Your dissertation abstract is a 250-word (maximum) summary of your entire research in one paragraph. It's the first thing many people read — it determines whether someone continues to your full dissertation. This guide covers APA 7th abstract format and how to write a summary that captures the problem, method, findings, and implications in minimal space.
APA 7th abstract requirements
- Word count: 150–250 words (your program may specify a tighter range; always check your guidelines)
- Format: Single paragraph, no indentation
- Keywords: Include 3–5 keywords below the abstract (separated by commas or semicolons, depending on your program)
- Page: Appears on its own page before the main text
- Margins: Same 1-inch margins as the rest of the dissertation
- Font: Same font as the dissertation (usually 12-point Times New Roman or similar)
What to include in 250 words
| Component | Approximate words | What to write |
|---|---|---|
| Problem/background | 40–50 | What gap or problem prompted this research? |
| Research question | 20–30 | What question did you ask? |
| Methodology | 40–60 | Design, sample size, data collection, analysis method |
| Key findings | 60–80 | What did you find? (Results only, no interpretation yet) |
| Implications | 30–40 | What do these findings mean for theory/practice? |
What NOT to include
- Detailed literature review (you don't have space; assume reader knows the context)
- Extensive citations (use them sparingly; only seminal theory or your own dissertation findings)
- Figures, tables, or mathematical notation (keep abstracts text-only)
- New information not in the dissertation itself
- Personal pronouns (write "This study examined..." not "I examined...")
Need your abstract written?
A tight, well-crafted abstract summarizes your work and hooks readers. We write abstracts that meet APA 7th requirements and capture your research in 250 words.
Get your abstract writtenFAQ
After your dissertation is complete. It's the last thing you write because you need to know exactly what you found and what it means before you can summarize it.
Often yes, but many journals have their own abstract format and word limits. When submitting, adjust your dissertation abstract to fit the journal's requirements.