masters thesis binding

Thesis & Dissertation Binding Specialists USA

Thesis and dissertation, printing and binding specialists usa.

DB Bookbinders is the USA’s premier provider of thesis binding services.

With decades of experience in the industry, we specialize in crafting professional-grade thesis and dissertation bindings for universities and colleges across the United States of America.

Our expert binder team can create stunning and durable bindings that you can be proud to submit. Plus, our online thesis uploading platform is simple and straightforward, so you can get your order ready and shipped to you quickly.

We offer a wide range of binding styles to choose from, including buckram , vegan leather , and genuine leather , so you can find the perfect binding for your thesis or dissertation.

Don’t wait get started now and craft a binding that will make a lasting impression.

Thesis Order Form 2023

Buckram Thesis sh.1004

Buckram thesis sh.16.

Buckram Thesis sh.144

Buckram Thesis sh.70

Bible Restoration & Repairs (Quotation)

Buckram Thesis sh.68

Buckram Thesis sh.214

Excellent work and great service. Highly recommended!

Beautifully finished!

Amazing finished product. Great service along the way and very professional. Highly recommended!!

DB Bookbinders did a great job printing and binding my thesis. There was an issue with the ordering form's file upload but easily solved via email. Thank you!

With over 30 years of experience, we specialise in providing high-quality thesis and dissertation binding services for universities and colleges in the United States.

Our experienced team of binders can craft beautiful, professional-grade bindings for your thesis or dissertation.

With our easy online thesis uploading platform, you can place your order and have it shipped to you in no time. We also offer a range of binding styles, from buckram, vegan leather, to genuine leather, so you can choose the perfect binding for your thesis or dissertation.

Get started today and craft a binding that you will be proud to submit.

Thesis and Dissertation FAQ's Still have questions? We have answers!

There’s a lot to weigh up! We’ve put together a couple of handy guides to help you know what to look for when you’re getting your thesis, dissertation or design folio bound.

Thankfully, we’ve written a handy guide to knowing what to know before you go to a bookbinder. Have a read of ‘Five Things You Need to Know’ by clicking the button below.

Get your bound Thesis delivered to the following USA Universities

Dissertations presented professionally.

Compliment your work with the best presentation possible  

It can take years to develop your thesis or dissertation. Looking professional is essential for something this important.  

Bindery work is a craft and we are very critical of the quality of paper, coverings and other materials that contribute to an impressive finish. Our fine-tuned processes ensure construction integrity, precision with all cuts and edges and overall consistency. You can really tell the difference. 

We get the presentation of your thesis or dissertation to a level to impress. Nothing less is satisfactory to us.  

Go to our  dissertation binding form  to place your order. 

Servicing students and professionals from the largest universities in the United States!   

• Harvard University
• Stanford University
• Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
• University of California, Berkeley (UCB)
• Princeton University
• Yale University
• Columbia University
• University of Pennsylvania
• University of Michigan
• University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
• University of Chicago
• University of Virginia
• Johns Hopkins University
• Cornell University
• Duke University
• University of Texas at Austin 
• Northwestern University
• University of Washington
• University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
• Georgia Institute of Technology
• and many more!

We are experts in professional binding and would love to assist with your thesis or dissertation binding today.

DISSERTATION BINDING IN THE UNITED STATES

We enjoy hearing from our happy customers after they’ve received their delivery of bound theses and that ‘magic moment’ of excitement. It’s something to be proud of and we love being part of that.

DB Bookbinders proudly supports university students and academics right across the U.S. with their thesis and dissertation printing and binding needs.

We also provide various other book binding restoration services to a broad range of professional organisations across the United States including colleges, universities and government organisations.

Read more about  our services .

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Thesis binding styles.

Library Standard Binding (Buckram) The least expensive book we offer is the library standard binding. This is machine oversewn, with a black buckram cloth cover binding of acid-free construction. Your last name and date of degree are gold stamped on the spine. This is the binding style that graduate students need in order to meet the requirements for a Doctorate at Princeton University. It is also attractive enough for presentation to advisors or undergraduate thesis submissions.

Books up to ½-inch thick are made with a square (unrounded) spine. We round and back the spine for sizes above ½ an inch.

View an assortment of doctoral thesis library standard bookbinding here .

Buckram Roundback Binding The buckram roundback binding includes all the features of our library binding process. In addition, we gold foil stamp the book’s title and your full name on the front cover along with a separator line between the title and name. On the spine we will put your last name and date of degree, along with decorative double lines at the top and bottom of the spine. Our stamping design can be varied to meet the requirements of your school. Stamping colors available include gold, silver, copper, white, black, red and blue.

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Thesis Printing & Binding

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Inhaltsverzeichnis

• 1 Why Choose BachelorPrint
• 2 Our Bindings
• 3 Comparison Of Bindings
• 4 100% Real Reviews

Why Choose BachelorPrint

FREE express delivery

Upload your work, configure your binding and submit your order. You will receive your order with free express delivery within a few days!

INNOVATIVE look inside function

Final check of your thesis with ease – this is possible with our look inside function that enables you to browse your thesis online as if it was already bound.

Online 3D configuration

Easy configuration in the online shop – with 3D Live configurator to see what the binding will look like. PLUS: Price preview & delivery time calculator.

Our Bindings

At BachelorPrint, you have the option of selecting from a variety of bindings. You should make sure that the work is bound correctly, depending on the type of work. We strongly recommend thermal binding if you’re putting together a thesis. The thermal binding is a popular choice for students, as it provides splendid value for money.

Tip: The content of your binding should reflect the importance of your work to you. However, make sure to check if your university has certain requirements for submitting!

Leather Book Bindings

Premium Leather Binding

Refinements, standard leather binding, excellence at its finest.

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Thermal Binding

Spiral binding, metal spiral binding, plastic spiral binding.

Advantages Of An Online Printing Service

Order easily from your own home

From home, you can print and bind your thesis easily and quickly. No more endless hunts for a copy or print shop, no more irritated wanderings around town, no more enduring long lines — just set up your preferred binding and get your thesis the very next day with free express delivery.

Endless possibilities & all in one place

At BachelorPrint, you can choose from various types of bindings that are good quality. You can also set up our print shop with many options. The appearance of your thesis is entirely up to you, whether it be through the use of ribbon markers, book corners, or individual embossing.

If you are uncertain about the final appearance of your binding, there is no issue. With the live preview and the look inside function, you can peruse through your essay and verify its fitment.

Ordered today, delivered tomorrow!

We provide fast delivery wherever you want!

Comparison Of Bindings

We had over 100,000 satisfied customers since 2016

Our motto: you always come first! Your opinion is important to us, and we do everything in our power to fulfill your wishes. We invite you to experience our Instagram channel for yourself and to peruse the Google reviews of our satisfied customers.

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Any Questions?

Check out our FAQs or talk to our customer service team.

How long does thesis binding take?

We use the latest printing technologies to offer you the fastest production time for your thesis. Be careful to order before the countdown above runs out if you want your thesis to be produced on the same day. We produce and deliver within 24–72 hours, depending on your location. Good to know: delivery is free!

Need further information? Head over to the online print shop to calculate the exact date of delivery for your thesis.

What are the costs for thesis printing?

Of course, the price is crucial when it comes to thesis printing. The price depends on your personal configuration, i.e., what binding you choose, how many pieces you order, or whether you want extensions to your binding such as book corners or a ribbon. It is also relevant how many pages you want to be printed and bound in your thesis.

For example, if you would like to print a 20-page thesis with premium leather binding and additional embossing, the calculated price would be $64.80. This is 45% less in comparison to other market prices! Plus: with BachelorPrint, your order is delivered for free!

At BachelorPrint, we use 100 g/m² premium paper as standard for printing and set the same price for color and black/white printing.

Head over to the online print shop and your price will be calculated for you as you design your thesis.

Where can I order my thesis binding?

For thesis binding, you can choose between a usual copy shop or an online print shop .

The advantages of an online printing service like ours are, among other aspects: an easy ordering process from wherever you are, delivery to your address plus the configuration of your thesis binding with our 3D live preview and look inside function for a final look at your thesis!

Which binding is recommended for a thesis?

Which binding is right for your thesis depends on the importance of the printed work. A bachelor’s thesis or master’s thesis is critical and therefore should be bound with premium leather binding . If you want to hand in your thesis with an application or need it for storage purposes only, other types of binding, like thermal binding or spiral binding should be sufficient.

Which paper for printing and binding a thesis?

Most printing services use 80 g/m² paper for printing and binding a thesis, but this paper is rather thin and therefore might be see-through if you decide to print your thesis double-sided.

We recommend using the 100 g/m² paper that looks and feels more valuable. At BachelorPrint, this is the standard paper we use for printing a thesis and there are no additional costs to it. We also offer printing with 120 g/m² paper.

If you want to know more about choosing the right paper for your thesis, follow this link to our article: Which paper for thesis printing & binding?

How can I save money when printing a thesis?

BachelorPrint offers the best value for money. Additionally, we present you with no delivery costs and free embossing (for the “type of work” position).

Do you want to save extra money? Read about how you can get free printing !

Why should I do my thesis binding online?

BachelorPrint as an online printing service offers you several advantages:

• Production of your thesis within one day. Order before the countdown above runs out, and we deliver the next day (depending on your location)
• Free delivery
• No minimum order value
• 3D live preview in the BachelorPrint print shop
• Individual embossing with your university logo
• Free “type of work” embossing (e.g., bachelor’s thesis, master’s thesis, dissertation, etc.)
• High-quality bindings
• Free 100 g/m² premium branded paper

Do you have further questions about the printing and binding of your thesis? Contact us: [email protected] 724 281 3937 Free 24h Customer Service  

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Printing and binding a thesis: your ultimate guide

You have finally completed your thesis . It has been a long process of getting your bachelor’s thesis or other college paper to completion. Before you can submit it, high-quality printing and binding is essential. Any student has two concerns when it comes to printing and binding their thesis:

• What is the best way for printing and binding my thesis?
• Which is the best place to have my thesis printed and bonded?

Here is a detailed guideline on salient issues to keep in mind when going about printing and binding your thesis .

What is the best way for printing and binding your thesis?

Most students have never printed and bound any research paper before their thesis paper. Therefore, it may be a difficult task selecting the ideal printing and binding configurations. This article provides all the information you need for printing and binding a thesis.

What issues do I have to keep in mind when printing a thesis?

Some of the questions that are in the minds of students when it comes to printing their papers include:

• Do I print in colour or just black and white?
• Which is the right kind of paper
• Where do I get the best deal so that I can print at a reasonable price?

We have compiled some guidelines on printing a thesis to make it easier for you.

What issues do you have to watch out when binding your thesis?

Most students just think about the ‘how’ to go about binding as they do not know the best type of binding to pick for the thesis. Your choice depends on the type of thesis. A paper that requires extensive research and work, such as research paper may require better binding than your regular term paper that takes just a fraction of the time.

The weight of these papers also differs. Your term paper counts just a small percentage of your final mark where your thesis, whether masters, bachelors or a research paper takes the higher percentage.

Keep in mind: printing and binding your thesis is a very important thing. You should find a appropriate binding to make your dissertation worthy and unique. Here, a simple spiral binder may not be the best choice. It is best to go for leather book binding as it is sturdy and looks worthy of a major paper.

