Set up the layout of the document in APA format in an application such as Microsoft Word. Margins should be 1 inch to 1 ½ inches for top and bottom margins, while side margins are 1 1/2 inches because the dissertation needs to be bound. Most institutions prefer there is no running header, which is the same as no title every page.
Center the page numbers at the bottom or on the right at the top or bottom of each page. Begin page numbers on the second page, with no number appearing on the title page. Acceptable fonts are 11 to 14 points, but 12 points is the standard. The preferable font is probably Times New Roman, but Arial, Bookman, Helvetica, New Century Schoolbook and Palatino are also acceptable. Any special characters should be printed from the Symbols selections found in word processors.
Double-space the dissertation throughout except for block quotes of more than 40 words, which are single-spaced. Indentations should be a half-inch, as are block quotations. Single-space references with hanging indentation and double-space them between each reference. Print only on one side of the finished paper. Any naming conventions should be used consistently throughout the paper. For example, if using "25 B.C." do not later use "25 BCE" in writing dates.
Secure copyrights for graphic images that are not your creation; this includes maps. Black-and-white images are preferred to color images by many institutions. Number each table, follow with a title on the same line, and position above the table. Number each figure and follow with a title on the same line. Type the purpose for the figure on the line underneath the title and position below the figure.
Cite all authors whom you quote. Do not use quotation marks on block quotes that have 40 words or more. Blocked quotes are single-spaced as noted earlier, but double-spaced between the text before and after. Insert ellipses to show where words would have been in the quote which were not used. Use single quotes for a third-hand quotation (Author 2). For example, when Author 1 is quoting Author 2, place double quotes around Author 1's quotation and single quotes around Author 2's quotation, which is within Author 1's quotation. Quote websites by using the URL of the page where the quoted text lives, not the home page.
Alphabetize references, and create just one list of references. Format references in hanging indentation with a double space between references. List every single source in the reference list that was directly quoted in the dissertation, but omit those not directly quoted. Refer to the APA Style Manual, 6th Edition, for the specific details on order of alphabetization.