Vita Page
A Vita page is institution-specific thesis/dissertation back matter containing brief author background. Missouri requires it for doctoral students, makes it optional for master’s students and places it last; other institutions can differ.
Use a Vita page only when the institution requires or permits one, and follow that institution’s content and placement rules. Do not assume the Missouri requirement applies to every thesis or dissertation.
Key details
Further guidance
Content
The page provides brief biographical or academic background rather than reproducing a full curriculum vitae.
Institution Rule
University of Missouri guidance requires a Vita page for doctoral students and makes it optional for master’s students.
Placement
At Missouri it is the final page; other institutions may use different requirements, placement or terminology.
Practical Application
Include a Vita page only when the institution’s thesis/dissertation rules require or permit it. Follow that institution’s instructions for placement and content rather than copying another university’s requirement.
Reader Check
Does the current institution explicitly require or allow a Vita page, and have you checked its current placement, length, and content rules?
Worked Example
Example: if a university requires doctoral candidates to place a brief Vita last, follow that rule; a master’s student at another institution should not add one solely because a different university does.
Sources and evidence
Sources are shown with the role they play in this guide. Historical or style-sensitive claims are kept within the evidence boundary described above.
- Formatting Your Thesis or Dissertation — University of Missouri Graduate School (opens in a new tab)University of Missouri Graduate School · University of Missouri thesis/dissertation formatting guidance for approval-page order and vita-page requirements