How to Do a Title Page of a Research Paper

A title page created in a standard format adds credence to a research paper.

Unlike the cover of a novel, the title page on a research paper isn't designed to grab the reader's attention with a flashy image or typography. The title page uses a standard format to present basic information about the research paper, including the name of the paper and the author, the author's affiliation, and the purpose of the paper. The American Psychological Association (APA) and the Modern Language Association (MLA) offer standard formats to create title pages.

Instructions

APA Format

1. Open the title page in your word processor and press the "Enter" key at least three times to create space from the top of the page. This is also known as a hard return. Type the running head for your research paper in all capital letters. The running head is a descriptive part of the complete title. "SLEEP DEPRIVATION TOLERANCE" is an example of a running head for a paper titled "Sleep Deprivation Tolerance in College Students."

2. Press the "Enter" key at least three times. Type the paper's full title, which will also include the running head. Use uppercase and lowercase letters. For example, type "Sleep Deprivation Tolerance in College Students." It's OK if the title wraps around to the next line. Use the alignment tool in your word processor to center the full title.

3. Press the "Enter" key once to create a hard return to the next line. Type your first and last name, using uppercase and lowercase letters. Use the alignment tool to center the line.

4. Press the "Enter" key once to go to the next line. Type your school's name or your affiliation. For example, you may include your major or department in this fashion: "School of Business of the University of State." Center this line.

MLA Format

1. Open the title page in your word processor and press the "Enter" key 15 times to create space from the top of the page. Type your title in all capital letters. Use the alignment feature in your word processor program to center the title.

2. Press the "Enter" key six times and type your name. Center your name.

3. Press the "Enter" key twice and type a description of the class or course. For example, type "English Composition 101, Mr. Walt Whitman, Midterm Research Paper." Center this line.

4. Press the "Enter" key twice. Type the date, including the month, day and year.

Tips & Warnings

• Use the header or footer feature of your word processor to display the title or running head on every page of your paper.

• Always defer to your instructor's guidelines when formatting a research paper. If she does not offer any specific guidelines, then use one of the standard formats from the APA or MLA.

References

• Rutgers University: WIRE | APA Title Page
• Sumner School District: High School Library | MLA Formats Title Page
• Empire State College: What is a Research Paper?

Resources

• Microsoft Office: Headers and Footers | Word
• Microsoft Office: Align Text Left or Right, Center Text, or Justify Text on a Page