Capstone Paper Formatting Resources
Overview & MSSE Requirements
MSSE students are required to follow formatting and accessibility standards set forth by the Graduate School . These ensure consistency and professionalism of theses, dissertations, and professional papers published to ScholarWorks.
The MSSE master template you will use to write your paper follows the Graduate School's standard formatting guidelines. It also follows the MSSE Program's preferred capstone paper outline. Using the master template while writing your paper will make it easier to meet content and formatting requirements.
Required Software
In order to use the master template and other formatting resources, you MUST download Microsoft Word to your computer. Do not use Google Docs or any other software.
- Word is free for all MSU students and can be downloaded here: Office 365 ProPlus Software for Students - Office 365 | Montana State University.
Paper Template and Formatting Guides
MSSE students should carefully follow the Graduate School's standard option formatting rules. MSSE master templates are provided below. The MSSE master templates and the Graduate School's standard template are very similar. The only difference is that the front matter of the MSSE master template is partially filled out and its chapters follow the MSSE Program's preferred chapter outline.
- Master Template: You should use a master template when writing your capstone paper.
It will make formatting all parts of your paper easier. There is a master template
designed specifically for each of the 4 capstone project options:
- Standard Formatting Guidelines: This webpages provides additional support for utilizing the master template and following all formatting requirements when writing your capstone paper.
- How to Guide: For help with specific formatting rules, refer to this guide provided by the Graduate School.
- APA Cheatsheet: A quick reference guide for proper in-text citations and reference formatting.
Final Paper Formatting Check
- MSSE Formatting Checklist: The checklist is organized into sections that align with each requirement of the paper. It provides essential formatting guidelines and serves as a quick reference for answering formatting questions. The checklist also helps you review all sections of your paper before submitting it for a formatting check. All students are required to go over this formatting checklist before they submit a paper for a formatting check.
