size as the text.

5. TABLES (refer to Page Specimen 3)

a. Placement of Tables
Place tables close to where they are first mentioned in the text, but do not split a table
across pages.

b. Table Captions
They are located above the table, on the same page as the table. Table captions should
contain the illustration number, i.e., Table 1 and its title (in italics). Number tables
consecutively throughout the text. Each row and column must have a heading.
Abbreviations and symbols may be used in the headings.

COMPONENTS

Regardless of general format, the thesis includes particular parts in an established order as listed below.
Model pages are provided for most pretext pages. In all cases, margin requirements apply and the same
font style/size must be used in the body of the text and elsewhere. All titles of pretext pages should be
formatted identically with respect to font size and style.

Pre-Text Pages

1. Flyleaf
A blank page

2. Title page
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The title page must follow exactly the form of the specimen page provided in Page Specimen 1.
The title – in capital letters – should be short, elaborated in a subtitle, if necessary, in capital and
lower case letters. Short titles to be used for the spine of the binding should not exceed fifty
characters. No page number appears on the title page, but it is considered to be page 1.

3. Approval Sheet
The approval sheet must follow exactly the form of the specimen page provided in SPC Forms
sample. Each bound copy of the thesis must contain an approval sheet signed by the Adviser,
the Thesis Teacher, the members of the examining committee and the College Dean.

4. Abstract
An abstract is a summary of the document’s purpose, methods, major findings, and conclusions.
In short, it is a 1-paragraph summary of the most important elements of the paper. It should be
from 150 – 250 words and typed single space. All numbers in the abstract (except those
beginning a sentence) should be typed as digit rather than words.

5. Acknowledgment (optional)
The student may word this page according to their choice. It should be double-spaced for
appearance. The length should be a maximum of one page.

6. Dedication (optional)
If desired, you may dedicate your document to the honor of someone. Margin requirements
apply. Use the same font/font size as text body. It should be brief and does not need to include
the word Dedicated. "To" is sufficient: e.g., To Mom and Dad

7. Table of Contents (refer to Page Specimen 4)

Ensure that the page numbers accurately reflect where the headings appear in the text. Listing
the chapter headings in the Table of Contents is required; listing the subheadings is optional.
Levels are denoted by indention in the Table of Contents. Wording, spelling, and capitalization
of headings in the Table of Contents must match the heading in the body of the text exactly.
If the Table of Contents is more than one page, subsequent pages should be headed “TABLE OF
CONTENTS (Continued).”
Return twice between the TABLE OF CONTENTS heading and the first item in the table.
Do not underline, bold, or italicize in the Table of Contents.

8. List of Tables (optional) (refer to Page Specimen 5)

Lists are required if three or more tables appear within the text.
If a list is longer than one page, subsequent pages should be headed “LIST OF FIGURES
(Continued)” or “LIST OF TABLES (Continued).” The first sentence of the figure or table caption
must be listed, and the wording must match the text exactly. List only one page number per
figure or table.
Return twice between the LIST OF FIGURES/TABLES heading and the first listing.

9. List of Figures (optional) (refer to Page Specimen 6)

Lists are required if three or more figures appear within the text.

10. List of Appendices (optional)

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If list of appendices is short, it may be attached to the Table of Contents. For more than 5
appendices, a separate List of Appendices is required. If two or more figures appear in the
appendices, a List of Appendix Figures and/or a List of Appendix Tables are required.

MAIN TEXT
The main text varies according to the thesis type to be undertaken.

