Thesis / Dissertation Formatting Manual (2024)

You have two options for submitting your manuscript to the UCI Libraries:

1. Electronic Submission via ProQuest (Preferred method). 
   • Manuscripts received 2+ days prior to the filing deadline will be reviewed by UCI Libraries staff for basic formatting:
     • Check that all required preliminary pages are present.
     • All requirements specified by ProQuest for ETD submission have been met.
   • Manuscripts received less than 48 hours prior to the 5pm filing deadline will be accepted as-is without review. They may be published permanently with formatting errors. 
2. Paper Submission through UCI Archives
   • Requires 2 weeks advance appointment for submission and review. Please email gradthesis@uci.edu to make an appointment.

Overview of electronic thesis submission

1. Student requests pre-submission critique (optional).
2. Student defends dissertation (PhDs only).
3. Student submits final version to ProQuest.
4. Library reviews thesis formatting.*
5. Library accepts thesis & sends email to student.
6. Student includes email with final degree paperwork.

*Allow 2 business days for review. Theses received within 48 hours of the final deadline will not be reviewed.

See detailed steps for Electronic Thesis Submission

Overview of paper thesis submission

Important: Steps 1-4 must occur at least 2 weeks before the thesis submission deadline.

1. Student requests pre-submission critique (optional).
2. Student defends dissertation (PhDs only).
3. Student schedules appointment with University Archives to confirm archival standards.
4. Library reviews thesis formatting.*
5. Student prepares final archival print copies and brings to Archives.
6. Student works with Scholarly Communications to deposit manuscript in eScholarship.
7. Library accepts thesis & sends email to student.
8. Student includes acceptance email with final degree paperwork.

*Allow 2 business days for review. Theses received within 48 hours of the final deadline will not be reviewed.

See detailed steps for Paper Thesis Submission

All approved thesis/dissertation manuscripts completed by UCI students automatically become available for public access and circulation as part of the UC Irvine Libraries collection. 

Theses and dissertations submitted electronically will be available via UC Library Search, with a link to the full text in eScholarship. Dissertations are also published by ProQuest or another designated firm approved by UCI that makes dissertations available worldwide through an online index.

You have an option to delay access through an embargo request process.

The time needed for cataloging and various other processes for electronic publishing varies; allow a minimum of five months for the entire process from submission of your manuscript to UCI Libraries to the time your manuscript is available for viewing.