Mastering the APA title page helps readers and reviewers immediately recognize your work as professional and credible. This guide walks you through the essential components, formatting rules, and common pitfalls so you can present your research with confidence.
Use the structured overview below as a quick reference before diving into detailed instructions for each section of your APA title page.
| Section | What to Include | Formatting Rules | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Running Head | Short title in uppercase | Flush left, page number flush right, max 50 characters | RUNNING HEAD: EFFECTS OF SLEEP ON MEMORY |
| Title | Full title in title case | Centered, bold, title case, 12-point font | The Effects of Sleep Deprivation on Memory Recall in College Students |
| Author Name | First name, middle initial, last name | Centered, standard capitalization | Alex J. Morgan |
| Affiliation | Department and institution | Centered, no bold, 12-point font | Department of Psychology, University of Example |
| Course or Instructor | Course code and name | Centered, standard font | Psyc 101, Introduction to Research Methods |
| Due Date | Month Day, Year | Centered, standard font | October 15, 2025 |
Formatting the Running Head and Page Number
Setting Up the Header
The running head appears in the header of every page, starting with the title page. On the title page, it is preceded by the words "Running Head:" in all caps, while inner pages show only the shortened title. Use uppercase letters for the title and align the text to the left, placing the page number flush to the right margin.
Character Limit and Readability
Keep the running head under 50 characters, including spaces and punctuation, to ensure it displays correctly across different formats. Choose a concise version of your title that still conveys the main topic and avoid unnecessary words that do not add meaning.
Writing the Title in Title Case
Capitalization Rules
Write the title in title case, capitalizing major words such as nouns, verbs, adjectives, and adverbs. Do not capitalize articles, coordinating conjunctions, or prepositions unless they are the first or last word of the title. Punctuation should be minimal and used only when necessary for clarity.
Clarity and Precision
Your title should clearly indicate the main focus of your paper without vague language. Avoid filler words and use precise terms that signal the scope and method of your study, helping readers quickly understand the subject and importance of your work.
Author Name and Institutional Affiliation
Formatting Author Information
Center your full name on the title page using standard capitalization, without titles or degrees. Below the author name, list your institutional affiliation, including the department and university or organization, ensuring the location and program are clear to readers.
Ensuring Accurate Affiliation Details
Double-check the spelling of your institution and department to prevent errors that could affect professional correspondence. Accurate affiliation information supports credibility and makes it easier for others to contact you regarding your research.
Adding Course Details and Submission Date
Including Course Information
If your title page is for an academic assignment, include the course code and name centered below the affiliation. This helps instructors quickly identify the context of the submission and ensures proper routing in large classes or departments.
Submission Date Formatting
Place the due date or submission date on a separate centered line using the format Month Day, Year. Consistent date formatting avoids confusion and aligns with standard APA style expectations for formal documents.
Key Takeaways for an Effective APA Title Page
- Use a shortened, uppercase running head on every page with the page number aligned to the right.
- Center the full title in title case and avoid unnecessary words or vague language.
- List your full name exactly as it appears in your academic record.
- Provide accurate affiliation and course information and verify spelling.
- Follow the submission date format of Month Day, Year to maintain consistency.
FAQ
Reader questions
Should I include my student ID on the APA title page?
Only include your student ID if your instructor or institution specifically requires it; otherwise, it is not a standard element of the APA title page.
How do I format a very long title for the running head?
Shorten the title logically while keeping the main keywords so the running head remains under 50 characters and still reflects the core topic.
Can I list multiple authors on the same APA title page line?
Separate multiple authors with commas and use an ampersand before the final name, following standard APA author listing rules.
Do I need to bold the word "Running Head:" on the title page?
Yes, the words "Running Head:" should be bold and in all caps on the title page, but they are omitted on subsequent pages.