How to Cite a Dissertation in APA, MLA, Harvard, & More

Citing a Dissertation in Different Styles

When you include sources during dissertation writing, you must use the correct citation style for the references list. Professors frequently suggest a specific citation style for the research paper, and students should comply.

However, if your instructor does not provide a precise citation style, you should be aware of the many dissertation citation styles available.

Here are the most commonly used referencing styles for your thesis/dissertation:

• APA (American Psychological Association)
• MLA (Modern Language Association)
• Harvard Citation Style
• MHRA Citation Style
• AMA Citation Style
• Chicago Citation Style

All of these styles are different from each other and are used in different fields of study. We have explained each one of these formats in the sections below.

How to Cite a Dissertation in APA (7th Edition)

The American Psychological Association (APA) is the most widely recognized citation style. It is commonly utilized by students while annotating sources in their dissertations.

Both published and unpublished dissertations influence the APA citation style. As a result, APA offers two distinct types of dissertation-style citations.

APA Formatting Rules

Here are some key essentials of APA formats to keep in mind:

• The general format for an in-text citation looks like this: (Author, Year)
• Use italics to denote the title of your dissertation.
• Include the name of the institution that published your dissertation in parentheses after the title.
• Place a period at the end of the sentence, followed by a space, and then include the page numbers where applicable.

Basic APA Format

Format:

Author last name, Initials. (Year). Dissertation title [Type of dissertation/thesis, University Name]. Publisher Name. URL

Reference List Citation Example:

Doe, J. (2021). A Brief History of Chocolate, [Doctoral dissertation, University of Example]. Example Publisher. http://example/chocolate-examples.com

In-Text Citation Example:

• Parenthetical citation: (Doe, 2021)
• Narrative citation: Doe (2021)

APA Citation for Unpublished Dissertation

Format:

Author last name, Initials. (Year). Dissertation title [Unpublished type of dissertation/thesis]. University Name.

Reference List Citation Example:

Doe, J. (2021). Effects of Global Warming on Chocolate Production [Unpublished master’s thesis]. University of Example.

In-Text Citation Example:

• Parenthetical citation: (Doe, 2021)
• Narrative citation: Doe (2021)

APA Citation for Published Dissertation

Format:

Author last name, Initials. (Year). Dissertation title [Type of dissertation/thesis, University Name]. Archive Name. URL

Reference List Citation Example:

Doe, J. (2021). The Impact of Cloud Computing on Chocolate Companies [Master’s thesis, University of Example]. CurateND. http://example/chocolate-examples.com

In-Text Citation Example:

• Parenthetical citation: (Doe, 2021)
• Narrative citation: Doe (2021)

How to Cite a Dissertation in MLA (9th Edition)

MLA is an American style of referencing sources in the humanities. The MLA style is used to cite sources regarding the arts, cultural studies, and the humanities.

The MLA 9th edition is the most popular and widely accepted citation style for dissertations.

MLA Formatting Rules

Follow these simple formatting rules for your MLA citation:

• Use the author’s last name followed by a comma and their first initial, followed by another comma.
• Include the title of your dissertation, using italics and ending with a period.
• Include the date it was published, in parentheses and followed by a period.
• Specify the publishing information, such as the name of the university or institution that published your dissertation.
• Include a URL (if available) at the end of your citation.

Basic MLA Format

Format:

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

Reference List Citation Example:

Doe, John. A Brief History of Chocolate. Diss. University of Example, 2021. Wonka City: Wonka, 14 Feb 2021.

In-Text Citation Example:

(Doe 15)

MLA Citation for Unpublished Dissertation

Format:

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

Reference List Citation Example:

Doe, John. “Effects of Global Warming on Chocolate Production.” University of Example, 2021. Example Dissertations and Theses. Web. 14 Feb 2021.

In-Text Citation Format:

(Author Last Name Page Number)

In-Text Citation Example:

(Doe 15)

MLA Citation for Published Dissertation

Format:

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

Reference List Citation Example:

Doe, John. The Impact of Cloud Computing on Chocolate Companies. Diss. University of Example, 2021. Example Publisher, 2021. Print.

In-Text Citation Example:

According to research (Doe 53), cloud computing….

How to Cite a Dissertation in Harvard Style

The Harvard citation style is a variant of the author-date system. This style differs from the APA, MLA, and Chicago referencing styles. Usually, it contains the last name of the authors and the date of publication in its in-text citation.

Harvard Formatting Rules

Here are some expert Harvard structure rules to follow:

• Use the author’s last name and initials.
• Italicize the title of the dissertation.
• Include the year of submission in parentheses.
• Specify the degree and institution.
• Provide the URL and the date accessed (if available).

Basic Harvard Format

Format:

Author. Year of submission (in round brackets). Thesis title (in italics). Degree statement. Institution name. Available at: URL. (Accessed: date). City

Reference List Citation Example:

Doe, J. (2021). A Brief History of Chocolate. Ph.D. thesis, University of Example. Available at: http://example/chocolate.com (Accessed: 14 Feb 2022). Example City.

