APA Title Page: Format for the 7th Edition

Mastering the APA Title Page: A Guide for Researchers

When diving into the world of academic writing, one of the first hurdles that writers often face is mastering the format and structure. Among the many style guides used in academic writing, the American Psychological Association (APA) format is one of the most common, especially in fields such as psychology, social sciences, and education. The APA format requires several specific components for documents, and one of the most important elements is the APA title page.

In this blog post, we will break down what the APA title page is, why it’s crucial for academic writing, and provide examples to ensure you get it right. Whether you’re writing a research paper, thesis, or dissertation, understanding how to format your title page according to APA guidelines is a key step in crafting a professional and polished document.

What Is an APA Title Page?

The APA title page is the first page of your paper, containing essential details like the title of your paper, your name, and your institution. The purpose of the title page is to introduce the content of your paper, including who you are and where the work is coming from. It’s a formality that helps set the stage for your research, and it’s one of the first elements that readers, including instructors and researchers, will notice.

Key Elements of the APA Title Page

To create a proper APA title page, there are several required components that must be included. Let’s walk through each of them in detail.

1. Title of the Paper

The title of your paper should be centered on the upper half of the page. It needs to be concise, clear, and reflective of the content of the research. A good title will summarize the main idea of the paper in 12 words or fewer. The title is usually written in title case, where most words are capitalized (excluding small words like “and” or “the” unless they start the title).

Example:

• The Impact of Social Media on Adolescent Mental Health: A Longitudinal Study

2. Author’s Name

Below the title, include the name of the author(s). The author’s name is typically presented in the format of first name, middle initial (if applicable), and last name. If there are multiple authors, their names should be listed on separate lines.

Example:

• John A. Smith

If the paper is written by multiple authors, you would list them like this:

• John A. Smith
• Emily R. Lee
• David P. Nguyen

3. Institutional Affiliation

Directly below the author’s name(s), the name of the institution where the research was conducted should be listed. This could be the university or research organization you are affiliated with. The name of the institution should also be centered and presented in regular title case.

Example:

• University of Illinois, Chicago

4. Course Information (if applicable)

If the title page is for a class assignment or paper, you may need to include the course number and name. This should be placed beneath the institutional affiliation.

Example:

• PSY 101: Introduction to Psychology

5. Instructor’s Name (if applicable)

For student papers, include the instructor’s name beneath the course information.

Example:

• Professor Jane Doe

6. Due Date

The due date is placed at the bottom of the title page. This includes the full date (day, month, year) in APA format, which is written as: day month year.

Example:

• March 15, 2025

7. Running Head (for professional papers)

For professional papers, an APA title page should include a running head. The running head is a shortened version of the title, written in all caps, and should not exceed 50 characters (including spaces). The running head is placed at the top of the title page in the header.

For student papers, however, the running head is not required unless specified by the instructor.

Example:

• Running Head: IMPACT OF SOCIAL MEDIA

This is aligned to the left in the header. On the title page, the running head should also include the page number in the upper-right corner of the page.

8. Page Number

Each page of your paper, including the title page, should be numbered in the upper-right corner. In APA format, the title page is page number 1.

Example of an APA Title Page: Student Paper Template

Now that we’ve covered the essential components of an APA title page, let’s take a look at a full example:

Formatting the Title Page

When formatting your APA title page, keep the following rules in mind:

• The title should be centered in the upper half of the page.
• Use a font that is easy to read, such as 12-pt Times New Roman.
• The entire title page should be double-spaced.
• There should be no extra spaces between the title and other elements like your name, institution, or course information.
• Margins should be set to 1 inch on all sides.

Common Mistakes to Avoid on the APA Title Page

To ensure that your title page is formatted properly, avoid the following mistakes:

1. Incorrect Title Length: Titles should be concise, ideally no more than 12 words. Avoid long, wordy titles.
2. Omitting the Running Head: For professional papers, you should include the running head in the header. Remember, student papers may not require this unless specified.
3. Improper Formatting of the Author’s Name: Always follow the correct format for your name—first name, middle initial (if applicable), and last name.
4. Unnecessary Information: Don’t add elements like the date of submission or your personal contact details unless specifically required.