Essentially, the choice of the binding to use depends on the type of college paper that you would like to submit.

Most tertiary institutions have specific requirements when it comes to the type of binding to pick. Therefore, check with your institution, whether there any regulations on printing and binding your paper.

What is the right binding for my paper?

There are several options out there for your binding. We shall explain each to make it easier for you to make a choice.

Printing and binding your thesis with the leather book binding

Our recommendation for important papers: thesis printing and binding with the high-quality leather book binding . The leather-look gives your thesis a solid look, which is classy and professional-looking. When you decide to use BachelorPrint, you are given a wide choice of customized options that include a bookmark, custom embossing and corner protectors to have a superb look for your thesis.

Recommendations:

Leather book binding works great for your final papers such as

• Research Paper
• Bachelor thesis
• Dissertation
• Master’s thesis

Thermal binding as a classic way for printing and binding your thesis

Thermal binding is the most versatile type of binding. Its cover is transparent, thereby allowing you to show the title of your thesis right on the cover. Besides, it comes with a leather-like back cover and you get to choose the colour of the cover. A very good way for printing and binding your thesis.

Recommendation :

Thermal binding works great for smaller research papers. It is also ideal for situations where you need various print-outs of the paper.

The softcover as the most flexible way for printing and binding your thesis

If you would like to have a final paper that looks creative and stands out, consider going for the softcover. This is because it allows you to design the cover in the way you want. There is a wide choice of pictures, fonts and logos available when you need to go wild with your designs, especially if you are quite creative. However, ensure that your paper does not get too cluttered with creative pieces. You are interested in printing and binding your thesis, not a comic – it has to look serious and professional.

Recommendation:

The cheapest way for printing and binding your thesis: the spiral binding

Spiral binding is the simplest binding method and the sleekest. It has similarity to the thermal binding in that you have a transparent front cover and a leather-like back cover with several colour choices. However, unlike other binding types where your pages are glued together, in this case, your papers are held together by spirals. You have a choice of metal or plastic spirals if you decide for printing and binding your thesis with the spiral binding.

Spiral biding works well for small research papers like the term papers. It is not recommended for important, large final papers such as research papers and dissertations.

A quick look at binding methods

We have tabulated the information above about various types of binding to help you determine which would be the best way for printing and binding your thesis.

Where can I get thesis printing and binding services?

We have researched so that you find it easy when going about printing and binding your thesis. We would also like you to know where to get the best quality service. You can consider going to an online printing provider. This allows you to make an order from home, which saves you some time. Even when you are making online orders, it is important that you research on the providers that can offer quality service. In our research, we found one online printer that stood out from many others.

BachelorPrint is your choice thesis printing and binding provider. This authoritative online printing provider offers you several high-quality binding selections. They also have a free express shipping service that ensures that you have your paper soon after it has been printed.

Here are some of the benefits offered

• There is free express shipping to all customers
• There is a 3D preview function where you look at the inside and outside of your thesis in the selected binding using this function on their website.
• They offer high-quality papers at reasonable prices

Ensure everything goes right in your thesis printing and binding

Writing a good thesis takes much time and effort. We guarantee that these tips shared above on Master’s thesis, term paper or dissertation printing and binding , your paper should get ready without any hiccups.

You are the one to determine where your papers will be printed. There is a choice of going to a copy shop or making an order online. However, if you would like to simplify the process of printing and binding your thesis and go for a high-quality paper and a smooth printing and binding process for your final paper, go for BachelorPrint. They have set up a user-friendly online print shop that not only allows you to put together your final thesis but also see how it looks like before it is completed. These are a few reasons why we recommend their services.

We wish you all the best as you complete your thesis!

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Thesis & Dissertation Printing

Book1one will give your thesis or dissertation the professional look it deserves..

If you are looking for a world class company to print and bind your thesis or dissertation, you will find that Book1One will give your document the high quality attention it requires and deserves. Graduate students from all over the country have used our services, and we are listed at many colleges and universities as a reliable resource for hardcover and softcover thesis and dissertation book printing. 

We understand that theses and dissertations comprise a special category in the book publishing world. They represent the culmination of a large body of work and achievement at a very high academic level – and are recognized symbols of professional accomplishment.

Cloth and Faux Leather Color Choices:

NOTE: Colors may not display accurately due to differences in monitor settings

Why choose Book1One to print your thesis or dissertation?

• We offer a number of cover options.  At Book1One, you can select from three cover options for hardcover books: a full-color printed cover, a cloth cover with foil stamping, or a faux (imitation) leather cover with foil stamping. The cloth and faux leather book coverings come in four different colors: black, navy blue, dark red, and green. The color choices are shown in the right side on this webpage. Foil stamping, printed on the front cover and spine, can be either a gold or silver color. Softcover theses and dissertations come with a full color printed cover.
• We have no minimum quantity requirements.  In most instances, the number of printed copies needed for a thesis or dissertation are low. The size of thesis/dissertation orders we receive vary from a high of around ten to a low of one copy. We can print as many or as few copies of your thesis or dissertation at an affordable price and with the same amount of attention we give to larger book orders.

We can offer you a special service regarding foil stamping.

If your foil stamping involves basic text and numbers, such as book title, author’s name, school and date, Book1One can assemble your cover for you at no additional cost to use. If you wish us to provide this service to you, when you place your order, upload a PDF file indicating what you would like printed on your front cover and spine and approximate positioning. We will fit and center the type using the Time New Roman font. For more on foil stamping click  here .

Get an instant price quote without having to call or email!

Book1One is one of very few book manufacturers who has a website price calculator that will enable you to obtain an accurate price quote without having to place a phone call or submit an email. It’s fast, easy, and our customers love it!

Simply insert the specifications of your book project and, with one click, see what the price of your project will be.

Placing your order is as easy as 1-2-3!

If you have completed the design and layout of your thesis or dissertation and are ready to upload your print ready PDF file(s) to us and place your order, simply click on the red “Place Order” button located at the top of your screen. You will then be taken through the simple three step process of (1) creating your personal account, (2) uploading your cover and page files and (3) completing the checkout procedure.

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OUR GUARANTEE

Our guarantee to you is that we will give your project our utmost personal attention to ensure that, when finished, your books meet the highest quality production standards.

Remember, at Book1One:

• We work with easy-to-use PDF files, and our online ordering process is a snap.
• We have no minimum order requirements – even for hardcover books.
• We have no set up fees. Your only expense is the cost to print, bind & ship your books.
• Our turnaround times are fast – five business days for softcover and plastic coil bound; 10 business days for hardcover books. And rush production is available.
• You’ll receive personal “hands-on” service. We’ll answer your emails quickly, and if you call us, you’ll get a real person.

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Thesis binding and printing options

• By DiscoverPhDs
• November 29, 2020

If you have recently completed your dissertation congratulations are in order! But the work is not finished – you now have to get your dissertation in front of examiners in a professional format. There are a number of factors to consider when producing a physical copy of your thesis :

• Type of binding (for example: helical or softback)
• Paper size (are some pages better suited for A3?)
• Print options (single or double-sided?)
• Paper quality (a range of gsm options are available)

What is Thesis/Dissertation Binding?

Thesis binding involves fastening the physical pages of your dissertation together to produce a single presentable document. As simple as it sounds, there is a lot to get right, and dissertation binding is important in giving a good impression of your work.

What are the different types of dissertation binding?

Spiral/helical/wired binding.

Spiral binding (also known as helical binding) and wired binding are very common for bachelors and masters dissertations. These options give a professional look and allow pages to be rotated 360 degrees, making for easy reading. Spiral binding uses a plastic coil, whilst wire binding uses a metal wire.

Fastback/softback binding

Fastback binding (also referred to as softback binding) uses glue to keep your dissertation pages together. This is not a very common choice for dissertation binding as it is rather formal for bachelors and masters, and perhaps not formal enough for PhD theses. Fastback binding also comes with a risk of glue losing fixity over time leading to pages falling out.

Thermal binding

Thermal binding is not very common but can be used for bachelors or masters dissertations. This type of binding is permanent (so pages cannot be easily added/removed) but is generally inexpensive. Another disadvantage of thermal bindings is that pages cannot be opened 360 degrees (as with fastback binding).

Plastic comb binding

Comb binding involves punching holes down the side of the page and binding with a plastic comb strip. This binding option is also suitable for bachelors and masters dissertations. It is a cheap option but can sometimes become difficult to navigate as pages become stuck on the plastic combing. One advantage of plastic comb binding is that it is easy to add and remove pages.

Paperback binding

Paperback binding will give your manuscript the appearance of a book and comes with personalisation options i.e. a titled cover page, spine and back. This gives a very professional appearance, too formal for a bachelors or masters dissertation, but ideal for a PhD thesis.

Hardback binding

Hardback binding again gives a book like appearance, but is expensive and typically reserved only for PhD theses. In addition to custom titling, spine and back, there is a range of material and colour options for hardback binding e.g. the gold lettering you may have seen on academic books.

What Paper Size Should I use?

Most universities will provide very clear instruction on paper sizes, most often A4. However, some pages such as technical drawings or maps may be best shown on A3. In these cases ‘fold out’ pages are an option but must be approved by your university guidelines.

Print Options:

Check your university guidelines when deciding whether to print single or double sided. If printing double sided, be careful as some pages should not be printed back to back. For example, new chapters should start on the right hand page (of a double spread) so blank pages may be required.

What Paper Quality is Suitable?

Paper thickness is measured in grams per square metre (gsm). Although there is no ideal paper thickness, too thin and you risk your dissertation feeling low quality. Too high and you risk your dissertation pages feeling like cardboard, and again pointing to low quality.

Popular UK Services:

Ryman is an affordable thesis binding service, with a range of options for dissertations and theses. Ryman often have stored on University campuses or nearby, so you can check the services provided by your local store (as an alternative to ordering online).

Doxdirect is an online service which offers a large amount of customisation when choosing a thesis binding option. The door to door service also offers a wide range of delivery and production options so you get your bound thesis in your hand as quick as possible.

Thesis Online has been around for a long time (established in 1920), and have a very good reputation. They offer an online thesis binding service and have a hand online calculator which allows you to modify your binding, printing, and deliver options and see the impact on cost in real-time.

Things to Note:

Whichever service you use to bind your thesis or dissertation, there are a few important things to remember:

When using an online service check the turnaround time. Most services take around a week to print, bind, and deliver, though faster services are available at a cost. Some universities have an onsite printing service that students can use. These services likely offer binding options which satisfy your department’s dissertation submission requirements.

An electronic copy and physical copy of your dissertation will be read differently. Whilst consecutive pages are easy to compare on a computer screen, a physical copy may have pages printed on opposite sides of a single page (if double page printed) which makes side by side comparisons difficult. This is something to consider if your text frequently refers to images or tables overleaf.

Most thesis printing services only accept PDF file formats. Ensure that when you convert your dissertation to PDF that you review the document to ensure no errors occur during conversion.

Check your university dissertation guidance on margin requirements. It is also important to factor in margins when considering binding options. Typically a minimum margin of 2.5cm is required on the side of the page to be bound.

Although it comes with an additional cost, it may be useful to purchase personal copies of your bound thesis. You can then bring your bound copy to your Viva , and ensure that what you and your examiners are looking at are identical.