Harvard Citation for Unpublished Dissertation

Format:

Author of thesis - family name and initials Year of preparation of the thesis, 'Title of thesis in single quotation marks,’ Award, Institution issuing degree, Location of the institution.

Reference List Citation Example:

Doe, J. 2021, ‘Effects of Global Warming on Chocolate Production,’ Master’s thesis, University of Example, Example City.

In-Text Citation Examples:

• Parenthetical citation: (Doe, 2021, p. 50)
• Narrative citation: Doe (2021, p. 50)

Harvard Citation for Published Dissertation

Format:

Author of thesis - family name and initials Year of preparation of the thesis, Title of thesis, Institution issuing degree.

Reference List Citation Example:

Doe, J. 2021, The Impact of Cloud Computing on Chocolate Companies, University of Example.

In-Text Citation Examples:

• Parenthetical citation: (Doe, 2021, p. 50)
• Narrative citation: Doe (2021, p. 50)

Harvard Citation for a Dissertation from a Database

Format:

Author of thesis - family name and initials Year of preparation of the thesis, Title of thesis, Award, Institution issuing degree, Location of the institution, Database name.

Reference List Citation Example:

Doe, J. 2021, Developing New Technologies in Chocolate Production, Ph.D. thesis, University of Example, Example City, ProQuest Dissertations and Theses.

In-Text Citation Examples:

• Parenthetical citation: (Doe, 2021, p. 20)
• Narrative citation: Doe (2021, pp. 20-25)

How to Cite a Dissertation in MHRA

The Modern Humanities Research Association (MHRA) style is commonly used in the humanities, particularly in the fields of literature, art, and cultural studies. MHRA uses a footnote and bibliography system.

MHRA Formatting Rules

Follow these guidelines for MHRA citations:

• Use footnotes for in-text citations.
• Italicize the title of the dissertation.
• Specify whether the dissertation is unpublished.
• Provide the university and year of submission.
• Include the URL if the dissertation is published online.

Basic MHRA Format

Format:

Author's First Name Last Name, Title of Dissertation (unpublished doctoral thesis, University, Year)

Footnote Example:

John Doe, A Brief History of Chocolate (unpublished doctoral thesis, University of Example, 2021), p. 123.

Bibliography Entry Example:

Doe, John, A Brief History of Chocolate (unpublished doctoral thesis, University of Example, 2021)

In-Text Citation Example:

• Parenthetical citation: (Doe 2021: 123)
• Narrative citation: Doe (2021: 123)

MHRA Citation for Unpublished Dissertation

Format:

Author's First Name Last Name, Title of Dissertation (unpublished doctoral thesis, University, Year)

Footnote Example:

John Doe, The History of Chocolate Consumption (unpublished doctoral thesis, University of Example, 2021), p. 45.

Bibliography Entry Example:

Doe, John, The History of Chocolate Consumption (unpublished doctoral thesis, University of Example, 2021)

In-Text Citation Example:

• (Doe 2021: 45)

MHRA Citation for Published Dissertation

Format:

Author's First Name Last Name, Title of Dissertation (doctoral thesis, University, Year), URL.

Footnote Example:

John Doe, The Impact of Chocolate on Global Trade (doctoral thesis, University of Example, 2021), http://example/chocolate-examples.com, p. 89.

Bibliography Entry Example:

Doe, John, The Impact of Chocolate on Global Trade (doctoral thesis, University of Example, 2021), http://example/chocolate-examples.com

In-Text Citation Example:

• (Doe 2021: 89)

MHRA Example

Certain linguists have crafted specialized training routines that are intended to enhance native speakers' skills in comprehending speech with accents.1 Doe found that understanding increases with exposure to foreign language sounds.2

Footnotes:

1. John Doe, A Brief History of Chocolate (unpublished doctoral thesis, University of Example, 2021), p. 50.
2. Jimmy James, The Cultural Significance of Chocolate (doctoral thesis, University of Example, 2021), http://example/chocolate-examples.com, p. 77.

Bibliography:

• Doe, John, A Brief History of Chocolate (unpublished doctoral thesis, University of Example, 2021) 
• James, Jimmy, The Cultural Significance of Chocolate (doctoral thesis, University of Example, 2021), http://example/chocolate-examples.com. 

How to Cite a Dissertation in AMA Style

The American Medical Association (AMA) style is commonly used in the medical and scientific fields. It has a specific format for citing dissertations, which is important for maintaining consistency and clarity in academic writing.

AMA Citation Rules

• List the author’s last name followed by their first initial.
• Italicize the title of the dissertation.
• Specify the type of dissertation (e.g., PhD dissertation) and the name of the university.
• Include the year of submission.
• Provide the URL if available or the database name if accessed from an online database.

Basic AMA Format

Format:

Author Last Name First Initial. Title of Dissertation. PhD dissertation. Location: Name of the Institution; Year. Available from: URL.

