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How to Cite a Thesis or Dissertation in MLA

Citing a thesis or dissertation.

Thesis – A document submitted to earn a degree at a university.

Dissertation – A document submitted to earn an advanced degree, such as a doctorate, at a university.

The formatting for thesis and dissertation citations is largely the same. However, you should be sure to include the type of degree after the publication year as supplemental information. For instance, state if the source you are citing is an undergraduate thesis or a PhD dissertation.

MLA Thesis and Dissertation Citation Structure (print)

Last, First M.  Title of the Thesis/Dissertation. Year Published. Name of University, type of degree.

MLA Thesis and Dissertation Citation Structure (online)

Last, First M.  Title of the Thesis/Dissertation. Year Published. Name of University, type of degree.  Website Name , URL.

Wilson, Peggy Lynn. Pedagogical Practices in the Teaching of English Language in Secondary Public Schools in Parker County . 2011. University of Maryland, PhD dissertation.

In-text Citation Structure

(Author Last Name page #)

In-text Citation Example

(Wilson 14)

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MLA 9th Edition Style Guide: Dissertation/Thesis

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Njus, Jesse. Performing the Passion: A Study on the Nature of Medieval Acting . 2010. Northwestern U,

MA thesis.  ProQuest , search.proquest.com/docview/305212264?accountid=7432.

Dissertation

PhD dissertation.  ProQuest , search.proquest.com/docview/305212264?accountid=7432.

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Dissertation and theses: published, contact kelly.

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General, Electronic:

Last-name, First-name. “Title of Dissertation.” Diss. Place of Study, Year. Title of Database . Web. Date Month Year of Access.

Forrester, Pearl. “Psychological Distress and Repeated Television Viewing.” Diss. Miskatonic University, 1990. ProQuest Dissertations and Theses . Web. 13 May 2010.

General, Print:

Last-name, First-name. “Title of Dissertation.” Diss. Place of Study, Year. Print.

Forrester, Pearl. “Psychological Distress and Repeated Television Viewing.” Diss. Miskatonic University, 1990. Print.

General Rule:

Author's Last-name, First-name. Title of Disstertaion . Diss. Place of Study, Year. Place of Publication: Publisher, Year of Publication. Format.

Diamond, Oscar. How to Care for Your Diabetic Cat . Diss. West Virginia University, 1999. New York: Knopf, 2000. Print.

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Essential Elements

Citations for dissertations/master's theses should include the following:

1. Name of Author 

2. Title of dissertation/thesis (italicized)

3. Date of Publication

5. Institution granting the degree (optional)

6. Description of the work (optional)

7. Database and URL if accessed through a database or repository

Sample Citation - Dissertations

Dissertations

The institution granting the degree and description of the work are optional. If you accessed the work online, include that information. 

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Master's theses are research papers that are submitted by those pursuing Master's degrees. Dissertations are extensive research documents typically submitted by doctoral candidates including those pursuing a Ph.D. or other doctoral degrees.

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How to cite a dissertation in MLA

To cite a dissertation in a reference entry in MLA style 9th edition include the following elements:

• Author(s) name: Give the last name and name as presented in the source (e. g. Watson, John). For two authors, reverse only the first name, followed by ‘and’ and the second name in normal order (e. g. Watson, John, and John Watson). For three or more authors, list the first name followed by et al. (e. g. Watson, John, et al.)
• Thesis title: Titles are italicized when independent. If part of a larger source add quotation marks and do not italize.
• Year of publication: Give the year of publication as presented in the source.
• University: Give the name of the institution.
• Degree: Type of degree.

Here is the basic format for a reference list entry of a dissertation in MLA style 9th edition:

Author(s) name . Thesis title . Year of publication . University , Degree .

Take a look at our works cited examples that demonstrate the MLA style guidelines in action:

A doctoral dissertation with one author

Guo, Jia . Trust-based Service Management of Internet of Things Systems and Its Applications . 2018 . Virginia Tech , Doctoral dissertation .

Neel, Breta L . Three Flute Chamber Works by Alberto Ginastera: Intertwining Elements of Art and Folk Music . 2017 . Nebraska-Lincoln U , Doctoral dissertation .

This citation style guide is based on the MLA Handbook (9 th edition).

More useful guides

• MLA 8th ed. Style Guide: Dissertations, Theses
• MLA, 8th Edition: Master's Thesis or Project
• How do I cite a dissertation in MLA style?

More great BibGuru guides

• MLA: how to cite a personal interview
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Thesis or Dissertation - Examples

Example 1 – MA Thesis

In-Text:       

( Gaudette 47 )

Works Cited:

Example 2 – PhD Dissertation

( Thomson 145-51 )

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Dissertations and theses

Dissertations and theses are written to fulfil an academic degree requirement, usually at the Masters or PhD level. They usually have only 1 author.

For the most part, treat them like books with supplemenal elements.

• Since dissertations and theses are often re-worked into articles and books, it is important to note when your source was written to fulfill an academic degree requirement
• The publisher is the degree-granting instution
• Do not include the program, department, school, division, or similar information
• Usually placed before the container of the online repository which houses the publication
• Automatic citation generators often treat online theses and dissertations as websites or journal articles, so will be missing the key information

Author's Last Name, First Name. Title of Book: Subtitle. Publication Date. University name, Degree conferred .

Author's Last Name, First Name. Title of Book: Subtitle. Publication Date. University name, Degree conferred . Online Repository , URL.

In-Text Citation

(Author's Last Name ##)

Replace ## with page number(s) for quotes or where the idea is discussed.

Smith, Kate Elizabeth. The Influence of Audrey Hepburn and Hubert de Givenchy on American Fashion, 1952-1965 . 2001. Michigan State University, MA Thesis.

Austin, Katherine. Rasquache Baroque in the Chicana/o Borderlands . 2012. McGill U, PhD thesis. eScholarship , https://escholarship.mcgill.ca/concern/theses/8p58ph61j. Accessed 6 Jan. 2023.