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The final steps of your thesis: Finding the right printing and binding services and choosing the right style for you

One of the best things is the feeling you get when you’ve finished writing your thesis. After months of research and writing, at long last, your paper, thesis, or dissertation is finally done. What’s left to do is the printing and binding of your thesis. But still, you need to find out the best printing and binding services and choose a style that makes you proud of the final result of your work. 

There are a few things to consider when choosing how to print and bind your thesis or dissertation: the quality of the paper, the material, and color of the binding. A few other details can be customized, such as the ribbons and corner protectors. To help you decide, we have selected a few options from our partner, BachelorPrint.

Our pick: Premium Leather book binding

• Page limit: 10 – 370 pages
• Color options: Red, green, blue, black
• Textured, leather-look surface
• Ribbon bookmark in white, silver, gold, blue or black
• Corner protectors in black, gold, and silver
• Customized embossing in gold, silver, and black

BachelorPrint  is your go-to expert when it comes to printing and binding your thesis. The online market leader offers a wide range of bindings and will transform your thesis into a work of art. 

The  ultimate : with their free express shipping they guarantee that your thesis will be in your hands within a few days!

Leather book binding: a thesis to look like a book

• Appearance: textured matte (premium bookbinding) or marbled leather-look with a slightly glossy finish (standard bookbinding)

You’ve made it! You’ve finished writing your thesis. Now all that’s left is printing and binding and knocking your examiner’s socks off! That’s why we recommend leather bookbinding . 

A leather book has the best quality for  printing and binding your thesis . Your thesis will look like a classy book. 

Choosing this type of binding will make your thesis stand out from the rest and leave a lasting impression on your examiner. Combine that with additional options such as customized embossing, corner protectors, and a ribbon bookmark, and after that process your thesis you’ll have a one-of-a-kind, sophisticated-looking book.

There are two options available with this leather book: Premium leather book and standard leather book. Whereas the premium leather book has a matte finish, a standard leather book has a glossy finish. However, both are done in leather-look and consist of a solid and sturdy cover. 

Which leather book you choose for your  thesis binding is a matter of personal preference.

Upgrade your binding

Deciding on a leather book when printing and binding your thesis gives you the option to upgrade it to your tastes and create a one-of-a-kind binding. Here are the upgrade options:

Corners protectors:

Adds a touch of class

Prevents the corners from binding

Available in silver, black & gold

Ribbon Bookmark:

Enhance your book’s appearance

Can be used as a bookmark (your examiner will be grateful!)

Available in white, black, blue, silver & gold

Customized embossing:

E.g.: University logo and title of your dissertation on the cover

Embossed spine optional

Available in black, silver & gold

You can use BachelorPrint preview tool see how your dream binding would look like:

Thermal binding: a clean and classic style

• Page limit: 2 – 450 pages
• Color options: black, red, green, yellow, blue, white, gray
• Appearance: transparent front cover, colored, leather-look back cover

Of all the different types of binding,  thermal binding  is a classic. One of the features is the transparent front cover: it shows off the title page of your dissertation as well as the title of your thesis. This means that attention is immediately drawn to the topic of your dissertation.

Softcover: A thesis for artists

• Page limit: 20 – 150 pages
• Color options: customizable to suit your needs
• Appearance: satin matte, smooth appearance; design and print your cover to your liking (magazine look)
• Cover: 300 g/m² premium paper

Looking to make an impact with your thesis? In that case, the softcover is just for you! You have free reign and can decide what you want your cover to look like: Logos, colors, photos, or different fonts – you’re the one who decides what goes on the cover of your softcover. That is why this type is ideal for more creative fields of study. 

Note: Designing a one-of-a-kind binding that looks super original is tempting, but remember to keep it aligned with your field of studies and professional looking.

Spiral binding: A sleek solution for your thesis

• Page limit: 1 – 300 pages
• Color options for cardboard back cover: black, red, green, gray, blue, yellow or white
• Appearance: Leather-look cardboard back cover, transparent front cover
• Spiral options: Metal or plastic

Of all the different types of binding, spiral binding is the sleekest and simplest type  BachelorPrint  has to offer. It has a transparent front cover. This allows the examiner to see the topic of your Master’s thesis or dissertation right away. However, spiral binding is better for printing shorter dissertations. 

Some professors will require that you use  spiral binding  for printing your thesis. If your post-secondary institution has no guidelines regarding printing and binding, then you should make sure that the “packaging” of your thesis matches the contents: If you are looking into printing and binding your Master’s thesis, we definitely recommend the leather book over spiral binding. 

Overview of thesis bindings

Tips from printing experts.

It’s one thing to know what thesis binding to choose when printing your thesis. But there are lots of helpful and important tips that you should consider when it comes to printing. We sat down with BachelorPrint to put together some exclusive advice just for you:

Tip #1- Choosing the right paper:  Most printing services use 80 g/m² paper by default. However, 80 g/m² paper is relatively thin and as a result, the print on the reverse side will shine through if you are printing double-sided. 

Tip:  Remember that printing and binding your thesis is not something you do every day – be sure to use high-quality paper and select 100 g/m² paper – if printing double-sided, we actually recommend 120 g/m² paper. BachelorPrint automatically uses 100 g/m² paper.

Tip #2- Printing single-sided or double-sided:  It’s totally up to you whether you print your thesis single-sided or double-sided. Make sure you check the examiner’s guidelines first – if there are none, the choice is yours! 

Tip:  When printing double-sided, make sure your page numbers are formatted correctly. Uneven page numbers should always be on the right-hand page, and even page numbers should be on the left-hand page.

Tip #3- Printing in color:  It’s up to you whether you print in color or black and white. This depends on your thesis. If your dissertation has lots of charts and photos, color printing would look better. 

Tip:  Color printing gives your thesis a classier appearance. But take note! Too much color and your thesis will look less professional.

Tip #4- Number of copies:  You can assume that two members of the examination board will read your thesis. Furthermore, the person or organization you did your internship with might also like a copy of your thesis. Last but not least, you would probably also like to own a copy of your dissertation, Master’s thesis, or  research paper . 

Tip:  Find out beforehand, how many copies you’ll need. We generally recommend making 4 to 5 copies. Of course, the type of binding is up to you.

Tip #5- Cost:  The cost of printing and binding your thesis is based on various factors: Paperweight, color printing, and actual printing. Many service providers often add a surcharge when you opt for color printing or thicker paper.

Tip:  BachelorPrint printing expert automatically uses 100 g/m² paper, and does not even add a surcharge. The same applies for color printing: whether you choose black/white or color, BachelorPrint charges the same.

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• Dissertation binding and printing

Dissertation Binding and Printing Options | Comparison and Tips

Published on 3 April 2019 by Raimo Streefkerk . Revised on 10 July 2019.

Your dissertation is finally finished, you got it proofread and checked for plagiarism . The final step is printing your dissertation, which means choosing between:

• Types of binding
• Colour vs. black & white

Single vs. double sided

• Paper type and thickness

You also need to decide which printing and binding service to use. This independent article explains all options and helps you make the right decisions.

Overview of printing services

Table of contents

Types of dissertation binding, dissertation printing options, production and delivery times, last checks before printing, overview of printing and binding services.

Aside from keeping the pages of your dissertation together, the binding is also responsible for your supervisor’s first impression of your dissertation. There are various types of binding, ranging from the cheaper spiral binding to the more expensive hardcover book binding .

The type of binding should depend on:

• Guidelines from your university or professor
• Your dissertation’s version (draft vs. final)
• Type of dissertation (PhD vs. undergraduate dissertation)

Spiral binding (± £7)

• Professional appearance
• Browsing through the pages is easy (can be opened flat)
• Fairly cheap

Comb binding (± £5)

• Enables easy browsing of the pages
• Binding can be opened and closed (not easily)
• Has a cheap appearance

Fastback binding (± £8)

• Professional book-like appearance
• Available in different colours
• Risk of pages falling out after a while

Paperback binding (£10-20)

• Durable and professional
• Book-like appearance
• Opening and browsing is less smooth than with spiral or comb binding

Hardback binding (£20-40)

• Customizable cover
• Quality comes at a price

Colour vs. Black & White

Unless specifically stated in your university guidelines, it is up to you to decide whether to print your dissertation in colour or black & white. Printing in colour is on average two to four times more expensive.

In general, a colour-printed dissertation looks more professional, but it is not required. Does your dissertation contain graphs or figures that rely on colour? Be sure to print at least these pages in colour.

Printing double sided is often cheaper than printing single sided due to the paper savings – it makes your dissertation half as thick. However, some universities require you to print your dissertation single sided. Be sure to check the guidelines.

When printing your dissertation double sided, pay attention to the following points:

• New chapters should start on the right side. You will need to take this into account and insert “blank pages” when preparing your dissertation.
• Add a blank page after the title page so that the acknowledgements or abstract are not printed on the back of your title page.
• The page numbering is often placed bottom right on the right side of the page and bottom left on the left side. You can easily set this in Word by choosing “outside alignment”.

Paper weight

The thickness of the paper (measured in gsm or grams) is something most students don’t think about, but it does have a significant impact on the look and feel of your dissertation.

Standard printing paper has a weight of 75-90 gsm. For a bachelor’s or master’s dissertation this is fine. If you want the paper to look and feel more professional and durable, a paper weight of 100-130 gsm is better. This is often used for PhD dissertations.

Number of copies

It is common to print three to five copies of your dissertation. Depending on your university’s guidelines you might need to submit one to three copies to your supervisor. In addition, you might want to have a copy for yourself or your family.

The production (printing and binding) takes on average two days, and delivery takes another day. For an additional charge (ranging from +20 to +80%), the production and delivery time can be shortened.

Have a looming deadline? Your local printing shop is probably able to print and bind your dissertation faster, and it eliminates delivery time. However, keep in mind that this is often a little more expensive.

Before sending your dissertation to a printing shop, there are three things you should do:

1. Save your dissertation as a PDF By saving your file as a PDF, the formatting will be consistent on every computer. This way you prevent any unpleasant surprises such as offsets when receiving your printed dissertation.

2. Check for language mistakes There’s nothing worse than finding a language mistake in your printed version. Make sure to proofread your dissertation or make use of a professional dissertation proofreading service .

3. Update the contents page Before saving your dissertation as a PDF, update the (automatic) table of contents. Don’t forget to cross-check the page numbers listed in the table of contents with the actual page number.

The table below provides an overview of the most popular dissertation printing and binding shops, both online and offline. The shops are ordered by price, with information on delivery costs and review score.

*Prices are based on a spiral bound dissertation of 40 pages , printed single-sided , in black , on 80-90gsm  paper, including a clear outer front and back cover .

**Prices are based on a hardback bound dissertation of 200 pages , printed single-sided , in black , on 90-100gsm  paper.

Cite this Scribbr article

If you want to cite this source, you can copy and paste the citation or click the ‘Cite this Scribbr article’ button to automatically add the citation to our free Reference Generator.

