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Criminal Justice: Using APA Professional Style

Library Resources for Criminal Justice

Student vs. Professional

In the APA 7th edition, there are several important differences between student and professional papers. 

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. 

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 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 
  • 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