• eScholarship is McGill University's online repository of dissertations and theses
• Followed McGill's lead and used "thesis" instead of "dissertation"

Grullon, Jaymi Leah. Campy Musical Black Queer Forms: Finding Utopia in Lil Nas X's World of "Montero ". St. John's University, MA Thesis. St. John's Scholar , https://scholar.stjohns.edu/theses_dissertations/477

• St. John's Scholar is the university's online repository of dissertations and theses

Hutchinson, Jennifer. Emotional Response to Climate Change Learning: An Existential Inquiry . 2021. Antioch University, Antioch University, Doctoral dissertation. EBSCOhost , search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&AuthType=ip,sso&db=ddu&AN=29DBEAFBF585BC45&site=eds-live&scope=site.

• Found record in OwlCat, so used EBSCOhost as the repository
• Could be more specific and replace the EBSCOhost info with: OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center , http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=antioch1602019356792951.
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Master's Theses & Doctoral Dissertations

Master's theses are research papers that are submitted by those pursuing Master's degrees. Dissertations are extensive research documents typically submitted by doctoral candidates including those pursuing a Ph.D. or other doctoral degrees.

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MLA Format | Complete Guidelines & Free Template

Published on December 11, 2019 by Raimo Streefkerk . Revised on May 6, 2024 by Jack Caulfield.

The MLA Handbook provides guidelines for creating MLA citations and formatting academic papers. This includes advice on structuring parenthetical citations, the Works Cited page, and tables and figures. This quick guide will help you set up your MLA format paper in no time.

Cite your MLA source

Start by applying these MLA format guidelines to your document:

• Use an easily readable font like 12 pt Times New Roman
• Set 1 inch page margins
• Use double line spacing
• Include a ½” indent for new paragraphs
• Include a four-line MLA heading on the first page
• Center the paper’s title
• Use title case capitalization for headings
• Cite your sources with MLA in-text citations
• List all sources cited on a Works Cited page at the end

Alternatively, you can automatically apply the formatting with our MLA docx or Google Docs template.

Table of contents

How to set up mla format in google docs, header and title, running head, works cited page, creating mla style citations, headings and subheadings, tables and figures, frequently asked questions about mla format.

The header in MLA format is left-aligned on the first page of your paper. It includes

• Your full name
• Your instructor’s or supervisor’s name
• The course name or number
• The due date of the assignment

After the MLA header, press ENTER once and type your paper title. Center the title and don’t forget to apply title-case capitalization. Read our article on writing strong titles that are informative, striking and appropriate.

For a paper with multiple authors, it’s better to use a separate title page instead.

At the top of every page, including the first page, you need to include your last name and the page number. This is called the “running head.” Follow these steps to set up the MLA running head in your Word or Google Docs document:

• Double-click at the top of a page
• Type your last name
• Insert automatic page numbering
• Align the content to the right

The running head should look like this:

The Works Cited list is included on a separate page at the end of your paper. You list all the sources you referenced in your paper in alphabetical order. Don’t include sources that weren’t cited in the paper, except potentially in an MLA annotated bibliography assignment.

Place the title “Works Cited” in the center at the top of the page. After the title, press ENTER once and insert your MLA references.

If a reference entry is longer than one line, each line after the first should be indented ½ inch (called a hanging indent ). All entries are double spaced, just like the rest of the text.

Generate accurate MLA citations with Scribbr

Prefer to cite your sources manually? Use the interactive example below to see what the Works Cited entry and MLA in-text citation look like for different source types.

Headings and subheadings are not mandatory, but they can help you organize and structure your paper, especially in longer assignments.

MLA has only a few formatting requirements for headings. They should

• Be written in title case
• Be left-aligned
• Not end in a period

We recommend keeping the font and size the same as the body text and applying title case capitalization. In general, boldface indicates greater prominence, while italics are appropriate for subordinate headings.

Chapter Title

Section Heading

Tip: Both Google Docs and Microsoft Word allow you to create heading levels that help you to keep your headings consistent.

Tables and other illustrations (referred to as “figures”) should be placed as close to the relevant part of text as possible. MLA also provides guidelines for presenting them.

MLA format for tables

Tables are labeled and numbered, along with a descriptive title. The label and title are placed above the table on separate lines; the label and number appear in bold.

A caption providing information about the source appears below the table; you don’t need one if the table is your own work.

Below this, any explanatory notes appear, marked on the relevant part of the table with a superscript letter. The first line of each note is indented; your word processor should apply this formatting automatically.

Just like in the rest of the paper, the text is double spaced and you should use title case capitalization for the title (but not for the caption or notes).

MLA format for figures

Figures (any image included in your paper that isn’t a table) are also labeled and numbered, but here, this is integrated into the caption below the image. The caption in this case is also centered.

The label “Figure” is abbreviated to “Fig.” and followed by the figure number and a period. The rest of the caption gives either full source information, or (as in the example here) just basic descriptive information about the image (author, title, publication year).

Source information in table and figure captions

If the caption of your table or figure includes full source information and that source is not otherwise cited in the text, you don’t need to include it in your Works Cited list.

Give full source information in a caption in the same format as you would in the Works Cited list, but without inverting the author name (i.e. John Smith, not Smith, John).

MLA recommends using 12-point Times New Roman , since it’s easy to read and installed on every computer. Other standard fonts such as Arial or Georgia are also acceptable. If in doubt, check with your supervisor which font you should be using.

The main guidelines for formatting a paper in MLA style are as follows:

• Apply double line spacing
• Indent every new paragraph ½ inch

The fastest and most accurate way to create MLA citations is by using Scribbr’s MLA Citation Generator .

Search by book title, page URL, or journal DOI to automatically generate flawless citations, or cite manually using the simple citation forms.

The MLA Handbook is currently in its 9th edition , published in 2021.

This quick guide to MLA style  explains the latest guidelines for citing sources and formatting papers according to MLA.

Usually, no title page is needed in an MLA paper . A header is generally included at the top of the first page instead. The exceptions are when:

• Your instructor requires one, or
• Your paper is a group project

In those cases, you should use a title page instead of a header, listing the same information but on a separate page.