Streefkerk, R. (2019, July 10). Dissertation Binding and Printing Options | Comparison and Tips. Scribbr. Retrieved 6 May 2024, from https://www.scribbr.co.uk/thesis-dissertation/binding-printing/

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Printing & binding a thesis: The ultimate how-to guide

by William Wadsworth | Feb 9, 2020

If I’m honest, I only ever had to bind a small handful of assignments for submission, so I never really gave it too much thought. But as I started talking to more different students in different positions, I realised there were actually some important decisions to make when it comes to binding major pieces of work like a thesis or dissertation. So I asked invited BachelorPrint , a popular printing company, to share their take on the options, and what’s going to work best for you. Enjoy ! William, Exam Study Expert Founder

You’ve finally made it:

All those hours in the library, all that time bashing away at your keyboard; your big paper is nearing completion. You’ve done your proofreading , and all that remains is to choose the right printing and binding for your thesis or dissertation.

There are three things to think about:

• What’s the best thesis binding option?
• What print settings should I choose?
• Where should I get it printed?

Let’s walk through each of these in turn.

What’s the best binding option for my thesis?

For a big project or thesis, you can’t just stick a staple in it and hope for the best. Your institution might have specific submission guidelines that dictate how your research paper should be bound, which you’d be well-advised to check.

There are four main binding options:

Each method of binding a thesis, dissertation or research paper is best for different reasons, as we’ll explain.

Overview of thesis binding options

Choosing the right option can be confusing, so we’ve put together a handy overview of binding options for your thesis or dissertation, showing you which type of project each is suitable for, how many pages the binding type can accept, what options you have for the cover, and how they compare on cost:

Leather binding: go classy

Leather binding is the highest quality binding option for your thesis : perfect for major final research papers such as dissertations, or your Bachelor’s or Master’s thesis. Some print shops will let you emboss the cover with your title and institutions logo, or add finishing touches such as a bookmark or corner protectors to make your submission really stand out.

Thermal binding: go versatile

Thermal binding is the most versatile of all bindings . It’s perfect for smaller research projects, but can handle page counts of up to 450 pages too, more than any other bind type. It has a transparent front cover, which immediately brings the title of your thesis to the forefront. The back is often a leather-effect cover, for a quality finish.

Softcover binding: go creative

If you want your dissertation to stand out and look more creative , then we suggest going for a softcover binding. This gives you the option of designing the cover the way you want to. Different fonts, logos, pictures or totally wild designs – when you choose softcover, you can let your creative juices flow!

But go easy on the clipart and don’t let it get too cluttered – you still want to keep a professional-looking finish. In principle, you can use softcover binding for any type of final paper, but the page limit of 300 makes it less suitable for really big projects.

Spiral binding: go low-cost

Spiral binding is the simplest and cheapest option , perfect for smaller research projects and term papers. There are two different types of spirals available – plastic and metal – with plastic spiral bind machines often being found in university / college libraries.

Spiral binding is less suitable for larger submissions such as dissertations and theses as page count is often restricted, and with plastic spiral binding in particular, the plastic binding can interfere with a smooth page turn, making for a less polished reading experience.

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What print settings should I choose for my thesis?

Settled on a binding option for your thesis? Great. Now you just need to choose how the interior pages are going to appear.

There are four main things to think about here:

1. Black and white or colour

Printing in colour can be more expensive, but will definitely help your research paper to stand ou t, and may be particularly important in some fields like laboratory science or art history where colour is an essential component of your figures.

Be careful with to avoid gratuitous use of colour in your finished document – overdoing the colour can start to look a little cheesy!

2. Single or double-sided

Opting for double-sided keeps the finished document slimmer, (and is kinder on the planet!) though bear in mind it isn’t necessarily cheaper.

Examiners and assessors sometimes prefer single-sided so they can make notes on one side of the page, so check your institution’s submission guidelines – they often specify whether you must print on both sides of the paper or just one.

3. Paper thickness matters

Paper thickness is measured in “grams per square metre” – “gsm” or “g/m²”.

A higher gsm means a thicker paper and a more premium feel, but typically at a higher price.

Some print shops default to 80gsm. This can cause “bleed-through” when printing double-sided, which is where whatever is printed on the reverse of the page is visible from the front of the page, cheapening the overall feel of your submission.

You’ll see some improvement on bleed-through by upgrading to a thicker paper at 100gsm.

If you’re printing a major submission double-sided, especially if it’s got a lot of ink-heavy figures, you’d be best off opting for a premium 120 gsm paper.

4. Thesis printing and binding: delivery time!

Finally, make sure it arrives in time! At BachelorPrint, we offer free 24-hour express delivery as standard on all orders.

Where to go for thesis binding?

For morning-of-deadline printing and binding panics, you’re left with no alternative than to take your finished thesis, paper or dissertation to your local print shop. Most university towns will have one – though even a physical shop may have a limit on how quickly they can turn a document round, especially if it’s long and you need multiple copies.

So try and plan ahead if you can.

If you’re ready a day or more before the deadline, consider saving yourself some time (and money!), and getting access to a wider range of options through an online provider such as BachelorPrint.

At BachelorPrint , we offer:

• Free express shipping as standard: place your order by 9am (Mon-Thurs) for next-day delivery by 6pm the following day.
• A 3D preview of your binding and “look-inside” function, so you know exactly how the finished print is going to look.
• A wide range of print and bind options at student-budget-friendly prices!

Whatever options you choose for your binding and printing, and wherever you go to get the job done, we’d like to wish you all the best with your thesis!

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Printing & Binding a Thesis: The Ultimate How-to Guide

You have studied hard to make it this far. All the hard work towards researching and writing your Bachelor’s thesis, research paper or a different final paper is ending. You have completed your write-up and are ready to submit it to your supervisor. However, one important thing remains – Thesis printing and binding (or thesis binding/thesis printing).

You are probably wondering, “how do I print and bind my thesis? What is the best method and material to use? Where can I find the best service provider to print and bind my thesis?”

Almost every student asks these questions. Finding answers to these questions should no longer stress you out. We compiled resourceful tips that can help you navigate this stage successfully. Read on to gain insightful ideas that you can utilize when working on your thesis or any other research paper.

How do I go about printing and binding my thesis?

If this is your first time printing your research paper, it can be challenging to identify the best method and material to use. In this blog, you will find all the necessary information you need to make an informed decision.

What do I have to watch out for when printing my thesis?

When starting, you will likely ask yourself these questions: • Should the printout be coloured or black and white? • What is the best paper size, quality and brand? • Should the printout be single or double-sided? • How do I find the service provider offering the best services at affordable rates? You no longer have to worry about all that since we have put together all the information you need to answer the above questions.

What do I have to watch out for when binding a thesis?

The first thing you should consider is the guidelines given for your thesis or research paper. If your supervisor or institution has issued specific instructions, it is wise you adhere. Adhering to guidelines for content and structure contributes to your final mark.

If there are no instructions on how to bind your thesis, you can opt for different methods depending on your preferences and stage. For example, you can spiral-bind your regular term paper since it is cheaper and doesn’t have many pages. On the other hand, you may opt for leather binding for your major final paper since it has more pages and the leather is sturdier.

Which binding is the right one for my final paper?

There are several options available, and the choice often depends on your personal preference, institutional requirements, and budget. Here are some options for your final paper:

Leather binding for your thesis

Leather binding is an elegant method where the cover of your thesis is made from leather. This technique has been used for centuries and is highly regarded for its durability, aesthetic appeal, and luxurious feel. You can request the service provider to add corner protectors or decorations to endpapers and headbands for additional aesthetic appeal and structural support.

Recommendations: Leather binding is an excellent option for your; • Master thesis • Bachelor’s thesis • Dissertation • Research paper

Thermal binding for your thesis

This method uses heat to adhere pages together. The front cover is usually transparent, making your thesis title visible at a glance. You can choose different material designs and colours for the back cover.

Recommendation: It is fast, easy to use, and can bind relatively thick documents. It also creates a clean and polished look, making it an ideal final paper.

Softcover for your thesis

Choose a softcover if you want your thesis to look unique and stand out among your peers. Softcover allows you to design the cover with different pictures, writings, logos, or patterns. Simply put, you can design it the way you want. However, do not clutter it with irrelevant stuff since it’s your final paper and should appear professional.

Recommendation: Softcover binding is versatile since you can use it for different types of final papers. It is also cost-effective and allows for easy printing on the spine, making it simple to include the paper’s title, author, and other information. However, the softcover may not be durable, especially where the paper is stacked and retrieved many times. Additionally, it cannot contain many pages, such as those of a comprehensive dissertation.

Spiral binding for your thesis

This method is used to secure multiple pages of a document together. A continuous plastic or metal coil is threaded through small holes punched along the edge of the pages. The coil is then twisted into a tight spiral shape, effectively holding the pages together. Spiral binding utilizes a transparent front cover and a hard back cover.

Recommendation: It is suitable for small projects like term papers.

Where can I go for printing & binding a thesis?

There are several options available for research paper printing and binding, depending on your location. Some common places where you can get your thesis printed and bound include your school print services, local print shops, or order online.

Numerous online platforms specialize in printing. One of the best online prints is BachelorPrint . They offer online services where you can upload your thesis, select printout options, and have the final product delivered to your doorstep through their free express shipping.

How you benefit: • Your document is printed on a high-quality paper at an affordable price • A complete preview of your bound document before shipping • Free express shipping to your location • Your document is delivered on time and in perfect condition

Printing and binding a thesis – making sure nothing goes wrong!

We know that writing and printing your thesis is a serious investment of time, energy, and money. That’s why we have compiled relevant and insightful information that you need to print and bind your Bachelor’s thesis, term paper, or research paper.

We understand that you have the liberty to choose where to print your thesis. However, if you need a tried and tested online service provider, visit BachelorPrint. Their online platform is user-friendly, fast and effective. Once you get in touch with them, you are assured of a stress-free experience.

We wish you success as you finalize your thesis!

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The Ultimate How-To Guide for Printing and Binding a Thesis

You’ve arrived: all of your time spent studying and writing your research paper, Bachelor’s thesis, or other final work has come to a close. You’re almost ready to submit it, but first and foremost you must consider finishing your thesis.

When researching about finishing a thesis, a student constantly asks the same two questions: “How do I go about finishing my thesis?” as well as “Where will I go for printing and finishing my thesis?” Continue reading for some pointers on what to look for when getting a research paper printed and bound.

How-To Guide for Printing and Binding Your Thesis!

What is the process for printing and binding my thesis.

Because most students haven’t had the chance to do printing or to bind a research paper before, deciding which binding is best and what printing configurations to use might be tricky. We provide you with all of the information you need to know about printing and finishing a thesis.

What should I look out for when printing my thesis?

Students always have the same questions about printing a thesis:

• Is it in black and white or color?
• What type of paper is suitable?

That is why we have compiled some tips for publishing your thesis.

What should I look out for while binding a thesis?

Many students ask the “how” question since they are unsure of what form of finishing to utilize for their thesis. This is where it depends on the sort of final document: a research paper, for example, necessitates substantial investigation and work, but a standard term paper does not.

Their weighting varies: a typical term paper only accounts for a small amount of your grade, whereas your Bachelor’s thesis, Master’s thesis, or research paper is worth much more.

To be more specific, if your final paper is significant and you want to learn about finishing your dissertation, simple spiral finishing is not the way to go. Leather bound is the greatest alternative because it is more appropriate for your main final paper and is substantially more durable.

Many post-secondary colleges and universities have certain finishing requirements. As a result, it is preferable to first determine whether your university has any rules for printing and finishing a thesis. That is why we want to show you which binding to use based on the sort of final paper you are submitting.

