Citation Guide
How to Cite a Thesis or Dissertation
Learn how to cite theses and dissertations in APA, MLA, Chicago, Harvard, and other citation styles with proper formatting.
Tips for citing a thesis or dissertation
- 1Specify whether it is a doctoral dissertation or master's thesis.
- 2Include the university name.
- 3If accessed from a database, include the database name or URL.
- 4Publication numbers (e.g., ProQuest) can help readers locate the work.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a difference between citing a published and unpublished thesis?
Yes. Published theses (available in databases) typically include the database name and accession number. Unpublished theses include the university name and may be marked as "Unpublished."
How do I cite a thesis from an institutional repository?
Include the repository name and the URL or DOI. Most styles treat repository theses similarly to database theses.
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