Cite this Scribbr article

If you want to cite this source, you can copy and paste the citation or click the “Cite this Scribbr article” button to automatically add the citation to our free Citation Generator.

Streefkerk, R. (2024, May 06). MLA Format | Complete Guidelines & Free Template. Scribbr. Retrieved August 30, 2024, from https://www.scribbr.com/mla/formatting/

Is this article helpful?

Raimo Streefkerk

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Guide on How to Cite a Thesis or Dissertation in MLA

Students and homework are synonymous in learning institutions today. Any high school or college student is no stranger to the different writing styles used when writing thesis and dissertations . However, you shouldn’t worry if you’re unfamiliar with these writing styles, as you’ll learn about them during your academic career. However, one format stands out among the various writing styles for being relatively easier to follow and implement. This article will discuss this commonly used MLA format and answer the question on how to cite a thesis paper MLA, “where does the thesis go in MLA format?” and, more so, the MLA format for thesis papers. Let’s begin.

What Is the MLA Dissertation Citation Background?

Who uses mla thesis formatting, how do you write a title page in thesis mla format, does a thesis mla format contain a summary, is mla dissertation citation complicated, does mla thesis format simplify your project, why use mla thesis citation, why your examiner wants a good mla citation thesis, advantages of using mla cite dissertation, we can help you cite a thesis mla.

Many students search “how to cite thesis MLA” or ” how to cite dissertation MLA” on the internet but don’t know what those three letters stand for. The letter MLA stands for Modern Language Association , an organization of language or literature scholars. This organization is responsible for publishing various journals in the Ph.D. format.

Perhaps this organization is mainly known for the general writing guidelines that its publication editors came up with. It all started when some literature scholars acknowledged the need of having a standard format for papers. They then came up with this format and asked their students to present their thesis statements in MLA format.

The thesis MLA format, MLA cite thesis, or citing a dissertation MLA  may be a common writing style; however, it’s commonly used in the liberal arts and humanities. Here are the disciplines in which writers use the thesis MLA format example in their writing:

• Cultural studies
• Literary criticism
• Foreign languages
• English literature

Another advantage of citing dissertation MLA is the simplicity of making a title page. Unlike in other formats where the requirements for a title page are complicated, you only need your name, course name, instructor’s name, and the date. Remember to use the Times New Roman font with a measurement of 12 and double-space your work when using an MLA dissertation cite.

When using an MLA citation thesis or citing a thesis using this format, a summary is not necessary for other writing styles. Writing a summary is a task that many students find challenging or tedious as it is meant to be a stand-alone paper from your original assignment. However, when citing a dissertation MLA, the summary is not required, thus saving the student time and energy spent working on another paper.

Citing a thesis MLA or an MLA citation dissertation is easy to cite and reference your sources. MLA is simpler than other writing styles, such as the Harvard or Chicago style, where you must use complicated methods of citing and referencing your sources. Additionally, the reader can follow through with your ideas and identify your sources easily without turning pages or following certain numbers.

It’s also simpler to write your bibliography or works cited when using the MLA format as its only requirement is that the sources need to be in Alphabetical order.

This format aims to make students’ work clear and easy to follow by creating a framework for standardized methods of citations. An MLA thesis format example also creates a framework for putting down your bibliography with the help of a cite master at the end of the essay. This format also makes it easier to follow a paper through well-known cues. These cues help with easy referencing outsourced information.

When learning how to cite a master’s thesis MLA or how to cite a thesis in MLA, it’s important to learn why the format is the most common style for students online. Here are some of the reasons why you should use the MLA format thesis in your dissertation:

• To help you get a better grade, follow the required citation format in your MLA works cited thesis.
• To show your knowledge or skill by demonstrating that you are conversant with various methods of citing references.
• To show where you borrowed your ideas from, thus, preventing plagiarism.

The simple MLA rules have morphed into the guidelines used by all students worldwide in their MLA thesis statements. Examiners want you to follow the right MLA format for your thesis paper because:

• It enables them to follow through with your ideas and helps them find specific areas of your paper easily.
• It shows the student’s ability to present a professionally done paper and your knowledge of the writing style.

As previously mentioned, the MLA citation thesis format is students’ most common writing style. There are several benefits of using the MLA thesis style that make students type “how to cite a thesis MLA” or “how to cite a dissertation MLA” on their browsers.

Here are some of the advantages of how to cite a thesis using MLA format:

• Has no operating head: Unlike the headers required when you cite a dissertation APA, the process of putting a header is not applicable in MLA. This makes formatting your assignments much easier than it would use other formats.
• Fewer rules to follow: Unlike its counterparts, such as the Chicago or APA writing style, citing a dissertation, MLA has far fewer rules to remember. This makes it easier for students to cite thesis MLA correctly. Its simplicity makes it the best-suited writing style for those writing lengthy essays.

Do you need help citing a dissertation MLA or any other academic service, including writing a thesis statement in MLA format? If so, look no further, as we have a team full of experts ready to help you out with your thesis or dissertation. You can get in touch with us any day of the week for an MLA thesis example or the answer to “do you include Ph.D. in MLA citation?”

In your quest to learn how to format a thesis, how to cite a thesis, or how to cite a thesis, remember that MLA format is best suited for those who have never used writing styles before. You can always refer to us and we will help you with your Ph.D. formatting using the MLA format for help.

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A Step-by-Step Walkthrough: MLA Style Formatting in Your PhD Thesis

Picture this: your groundbreaking research, wrapped in a polished and professional package, all thanks to MLA style. It's like putting a fancy bow on a gift that already rocks! With MLA in text citation example in your corner, you'll be citing sources like a pro, giving credit where it's due, and making your thesis a masterpiece of academic integrity.

Embrace the MLA style formatting services for PhD and let's get this show on the road. Trust me, it's going to be one exhilarating journey you won't want to miss! Are you ready? Let's do this! 

Implementation of MLA Style Formatting in The PhD Thesis

Step one: Familiarize yourself with the MLA style guide, your trusty kitchen companion. Think of it as your secret recipe book, packed with all the rules and guidelines you need to make your thesis shine. It covers everything from citations, in-text references, to formatting your works cited page. Yes, I know, it might not sound like a page-turner, but hey, we're all here to add some academic flair to our work!

