Manuscript Formatting Option Guidelines
The Manuscript Option is a combination of formatting requirements from The Graduate School’s Standard Formatting Option and formatting requirements for chapters that have been or will be published. Any student following the Manuscript Option will still need to include ETD front matter following the Standard Formatting guidelines, chapter formatting for all non-publication-related chapters following the Standard Formatting guidelines, and a cumulative references section and appendix material (if applicable) following the Standard Formatting guidelines.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Manuscript Format Option:
How is the Manuscript Formatting Option different?
Does My Thesis/Dissertation Qualify for the Manuscript Formatting Option?
- Have been either prepared, submitted, accepted or published in a peer-reviewed journal. It is not required that each article have been published by the time you graduate to qualify for the manuscript option. Each department will determine how many manuscripts will be included, with a separate chapter for each manuscript.
- Represent research conducted while the student was enrolled in an MSU graduate program, be a product of the ETD study, and not have been used to obtain another degree.
How do I format a PDF version of the manuscript into my main document?
For formatting instructions on how to include a PDF version of a manuscript, visit the Formatting the Manuscript Option page, also found through the Formatting FAQ. This includes both written and video instructions.
When should I communicate with journals about the inclusion of my articles in a manuscript based thesis or dissertation?
It is good practice to communicate clearly with journals about your manuscripts. If your ETD is already published, you should treat the chapter like a preprint. Prior to completing your thesis or dissertation you should notify journals when the manuscript is accepted. For published articles, journals often have a license form, this should not incur additional costs. For questions, specifics, and help please contact leila.sterman@montana.edu.
Do I need to include any copyright information for the articles I have published?
Contribution of Authors and Co-Authors Page
Each department will determine whether the student is the primary author or co-author of each manuscript. All authors must be mentioned in a Contribution of Authors and Co-authors Page, which includes a brief paragraph of contributions for each author.
Sample of Contribution of Authors Page
Contribution of Authors Template
Manuscript Information Page
Within the Manuscript Format Option a Manuscript Information Page will follow the Contribution of Authors Page and precede each individual manuscript that has been prepared, accepted, submitted or published in a peer-reviewed journal.
Sample of Manuscript Information Page
Manuscript Information Page Template