Clear, credible, and consistent writing is essential in the fields of intelligence, investigations, and professional development. At McAfee Institute, we require APA (American Psychological Association) formatting for all written assignments to uphold academic and professional standards.

What Is APA Format?

APA format is a standardized style used for:

• Structuring academic papers

• Citing references correctly

• Ensuring clarity and professionalism in writing

The current edition in use is APA 7th Edition.

Key APA Formatting Requirements

Here are the essentials you'll need when preparing your assignments:

• Title Page: Include the title, your name, institution, course, instructor, and date

• Font: Use Times New Roman (12 pt), Arial (11 pt), or Calibri (11 pt)

• Spacing: Double-spaced throughout

• Margins: 1-inch on all sides

• Page Numbers: Top-right corner on every page

• Headings: Use clear section headings to organize your work

• In-text Citations: Include author(s), year of publication, and page number if quoting
  (e.g., McAfee, 2023, p. 12)

• Reference Page: List all sources alphabetically, following APA guidelines

Download Sample Paper

Use this sample APA-formatted assignment as a model:
 Download the Sample APA Paper (PDF)

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Forgetting to cite a paraphrased idea

• Using outdated APA formatting (e.g., 6th edition)

• Listing sources on the Reference page that don’t appear in the text

• Using fabricated or AI-generated citations — all sources will be reviewed

Need Help?

If you’re unsure whether your work is properly formatted:

• Reach out to your instructor for clarification

• Contact support@mcafeeinstitute.com with formatting questions