An easily customizable LaTeX template for PhD dissertations and M.S. theses (or GBO/DQE/thesis proposals) that meets Johns Hopkins University Sheridan Libraries formatting requirements. This template provides a structured, modular approach to dissertation writing in LaTeX/Overleaf with compliance to JHU formatting standards as of the Fall 2025 term.

Overleaf requires a ZIP file upload. Here's the easiest way:

1. Download ZIP from GitHub:

   • Click the green "Code" button above
   • Select "Download ZIP"
   • Save JHU-thesis-LaTeX-main.zip to your computer

2. Upload to Overleaf:

   • Go to Overleaf.com
   • Click "New Project" → "Upload Project"
   • Select the downloaded JHU-thesis-LaTeX-main.zip file
   • Overleaf will automatically extract and set up your project

3. Start editing:

   • The main document is main.tex
   • Edit files in the Overleaf editor
   • Compile by clicking the "Recompile" button

Note: Overleaf automatically handles LaTeX compilation, so you don't need to run manual commands.

1. Download the template:

   • Click the green "Code" button → "Download ZIP"
   • Extract to your desired location

2. Edit core files:

   • frontmatter/cover.tex: Title, author, degree, and date
   • frontmatter/abstract.tex: Your abstract
   • frontmatter/readers.tex: Your readers/committee
   • frontmatter/acknowledgments.tex: Your acknowledgments
   • frontmatter/dedication.tex: Your dedication

3. Add your content:

   • introduction/introduction.tex: Introduction chapter
   • chapter*/chapter*.tex: Main chapters (currently 3 provided)
   • conclusion/conclusion.tex: Conclusions chapter
   • appendix/appendix*/appendix*.tex: Appendices (currently 3 provided)
   • backmatter/dissertation.bib: Bibliography entries

4. Compile:

   pdflatex main.tex
   bibtex main
   pdflatex main.tex  
   pdflatex main.tex

• Use pdflatex for best PDF/A compatibility
• Run bibtex between LaTeX runs for bibliography updates
• Three LaTeX runs typically needed for cross-references and TOC
• Ensure all .tex files are UTF-8 encoded

Note: These commands are for compiling LaTeX on your local device. You do NOT need to worry about this if you use Overleaf.

JHU-thesis-LaTeX/
├── main.tex                   # Main document orchestrator
├── preamble.sty               # All formatting & package definitions
├── figures/                   # Image files (clock.jpg, beach.jpg, hospital.jpg, etc.)
├── frontmatter/
│   ├── cover.tex              # Title page
│   ├── abstract.tex           # Abstract (≤350 words) 
│   ├── readers.tex            # Thesis/reading committee (optional)
│   ├── acknowledgments.tex    # Acknowledgments page (optional) 
│   ├── dedication.tex         # Dedication page (optional)
│   └── toc.tex                # Table of contents generation
├── introduction/
│   └── introduction.tex       # Introduction chapter
├── chapter1/, chapter2/, chapter3/
│   └── chapter*.tex           # Main content chapters
├── conclusion/
│   └── conclusion.tex         # Conclusions chapter
├── backmatter/
│   └── references.tex         # References chapter
│   ├── appendix/
│   │   ├── appendixA/appendixA.tex
│   │   ├── appendixB/appendixB.tex
│   │   └── appendixC/appendixC.tex
│   ├── dissertation.bib       # Bibliography database
│   └── cv.pdf                 # CV (optional) 

• Frontmatter Order: Title page → Abstract → Readers → Dedication/Acknowledgments (Preface) → Table of Contents → Lists of Figures/Tables
• Page Numbering: Roman numerals for frontmatter, Arabic for main text, centered at bottom
• Margins: 1 inch on all sides (option for 1.5 inch left margins for physical print copy submission)
• Font: Compatible with both serif and sans serif fonts
• Spacing: Double-spaced main text and abstract
• References Structure: Unified chapter containing appendices and bibliography

• PDF/A Format: Full compliance for dissertation submission
• Modular Design: Each chapter in separate file for easy management
• Bibliography Management: natbib package with flexible citation styles
• Figure/Table Support: Pre-configured formatting for academic figures
• Mathematical Notation: Full LaTeX math support with appropriate spacing

Based on official requirements from https://www.library.jhu.edu/library-services/electronic-theses-dissertations/formatting-requirements/:

• ✅ Content centered within margins
• ✅ Page number hidden
• ✅ Title in ALL CAPITAL LETTERS
• ✅ Required statement: "A dissertation submitted to Johns Hopkins University in conformity with the requirements for the degree of [doctoral degree]"
• ✅ Location: "Baltimore, Maryland"
• ✅ Date in "Month Year" format
• ✅ Optional copyright notice at bottom

• ✅ Margins: 1 inch on all sides
• ✅ Fonts: Sans serif recommended (Arial, Calibri, Helvetica) - template supports both serif and sans serif
• ✅ Font Size: 10pt minimum (template uses 12pt)
• ✅ Spacing: Double-spaced main text and abstract
• ✅ Page Numbers: Centered at bottom of page
• ✅ Format: Must be submitted as PDF/A

• ✅ Title page: Hidden page number
• ✅ Front matter: Roman numerals (ii, iii, iv, etc.)
• ✅ Main content: Arabic numerals (1, 2, 3, etc.)
• ✅ Position: Centered at bottom of page

1. ✅ Title Page
2. ✅ Abstract (350 words maximum)
3. ✅ Preface (includes Dedication and Acknowledgments)
4. ✅ Table of Contents
5. ✅ List of Tables (if applicable)
6. ✅ List of Figures (if applicable)
7. ✅ List of Plates (if applicable)

• ✅ Abstract: Maximum 350 words, double-spaced
• ✅ Bibliography: Properly formatted academic citations
• ✅ PDF/A Format: Ensures long-term digital preservation
• ✅ Accessibility: Proper document structure for screen readers

To use sans serif fonts (JHU recommended), modify preamble.sty:

\usepackage{helvet}
\renewcommand{\familydefault}{\sfdefault}

1. Create new directory: chapter4/
2. Add chapter4/chapter4.tex with content
3. Include in main.tex: \input{chapter4/chapter4}

Edit the bibliography section in references/references.tex to change citation styles or add multiple bibliographies.

For JHU-specific formatting questions, consult:

• JHU Sheridan Libraries ETD Guidelines
• JHU Homewood Graduate Board Requirements

For LaTeX technical issues, refer to comprehensive LaTeX documentation or TeX Stack Exchange.

This template was created in August 2025 and reflects current JHU dissertation requirements. Always verify with the latest official guidelines before submission.