Now, let's talk about citations – the flavorful spices of academic writing. In MLA style, you'll be using parenthetical references in the body of your thesis. Whenever you use someone else's work or ideas, sprinkle in a little citation magic. It's as easy as citing the author's last name and the page number in parentheses – just like seasoning your sentences with a pinch of academic goodness (Smith 42).

Oh, and don't forget those delicious direct quotes! Whenever you serve up someone's exact words, wrap them up in quotation marks and add the citation right after. You wouldn't want your readers to think those tasty tidbits are yours, right?

Now, let's move on to the works cited page – the grand finale of your MLA-style feast! This is where you showcase all the ingredients (sources) you used to cook up your thesis. Remember to arrange them alphabetically, just like organizing your spice rack. And don't forget to double-check every detail, like the author's name, title, publication date, and the works' juicy details. You don't want any missing ingredients in your gourmet bibliography!

AtkinsEditing is a top-notch editing service that specializes in catering to the needs of PhD researchers like you. Our team of expert editors are not only well-versed in the MLA style, but they are also scholars themselves. They understand the significance of your research and are dedicated to helping you present it in the best possible light.

MLA In Text Citation Example

1. How to Cite Books in MLA:

i. Format for a book with a single author:

Author's Last Name, First Name. Title of Book. Publisher, Year of Publication.

Smith, John D. The Psychology of Human Behavior. Random House, 2019.

ii. Format for a book with multiple authors:

Author's Last Name, First Name, and Second Author's First Name Last Name. Title of Book. Publisher, Year of Publication.

Johnson, Sarah P., and Mary K. Anderson. Research Methods in Psychology. Academic Press, 2021.

2. How to Cite Journals and Articles in MLA:

i. Format for a journal article:

Author's Last Name, First Name. "Title of Article." Title of Journal, vol. Volume Number, no. Issue Number, Year of Publication, page range.

Miller, Paul Q. "The Effects of Mindfulness Meditation on Stress Reduction." Journal of Applied Psychology, vol. 15, no. 2, 2020, pp. 135-147.

3. How to Cite a Source on the Internet in MLA:

i. Format for a web page or online article:

Author's Last Name, First Name. "Title of Webpage/Article." Website Name, Day Month Year of publication, URL.

Smith, John D. "The Impact of Climate Change on Global Ecosystems." Environmental Insights, 15 May 2022, https://www.environmentinsights.com/climate-change-impact.

4. How to Cite Media Sources in MLA:

i. Format for citing films, TV shows, videos, and podcasts:

"Title of Media Source." Title of the Site, Name of Any Other Contributors, Version (if applicable), Number (if applicable), Publisher, Publication date, URL.

"The Science of Space Exploration." Space Studios, directed by Sarah Smith, 2023, https://www.spacestudios.com/science-space-exploration.

How to Cite Additional Sources in MLA:

For additional sources like conference papers, reports, and other specific documents, you may need to adapt the citation format accordingly. Generally, you would include the author, title, source (e.g., conference name or report series), publication details (e.g., publisher, location), and any relevant page or paragraph numbers.

Now, let's talk about how AtkinsEditing can lend you a helping hand in perfecting your in-text citations and all aspects of your research paper! Our team of skilled editors knows the ins and outs of MLA style like the back of their hand. They'll comb through your work, ensuring every citation is in its right place and every punctuation mark is spot-on.

With AtkinsEditing by your side, you can rest assured that your paper will not only meet the highest academic standards but will also read like a captivating masterpiece. So, why stress over the nitty-gritty details of citations when you can focus on crafting groundbreaking research? Let AtkinsEditing take care of the rest.

Specific challenges or nuances when applying MLA style formatting to complex research data

It's fantastic that you're delving into the wonderful world of MLA style formatting for your complex research data. Trust me, I get it - those tables, graphs, and equations can sometimes feel like a rollercoaster ride of challenges. But fear not, we'll tackle them together and maintain the utmost consistency and clarity in your thesis!

Now, let's talk about the specific challenges you might encounter. When it comes to tables, it's essential to make sure they are clear and well-organized. Sometimes, data can get pretty dense and overwhelming, leaving readers scratching their heads. To address this, break down your tables into logical sections, use headings and subheadings, and label each row and column carefully. If possible, consider creating visually appealing graphs to supplement your tables - they can make complex data much more digestible and even add some flair to your work!

Next up, graphs can be both a blessing and a curse. While they can illustrate trends and patterns beautifully, they can also be tricky when trying to fit them seamlessly into your text. To maintain consistency, make sure your graph design remains uniform throughout your thesis. Pay close attention to labels, units, and scales, and remember that less is often more. Keep it clean, and your readers will thank you!

Now, how can AtkinsEditing lend you a helping hand in this academic adventure? Well, we specialize in polishing and perfecting academic documents just like yours. Our team of expert editors knows all the ins and outs of MLA style formatting and can ensure that your tables, graphs, and equations are impeccably presented. With our keen eye for detail, we'll make sure your work maintains consistency and clarity from start to finish.

At AtkinsEditing, we believe that your research deserves to shine, and we're here to help you make it happen. So, worry no more about the formatting woes, and let's work together to create a thesis that leaves a lasting impression on your readers!

Final Thoughts

Congratulations, my esteemed PhD researchers, you've made it through our exhilarating step-by-step walkthrough of MLA style formatting in your grand thesis! We've covered everything from taming those intricate tables, spicing up your graphs, and conquering the mystifying equations, all while maintaining consistency and clarity in your scholarly masterpiece.

By now, you're no stranger to the magic of MLA style formatting services for PhD. With its meticulous guidelines and in-text citation examples that give credit where credit is due, MLA ensures your work remains a beacon of credibility and academic integrity. So, kudos to you for taking the time to master this essential aspect of scholarly writing!

Let's face it - MLA style formatting in PhD thesis may seem like a daunting challenge, but with the right guidance and support, it becomes a thrilling adventure. Your hard work, dedication, and passion for your subject deserve to be presented in the most polished and captivating way possible.