What is the APA format for a title page?

The APA format for a title page includes several key elements to help organize and present the first page of your academic paper. As mentioned earlier, it should consist of the paper title, the author’s name, the institutional affiliation, the course number and name, the instructor’s name (if applicable), and the due date. The title page should follow strict formatting rules to ensure readability and adherence to academic standards.

To summarize, here is a quick guide to the essential elements of an APA title page:

• Title (centered)
• Author’s name (centered)
• Institutional affiliation (centered)
• Course number and name (if applicable)
• Instructor’s name (if required)
• Due date

Additionally, ensure that the paper is double-spaced and uses the standard 1-inch margins. The title should be concise, informative, and reflect the content of your research.

How should APA reference page look?

The APA reference page is a critical part of the final section of your research paper. This page lists all the sources you cited throughout your paper, allowing readers to trace the origins of your information. It should follow the following guidelines:

1. Title: The title of the page should be “References,” centered at the top of the page.
2. Spacing: The entire reference page should be double-spaced.
3. Order: References should be listed in alphabetical order by the author’s last name.
4. Hanging Indentation: Each reference should have a hanging indent, meaning the second and subsequent lines of each reference should be indented by 0.5 inches.
5. Font and Margins: Use a readable font, such as 12-pt Times New Roman, and ensure 1-inch margins on all sides.

Example:

References

Smith, J. A. (2020). The psychology of social media: An analysis of behavioral changes. Journal of Psychology, 42(3), 123-136. https://doi.org/10.1234/56789

Lee, E. R. (2019). Social media’s influence on youth mental health. Journal of Social Psychology, 30(2), 45-60. https://doi.org/10.9876/54321

Each reference should be formatted based on the type of source (e.g., book, journal article, website), and it is important to follow the correct APA style for each source type.

Professional title page template | Professional version

For a professional paper, the APA title page format requires additional information, such as a running head. Below is a template that adheres to professional APA title page standards:

Running head: IMPACT OF SOCIAL MEDIA
Page number: 1 (upper-right corner)

Title of Paper:
The Impact of Social Media on Adolescent Mental Health: A Longitudinal Study

Author’s Name:
Jennifer Wiley​

Institutional Affiliation:
University of Houston

Professional papers, typically for publication or research outside of academic settings, will follow a similar format but with an added running head and possibly additional elements like a manuscript number or author contact information. The title page should also be free of errors and neatly formatted.

Do you put professor’s name on APA title page?

The inclusion of your professor’s name on the APA title page depends on the assignment or paper you are submitting. If you are writing a paper for a class, it is common practice to include your professor’s name. However, for professional research papers or journal submissions, the professor’s name is not required.

When including your professor’s name, place it under the course information section of the title page. Here’s how to format it:

• Professor’s Name: Below the course information (if applicable).

Example:
Course Information: Pharmacology 101: Introduction to Pharmacology
Instructor’s Name: Professor Diogo Carvalho​

For professional or published papers, omit the professor’s name, as that information is irrelevant in such contexts.

How to head APA paper?

Heading your APA paper properly is important for clarity and organization. APA uses a five-level heading system to structure your paper. Here’s how to head your paper, according to APA format:

1. Level 1: Centered, bold, title case heading (main sections of your paper).
2. Level 2: Left-aligned, bold, title case heading (subsections under main sections).
3. Level 3: Left-aligned, bold, italicized, title case heading.
4. Level 4: Indented, bold, title case heading with a period.
5. Level 5: Indented, bold, italicized, title case heading with a period.

Each level should reflect the organization of your paper, and the hierarchy of headings should match the structure of your work. For example, you may begin with a Level 1 heading for the main section (such as “Introduction”) and use Level 2 headings for sub-sections within that section.

What is the Page Header and How is it Formatted?

The page header in APA format includes two components: the running head and the page number. It appears on every page of your paper, including the title page, and serves to ensure that pages are easily identified and organized.

