MIT has one of the most detailed thesis formatting specifications in academia. The MIT Institute Archives reviews every thesis for compliance. This guide ensures your submission passes on the first try.
MIT Thesis Format Specifications
| Requirement | Specification |
|---|---|
| Font | 12-pt Times New Roman or LaTeX Computer Modern |
| Margins | 1.5 inch left; 1 inch right, top, bottom |
| Spacing | Double or 1.5 spacing throughout |
| File format | PDF (must be PDF/A-1b or PDF/A-2b compliant) |
MIT Title Page
The MIT Libraries provide an official title page template. It must include:
- Thesis title (bold)
- Your full name
- Previous degrees with institutions
- "Submitted to the [Department] in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of"
- Degree name
- Month and year
- Copyright notice
- Signature area
MIT LaTeX Template
MIT provides an official LaTeX class file (mitthesis.cls). Available at the MIT IS&T website. This is the recommended approach for technical theses.
MIT Citation Style by Department
| Department | Preferred Style |
|---|---|
| EECS | IEEE |
| Mechanical Engineering | ASME or IEEE |
| Biology | CSE |
| Economics | APA or Chicago |
| Political Science | Chicago |
| Linguistics | Unified Style Sheet |
MIT Submission Process
- Submit PDF via the MIT Libraries online system
- $115 processing fee
- ProQuest/UMI submission required
- Must be PDF/A compliant (validator available on MIT Libraries website)
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Sources & Accuracy
This guide summarizes formatting requirements as understood from the official graduate school page linked below. Universities revise their requirements (and sometimes their deadlines) between academic years — always confirm current specifics directly with your department or the Graduate School before submitting, since this page cannot guarantee it reflects the latest revision.
Primary source: MIT Libraries — Specifications for Thesis Preparation
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