Starting off with a properly formatted Title Page is the perfect way to kick off a strong paper.
In APA 7 student papers, a title page organizes key details about the student and class in a simple layout so instructors can see the basic information at a glance. The steps below show what to include and how to format each part.
This article covers student title pages. Professional papers use a running head and have different elements on the page itself. Remember: your instructor's rules always come first.
What this article covers
The seven required elements of a student title page
Formatting rules for each line
Header and page number
An example for quick reference
Required elements
These elements are placed in the top half of the title page (usually starting on the 3rd or 4th double-spaced line) & center aligned. Only place one item on each line.
Paper title – bold and in Title Case (capitalize all major words and the first word of the title & subtitle; keep your title concise & clear).
Empty Line – don't forget the empty double-spaced line between the title and the other elements on the page
Author name – first name, middle initial, last name. Omit degrees and titles. Include suffixes (e.g., Jr., III) if used.
School or institution – provide the full name of your institution (or whatever your professor requests).
Course – prefix and course title (e.g., PSY 101: Introduction to Psychology).
Instructor name – written as the instructor requests (e.g., Dr., Professor).
Due date – Month Day, Year (e.g., April 5, 2025).
Header and page number
Place the page number in the header, top-right, using the same font as the paper. There is no running head for student papers in APA 7.
Tip: On the first body page, repeat the paper title on the first line – bold and centered – then begin the opening paragraph.
Example layout
Quick checklist
▢ Title is bold, concise, and in Title Case
▢ All six items are centered in the top half of the page
▢ Name uses initials; no degrees or titles
▢ Course line shows prefix and title
▢ Instructor format matches preference
▢ Due date is Month Day, Year
▢ Page number is top-right in the header
With PERRLA
PERRLA builds the title page automatically. A short form collects the six items, then the title page appears with correct order, bold title, spacing, and the page number in place.
Download PERRLA's APA 7 Checklist
It's a lot to remember all the rules, and if you aren't letting PERRLA do the formatting for you, use our brief checklist for your next APA 7 paper. Click here to get your copy now!
Next Article: APA 7 Body Pages
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Note for instructors & students: This article targets APA 7 student papers; professional paper requirements may differ.