APA 7 student and professional papers: key differences
Distinguish the elements of student and professional papers so you include only the parts that apply.
Updated July 30, 2026
By Andrés Rivas
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Before choosing a structure
APA Style distinguishes student papers from professional papers. The difference is based on the destination of the document, not its length. An assignment submitted to an instructor is a student paper. A manuscript prepared for a journal is a professional paper.
This distinction affects which elements are expected. Copying a published article for a class assignment can add parts that you do not need.
What a student paper contains
A student paper usually includes at least:
- a student title page
- page numbers at the top right
- the main text
- a reference list
It may also include tables, figures, or appendices when useful. An abstract, running head, and author note are not normally needed unless the instructor or institution requests them.
What a professional paper contains
A manuscript submitted for publication normally includes:
- professional title page
- running head and page numbers
- author note
- abstract
- main text
- reference list
It may also contain keywords, footnotes, tables, figures, appendices, and supplemental materials. The journal may impose additional or different requirements, so its submission instructions take priority.
Main differences
| Element | Student paper | Professional paper |
|---|---|---|
| Title page | Required | Required |
| Page number | Required | Required |
| Running head | Usually not included | Included |
| Author note | Usually not included | Included |
| Abstract | Only when requested | Normally included |
| Keywords | Only when requested | Depends on the journal |
| Text and references | Included | Included |
“Usually” does not make an element optional when the assignment requests it. It means APA Style does not require that element in every student paper.
Examples for identifying the paper type
Case 1: essay for a course
Laura must submit a five-page essay to her instructor. She prepares a student title page, numbers the pages, writes the essay, and adds the cited references. She does not include an abstract because the assignment does not request one.
Case 2: degree research report
Mateo submits a report to his university. The institution requires an abstract, keywords, and a table of contents. He includes them because they are institutional requirements, even though not all are general APA requirements for student papers.
Case 3: journal manuscript
A research team adapts its study for submission to a journal. It uses the professional title page, author note, abstract, and files requested by the editorial portal.
When an institution adapts the structure
A thesis or degree project may include a table of contents, dedication, acknowledgments, objectives, literature review, and other sections. These parts come from the type of paper or the institution. They are not universal APA requirements.
Apply APA rules to the format, citations, references, and relevant elements. To arrange the complete document, review the order of pages.
Checklist
- You identified who will receive the document.
- You reviewed the course, program, or journal instructions.
- You did not add a running head to a student paper unless it was requested.
- You included the minimum elements for the paper type.
- You distinguished institutional requirements from general APA rules.
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