So, fellow researchers, as you embark on the final leg of your academic journey, remember that mastering MLA style formatting is not just about ticking boxes; it's about showcasing your research in the best possible light. And AtkinsEditing is here to be your trusty sidekick, ensuring your thesis is a true testament to your academic prowess.

Now, go forth with confidence, armed with the knowledge of MLA style formatting in your PhD thesis, and let your brilliance shine through! Happy writing!

How do I format a thesis or dissertation in MLA style?

Note: This post relates to content in the eighth edition of the MLA Handbook . For up-to-date guidance, see the ninth edition of the MLA Handbook .

The MLA Handbook does not provide guidelines for formatting a thesis or dissertation—or for preparing the parts of such a project, like a preface, dedication, or acknowledgments page—because most schools maintain their own formatting requirements. Although the MLA Style Manual and Guide to Scholarly Publishing , out of print since 2016, summarized some of these requirements, it did so only in a very general way. 

Writers of theses and dissertations should follow any guidelines their schools provide. If a school does not provide such guidelines, a successfully defended dissertation in the writer’s department might provide an example to follow.

How to Cite a Dissertation and Master’s Thesis in MLA 9 With Examples

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Students pursuing a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral diploma and writing papers in MLA 9 must prepare to undertake unique academic projects before completing their studies. For bachelor’s and master’s students, the project is writing a thesis, while for doctoral students, it is a dissertation. Basically, this academic project in MLA 9 aims to allow students to demonstrate to themselves, their supervisors, the university, and the public that their knowledge levels have expanded during their time at the university. In this sense, both a thesis and a dissertation in MLA 9 mark the end of a student’s time at the university and entry into another higher learning level or the job market. Hence, students need to learn how to cite a dissertation and Master’s thesis in MLA 9 by reviewing the main rules discussed in this simple guide.

General Aspects of Citing a Dissertation and Master’s Thesis in MLA 9

In higher education, students undertake various activities to advance their academic qualifications. Basically, one of these activities is the writing of a dissertation or Master’s thesis in MLA 9. In particular, it is defined as a single educational project for students in undergraduate or postgraduate studies that accounts for a significant part of their degree. Also, a dissertation is known as a thesis in some contexts, meaning that both are interrelated. While a dissertation is a written project, students sometimes undergo an oral examination to prove their points and defend their work in front of assessors. In turn, it is standard practice in many universities that assessors of students’ oral presentations are professors.

Purpose of a Dissertation and Master’s Thesis

The primary purpose of writing a dissertation and Master’s thesis in MLA 9 is to allow undergraduate and postgraduate students to demonstrate their ability to explore and present scientific findings on a topic. In this case, the academic project provides students a platform upon which they show they have become significantly knowledgeable during their years at the university. Generally, the length of an undergraduate dissertation or Master’s thesis in MLA 9 is a maximum of 12,000 words, while a postgraduate one does not exceed 25,000 words. Hence, writing a dissertation or Master’s thesis in MLA 9 is the most complicated academic project that students undertake during their lifetime at the university.

Contents of a Dissertation in MLA 9

The general characteristic of a dissertation and Master’s thesis in MLA 9 is that it differs from standard essays and other writing projects that students undertake by capturing specific information. Depending on the format of the paper, a student should ensure their dissertation has:

• a title page;
• a copyright page;
• an abstract;
• optional dedication, acknowledgments, and preface pages;
• a table of contents that covers page numbers of headings and subheadings;
• a list of tables, figures, or illustrations;
• a list of abbreviations (if applicable);
• a list of symbols (if applicable);
• chapters throughout the main body;
• an appendix page;
• Works Cited page, References, Bibliography, or List of References.

Types of Dissertations

The three main types of dissertations are an undergraduate thesis, a Master’s thesis, and a doctoral dissertation. Basically, the core difference between a Master’s thesis and a dissertation is that the former marks the completion of an undergraduate or Master’s program, while the latter marks the end of a doctoral program. Consequently, a thesis paper is a student’s compilation of research, denoting an advanced level of knowledge from the day the person joined the undergraduate or master’s program to the day of completion. On the other hand, writing a dissertation in MLA 9 is a doctoral student’s compilation of knowledge that advances knowledge and theories in a specific field. Hence, a dissertation is an academic project that allows students to use what they have learned to develop new concepts in a discipline.

Structural Differences in Citing a Dissertation in MLA 9

Based on the difference in purpose, it stands to reason that citing a Master’s thesis differs from a dissertation in structure by considering the MLA 9 format. In a Master’s thesis, a student researches a topic, analyzes different sources, and comments on the information gathered. Basically, this comment entails discussing how the information researched relates to the particular subject under investigation. Therefore, a Master’s thesis showcases a student’s ability to think critically about a topic and knowledgeably discuss the information and to expand upon a topic relevant to a specialty area they wish to pursue as a profession. In contrast, a dissertation showcases a student’s ability to use others’ research as a guide in developing and proving a new theory or concept. Hence, the bulk of the information in a Master’s thesis is borrowed, while, in a dissertation, the bulk of the information is attributable to the student.

Citing a Dissertation in MLA 9

When writing academic texts, such as essays, students sometimes cite dissertations in MLA 9 as sources of essential, relevant knowledge. Basically, such citations intend to provide student’s arguments with a strong foundation. Therefore, learning to cite a dissertation in MLA 9 is a critical academic exercise. In this case, the core elements that a student should capture in a citation of a dissertation in MLA 9 are the name of the author, the title, and the date of publication. However, other optional components include the name of the institution granting the degree and a description of the work. Hence, a typical citation in the MLA 9 format indicates:

• the author’s name;
• an italicized title;
• the date of publication;
• the university granting the degree;
• a description of the work;
• the database or URL (if available);
• the date of access (if available).

1. Author’s Name

The first element in citing a dissertation in MLA 9 is the name of the author of the dissertation. Basically, the name should start with the last name, a comma, and then the first and middle names (if any). In this case, students should complete this citation with a period. Moreover, a student gets the author’s name from the publication, which can be accessed as a print, on an online database, or on a web page.