Which binding is best for my final paper?

To begin with, there is a wide range of bindings available. That is why we will go over each of them with you so that nothing goes wrong in this regard.

Thesis binding in leather

Leather binding is the best option for your thesis. It looks professional and classy thanks to the leather-look solid cover. If you choose a leather finishing, you can also add custom embossing, a bookmark, or corner protectors to make your thesis look even more professional. Recommendation: A leather finishing is ideal for significant final works such as your research paper, dissertation, bachelor’s thesis, and master’s thesis.

Thermal binding for the thesis

Thermal finishing is the most adaptable of all. It has a translucent front cover that draws attention to the title of your thesis right away. It also has a leather-look rear cover in the color of your choice.

Recommendation : Thermal binding is ideal for modest research projects. It is also useful if you need many printouts of your finished page.

Softcover for your dissertation

We choose Softcover if you want your paper to stand out and appear more imaginative. This allows you to customize the cover anyway you like. When you choose softcover, you may let your creative juices flow with different fonts, logos, photos, or completely wacky designs.

But be cautious! You don’t want it to become overly cluttered! After all, it is still a research paper, therefore your end product should be professional. Recommendation: In general, softcover finishing can be used for any sort of final paper. However, there is a limit to the number of pages it can hold, making it less suitable for a full dissertation.

Spiral binding for the thesis

Spiral finish is the most elegant and easy. It’s similar to thermal finishing in that it features a transparent front cover and a colored, leather-look rear cover.

Spiral finishing, on the other hand, is not glued. Instead, spirals hold your thesis together. Spiral finishing is ideal for smaller research tasks, such as term papers. It is not suitable for major final papers such as a dissertation or research paper.

Where can I get a thesis printed and bound?

We’ve done the legwork for you, so you can easily find out where you may go for publishing a thesis, and where you’ll get the best output possible. It is advantageous to use an online service because you can place your order from the comfort of your own home, saving crucial time.

But, even with internet suppliers, you win some and lose some. During our study, one online service provider stood out from the crowd:

BachelorPrint is your go-to source if you need to finish your thesis. This online printing store has a large assortment of high-quality binders. Their free expedited shipping allows you to have your thesis in hand as soon as it is printed and bound.

How you will benefit: – Complimentary Express shipping – Online shop 3D preview of your binding and see inside-function – High-quality paper at reasonable costs

Ensure that nothing goes wrong when printing and binding a thesis!

Writing a thesis takes a significant amount of time. Everything will go well if you follow our suggestions for your research paper, Bachelor’s thesis, or term paper. Of course, where you get your thesis printed is entirely up to you, whether you go to a physical copy shop or order online.

However, if you want high-quality, stress-free thesis finishing, BachelorPrint is the place to go. Their user-friendly online shop makes it simple to put together your thesis, which is why we recommend it.

We wish you the best of luck with your thesis!

The Library wishes you a nice holiday break. Buildings will be closed from 12/23/22 to 12/31/22. For a full list of closing and opening times, please visit the library hours page.

• Undergraduate Students
• Graduate & Medical Students
• Medical & Clinical Faculty
• Visiting Scholars
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Brown University Library

Thesis and dissertation binding: information for graduate students.

Masters and doctoral students who wish to have personal copies of their theses/dissertations bound may deliver copies of the thesis to the Preservation Department via campus mail, via U.S. mail, or in person during business hours. Our address is:

Thesis Binding Rockefeller Library–Preservation Department 10 Prospect St. Box A Providence, RI 02912

All theses and dissertations must be accompanied by a Binding Request Form:

• Binding Request Form ( Word , PDF )
• Sample Binding Request Form ( PDF )

Academic departments paying for the binding of theses, dissertations, or other materials should consult the Academic Department Binding information.

Binding Style

Theses and dissertations are bound in black library cloth with gold lettering. The spine of the binding includes the title of the thesis/dissertation, the student’s last name, and year of completion. Special characters, such as Greek letters or mathematical symbols, may not be available for spine printing.

The charge for thesis binding is $20 per copy. Payment via credit card (Mastercard, Visa, American Express or Discover Card), balance account, or personal check is due at the time the bound items are picked up at the Circulation desk in the Rockefeller Library. Additional charges may apply to unusually large publications, or those with accompanying media.

• Binding Invoice
• Sample Binding Invoice

Processing Time

We ship materials to our commercial binding vendor every Tuesday. The deadline to get your thesis into the current week’s shipment is 10 a.m. Monday. Theses and dissertations received after 10 a.m. on Monday may not go out until the following week’s shipment. Bound items are due back two weeks after the shipment date (the day the items are sent to the vendor, not the day they are received at the Library), and will be available the following day. We will notify you via email or phone when the bound items are ready for pickup at the Rockefeller Library Circulation desk.

Special Needs

If you have binding style or processing time requirements that are unmet by the services outlined above, please contact Acme Bookbinding or another commercial binder directly to discuss your project.

Please contact Stephen Conlon at 401-863-2593.

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Printing and Binding a Thesis: The Ultimate Step-By-Step Guide

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After many months you have finally completed your thesis. You have put everything into making sure it is perfect. Now all you have to do is complete the printing and binding of your thesis before you can finally submit it.

When it comes to printing and binding, students scarcely are experts in the field and therefore always have the same questions:

• How do I print and bind my thesis?
• Where can I print and bind my thesis?

We want to help you find the right answers to these questions. Therefore, this is a step-by-step guide to printing and binding your thesis to make it a success.

What Should I Consider when Printing my Thesis?

When printing your thesis, you have to consider a few things beforehand:

Black and white or colour?

When printing your thesis, remember that colour is always more expensive than black and white. Printing in colour definitely looks impressive. However, if you have too much colour some people may take your thesis less seriously than they might otherwise. If printing in colour is not essential, you are better sticking with black and white.

Which kind of paper?

When you visit a copyshop, they usually print your thesis on 80 g/m 2 paper. However, this paper type is quite thin. Plus, the print on the paper's reverse side will often shine through which never looks good. Look for a shop with printing options that include 100 g/m 2 paper. Some may even offer this as a default which can save you lots of money.

Where do I get the best prices?

The price of printing your thesis is determined by the combination of your paper weight, the use of black and white or colour ink, and the number of pages. Visit various shops and ask for quotes for the same specifications. X pages in colour printed on 100 g/m 2 paper. Then compare the prices and see if you can find external customer reviews to help you make an informed decision.

Tip: If you order online, try to find a provider with free shipping.

What Should I Consider when Binding my Thesis?

"How" to bind a thesis is something most students do not know. First of all, they usually do not know which binding to use.

The answer to this question depends on the type of thesis being submitted. Research papers tend to be very long and detailed while regular term papers are shorter and completed faster. Regular term papers are worth a small fraction of a grade while a Bachelor's thesis, Master's thesis or a research paper make a massive impact.

Simply put, when printing and binding your dissertation you need a superior binding if the paper is worth more. A leather-bound paper is appropriate for a Master's thesis while a spiral-bound paper will do for a regular term project.

Most colleges and universities will have specific binding requirements for you to adhere to. Before you print and bind your thesis, check what guidelines have been provided by your institution.

Which Bindings are Available?

When printing your thesis, it is much easier to bind it correctly if you know what your options are first.

Where can I have my Thesis Printed and Bound?

We have done the research on your behalf so that choosing where to go when printing and binding your thesis is easy. You want to find the best service quality possible so that you end up with the highest-quality product.

We recommend that you use online printing services . This way, you can place your order from your own home or your institute's library which saves a lot of time when compared to searching for a printing shop on foot.

Making sure Nothing goes Wrong

By the time your thesis is complete, you will have spent a lot of time and energy on it. With our tips, you have everything you need to choose the right printing options and then the right style of binding. All of our advice is relevant whether you are visiting copyshops or you are looking at online companies.

However, if you want to save on time and want high-quality printing followed by excellent binding with no stress at affordable prices, then we wholeheartedly recommend an online printing service.

Now that you have everything you need, we would like to wish you all the best with your thesis!

About the Author

Maxime Werner is Business Development Manager at BachelorPrint.

BachelorPrint is your first address for printing and binding your dissertation & co. They offer excellent bindings, a perfect service and free express delivery worldwide.

Continue to: Writing a Dissertation or Thesis Researching and Writing a Literature Review

See also: Transferable Skills | Essay Writing Academic Referencing | Styles of Writing

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Want to Bind your Thesis or Dissertation?

Student guide to binding your thesis or dissertation.

Binding your thesis or dissertation is not required.

Once your thesis has been accepted and approved by the Office of Graduate Programs you may submit your thesis to be bound via an online bindery. While Florida Tech does not endorse a particular bindery, the following companies have experience working with theses and dissertations.

Prices will vary by company, order specifications and shipping. Please review the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) of each company online for more specific information about how to submit your order.

Some questions to consider are:

• How many copies would you like?
• Is it a requirement of your sponsor to present a bound thesis upon return home?
• How quickly do you need your bound copy?
• Do you need international shipping?
• Would you like to include your original signature page in your bound copy?
• Is a scanned copy of your signature page OK?

Most binding companies allow for the following customizations of your thesis:

• Choice and color of cover
• Paper type, size and quality
• Single or double spacing
• Color or black and white print
• Spine lettering
• Choice of front cover lettering
• CD/DVD media pocket

Florida Tech Copy Center

• The Florida Tech Copy Center can bind your thesis with a soft cover spiral bind with a clear acetate front sheet.
• The Copy Center is in the Academic Quad, Building 406, Room 122.
• The document can be printed on 20lb, 24lb or 28lb paper.
• Students can order this product online through the  Copy Center Storefront .
• Pick-up time within three (3) days.

GradWorks Online

• GradWorks Online will ship to multiple addresses as well as ship International Economy.
• Only prints 8.5” x 11” with the inside pages slightly smaller.
• Front cover lettering only.
• Paper type is limited to standard or 25% cotton.
• Starting price without shipping is $17.00.
• GradWorks Online details.

PHD Book Binding

• Includes the choice to have The Florida Institute of Technology seal applied to the front

cover . Use the Gold Foil Emblem and Lettering menu to select Florida Tech’s university emblem.

• A sample bound thesis is available to review at the Library iDesk.
• If notified, PHD will hold binding until the signature pages arrive in the mail.
• You may specify particular pages to be printed in color.
• PHD Book Binding FAQ.

Thesis On Demand  

• Thesis On Demand ships to U.S. addresses only, no PO boxes.
• Requires an extra order form and fee to mail original signature pages for inclusion.
• A4 size paper can only be printed on White Vellum 60lb paper.
• Binds in Buckram cloth only or leather (+$85.00).
• Theses on Demand FAQs.
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• Last Updated: Mar 7, 2024 8:27 AM
• URL: https://libguides.lib.fit.edu/gradtrack

Our Thesis Binding Service

Thesis and dissertation binding that won’t let you down.

With over 42 years experience in thesis binding we understand how tight your deadlines are and how important it is to get your theses and dissertations perfectly printed and bound on time. That’s why we offer reliable, high-quality thesis binding and dissertation binding for universities, colleges and institutions across the UK and throughout the world. We always go the extra mile to help you out, no matter how quickly you need it. And don’t forget to order enough copies, you might need one to show your family and friends, after all, its work for you to be proud of.

