Learn to Use the ETD Templates
In order to graduate, the University requires you to submit a copy of your thesis or dissertation that conforms to the ETD Format Guidelines. (If you started writing your disseration before 2018 please refer to the pre-Nov2018 ETD Formatting Guidelines.) Here is a sample ETD.
To help you meet these requirements, we provide templates to help:
- Microsoft Word (v2.2 updated 3/6/2024)
- The template requires you to use the Microsoft Word application and not the 365 browser-based version. For more details please use the Pitt Software Download Serivces.
- LaTeX
These templates offer many shortcuts and automatic features that allow you to quickly format your paper according to Pitt's guidelines. The templates are not self-explanatory, however, so understanding how they work before using them is necessary. The following instructions will get you started:
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Each thesis and dissertation should utilize a template, which ensures that they fit the standards set out by the University of Pittsburgh and adhere to the guidelines for publication and distribution by organizations such as ProQuest. The University Library System and your Student Services Staff offer a variety of training and support opportunities.
We recommend that students at the beginning of their thesis or dissertation writing process enroll in our workshops to get started early with an overview of the ETD formatting and copyright processes. For specific questions encountered while creating the ETD, we have online tutorials available and one-on-one support (both in person and online). For subject or school specific questions, ETD Student Services Staff in each school can help with your inquiries.
We have created some tutorials to answer some common questions about the ETD template.
Word Tutorials
Acrobat(PDF) Tutorials
Workshops are available for using the ETD templates as well as for understanding and working with copyright and your ETD. We recommend that students take these training sessions at the beginning of their dissertation work - don't wait until the last minute!
We can also offer department or school workshops - contact us for more information. We are happy to be guest presenters at professional development sessions or fill in a colloquium spot for your department.
Workshop Slides
Download a copy of the slides we use as a basis for our ETD Workshops.
Trained staff are available to help you with your individual template questions.
For ETD formatting help, visit our ETD Help page.
For an appointment outside of the walk-in support hours, please make an appointment with our ETD coordinator.
Wondering about your due dates for graduation? Want to have a specialist review your formatted ETD? Contact the Student Services Staff representative for your school, who can answer discipline-specific questions.