2. The Title

The title of the dissertation or Master’s thesis in MLA 9 is the second element in the citation. Basically, students should capture both the title and subtitle, if any, separating both with a colon. Also, they should use a title case, meaning that all the words in the title should be capitalized, and italics when writing the title, ending it with a period or a question mark, whatever applies. Just like the name, a student can access the dissertation title from the publication in its print form, in an online database, or from a web page.

3. Date of Publication

The third element in citing a dissertation in MLA 9 is the date when the dissertation is published. Basically, a student can find this information by looking at the dissertation title, which can be found in the dissertation in its print form, on an online database, or from a web page. Moreover, the date can appear on the backside of the title page in the case of a printed dissertation. In turn, students should end the citation with a period.

4. Name of the Institution

As an academic project in undergraduate and postgraduate studies, a dissertation is affiliated with the university that grants the student a degree. In this case, the university’s name is the fourth element in the citation of a dissertation. Like most of the information about a dissertation, a student can access the name of the institution by accessing the dissertation in its print form, in an online database, or from a webpage. In turn, students should complete the MLA citation with a comma.

5. Status of Publishing

When citing a dissertation in MLA 9, a student should indicate whether it is an undergraduate thesis, a master’s thesis, or a doctoral dissertation. In the case of a Master’s thesis, students should use the word “thesis,” indicating whether it is an undergraduate or a master’s. In the case of a dissertation, students should write it in its short form – Diss. Also, scholars can access this information by accessing the publication in its print form, in an online database, or from a webpage.

6. Dissertation Scenarios

Three scenarios involve a dissertation – unpublished dissertation, database-based dissertation, and online-based dissertation. Basically, the significant difference between these scenarios is based on exposure. Ideally, an unpublished dissertation has limited exposure, as it is only the student, the supervisor, and the university reserve copies. In contrast, both a database- and an online-based dissertation have broad exposure.

Citing an Unpublished Dissertation in MLA 9

When an undergraduate, postgraduate, or doctoral student writes a dissertation in MLA 9, entities that gain access to the work are the student, the dissertation supervisor, and the university library. In some cases, a copy is made for the archive. Also, an unpublished dissertation is rarely widely read. In that case, after serving its purpose of helping a student gain a degree, this type of discourse fades into obscurity.

Published Dissertation

After students gain degrees, it is recommended that they publish their dissertations to protect their work from fading into obscurity. Basically, a published dissertation is often found in peer-reviewed databases, but it can also be found online. In this case, publishing a dissertation in a database ensures it gains the critical title of peer-reviewed academic work, meaning that it is widely read and used as a reference in various works.

Online Publishing

Sometimes, students can publish their dissertations and make them accessible through the online platform and not a database. For example, the Internet has become home to publishers of academic content, especially those who desire to have their work freely accessible to students and other consumers. Basically, such dissertations help to broaden the reach of the publication while expanding the influence of the author. In this case, authors reach a significant number of people and get feedback from influential academics. As a result, such reach and relationships help authors to find access to journal and book publishing.

Scheme of Citing a Dissertation and Master’s Thesis in MLA 9

The scheme of an MLA 9 citation denotes its format, the way it must appear in both in-text and Works Cited citations. As stated above, the MLA 9 format must capture both core elements (author’s name, the title, date of publication) and optional elements (the name of the institution and a description of the work). However, for unpublished dissertations, there is no date of publication. As a result, for the three scenarios described above, the structure of the MLA 9 citation for a dissertation or Master’s thesis would be as follows:

1. Unpublished Dissertation:

Last Name, First and Middle Names. “Title of the Dissertation.” University, Dissertation or Master’s Thesis.

Dong, Yu Ren. “Non-Native Graduate Students’ Thesis/Dissertation Writing in Science: Self-Reports by Students and Their Advisors from Two U.S. Institutions.” 1998. Queens College, Ph.D. Dissertation.

2. Database-Based Published Dissertation:

Last, First and Middle Names. Title of Dissertation. Dissertation or Master’s Thesis, University, Date of Publication. Name of Database. Accessed Date.

Dong, Yu Ren. Non-Native Graduate Students’ Thesis/Dissertation Writing in Science: Self-Reports by Students and Their Advisors from Two U.S. Institutions. Master’s Thesis, Queens College, 1998. Elsevier Dissertations and Theses. Accessed on 31 July 2020.

3. Online-Based Dissertation:

Last, First and Middle Names. Title of Dissertation . Dissertation or Master’s Thesis, University, Date of publication, Link. Date accessed.

Dong, Yu Ren. Non-Native Graduate Students’ Thesis/Dissertation Writing in Science: Self-Reports by Students and Their Advisors from Two U.S. Institutions. Master’s Thesis, Queens College, 1998, https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0889490697000549. Accessed on 31 July 2020.

Note : these examples are based on a peer-reviewed scholarly article, while such samples serve only for learning purposes.

Summing Up on How to Cite a Dissertation and Master’s Thesis in MLA 9

Students in higher education (undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral studies) undertake a single academic project to mark the end of their studies. Basically, this project is a dissertation, which is also known as a Master’s thesis. Despite the differences in purpose and structure between these two notions, they provide insight into students’ grasp of knowledge during their years at the university. When citing a dissertation and Master’s thesis, a student should determine which scenario best describes the work. In this case, the three primary scenarios are unpublished dissertations, database-based published dissertations, and online-based published dissertations. On differences, the title of an unpublished dissertation is put under quotes, while that of the other two scenarios is italicized. Also, the date noted in an unpublished dissertation denotes the year it is written.

Despite the stated differences, a student should note the following tips when citing a dissertation:

• The author’s full name.
• Which scenario best describes the dissertation.
• The year the dissertation was published.
• The title of the dissertation.
• The type of degree- undergraduate or post-graduate (master’s or doctoral).
• Whether the work is a thesis or a dissertation.
• The name of the institution awarding the degree.
• The name of the database (for a database-based dissertation) or the URL (for an online-based dissertation).