Wherever you’re studying, we can bind your thesis and dissertations. Just use the same procedure as for UK students and we’ll post your bound documents back to you via courier or Special Delivery. Cost of postage depends on size and weight of package.

O ur guaranteed services include:

• Two-working-day (48 hour) service – Hard bound
• Next-working-day (24 hour) service – Hard and soft bound
• International service – please email us [email protected] or call us on +44 118 997 7180

PLEASE NOTE: Thesis orders received after 12pm on a Friday will not be processed until Monday morning.

Please note that processing times exclude delivery time. See delivery options below.

As experts in university bookbinding, we bind to all University specifications and offer a large choice of colours in Library Buckram (material specified by universities).

How our thesis books are made

PDF file conversion

We can only print from PDF files, due to pagination issues.  Please see our pdf guidelines for more information on how to submit your files.

We use A4 100gsm Navigator Universal paper produced using FSC certified fibre from well-managed forests (ISO14001).

Hard Bound Thesis – A4

All our regular hard bound thesis books are bound to university specifications. Each book is A4, case bound, over-sewn and glued. The books are covered with a high quality, durable Buckram cloth cover, which is available in 9 standard colours

They will have your degree, name and year lettered on the spine as standard. These can appear up or down the spine, depending on your preference.

You can also add your university logo/crest and some lettering to the front cover. The books can be lettered in gold foil or silver foil, and come complete with marker ribbon, head and tail bands, and double gold or silver lines at the top and bottom of the spine. All lettering is in Times New Roman Font.

The maximum number of pages for each of these books is 500 A4 sheets. If you have more pages or A3 pages as a requirement, please contact us  and we will be able to assist you.

Soft Bound Thesis – Cloth Cover – A4

Our soft bound thesis books are perfect bound to university specifications. As with our hard bound books the soft bound books are A4 size and finished to the same high quality. They are covered with a Buckram cloth cover, available in 9 standard colours (as shown above).

They will have your degree, name and year lettered on the spine as standard. These can appear up or down the spine depending on your preference. All lettering is in Times New Roman Font.

You can also add your university logo/crest and some lettering to the front cover. The books can be lettered in gold foil or silver foil, and come complete with marker ribbon, head and tail bands, and double gold or silver lines at the top and bottom of the spine.

Soft Bound – Card Cover – A4

The most cost-effective soft binding is a paperback in a coloured card cover which is perfect bound to University specification, with the title page duplicated on the front cover. The books are covered with a card cover, available in A4 size and 5 standard colours.

The maximum number of pages for each of these books is 350 A4 sheets (350 single sided pages, or 700 double sided pages). If you have more pages or A3 pages as a requirement, please contact us  and we will be able to assist you.

Soft bound – Transparent Cover – A4

Perfect bound to University specification with a clear plastic front cover and a card back, this is another popular way to bind your thesis.

We have several delivery options available to help you meet your deadlines. Deliveries are arranged with our courier company to deliver to your door.

Collection is temporarily suspended, please select one of the following services instead. UK Mainland Standard Next Day UK Mainland Premium Next Day (Before 12:00 noon) UK Mainland Premium Next Day (Before 10:00 am) UK Mainland Premium Next Day (Before 9:00 am) UK Mainland Saturday (Before 10:30 am) International Deliveries – please contact us on +44 118 997 7180 to arrange.

For costs please refer to our ‘Pricing Guidelines’ .

Please Note

In order to calculate the overall time frame from order to delivery of your thesis, you will need to add your chosen service time to your selected delivery time.

PLEASE NOTE: Thesis orders received after 12pm on a Friday will not be processed until Monday morning.

Dissertation Printing and Binding: A Complete Guide

A Complete Guide to Dissertation Printing and Binding

You’ve spent endless nights researching and writing whilst consuming way too much caffeine. Finally, you’re proud to say that your dissertation is finished. You’ve edited, proofread, and double checked your referencing. The only thing left to do is to find a high-quality dissertation printing and binding provider before the deadline. Unfortunately, this is also no easy feat. You need to consider:

• The type of binding
• What your printing configurations will look like
• Whether to go with an online or in-store dissertation printing provider

But don’t fret! We’ll provide you with everything you need to know in this complete guide to dissertation printing and binding !

The Dissertation Printing and Binding Process

If you’ve just written your bachelor’s thesis, then the whole professional dissertation printing and binding process may be completely new to you. Smaller essays and research papers are generally digitally submitted, so you have probably never required professional printing services before. Choosing the ideal dissertation printing and binding configurations can be tricky, as there’s a few ground rules to follow. We’ll start by breaking down the printing configurations for you.

The Dissertation Printing Configurations

The dissertation printing configurations include:

• Black and white vs colour printing
• The type of paper
• Your layout

Normal 0 21 false false false DE X-NONE X-NONE

To do justice to your student budget, search for print shops that offer 100g/m 2 paper, as well as colour printing by default. If opting for an online print shop, free delivery is always a bonus, and you should watch out for extra unexpected charges.

The Different Dissertation Binding Types

Once you’ve decided on your dissertation printing configurations, the next step is choosing the best binding. This will depend on what exactly it is you’re submitting. Your bachelor’s thesis deserves a more elegant binding than an essay you’ve spent a few weeks writing. Plus, a major thesis contributes towards a larger portion of your final grade, so you’ll want to impress your professor with a classy dissertation binding.

Don’t undermine your hard work! Completing your dissertation is a huge milestone, so the chosen binding should reflect this.

Remember: what is suitable for thesis printing and binding in one study program may not be suitable for another. Your friend studying an arts degree may have a colourful thesis with a self-designed softcover binding. The dissertation printing and binding for your biology degree will look very different.

In the end, your chosen dissertation binding will depend on what you’re submitting and how much it contributes to your final grade.

Many educational institutions have their own dissertation printing and binding requirements. Double check with your institution to see how much autonomy you have regarding your dissertation’s design.

An Introduction to the Dissertation Binding Types

You have many different dissertation binding types to choose from, but don’t be intimidated by all the choices! We’ll go through the details of each one, so you can make a well-informed decision about your dissertation binding.

The Classy Leather Book Binding Normal 0 21 false false false DE X-NONE X-NONE /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Normální tabulka"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; mso-para-margin-top:0cm; mso-para-margin-right:0cm; mso-para-margin-bottom:8.0pt; mso-para-margin-left:0cm; line-height:107%; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi; mso-ansi-language:DE; mso-fareast-language:EN-US;}

The elegant leather book binding is exactly what you need for important papers like a bachelor’s thesis or a master’s thesis. This professional binding is guaranteed to leave a great first impression on your professors. Plus, you have many extras to choose from. Bookmarks, fold out pages, corner protectors and customized embossing are just a few of the options that will give your thesis a makeover.

Recommendations: Leather book binding is a fantastic option for almost all types of papers.

• Bachelor‘s thesis
• Dissertation
• Master’s thesis
• Larger research paper

The Classic Thermal Binding Normal 0 21 false false false DE X-NONE X-NONE /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Normální tabulka"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; mso-para-margin-top:0cm; mso-para-margin-right:0cm; mso-para-margin-bottom:8.0pt; mso-para-margin-left:0cm; line-height:107%; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi; mso-ansi-language:DE; mso-fareast-language:EN-US;}

The classic thermal binding is incredibly versatile. It’s a great option for smaller research papers, or for extra copies of your thesis. The front cover is transparent, meaning that readers are immediately able to see your title page. The back cover is available in several colours of a faux leather material. The thermal binding will allow you to keep your dissertation classy, even whilst on a budget.

Recommendation: The thermal binding is exactly what you need for putting copies of your thesis or research paper into storage

The Personally Designed Softcover Normal 0 21 false false false DE X-NONE X-NONE /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Normální tabulka"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; mso-para-margin-top:0cm; mso-para-margin-right:0cm; mso-para-margin-bottom:8.0pt; mso-para-margin-left:0cm; line-height:107%; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi; mso-ansi-language:DE; mso-fareast-language:EN-US;}

You’re able to design the artsy softcove r however you feel is suitable for your dissertation. Include logos, pictures, symbols, and different fonts – there are no limits. As long as your dissertation binding fulfils the requirements of your educational institution and degree program, you’re good to go.

Recommendation: The softcover is a great addition to your paper, particularly if you’re studying an arts degree. It just cannot hold as many pages as the other bindings, so it may not be suitable for a larger thesis.

Spiral Binding on a Budget Normal 0 21 false false false DE X-NONE X-NONE /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Normální tabulka"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; mso-para-margin-top:0cm; mso-para-margin-right:0cm; mso-para-margin-bottom:8.0pt; mso-para-margin-left:0cm; line-height:107%; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi; mso-ansi-language:DE; mso-fareast-language:EN-US;}

With the spiral binding , you get the best of both worlds. It won’t be too harsh on your student budget and you’ll still receive high-quality dissertation printing and binding. It’s similar to the thermal binding, as your front cover will be on display and you’re able to choose between several colours for the leather-like back cover. The difference is that the pages are bound together with metal or plastic spirals, instead of glue.

Recommendation: For papers that hold less weight, the spiral binding is what you need. Due to its simple nature, this cost-effective binding is unfortunately not suitable for larger papers like theses or lengthy research papers.

An Overview of the Dissertation Binding Types

Here, the information above has been compiled into one, all-inclusive table. Use this as a guideline whilst preparing your dissertation printing and binding! Don’t forget to check if there’s any specific dissertation printing and binding requirements from your university!

Finding a Dissertation Printing and Binding Provider

You’ve decided on your dissertation printing configurations and you think you know which binding will be perfect, but your work is not done yet. You need to find a dissertation printing service that will supply you with high-quality printing and binding. The first step is to decide whether you’d prefer to have your thesis delivered to your door by an online printing service , or whether you’d prefer to personally go into a print shop.

One advantage to an online print shop is that you can order your thesis from the comfort of your home and have it delivered to you within a few days. Regardless of which print shop you choose, take a look at some reviews to ensure that you’re going to get your money’s worth.

We did a bit of research ourselves and one print shop in particular caught our eye.

BachelorPrint is your go-to when it comes to dissertation printing and binding. This market-leading online print shop has an abundance of dissertation binding options for you to choose from along with various add-on opportunities. With free express shipping, your finished paper will be in your hands before you know it.

The benefits:

• Every order comes with free express shipping
• 3D preview to check your layout and formatting before ordering
• High-quality dissertation printing and binding for the student budget

Summary: High-Quality Dissertation Printing and Binding

Researching and writing your thesis may have been a daunting task, but who says the dissertation printing and binding process has to be? Read this dissertation printing and binding guide carefully and you’ll have a flawless piece of academic work to hand to your professors.

Of course, the decision is yours, but if you’re on a tight deadline, we recommend an online print shop like BachelorPrint. With free express shipping, you’re guaranteed to meet those deadlines. The online shop is incredibly user-friendly and with a 3D preview as well as a look inside function, arranging your formatting will be a breeze. These are just a few of the benefits that come with the dissertation printing and binding leader!

We wish you all the best with your dissertation printing and binding!

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Formatting Guidelines For Theses, Dissertations, and DMA Documents

Guidelines for Formatting Theses, Dissertations, and DMA Documents is intended to help graduate students present the results of their research in the form of a scholarly document.

