A dissertation style is a set of rules that every dissertation writer should keep to when writing his/her dissertation paper. Dissertation styles that are most frequently used in academic institutions are: APA dissertation style, MLA dissertation style and Harvard dissertation style. Each of them is used in relation to a certain study area. Let us present their basic rules:
 
APA dissertation style:

• The text lines are double-spaced;
• The page numbers are placed in the upper right hand corner;
• The title page includes running title, publication and byline;
• The references are placed in the end of the project. They should be alphabetized by the names of the authors;
• The abstract consists of 75-100 words. It is also placed on a separate page.

MLA dissertation style:

• Single-space if you are suing periods or other punctuation;
• The text lines are double-spaced;
• The margins of the text should be set at 1 inch on all sides;
• The headings and the ideas you want to focus on should be bold-typed;
• The foot/endnotes should be placed on a separate page as well;
• The header is to be placed in the upper right hand corner with a page number.

Harvard dissertation style:

• The bibliography should identify the sources used in sufficient details (author’s name, book’s name, year of publication, publisher, etc.) for everybody to identify and consult it;
• The bibliography should be placed in the end of your dissertation with entries that are listed alphabetically;
• The text is double-spaced;
• The page numbers are placed in the upper right hand corner.

The guidelines presented can help you format your paper according to the rules of the dissertation style required at your university.