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Citation Help for MLA, 8th Edition: Master's Thesis or Project

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Panasuk, Noel. What Variables Appear to Work in Stress Management Programs in      the Workplace and How Effective are These Programs?  MS Thesis, The College of      St. Scholastica, 2008.

Explanation

Author: Panasuk, Noel. Last name first, followed by first and middle names. End with a period.   

Title & subtitle of the book: What Variables Appear to Work in Stress Managment Programs in the Workplace and How Effective are These Programs? The title and subtitle are separated by a colon. Capitalize all important and proper words. Place in Italics and end with a period or if it has a question mark in the title, that is sufficient.    Status of Publishing: MA Thesis, Use the words MA Thesis followed by a comma. If it is a project, then use the words MA project. If it is a doctoral dissertation, use the word Dissertation. Name of Institution Where Degree was Granted: The College of St. Scholastica, The full name of the college or university followed by a comma. Year of Publication: 2008. List the year of publication, which appears on the title page or the title page verso (back side of title page). End citation with a period. 

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Theses and dissertations are already intensive, long-term projects that require a lot of effort and time from their authors. Formatting for submission to the university is often the last thing that graduate students do, and may delay earning the relevant degree if done incorrectly.

Below are some strategies graduate students can use to deal with institutional formatting requirements to earn their degrees on time.

Disciplinary conventions are still paramount.

Scholars in your own discipline are the most common readers of your dissertation; your committee, too, will expect your work to match with their expectations as members of your field. The style guide your field uses most commonly is always the one you should follow, and if your field uses conventions such as including all figures and illustrations at the end of the document, you should do so. After these considerations are met, move on to university formatting. Almost always, university formatting only deals with things like margins, font, numbering of chapters and sections, and illustrations; disciplinary style conventions in content such as APA's directive to use only last names of authors in-text are not interfered with by university formatting at all.

Use your university's formatting guidelines and templates to your advantage.

If your institution has a template for formatting your thesis or dissertation that you can use, do so. Don't look at another student's document and try to replicate it yourself. These templates typically have the necessary section breaks and styles already in the document, and you can copy in your work from your existing draft using the style pane in MS Word to ensure you're using the correct formatting (similarly with software such as Overleaf when writing in LaTeX, templates do a lot of the work for you). It's also often easier for workers in the offices that deal with theses and dissertations to help you with your work if you're using their template — they are familiar with these templates and can often navigate them more proficiently.

These templates also include placeholders for all front matter you will need to include in your thesis or dissertation, and may include guidelines for how to write these. Front matter includes your table of contents, acknowledgements, abstract, abbreviation list, figure list, committee page, and (sometimes) academic history or CV; everything before your introduction is front matter. Since front matter pages such as the author's academic history and dissertation committee are usually for the graduate school and not for your department, your advisor might not remember to have you include them. Knowing about them well before your deposit date means you won't be scrambling to fill in placeholders at the last minute or getting your work returned for revision from the graduate school.

Consider institutional formatting early and often.

Many graduate students leave this aspect of submitting their projects until it's almost too late to work on it, causing delays in obtaining their degree. Simply being aware that this is a task you'll have to complete and making sure you know where templates are, who you can ask for help in your graduate office or your department, and what your institution's guidelines are can help alleviate this issue. Once you know what you'll be expected to do to convert to university formatting, you can set regular check-in times for yourself to do this work in pieces rather than all at once (for instance, when you've completed a chapter and had it approved by your chair). 

Consider fair use for images and other third-party content.

Most theses and dissertations are published through ProQuest or another publisher (Harvard, for instance, uses their own open publishing service). For this reason, it may be the case that your institution requires all images or other content obtained from other sources to fall under fair use rules or, if an image is not considered under fair use, you'll have to obtain permission to print it in your dissertation. Your institution should have more guidance on their specific expectations for fair use content; knowing what these guidelines are well in advance of your deposit date means you won't have to make last-minute changes or removals to deposit your work.

Dissertation Writing

How To Cite A Dissertation

How to Cite a Dissertation: A Comprehensive Guide with Examples

Published on: Apr 21, 2021

Last updated on: Jul 24, 2024

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In academic writing, citing references is more than just a formality. It is an essential practice that upholds the integrity of research.

Mostly, you find material from books, journal articles, and research papers. But what if you find some valuable information in a dissertation?

A dissertation is a comprehensive research document that is required for a doctoral degree. It represents an original contribution to the field of study and demonstrates a student's ability to conduct independent research.

This guide will explain how you can cite a dissertation in various citation styles. So let’s dive in!

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Citing a Dissertation in Different Styles 

Different citation styles have their own specific rules and formats for citing a dissertation. So when writing any academic paper, you should know which citation format you are using.

The most commonly used citation styles include:

• APA (American Psychological Association)
• MLA (Modern Language Association)
• Chicago citation style
• Harvard citation style

There are several other citation styles as well, such as IEEE, APSA, and AMA. However, these styles are used in very specific disciplines and courses. 

Let's see how to cite a dissertation in APA, MLA, Chicago, and Harvard formats.

Want to learn about citing a research paper instead? Head to our guide to learn how to cite a research paper in different styles, with examples!

How to Cite a Dissertation in APA 

APA style is one of the most popular citation styles. It is used by students across natural sciences, social sciences, management sciences, and sometimes even humanities. 

Citing a dissertation in APA style changes based on whether it is published or unpublished.

Published Dissertation or Thesis 

If you find a published thesis or dissertation on a research database, follow this structure:

Author's Last, F. M. (Year published). Title in sentence case (Publication or Document No.) [Degree type thesis or dissertation, Name of institution]. Database name.

MCNiel, D.S. (2004). A personal narrative discussing growing up with an alcoholic father (Publication No, 14596887) [Doctoral dissertation, University of California]. ProQuest Dissertations and Theses database.

Intext Citation:

(Author, Year)

Intext Citation Example: 

(MCNiel, 2004)

Unpublished Dissertation or Thesis 

The correct citation structure for an unpublished thesis is as follows:

Author's Last, F. M. (Year published). Title in sentence case [Unpublished Degree type thesis or dissertation]. Name of institution.