Before beginning to write a master’s thesis, PhD dissertation, or DMA document, students should read the relevant sections of the  Graduate School Handbook, section 7.8  for dissertations and/ or  section 6.4  for master’s theses.

Candidates for advanced degrees should also confer with their advisors and members of their graduate studies committees to learn about any special departmental requirements for preparing graduate degree documents.

Members of the graduation services staff at the Graduate School are available to provide information and to review document drafts at any stage of the planning or writing process. While graduation services is responsible for certifying that theses and/or dissertations have been prepared in accordance with Graduate School guidelines, the student bears the ultimate responsibility for meeting these requirements and resolving any related technical and/or software issues . Graduation services will not accept documents if required items are missing or extend deadlines because of miscommunication between the student and the advisor.

Accessibility Features

As of Spring, 2023, all theses and dissertations will need to incorporate the following accessibility features to align with the university’s accessibility policy.  When you submit your final document to OhioLINK you will be verifying that accessibility features have been applied.

• PDF file includes full text
• PDF accessibility permission flag is checked
• Text language of the PDF is specified
• PDF includes a title

Features and Other Notes

Some features are required, and some are optional. Each component is identified with a major heading unless otherwise noted. The major heading must be centered with a one-inch top margin. 

Sample Pages and Templates

Templates are available for use in formatting dissertations, theses, and DMA documents. Please read all instructions before beginning. 

• Graduate Dissertations and Theses Templates - OSU Login Required

FRONTISPIECE (OPTIONAL)

If used, no heading is included on this page.

TITLE PAGE (REQUIRED)

The title page should include:

• the use of title case is recommended
• dissertation, DMA. document, or thesis
• Presented in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree [insert the applicable degree such as Doctor of Philosophy, Doctor of Musical Arts, Master of Science, etc.] in the Graduate School of The Ohio State University
• Name of the candidate 
• Initials of previous earned degrees
• insert correct name from program directory
• Year of graduation
•  Dissertation, document, or thesis [select applicable title] committee and committee member names

COPYRIGHT PAGE (REQUIRED)

Notice of copyright is centered in the following format on the page immediately after the title page. This page is not identified with a page number.

Copyright by John James Doe 2017

ABSTRACT (REQUIRED)

The heading Abstract is centered without punctuation at least one inch from the top of the page. The actual abstract begins four spaces below the heading. See sample pages.

DEDICATION (OPTIONAL)

If used, the dedication must be brief and centered on the page.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

(OPTIONAL, BUT STRONGLY RECOMMENDED)

Either spelling of the word, acknowledgments or acknowledgments, is acceptable. The acknowledgment is a record of the author’s indebtedness and includes notice of permission to use previously copyrighted materials that appear extensively in the text. The heading Acknowledgments is centered without punctuation at least one inch from the top of the page.

VITA (REQUIRED)

Begin the page with the heading Vita, centered, without punctuation, and at least one inch from the top of the page. There are three sections to the vita: biographical information (required), publications (if applicable), and fields of study (required).

There is no subheading used for the biographical information section. In this section, include education and work related to the degree being received.

Use leader dots between the information and dates. The publication section follows. The subheading Publications should be centered and in title case. List only those items published in a book or journal. If there are none, omit the Publication subheading. The final section of the vita is Fields of Study, which is required. Center the subheading and use title case. Two lines below the Fields of Study subheading, place the following statement: Major Field: [insert only the name of your Graduate Program as it reads on the title page] flush left. Any specialization you would like to include is optional and is placed flush left on the lines below Major Field.

TABLE OF CONTENTS (REQUIRED)

The heading Table of Contents (title case preferred) appears without punctuation centered at least one inch from the top of the page. The listing of contents begins at the left margin four spaces below the heading. The titles of all parts, sections, chapter numbers, and chapters are listed and must

be worded exactly as they appear in the body of the document. The table of contents must include any appendices and their titles, if applicable. Use leader dots between the listed items and their page numbers.

LISTS OF ILLUSTRATIONS (REQUIRED IF APPLICABLE)

Lists of illustrations are required if the document contains illustrations. The headings List of Tables , List of Figures , or other appropriate illustration designations (title case preferred) appear centered without punctuation at least one inch from the top of the page. The listing begins at the left margin four spaces below the heading. Illustrations should be identified by the same numbers and captions in their respective lists as they have been assigned in the document itself. Use leader dots between the listed items and their page numbers. See sample pages .

BIBLIOGRAPHY/REFERENCES (REQUIRED)

Include a complete bibliography or reference section at the end of the document, before the appendix, even if you have included references at the end of each chapter. You may decide how this section should be titled. The terms References or Bibliography are the most commonly chosen titles. The heading must be centered and at least one inch from the top of the page.

Include this heading in the table of contents.

APPENDICES (REQUIRED IF APPLICABLE)

An appendix, or appendices, must be placed after the bibliography. The heading Appendix (title case preferred) centered at least one inch from the top of the page. Appendices are identified with letters and titles. For example: Appendix A: Data. Include all appendix headers and titles in the table of contents.

Other Notes

Candidates are free to select a style suitable to their discipline as long as it complies with the format and content guidelines given in this publication. Where a style manual conflicts with Graduate School guidelines, the Graduate School guidelines take precedence. Once chosen, the style must remain consistent throughout the document.

Top, bottom, left, and right page margins should all be set at one inch. (Keep in mind that the left margin is the binding edge, so if you want to have a bound copy produced for your personal use, it is recommended that the left margin be 1.5 inches.)

It is recommended that any pages with a major header, such as document title, chapter/major section titles, preliminary page divisions, abstract, appendices, and references at the end of the document be set with a 2-inch top margin for aesthetic purposes and to help the reader identify that a new major section is beginning.

The selected font should be 10 to 12 point and be readable. The font should be consistent throughout the document. Captions, endnotes, footnotes, and long quotations may be slightly smaller than text font, as long as the font is readable.

Double spacing is preferred, but 1.5 spacing (1.5 × the type size) is acceptable for long documents. Single spacing is recommended for bibliography entries, long quotations, long endnotes or footnotes, and long captions. Double spacing between each bibliography entry is recommended.

Each major division of the document, including appendices, must have a title. Titles must be centered and have at least a one inch top margin. The use of title case is recommended. If chapters are being used, they should be numbered and titled. For example: Chapter 1: Introduction. Appendices are identified with letters and titles. For example: Appendix A: Data.

PAGE NUMBERS

Every page must have a page number except the title page and the copyright page. If a frontispiece is included before the title page, it is neither counted nor numbered. The page numbers are centered at the bottom center of the page above the one inch margin. Note: You may need to set the footer margin to 1-inch and the body bottom margin to 1.3 or 1.5- inches to place the page number accurately.

Preliminary pages (abstract, dedication, acknowledgments, vita, table of contents, and the lists of illustrations, figures, etc.) are numbered with small Roman numerals (i, ii, iii, iv, etc.). Page numbering begins with the first page of the abstract, and this can be either page i or ii (The title page is technically page i, but the number is not shown on the page).

Arabic numerals are used for the remainder of the document, including the text and the reference material. These pages are numbered consecutively beginning with 1 and continue through the end of the document.

Notation practices differ widely among publications in the sciences, the humanities, and the social sciences. Candidates should confer with their advisors regarding accepted practice in their individual disciplines. That advice should be coupled with careful reference to appropriate general style manuals.

• Arabic numerals should be used to indicate a note in the text. 
• Notes may be numbered in one of two ways: either consecutively throughout the entire manuscript or consecutively within each chapter.
• Notes can be placed at the bottom of the page (footnotes) or at the end of a chapter or document (endnotes). Once chosen, the notation style must be consistent throughout the document.
• Notes about information within tables should be placed directly below the table to which they apply, not at the bottom of the page along with notes to the text.

ILLUSTRATIONS

Tables, figures, charts, graphs, photos, etc..

Some documents include several types of illustrations. In such cases, it is necessary that each type of illustration (table, figure, chart, etc.) be identified with a different numbering series (Table 1, Table 2, and so on, or Chart 1, Chart 2, and so on). For each series, include a list with captions and page numbers in the preliminary pages (for example, List of Tables, List of Charts, etc.). These lists must be identified with major headings that are centered and placed at the two-inch margin.

Each illustration must be identified with a caption that includes the type of illustration, the number, and a descriptive title (for example, Map 1: Ohio). Numbering may be sequential throughout the document (including the appendix, if applicable) or based on the decimal system (corresponding to the chapter number, such as Map 2.3: Columbus). When using decimal numbering in an appendix, the illustration is given a letter that corresponds with the appendix letter (for example, Figure A.1: Voter Data). Captions can be placed either above or below the illustration, but be consistent with the format throughout the document. If a landscape orientation of the illustration is used, make sure to also orient the illustration number and caption accordingly. The top of the illustration should be placed on the left (binding) edge of the page.

If an illustration is too large to ft on one page it is recommended that you identify the respective pages as being part of one illustration. Using a “continued” notation is one method. For example, the phrase continued is placed under the illustration on the bottom right hand side of the first page. On the following pages, include the illustration type, number, and the word continued at the top left margin; for example, Map 2: Continued. Whatever method you choose just make sure to be consistent. The caption for the illustration should be on the first page, but this does not need repeated on subsequent pages.

If an illustration is placed on a page with text, between the text and the top and/or bottom of the illustration, there must be three single spaced lines or two double spaced lines of blank space. The same spacing rule applies if there are multiple illustrations on the same page. The top/bottom of the illustration includes the caption.

All final Ph.D. dissertations, DMA. documents, and master’s theses are submitted to the Graduate School through OhioLINK at https://etdadmin. ohiolink.edu. The document must be saved in PDF embedded font format (PDF/A) before beginning the upload at OhioLINK. During the submission process, OhioLINK will require an abstract separate from your document. This abstract has a 500-word limit. You will get a confirmation from OhioLINK that the submission is complete. The submission then goes to the Graduate School for review. After it is reviewed by staff of the Graduate School, you will receive an email that it has been accepted or that changes need to be made. If changes are required, you will need to re-submit the revised document via an amended OhioLINK submission. You will receive an “accepted” email from the Graduate School once the document has been approved.

THESIS OR DISSERTATION IN A FOREIGN LANGUAGE

The Graduate School has no policy specifically permitting graduate degree documents to be written in a foreign language. The practice is allowed as long as it is approved by the student’s advisor and Graduate Studies Committee. Documents in a foreign language must comply with the following requirements:

• The title page must be in English, but the title itself may be in the same language as the document.
• If the title is in a language using other than Roman characters, it must be transliterated into Roman character equivalents.
• The abstract must be in English.
• The academic unit must notify the Graduate School of dissertations in a foreign language so that an appropriate graduate faculty representative can be found to participate in the final oral examination

Dissertation and Theses

The dissertation is the hallmark of the research expertise demonstrated by a doctoral student. It is a scholarly contribution to knowledge in the student’s area of specialization. 

A thesis is a hallmark of some master’s programs. It is a piece of original research, generally less comprehensive than a dissertation and is meant to show the student’s knowledge of an area of specialization.

Still Have Questions?

