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How to Cite a Thesis/Dissertation in Chicago/Turabian
Academic theses and dissertations can be a good source of information when writing your own paper. They are usually accessed via a university’s database or a third party database, or found on the web. The main difference between a thesis and a dissertation is the degree type they are submitted for:
- Thesis—A document submitted to earn a degree, such as a master’s degree, at a university.
- Dissertation—A document submitted to earn an advanced degree, such as a doctorate, at a university.
This guide will show you how to create notes-bibliography style citations for theses and dissertations in a variety of formats using the 17th edition of the Chicago Manual of Style.
Guide Overview
- Citing a thesis or dissertation from a database
- Citing a thesis or dissertation from the web
- Citing an unpublished thesis or dissertation
Citing a Thesis or Dissertation from a Database
Citation structure.
1. First name Last name, “Title” (master’s thesis or PhD diss., University Name, year published), page number, Database (Identification Number).
Bibliography:
Last name, First name. “Title.” Master’s thesis or PhD diss., University Name, year published. Database (Identification Number).
Citation Example
1. Kimberly Knight, “Media Epidemics: Viral Structures in Literature and New Media” (PhD diss., University of California, Santa Barbara, 2011), 17, MLA International Bibliography (2013420395).
Knight, Kimberly. “Media Epidemics: Viral Structures in Literature and New Media.” PhD diss., University of California, Santa Barbara, 2011. MLA International Bibliography (2013420395).
Citing a Thesis or Dissertation from the Web
1. First name Last name, “Title” (master’s thesis or PhD diss., University Name, year published), page number, URL.
Last name, First name. “Title.” Master’s thesis or PhD diss., University Name, year published. URL.
1. Peggy Lynn Wilson, “Pedagogical Practices in the Teaching of English Language in Secondary Public Schools in Parker County” (PhD diss., University of Maryland, College Park, 2011), 25, https://drum.lib.umd.edu/bitstream/1903/11801/1/Wilson_umd_0117E_12354.pdf.
Wilson, Peggy Lynn. “Pedagogical Practices in the Teaching of English Language in Secondary Public Schools in Parker County.” PhD diss., University of Maryland, College Park, 2011. https://drum.lib.umd.edu/bitstream/1903/11801/1/Wilson_umd_0117E_12354.pdf.
Citing an Unpublished Thesis or Dissertation
In rare cases, you may need to cite a thesis or dissertation that has not yet been published. This is particularly the case if you want to cite your own work or the work of a colleague.
1. First name Last name, “Title” (unpublished manuscript, Month Day, Year last modified), format.
Last name, First name. “Title.” Unpublished manuscript, last modified Month Day, Year. Format.
1. John Doe, “A Study of Generic Topic” (unpublished manuscript, June 19, 2021), Microsoft Word file.
Doe, John. “A Study of Generic Topic.” Unpublished manuscript, last modified June 19, 2021. Microsoft Word file.
Chicago Formatting Guide
Chicago Formatting
- Book Chapter
- Conference Paper
- Musical Recording
Citation Examples
- Thesis or Dissertation
- Encyclopedia
- Sheet Music
- YouTube Video
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APA Style 7th Edition: Citing Your Sources
- Basics of APA Formatting
- In Text Quick View
- Block Quotes
- Books & eBooks
- Thesis/Dissertation
Standard Format
Formatting rules.
- Audiovisual
- Conference Presentations
- Social Media
- Legal References
- Reports and Gray Literature
- Academic Integrity and Plagiarism
- Additional Resources
- Reference Page
Click on the categories below to see what types of information is included for that reference component for Dissertations and Theses
Basic Format: Who = Author (When = year). What = Title. Where = Name of Institution Awarding Degree
Unpublished Dissertations and Theses
Author Surname, A. A.
Title of dissertation/thesis: Use sentence case [Unpublished doctoral dissertation/master’s thesis].
Name of Institution Awarding the Degree
Published Dissertations and Theses
Title of dissertation: Use sentence case [Doctoral dissertation, Name of Institution Awarding the Degree].
Provide Database or Archive name and URL (if available)
Database Name. https://xxxx...
Archive Name.
Formatting:
- Italicize the title
- Identify whether source is doctoral dissertation or master’s thesis in parentheses after the title
Click on categories below to see examples.
Thesis, from a commercial database
Dissertation, from an institutional database, unpublished master’s thesis.
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- Last Updated: Oct 25, 2024 9:38 AM
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