1. Running Head: The running head is a shortened version of the title and is placed in the header, aligned to the left. For professional papers, the running head should be in all caps and should not exceed 50 characters. For student papers, the running head may not be necessary unless specified.
2. Page Number: The page number should appear in the upper-right corner of each page, including the title page. The page numbering starts with the title page as page 1.

The header should be set up in the document’s header section, ensuring that it appears consistently throughout the paper.

From the APA Style blog

For further clarity and updates regarding APA formatting, the APA Style Blog is a great resource. It provides insights, clarifications, and examples of how to implement APA guidelines in a variety of academic contexts. Whether you’re wondering about citation rules, formatting nuances, or specific rules for different types of papers, the blog is regularly updated with tips from the APA team.

Running head, Page numbers, Paper title, Institutional affiliation

To recap, here are the key elements to include in your APA title page:

• Running head (for professional papers): A shortened version of the title, placed in the header.
• Page numbers: Start with page 1 on the title page, and number consecutively throughout the paper.
• Paper title: Should be concise, clear, and located in the upper half of the title page.
• Institutional affiliation: Your university or institution name goes beneath your name, centered on the page.

These elements help provide structure, organization, and clarity to your paper, making it easy for readers to navigate and understand the context of your research.

Student title page

APA style student papers require a specific title page unless their instructor specifies otherwise. This format is crucial for maintaining academic integrity and professionalism. The guidelines are covered in the seventh edition of the American Psychological Association manual, ensuring consistency across submissions.

Additionally, proper formatting includes APA format page numbers, which should be placed in the header as part of the overall structure. Following these standards helps students present their work clearly and effectively.

Author note

When preparing your paper, it’s important to include an author note as required for student papers. The APA format abstract should follow the title page, which may also contain the student version of the title and page header consists of the title and page numbers.

Ensure to follow the APA style format outlined in the seventh edition APA style manuals. When citing works by two authors, use the correct citation APA guidelines. Additionally, the APA reference page format must be adhered to, as specified in the APA publication manual.

Always insert page numbers in the upper right corner, unless their instructor or institution specifies otherwise. The publication manual provides essential details on formatting and structure that are crucial for academic success.

Why the APA Title Page Matters

The APA title page serves as the face of your paper, providing essential information that sets the tone for the rest of your document. A well-structured title page makes your work appear more professional, ensuring that readers can quickly identify the title, author, and institutional affiliation of your research. Additionally, proper formatting helps you adhere to academic standards, which is crucial for credibility and ensuring your paper is taken seriously.

Conclusion

Creating an APA title page may seem like a small task, but it is an essential component of your academic writing. The title page is not just about providing essential information about your paper but also about setting a professional tone for the reader. By following the guidelines outlined in this post, you can ensure that your title page adheres to APA standards and reflects the quality of your research. Whether you’re a student or a professional researcher, mastering the APA title page is the first step in perfecting your academic writing.

Now that you know how to format your title page correctly, dive into your research and start writing with confidence!

FAQs about APA Title Page: Format for the 7th Edition

What is the APA Title Page Format for the 7th Edition?

The APA style title page format for the 7th edition is a structured layout that includes essential information about your paper. It typically consists of the paper title, the author name, institutional affiliation, course name, instructor name, and the due date. For student papers, the title page is a student title page which has a slightly different format compared to the professional version of the title page.

How is the Title Page Different for Student and Professional Papers?

The primary difference between the student version and the professional version of the title page lies in the inclusion of the author note. The student title page does not require an author note, while the professional title page includes it to provide additional information about the author and the work. Additionally, the page header for student papers does not include a running head, which is a requirement for professional papers.

What Should Be Included on the Title Page?

title page includes several key elements: the paper title, author name, institutional affiliation, course name, instructor name, and the due date. The title page should be centered both horizontally and vertically on the page, with the paper title placed in the upper half of the title page, followed by the other details in the bottom half of the title.

How Do You Format the Title on the Title Page?

paper title, you should use title case, meaning that you capitalize all major words. The title page should place the title three to four lines down from the top of the page. It should be centered and written in bold, with an appropriate font size (typically 12-point font). The abbreviated version of the title is used for the page header, which should be placed in the header section of the page.