The APA running head has been a longstanding element of American Psychological Association formatting, but its role in student papers has changed with the 7th edition of the Publication Manual. In the context of university and college assessments, many students are unsure whether they still need to include a running head on every page of their paper, how it should be formatted, and what the distinction is between student and professional research papers. This article clarifies those questions with authoritative guidelines and academic examples.
Before APA 7, students were taught to include a running head that appeared in the header of every page alongside the page number. Since APA’s 7th edition, the running head is not required for student papers unless an instructor explicitly requests it. Understanding this distinction—and knowing how to implement it correctly when required—is critical to producing academically credible work that aligns with current APA standards. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}
What Is a Running Head in APA Style?
In APA style, a running head is an abbreviated version of the paper’s title that appears in the header of each page to help identify the document. Historically, the running head was mandatory for all APA papers. It provided a concise version of the full title to aid readers and examiners when flipping through hard copies of documents. Traditionally, it appeared on every page, flush left, with the page number flush right.
Under the 7th edition of the APA manual, the running head remains a formal requirement only for professional papers intended for publication or submission to a journal. For student papers, APA 7 explicitly states that a running head is no longer a standard requirement unless your professor or institution requests one. By default, a student paper’s header should include only the page number, typically aligned to the right. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
Why APA 7 Changed the Running Head Rule
APA’s revision in the 7th edition responded to the needs of students and educators who found the running head requirement unnecessary for most classroom assignments. The primary purpose of APA formatting is to create clarity of communication; removing mandatory running heads for student papers simplifies formatting without compromising readability. The simplified header also aligns with the understanding that instructors, not anonymous peer reviewers, will read most student papers.
That said, instructors may still require a running head for specific assignments or for students preparing manuscripts for publication. APA’s flexibility allows educators to tailor requirements to their learning objectives. Always consult your course rubric or instructor guidelines before omitting or including a running head.
How to Format an APA Running Head for Student Papers
If your instructor requests an APA running head in your student paper, follow these formatting rules to ensure accuracy and compliance with APA 7 guidelines:
- The running head should be a shortened form of your paper’s title that captures its central topic.
- It should appear in all capital letters in the header of every page alongside the page number. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
- The running head must be no more than 50 characters long, including spaces and punctuation.
- The phrase “Running head:” is no longer used in APA 7; simply include the abbreviated title. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
These formatting rules ensure that the running head remains brief yet descriptive and that it aligns with the expectations of APA Style. The focus on uppercase and character limits helps maintain consistency across pages and avoids reader fatigue when scanning document headers.
When You Should Include a Running Head
Understanding the conditions under which you need a running head prevents unnecessary formatting effort—and potential grading penalties. Follow this practical decision guide:
- If you are writing a standard student paper and your instructor has not explicitly asked for a running head, do not include one. Only include the page number in the header. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}
- If your instructor explicitly requires a running head, include it on every page as formatted above.
- If you are preparing a manuscript for submission to a publication or professional journal (even as a student), apply the professional APA running head guidelines, which include the shortened title and page number. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}
This approach ensures that your paper reflects current APA conventions while also respecting instructor expectations. Always check your assignment rubric and consult instructors for specific formatting preferences.
Setting Up Your Running Head in Microsoft Word and Google Docs
Once you determine that a running head is required, the next step is inserting it properly using your word processor’s header function. In Microsoft Word, double-click in the header area at the top of the page. Then, type your abbreviated title in all caps and align it to the left. Insert the page number and align it to the right. This provides a clear, consistent header on each page of your document.
In Google Docs, the process is similar: navigate to “Insert” > “Header & page number,” add the header, type your running head in all caps on the left, and insert a right-aligned page number. Ensuring correct alignment and formatting here prevents common header errors and demonstrates attention to academic detail.
Common Student Mistakes with Running Heads
Even when running heads are required, students often make avoidable mistakes. One frequent error is simply omitting the header or including only the page number without checking instructor preferences. Another is exceeding the 50-character limit, which can lead to an unprofessional appearance and potential deduction of marks. Finally, many students include the outdated “Running head:” label, which no longer aligns with APA 7 guidelines. Always confirm which APA edition your course requires and follow the updated rules accordingly. :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}
Critical rule: APA 7 does not require a running head for student papers unless specifically requested by the instructor or institution.
Final Guidance on APA Running Head Student Papers
Understanding the APA running head requirement for student papers is a small but important part of mastering academic formatting. APA 7 simplifies student headers by eliminating the mandatory running head, leaving only a page number unless the instructor specifies otherwise. When a running head is required, its purpose is to provide a concise, clear label that aids document identification across pages. Consistent application of APA formatting rules—both for running heads and the broader structure of your paper—enhances professionalism and helps ensure your work meets academic expectations.
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