Reference List Citation Example:

Doe J. A Brief History of Chocolate. PhD dissertation. Example State: University of Example; 2021. Available from: http://example/chocolate-examples.com.

In-Text Citation Example:

(Doe J. A Brief History of Chocolate. University of Example; 2021.)

AMA Citation for Unpublished Dissertation

Format:

Author Last Name First Initial. Title of Dissertation. PhD dissertation. Location: Name of the Institution; Year.

Reference List Citation Example:

Doe J. Effects of Global Warming on Chocolate Production. PhD dissertation. Example State: University of Example; 2021.

In-Text Citation Example:

(Doe J. Effects of Global Warming on Chocolate Production. University of Example; 2021.)

AMA Citation for Published Dissertation

Format:

Author Last Name First Initial. Title of Dissertation. PhD dissertation. Location: Name of the Institution; Year. Available from: URL.

Reference List Citation Example:

Doe J. The Impact of Cloud Computing on Chocolate Companies. PhD dissertation. Example State: University of Example; 2021. Available from: http://example/chocolate-examples.com.

In-Text Citation Example:

(Doe J. The Impact of Cloud Computing on Chocolate Companies. University of Example; 2021. Available from: http://example/chocolate-examples.com.)

AMA Citation for Dissertation from a Database

Format:

Author Last Name First Initial. Title of Dissertation. PhD dissertation. Location: Name of the Institution; Year. Available from: Database Name.

Reference List Citation Example:

Doe J. Developing New Technologies in Chocolate Production. PhD dissertation. Example State: University of Example; 2021. Available from: ProQuest Dissertations and Theses.

In-Text Citation Example:

(Doe J. Developing New Technologies in Chocolate Production. University of Example; 2021. Available from: ProQuest Dissertations and Theses.)

How to Cite a Dissertation in Chicago

The Chicago Manual of Style is commonly used in humanities, particularly in history, literature, and the arts. There are two systems within the Chicago style: the Notes and Bibliography system and the Author-Date system.

Chicago Formatting Rules

Follow these guidelines for Chicago citations:

• Use the appropriate system (Notes and Bibliography or Author-Date).
• Italicize the title of the dissertation.
• Include the type of dissertation and institution.
• Provide the URL and the year of access (if applicable).

Basic Chicago Format

End-Text Citation Format (Notes and Bibliography):

Author's Last Name, First Name. Title of Dissertation: Subtitle. PhD diss., University, Year. URL.

End-Text Citation Example (Notes and Bibliography):

Doe, John. A Brief History of Chocolate: An In-Depth Study. PhD diss., University of Example, 2021. http://example/chocolate-examples.com.

End-Text Citation Format (Author-Date):

Author's Last Name, First Name. Year. Title of Dissertation: Subtitle. PhD diss., University. URL.

End-Text Citation Example (Author-Date):

Doe, John. 2021. A Brief History of Chocolate: An In-Depth Study. PhD diss., University of Example. http://example/chocolate-examples.com.

In-Text Citation Examples (Author-Date):

Parenthetical citation: (Doe 2021)

Narrative citation: Doe (2021)

Chicago Citation for Unpublished Dissertation (Notes and Bibliography)

Format:

Author's Last Name, First Name. "Title of Dissertation: Subtitle." PhD diss., University, Year.

Reference List Citation Example:

Doe, John. "Effects of Global Warming on Chocolate Production: A Comprehensive Analysis." PhD diss., University of Example, 2021.

In-Text Citation Example:

According to studies, chocolate production … (Doe 2021)

Chicago Citation for Published Dissertation (Notes and Bibliography)

Format:

Author's Last Name, First Name. Title of Dissertation: Subtitle. PhD diss., University, Year. URL.

Reference List Citation Example:

Doe, John. The Impact of Cloud Computing on Chocolate Companies: Trends and Predictions. PhD diss., University of Example, 2021. http://example/chocolate-examples.com.

In-Text Citation Example:

(Doe 2021)

Chicago Citation for Unpublished Dissertation (Author-Date)

Format:

Author's Last Name, First Name. Year. "Title of Dissertation: Subtitle." PhD diss., University.

Reference List Citation Example:

Doe, John. 2021. "Effects of Global Warming on Chocolate Production: A Comprehensive Analysis." PhD diss., University of Example.

In-Text Citation Example:

(Doe 2021)

Chicago Citation for Published Dissertation (Author-Date)

Format:

Author's Last Name, First Name. Year. Title of Dissertation: Subtitle. PhD diss., University. URL.

Reference List Citation Example:

Doe, John. 2021. The Impact of Cloud Computing on Chocolate Companies: Trends and Predictions. PhD diss., University of Example. http://example/chocolate-examples.com.

In-Text Citation Example:

(Doe 2021)

In closing,

Writing a dissertation is a crucial part of a degree. It is used by the teachers to gauge your capabilities and score you accordingly. This blog guides you in citing your dissertation using the most commonly used referencing styles.

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