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APA Style, 7th edition - Citing Sources

Student vs. Professional

In the 7th edition, there are several important differences between student and professional papers. Make sure to partner with your professor to understand the expectations for your assignment; some professors may request elements that are not required by the 7th edition. 

Required elements in a student paper include:

  • Title Page
  • Page Numbers
  • Text
  • Reference List

Student papers may also include tables, figures, and/or appendices. Student papers, however, do not require a running head, an author note, or an abstract. 

A professional paper requires:

  • Title Page
  • Running Head
  • Page Numbers
  • Abstract
  • Text
  • Reference List

Professional papers also might include keywords, footnotes, tables, figures, appendices, and/or supplemental materials.

Title Page Format for Student Papers

In a student paper, title pages should include:

  • Title of the paper
  • Name of each author of the paper
  • Affiliation for each author (i.e., university attended, including the name of the department)
  • Course number and name (use the format provided by the school; e.g., NU 324: Professional Nursing Research)
  • Instructor name (check with your professor for the preferred form; e.g., Dr. Jane Doe, Professor Smith, etc.)
  • Assignment due date (written in month, date, and year format)
  • Page number

More information about the title page in a student paper can be found here or on pages 30-32 of the Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association, 7th ed.

Sample APA Student Paper

APA has an example of a student paper on pages 61-67 of the Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association, 7th ed. This paper can also be found on the APA website.

Student Paper Example

Title Page Format for Professional Papers

In a professional paper, title pages should include:

  • Title of the paper
  • Name of each author of the paper
  • Affiliation for each author
  • Author note
  • Running head (MORE INFORMATION)
  • Page number

More information about the title page in a professional paper, including an example, can be found here or on pages 30-31 of the Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association, 7th ed.

Sample APA Professional Paper

APA provides an example of a professional paper on pages 50-60 of the Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association, 7th ed. This can also be found on the APA website.

Professional Paper Example