Ames, J. H., & Doughty, L. H. (1911). The proposed plans for the Iowa State College athletic field including the design of a reinforced concrete grandstand and wall [Unpublished bachelor's thesis]. Iowa State University.

Intext Citation Example:

(Ames & Doughty, 1911)

Online Published Dissertation or Thesis

In the APA format, a citation for a published thesis or dissertation that you found online is different. The basic format of an unpublished dissertation or thesis is:

Author's Last, F. M. (Year Published). Title in sentence case [Degree type thesis or dissertation, Name of institution]. Name of archive or collection. URL

Stiles, T. W. (2001). Doing science: Teachers' authentic experiences at the Lone Star Dinosaur Field Institute [Master's thesis, Texas A&M University]. OAKTrust. https://hdl.handle.net/1969.1/ETD-TAMU-2001-THESIS-S745

Intext Citation: 

(Stiles, 2001)

The document below explains the elements of citations in APA style in-depth. Check it out if you want to learn more about APA 7th edition.

Dissertation APA 7th Edition Sample

How to Cite a Dissertation in MLA 

MLA is a citation style that is often used in arts, cultural studies, literature, and humanities. 

Here's how you cite published and unpublished dissertations in MLA 9th Edition.

Published Dissertation MLA 

Last name, First Name. Title of the dissertation. Year Published . Name of University, Degree

Daniel, Marcus Alexander. Challenges of Software Reuse. 2010. University of California, MA thesis. ProQuest Dissertations and Theses. Web. 21 June 2005.

Intext Citation (Last Name, Page #):

(Daniel 29)

Online Published Dissertation MLA from Database 

Last name, First Name. Title of the Dissertation . Name of University, type of degree. Website name, URL.

Daniel, Marcus Alexander. Challenges of Software Reuse. 2010. University of California, MA thesis. ProQuest Dissertations and Theses, https://www.proquest.com/docview/1143267768

Unpublished Dissertation MLA 

Last name, First name. "Title of Dissertation." University Name, type of dissertation. 

Joseph, Harry. "How to take care of diabetic patients." Miskatonic University, PhD dissertation.

Intext Citation 

            (Joseph 25)

How to Cite a Dissertation in Chicago (Note-Bibliography) Format

Learn how you cite a dissertation in the Chicago (Note-Bibliography) format with examples. In the note-bibliography format, there is a difference in how you cite the dissertation in the note-entry and the bibliography entry.

Published Dissertation

Note Format

  First-name Last-name, "Title of Dissertation" (Publisher, Year).

Alex Brown, " Advantages and disadvantages of reusing software" (University of Nebraska, 1995).

Bibliography Entry Format 

Last name, First name. "Title of Dissertation" Year.

Brown, Alex "Advantages and disadvantages of reusing software" 1995.

Online Published Dissertation

Note Format 

Note #. First-name Last-name, "Title of Dissertation," Database Name , Year, URL.

• Smith Choi, "Pros and cons of genetically modified foods," The University of Calabria , 2016, http://search.proquest.com/docview/897482642?accountid=55263

Bibliography Entry

Last name, First name. "Title of Thesis: Subtitle." Database Name , Year. URL.

Choi, Smith. "Pros and cons of genetically modified foods." The University of Calabria , 2016.  http://wwwlib.murdoch.edu.au/adt/browse/view/adt-MU20511243.112116.

Unpublished Dissertation

Note #. First-name Last-name, "Title of Dissertation," Dissertation type, University. Year.

• Alex Kerry, "The multimedia and newspaper importance" Ph.D. dissertation., University of California. 2015.

Last-name, First-name. "Title of Dissertation." Dissertation type. University. Year.

Kerry, Alex. "The multimedia and newspaper importance." PhD dissertation. University of California. 2015. 

Paper due? Why Suffer? That's our job.

How to Cite a Dissertation in Chicago (Author-Date) Format 

Citations in the Chicago (Author-Date) format are very different from the (Note-Bibliography) format. Here's how you cite dissertations in the author-date format.

Published Thesis 

Last name, First name. Year. "Title of Dissertation"

Kerry, Alex. 2015. "The multimedia and newspaper importance."

Intext Citation

            (Kerry, 2015)

Online Published Thesis

Last-name, First-name. Year. "Title of Dissertation." Database Name , URL.

Kerry, Alex. 2015. "The multimedia and newspaper importance." Australasian Digital Theses Program,  http://wwwlib.murdoch.edu.au/adt/browse/view/adt-MU20431245

Unpublished Thesis 

Last name, First name. Year. "Title of Dissertation." Dissertation type. University.

Hosking, Barry C.  2010. "The Control of Gastro-intestinal Nematodes in Sheep with the Amino-acetonitrile Derivative, Monepantel with a Particular Focus on Australia and New Zealand." PhD diss., Ghent University.

How to Cite a Dissertation in Harvard Format

Let's explore the ways you can cite a dissertation in Harvard style with examples.

Published Harvard Dissertation 

First Name - Middle & Last name initials Year, Title of thesis, Institution issuing degree.

William, CW 2018, Using a model of emotional self-efficacy in predicting work outcomes , Alliant International University, San Diego.

(William, 2018)

Online Published Dissertation 

First Name - Middle & Last name initials Year, Title of thesis , Award, Institution issuing degree, Location of the institution, Database name

Henry, S 2018, Developing of new technologies , Ph.D. thesis, University of California, California, Dissertation Database.

(Henry, 2018)

Unpublished Harvard Dissertation 

First Name - Middle & Last name initials Year, 'Title of thesis in single quotation marks,' Award, Institution issuing degree, Location of the institution.

Harry, L 2017, 'Managing the international weather update,' Ph.D. thesis, Monash University, Melbourne.

(Harry, 2017)

By acknowledging the contributions of others through citations, you demonstrate your engagement with existing research. And sometimes, you have to cite dissertations as well.

This guide explained the accurate and correct way to cite a dissertation in your paper. Whether you are using APA, MLA, Chicago, or Harvard, you can cite a dissertation accurately by following the examples provided.

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