Dissertations & Theses 614-292-6031 [email protected]

Doctoral Exams, Master's Examination, Graduation Requirements 614-292-6031 [email protected]

Thesis and Dissertation Guide

• « Thesis & Dissertation Resources
• The Graduate School Home

• Introduction
• Copyright Page
• Dedication, Acknowledgements, Preface (optional)
• Table of Contents
• List of Tables, Figures, and Illustrations
• List of Abbreviations
• List of Symbols

Non-Traditional Formats

Font type and size, spacing and indentation, tables, figures, and illustrations, formatting previously published work.

• Internet Distribution
• Open Access
• Registering Copyright
• Using Copyrighted Materials
• Use of Your Own Previously Published Materials
• Submission Steps
• Submission Checklist
• Sample Pages

II. Formatting Guidelines

All copies of a thesis or dissertation must have the following uniform margins throughout the entire document:

• Left: 1″ (or 1 1/4" to ensure sufficient room for binding the work if desired)
• Right: 1″
• Bottom: 1″ (with allowances for page numbers; see section on Pagination )
• Top: 1″

Exceptions : The first page of each chapter (including the introduction, if any) begins 2″ from the top of the page. Also, the headings on the title page, abstract, first page of the dedication/ acknowledgements/preface (if any), and first page of the table of contents begin 2″ from the top of the page.

Non-traditional theses or dissertations such as whole works comprised of digital, artistic, video, or performance materials (i.e., no written text, chapters, or articles) are acceptable if approved by your committee and graduate program. A PDF document with a title page, copyright page, and abstract at minimum are required to be submitted along with any relevant supplemental files.

Fonts must be 10, 11, or 12 points in size. Superscripts and subscripts (e.g., formulas, or footnote or endnote numbers) should be no more than 2 points smaller than the font size used for the body of the text.

Space and indent your thesis or dissertation following these guidelines:

• The text must appear in a single column on each page and be double-spaced throughout the document. Do not arrange chapter text in multiple columns.
• New paragraphs must be indicated by a consistent tab indentation throughout the entire document.
• The document text must be left-justified, not centered or right-justified.
• For blocked quotations, indent the entire text of the quotation consistently from the left margin.
• Ensure headings are not left hanging alone on the bottom of a prior page. The text following should be moved up or the heading should be moved down. This is something to check near the end of formatting, as other adjustments to text and spacing may change where headings appear on the page.

Exceptions : Blocked quotations, notes, captions, legends, and long headings must be single-spaced throughout the document and double-spaced between items.

Paginate your thesis or dissertation following these guidelines:

• Use lower case Roman numerals (ii, iii, iv, etc.) on all pages preceding the first page of chapter one. The title page counts as page i, but the number does not appear. Therefore, the first page showing a number will be the copyright page with ii at the bottom.
• Arabic numerals (beginning with 1, 2, 3, 4, etc.) start at chapter one or the introduction, if applicable. Arabic numbers must be included on all pages of the text, illustrations, notes, and any other materials that follow. Thus, the first page of chapter one will show an Arabic numeral 1, and numbering of all subsequent pages will follow in order.
• Do not use page numbers accompanied by letters, hyphens, periods, or parentheses (e.g., 1., 1-2, -1-, (1), or 1a).
• Center all page numbers at the bottom of the page, 1/2″ from the bottom edge.
• Pages must not contain running headers or footers, aside from page numbers.
• If your document contains landscape pages (pages in which the top of the page is the long side of a sheet of paper), make sure that your page numbers still appear in the same position and direction as they do on pages with standard portrait orientation for consistency. This likely means the page number will be centered on the short side of the paper and the number will be sideways relative to the landscape page text. See these additional instructions for assistance with pagination on landscape pages in Microsoft Word .

Format footnotes for your thesis or dissertation following these guidelines:

• Footnotes must be placed at the bottom of the page separated from the text by a solid line one to two inches long.
• Begin at the left page margin, directly below the solid line.
• Single-space footnotes that are more than one line long.
• Include one double-spaced line between each note.
• Most software packages automatically space footnotes at the bottom of the page depending on their length. It is acceptable if the note breaks within a sentence and carries the remainder into the footnote area of the next page. Do not indicate the continuation of a footnote.
• Number all footnotes with Arabic numerals. You may number notes consecutively within each chapter starting over with number 1 for the first note in each chapter, or you may number notes consecutively throughout the entire document.
• Footnote numbers must precede the note and be placed slightly above the line (superscripted). Leave no space between the number and the note.
• While footnotes should be located at the bottom of the page, do not place footnotes in a running page footer, as they must remain within the page margins.

Endnotes are an acceptable alternative to footnotes. Format endnotes for your thesis or dissertation following these guidelines:

• Always begin endnotes on a separate page either immediately following the end of each chapter, or at the end of your entire document. If you place all endnotes at the end of the entire document, they must appear after the appendices and before the references.
• Include the heading “ENDNOTES” in all capital letters, and center it 1″ below the top of the first page of your endnotes section(s).
• Single-space endnotes that are more than one line long.
• Number all endnotes with Arabic numerals. You may number notes consecutively within each chapter starting over with number 1 for the first note in each chapter, or you may number notes consecutively throughout the entire document.
• Endnote numbers must precede the note and be placed slightly above the line (superscripted). Leave no space between the number and the note.

Tables, figures, and illustrations vary widely by discipline. Therefore, formatting of these components is largely at the discretion of the author.

For example, headings and captions may appear above or below each of these components.

These components may each be placed within the main text of the document or grouped together in a separate section.

Space permitting, headings and captions for the associated table, figure, or illustration must be on the same page.

The use of color is permitted as long as it is consistently applied as part of the finished component (e.g., a color-coded pie chart) and not extraneous or unprofessional (e.g., highlighting intended solely to draw a reader's attention to a key phrase). The use of color should be reserved primarily for tables, figures, illustrations, and active website or document links throughout your thesis or dissertation.

The format you choose for these components must be consistent throughout the thesis or dissertation.

Ensure each component complies with margin and pagination requirements.

Refer to the List of Tables, Figures, and Illustrations section for additional information.

If your thesis or dissertation has appendices, they must be prepared following these guidelines:

• Appendices must appear at the end of the document (before references) and not the chapter to which they pertain.
• When there is more than one appendix, assign each appendix a number or a letter heading (e.g., “APPENDIX 1” or “APPENDIX A”) and a descriptive title. You may number consecutively throughout the entire work (e.g., 1, 2 or A, B), or you may assign a two-part Arabic numeral with the first number designating the chapter in which it appears, separated by a period, followed by a second number or letter to indicate its consecutive placement (e.g., “APPENDIX 3.2” is the second appendix referred to in Chapter Three).
• Include the chosen headings in all capital letters, and center them 1″ below the top of the page.
• All appendix headings and titles must be included in the table of contents.
• Page numbering must continue throughout your appendix or appendices. Ensure each appendix complies with margin and pagination requirements.

You are required to list all the references you consulted. For specific details on formatting your references, consult and follow a style manual or professional journal that is used for formatting publications and citations in your discipline.

Your reference pages must be prepared following these guidelines:

• If you place references after each chapter, the references for the last chapter must be placed immediately following the chapter and before the appendices.
• If you place all references at the end of the thesis or dissertation, they must appear after the appendices as the final component in the document.
• Select an appropriate heading for this section based on the style manual you are using (e.g., “REFERENCES”, “BIBLIOGRAPHY”, or “WORKS CITED”).
• Include the chosen heading in all capital letters, and center it 1″ below the top of the page.
• References must be single-spaced within each entry.
• Include one double-spaced line between each reference.
• Page numbering must continue throughout your references section. Ensure references comply with margin and pagination requirements.

In some cases, students gain approval from their academic program to include in their thesis or dissertation previously published (or submitted, in press, or under review) journal articles or similar materials that they have authored. For more information about including previously published works in your thesis or dissertation, see the section on Use of Your Own Previously Published Materials and the section on Copyrighting.

If your academic program has approved inclusion of such materials, please note that these materials must match the formatting guidelines set forth in this Guide regardless of how the material was formatted for publication.

Some specific formatting guidelines to consider include:

• Fonts, margins, chapter headings, citations, and references must all match the formatting and placement used within the rest of the thesis or dissertation.
• If appropriate, published articles can be included as separate individual chapters within the thesis or dissertation.
• A separate abstract to each chapter should not be included.
• The citation for previously published work must be included as the first footnote (or endnote) on the first page of the chapter.
• Do not include typesetting notations often used when submitting manuscripts to a publisher (i.e., insert table x here).
• The date on the title page should be the year in which your committee approves the thesis or dissertation, regardless of the date of completion or publication of individual chapters.
• If you would like to include additional details about the previously published work, this information can be included in the preface for the thesis or dissertation.

Previous: Order and Components

Next: Distribution

Master’s Thesis Defense

Thesis Committee Members: Dr. Guanglan Zhang (Advisor), Dr. Lou Chitkushev (first reader) and Dr. Derin Keskin (second reader)

Monday, May 13th, 2024 10:00am EST 1010 Commonwealth Ave, Room 122

For those unable to attend in person, the thesis defense will be available through Zoom – http://www.bu.edu/metit/edu-technology/zoom-web-conferencing/

Select “Computer Science” from the drop down menu.

As MHC binding is considered the most selective step in T cell recognition, many existing bioinformatics systems focus on modeling this step to predict MHC binders. However, modeling MHC binding alone is insufficient for accurate immunogenicity predictions, often resulting in false positives. With the recent technological advancements, large amounts of mass spectrometry (MS)-identified MHC class I ligands became available to the public, making it possible to incorporate information from antigen processing steps before MHC binding. We collected >5,000 binding peptides and >4,000 eluted ligands for H2-Dᵇ, and>5,000 binding peptides and >5,000 eluted ligands for H2-Kᵇ. The thermostability assessment of MHC peptide binding evaluates the strength and duration of the interaction between the peptide and the MHC molecule under varying temperatures. Our collaborators at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute performed temperature gradient experiments to investigate the stability of peptide-MHC complexes for H2-Dᵇ and H2-Kᵇ alleles under three temperature conditions, 37°C, 50°C, and 70°C, using the MS technique.  We ended up with over 3,000 H2-Dᵇ binding peptides and over 5,000 H2-Kᵇ binding peptides. The data enable us to perform a comprehensive thermostability analysis of MHC binding.

In this thesis project, we developed a computational system for identifying T-cell epitopes in C57BL/6 mice by integrating relevant contributing factors, such as the antigen processing steps before MHC binding and thermostability, with the MHC binding predictions. Utilizing deep learning methods, we first trained and rigorously validated the binding prediction models using naturally eluted H2-Kᵇ and H2-Dᵇ ligands collected from public resources. Then, we built Thermostability models using proprietary data generated by our collaborators. We compared the performance of our models with that of NetMHCPan-4.1, an online prediction tool validated by many benchmark studies to be one of the most accurate predictors. Our integrated model, combining the binding and the Thermostability models, exhibited superior predictive capabilities using an external validation dataset, surpassing the overall performance of the NetMHCPan-4.1 model.  We consolidated the models into a user-friendly web-based application named PREDBL6 to facilitate accurate predictions of immunogenic peptides that stably bind H2b molecules and stimulate immune responses in C57BL/6 mice. To our knowledge, this is the first online T cell epitope prediction system that simulates MHC binding and considers other antigen processing steps and thermostability in a model organism.

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