1. Applied Research Outline

Pre-Text Pages
Chapter 1. INTRODUCTION
Background of the Study
Statement of the Problem
Significance of the Study
Scope and Limitations
Chapter 2. THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK
Review of Related Literature and Studies
Synthesis
Study Frameworks/Conceptual Framework
Definition of Terms
Chapter 3. METHODOLOGY
Research Design
Research Locale
Samples
Sampling Techniques Used
Instrumentation
Data Gathering
Statistical Analysis/Data Analysis
Chapter 4. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Chapter 5. SUMMARY, CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
Summary
Conclusions
Recommendations
Additional Materials

2. Advertising Campaign Outline

Pre-Text Pages
Chapter 1. INTRODUCTION
Background of the Study
Statement of the Problem
Significance of the Study
Scope and Limitations
Chapter 2. THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK
Review of Related Literature and Studies
Synthesis
Study Frameworks/Conceptual Framework
Definition of Terms
Chapter 3. METHODOLOGY
Research Design
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Research Locale
Samples
Sampling Techniques Used
Instrumentation
Data Gathering
Statistical Analysis/Data Analysis
Chapter 4. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Chapter 5. SUMMARY, CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
Summary
Conclusions
Recommendations
Chapter 6. CAMPAIGN
Introduction
Situational Analysis
Campaign Objectives
Target Audience
Creative Strategy
Execution Methods
Budget
Evaluation
Additional Materials
(aside from the standard additional materials, ad campaign thesis shall include time/space rates,
storyboard, script, sample layouts, etc.)

3. Public Relations Campaign Outline

Pre-Text Pages
Chapter 1. INTRODUCTION
Background of the Study
Statement of the Problem
Significance of the Study
Scope and Limitations
Chapter 2. THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK
Review of Related Literature and Studies
Synthesis
Study Frameworks/Conceptual Framework
Definition of Terms
Chapter 3. METHODOLOGY
Research Design
Research Locale
Samples
Sampling Techniques Used
Instrumentation
Data Gathering
Statistical Analysis/Data Analysis
Chapter 4. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Chapter 5. SUMMARY, CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
Summary
Conclusions
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Recommendations
Chapter 6. CAMPAIGN
Introduction
Situational Analysis
Campaign Objectives
Target Audience
Strategies
Tactics
PR Calendar
Budget
Evaluation
Additional Materials
(aside from the standard additional materials, pr campaign thesis shall include sample
collaterals)

4. Video Production Thesis Outline

Pre-Text Pages
Chapter 1. INTRODUCTION
Background of the Study
Statement of the Problem
Significance of the Study
Scope and Limitations
Chapter 2. THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK
Review of Related Literature and Studies
Synthesis
Study Frameworks/Conceptual Framework
Definition of Terms
Chapter 3. METHODOLOGY
Research Design
Research Locale
Samples
Sampling Techniques Used
Instrumentation
Data Gatheirng
Statistical Analysis/Data Analysis
Chapter 4. PRODUCTION OBJECTIVES
Chapter 5. PRODUCTION CONCEPT AND FRAMEWORK
Chapter 6. SHOOTING SCRIPT (during proposal stage, then replaced by the PRODUCTION SCRIPT
during the final stage)
Chapter 7. PRODUCTION SCHEDULE
Chapter 8. PRODUCTION BUDGET
Chapter 9. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Chapter 10. SUMMARY, CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
Summary
Conclusions
Recommendations
Additional Materials
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(aside from the standard additional materials, profile of the target tv show/media outlet,
production stills, interview transcriptions)

ADDITIONAL MATERIALS

1. REFERENCE PAGE (refer to Page Specimen 7)

A reference page is a list of all sources cited in the paper. List all references in alphabetical
order. Each reference is listed only once. If there are more than 20 entries, the references
should be categorized into books, journals, newspapers, unpublished thesis, etc. Type entries in
double space.

2. APPENDICES.
Several appendices are labeled “APPENDICES” on the table of contents page, with subsequent
lines each containing an indented alphabetic identifier and title such as “A:SURVEY
QUESTIONAIRE”; other lines (labeled B, C, etc.) follow as needed. The appendices proper are
then each labeled as “APPENDIX A” (centered) followed after a skip line by the title
centered and capitalized. Long appendices should be preceded by half-title pages. Appendix
pages should be numbered as a continuation of the text.

3. VITA (refer to Page Specimen 8)

The vita is a one-page biographical sketch of the author containing the full name, date and
place of birth, educational background, degrees and dates, and other pertinent training or
experience. It should also include contact details and a computer generated photograph.