Proper citation of sources is a vital part of academic writing. There are different rules for citing different kinds of sources, and it’s important for students to know them for correct citation.
A dissertation, also known as a thesis, is a research-based document that serves as the final project at the master's or doctoral level. These comprehensive papers often make good sources for further research.
So how do you cite a dissertation as a source in your own research?
This guide will show you how to cite dissertations in common citation styles. By the end, you'll be well-equipped to navigate the citation process with ease.
Let's begin!
On This Page
One of the first and most crucial steps in citing a dissertation is knowing the right citation style. Different academic disciplines and institutions have specific preferences for citation styles, so it's essential to align your formatting with these requirements.
Here are some of the most common citation styles.
Let’s see how to cite a dissertation in-text and references for each of these styles.
Citing a dissertation in APA format involves specific formats for both in-text citations and reference list entries, depending on whether the dissertation is published or unpublished.
Here's a breakdown of how to cite dissertations in APA 7th edition:
Reference Format | Author last name, Initials. (Year). Dissertation title [Type of dissertation/thesis, University Name]. Archive Name. URL |
Reference Entry Example | MCNiel, D.S. (2005). The impact of cloud computing on IT companies [Master’s thesis, University of California]. CurateND. https://curate.nd.edu/show/7k69op88w2w |
In-text Citation | (MCNiel, 2005) |
Reference Format | Author last name, Initials. (Year). Dissertation title [Unpublished type of dissertation/thesis]. University Name. |
Reference Entry Example | MCNiel, D.S. (2010). Effects of global warming [Unpublished master’s thesis]. The University of California. |
In-text Citation | (MCNiel, 2010) |
MLA format is a common citation style that is mostly used to cite sources about arts, cultural studies, and humanities.
Here is the dissertation citation format in MLA 9th edition.
Reference Format | Author's Last-name, First-name. Title of Dissertation. Diss. Place of Study, Year. Place of Publication: Publisher, Year of Publication. Format. |
Reference Entry Example | Smith, Alexa. How to reuse the software components. Diss. West Virginia University, 2010. New York. 2012. Print. |
In-text Citation | (Author’s Last Name Page #) E.g. (Smith 24) |
Reference Format | Last-name, First-name. “Title of Dissertation.” Diss. Place of Study, Year. Title of Database. Web. Date Month Year of Access. |
Reference Entry Example | Harry, John. “How to take care of diabetic patients.” Diss. Miskatonic University, 2009. ProQuest Dissertations and Theses. Web. 13 May 2020. |
In-text Citation | (Author’s Last Name, Page #) E.g. (Harry 3) |
The Chicago style, also known as the Turabian, is also commonly used throughout institutions across the US. Chicago format allows in-text citations but also uses endnotes.
Here is how to cite a dissertation in Turabian or Chicago.
Footnote Format | First-name Last-name, "Title of Thesis: Subtitle," (Publisher, Year). |
Bibliography Entry | Last-name, First-name. "Title of Thesis: Subtitle." Year. |
Footnote Format | Note #. First-name Last-name, "Title of Thesis: Subtitle," Unpublished thesis type, University. Year. |
Bibliography Entry | Last-name, First-name. "Title of Thesis: Subtitle." Unpublished thesis type. University. Year. |
Citing a dissertation in Harvard citation format is relatively straightforward, emphasizing the author-date citation style for in-text references.
Here's how to cite dissertations in Harvard format:
Reference Format | Author's Last-name, First-name. (Year). Title of Dissertation. Type of Dissertation, Name of University. URL or DOI. |
Reference Entry Example | Smith, John A. (2020). Exploring the Impact of Climate Change on Coastal Ecosystems. Doctoral dissertation, University of XYZ. https://doi.org/xxxxxx |
In-text Citation | (Smith, 2020) |
Format | Author's Last-name, First-name. (Year). Title of Dissertation. Unpublished Dissertation, Name of University. |
Reference Entry | Johnson, Rachel L. (2019). The Role of Leadership in Organizational Change. Unpublished doctoral dissertation, University of ABC. |
In-text Citation | (Johnson, 2019) |
The AMA style, developed by the American Medical Association (AMA) format is essential for those in the medical and health sciences fields.
Here's how to cite dissertations in AMA format:
Reference List Entry | [1] Author's Last-name First-initial. Title of Dissertation. Location: Publisher; Year. |
Reference Entry Example | [1] Smith JA. Exploring the Impact of Climate Change on Coastal Ecosystems. Chicago, IL: University of XYZ Press; 2020. |
In-Text Citation | Use numeric citations in square brackets for in-text references. Place the citation at the end of the sentence or clause where the source is used. E.g [1]. |
Reference List Entry | [2] Author's Last-name First-initial. Title of Dissertation. Location: University; Year. |
Reference Entry Example | [2] Johnson RL. The Role of Leadership in Organizational Change. Los Angeles, CA: University of ABC; 2019. |
In-Text Citation | Use numeric citations in square brackets for in-text references. Place the citation at the end of the sentence or clause where the source is used. E.g [1]. |
In Conclusion,
Now that you know how to cite a dissertation or thesis in various academic styles, you can write your paper with ease.
Remember, proper citation ensures the integrity and credibility of your work. So make sure you reference information such as author, name, thesis publication number, and other points according to your assigned citation format.
In addition, we understand that writing your research becomes even more challenging due to complicated citation rules. But don’t worry, our paper writing service has got your back.
Our expert research writers are here to offer top-notch support in crafting well-researched, correctly-cited, and professionally written papers that meet your academic needs. So what are you waiting for, buy dissertation today from us.
Besides, if you are willing to pay someone to do my essay don't hesitate to call us out. We will be more than happy to assist you and help you in achieving academic excellence!
Write Essay Within 60 Seconds!
Use our AI tool to generate high quality essayWRITTEN BY
Cathy A.
Cathy has been been working as an author on our platform for over five years now. She has a Masters degree in mass communication and is well-versed in the art of writing. Cathy is a professional who takes her work seriously and is widely appreciated by clients for her excellent writing skills.
Dissertation Writing - Guide, Examples & Template
Dissertation vs. Thesis - Differences & Similarities
Extensive Dissertation Topic Ideas for Valuable Research
Dissertation Structure - A Complete Guide on Layout
Dissertation Proposal: Writing Guide & Examples
Easy Dissertation Examples for All Students
Write Dissertation Introduction With Expert Tips
Dissertation Abstract Writing - A Quick Guide