How to Create a Title Page for a Research Paper

A proper APA cover page is the first step in preparing a research paper. It sets the whole document up and makes sure it meets academic or professional requirements. If you’re writing in APA, knowing how to do a title page correctly will make your work stand out while following the rules. This article will go over how to create a title page, in APA format, covering the components, student vs professional title pages, examples and FAQs.

What is a Title Page?

A title page is the first page of a research paper or essay that contains important information about the document. This includes the title, author’s name and institutional affiliation. Sometimes it also includes the course name, instructor’s name and date. As a cover page, the title page introduces the paper and gives it a professional look. It’s an important part of academic writing to make sure your work follows academic integrity and formatting rules.

APA Title Page Components

An APA title page has several components that must be done exactly. These elements make the page professional and functional:

1. Page Number

• Page number is in the upper right hand corner of the page.
• Use the same font as your paper (usually Times New Roman, 12 pt).
• Title page is always page 1.

2. Title

• Center the title on the upper half of the page (about 3-4 lines from the top).
• Leave a few blank lines above and below the title to make the title page look better and clearer.
• Use bold font for the title.
• Title should be short and informative, summarizing the main idea of your paper. No abbreviations and unnecessary words.

3. Byline (Author’s Name)

• Below the title, list the author’s full name.
• First name, middle initial(s) and last name.
• If there are multiple authors, separate their names with commas and use “and” before the last author’s name. If possible, all names should be on the same line to follow APA rules.

4. Affiliation

• Name of the institution where the research was done.
• For students, this is usually their university or college.

5. Course Name

• Course title and code (e.g. “PSYC 101: Introduction to Psychology”)

6. Instructor Name

• Full name of the instructor or professor who will be grading the paper.

7. Due Date

• Date the paper is due (Month Day, Year) (e.g. November 18, 2024)

All of these must be double spaced and centered except the page number.

Student and Professional Title Page Differences

While the components of the title page are the same for students and professionals, there are a few differences that affect the formatting and content. Follow the apa cover page format for both student and professional title page.

Student Title Page

• Header: No running head, only page number.
• Elements: Title, author name, affiliation, course name, instructor name and due date.
• Audience: For academic purposes, following institutional guidelines.

Professional Title Page

• Header: Running head (shortened title in all caps) and page number.
• Elements: Title, author name(s), affiliation(s), author note and sometimes corresponding author’s address.
• Audience: For journal submissions or formal publications.

Know these differences so your title page meets the requirements of its audience.

APA Title Page Examples

Title is very important to follow academic standards.

Here are two examples to show the differences between student and professional title pages:

Student Title Page Example

Page 1 (Upper right corner)

Title:
The Effects of Sleep Deprivation on Cognitive Performance

Author:
John A. Doe

Affiliation:
University of Learning

Course Name:
PSYC 101: Introduction to Psychology

Instructor Name:
Dr. Jane Smith

Due Date:
November 18, 2024

Professional Title Page Example

Page 1 (Upper right corner with running head):
SLEEP DEPRIVATION AND COGNITION

Title:
The Effects of Sleep Deprivation on Cognitive Performance

Author(s):
John A. Doe, Jane B. Smith, Michael C. Lee

Affiliation(s):
Department of Psychology, University of Learning

Author Note:
Correspondence should be addressed to John A. Doe, Department of Psychology, University of Learning, 123 Learning Street, City, State, ZIP.

How to write a title page

1. Follow the guidelines: Know the guidelines of your institution or the citation style you are using (APA or MLA) so your title page meets the requirements.
2. Be Clear and Concise: Your title should reflect the content of your paper in a clear and concise way. No abbreviations or unnecessary words.
3. Include the Essentials: Make sure to include all the necessary information: author’s name, title of work, course/assignment name (if applicable), instructor’s name and due date.
4. Be Consistent: Be consistent in font style, size and formatting throughout the title page. Typically Times New Roman 12 pt is used but check the guidelines you are following.
5. Consider the Layout: Arrange the elements on the title page in a logical and clean way. Title should be centered and about 3-4 lines from the top and other elements should follow in a structured format.
6. Check Twice: Before you finalize your title page, check it again for any spelling or grammar errors. Accuracy in these details shows you are detail-oriented and professional.

Follow these tips and you will have a title page that meets academic standards and looks good.

APA Title Page FAQs

1. What goes in an APA title page?

APA title page should have page number, title, author name, affiliation, course name, instructor name and due date (for student papers).

2. What font to use for APA title page?

APA guidelines recommend a legible font, such as Times New Roman (12 pt), Arial (11 pt) or Calibri (11 pt).

3. Does APA title page have a running head?

• Student title pages do not have a running head.
• Professional title pages have a running head in the header.

4. Should the title be bolded?

Yes, the title of the paper should be bolded and centered.

5. Can I use abbreviations in the title?

Abbreviations should be avoided unless they are well-known and essential.

Title Page vs Cover Page

Title page and cover page are sometimes used interchangeably but they have different purpose and format:

• Title Page:Used in academic and research contexts, formatted according to styles like APA, MLA or Chicago.
• Cover Page:More informal, used for reports or presentations. May include design elements, images or additional branding.

In contrast, MLA cover page is optional and depends on the instructor’s preference. It should include student names, instructor’s name, course information and follow specific formatting rules for the title to create a professional looking cover page in MLA style.

Knowing the difference will help you meet the requirements of your field or assignment.

Follow these and you will have a professional looking title page for your research paper. Whether you are a student or a researcher submitting a journal article, it shows you are detail-oriented and follow academic standards.