How to Cite a Thesis: A Complete Guide for Students and Researchers
In academic writing, one of the most common questions students ask is how to cite a thesis. Whether you are referencing your own work or citing someone else’s dissertation, proper citation is essential for academic integrity. Citing a thesis shows readers where your ideas come from and allows them to trace original research.
In this guide, we’ll walk through why it matters, different styles for citing a thesis, and practical examples you can use in your own writing.
Why Do You Need to Cite a Thesis?
Theses and dissertations often contain original, in-depth research that isn’t published elsewhere. If you build upon these ideas without proper credit, it can be considered plagiarism. By learning how to cite a thesis, you:
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Give credit to the original researcher.
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Strengthen the credibility of your own work.
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Help readers find additional resources.
When writing a thesis yourself, the references in thesis are equally important—they form the backbone of your research and demonstrate that your arguments are supported by reliable sources.
General Rules for Thesis Citations
When you cite a thesis, the key information you need includes:
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Author’s name.
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Year of publication.
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Title of the thesis (italicized).
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Indication of type (Master’s thesis, PhD dissertation).
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Institution name.
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Repository or database (if applicable).
The exact format depends on the citation style you are using.
How to Cite a Thesis in Different Styles
APA (7th Edition)
Format: Author, A. A. (Year). Title of thesis (Publication No.) [Doctoral dissertation/Master’s thesis, Institution]. Database.
Example:
Smith, J. (2022). Climate change adaptation in coastal cities (Publication No. 123456) [Doctoral dissertation, University of Oxford]. ProQuest Dissertations Publishing.
MLA (9th Edition)
Format: Author’s Last Name, First Name. Title of Thesis. Year. University, Thesis type.
Example:
Smith, John. Climate Change Adaptation in Coastal Cities. 2022. University of Oxford, PhD dissertation.
Chicago (17th Edition)
Bibliography format: Last Name, First Name. Title of Thesis. PhD diss., University, Year.
Example:
Smith, John. Climate Change Adaptation in Coastal Cities. PhD diss., University of Oxford, 2022.
Common Questions About Citing a Thesis
Q: How do you cite a thesis if it is unpublished?
A: If a thesis is unpublished, include “Unpublished” in the citation, followed by the institution and location.
Q: What if I access a thesis online?
A: Add the URL or database name. For example, in APA, you would include the university repository or ProQuest database.
Q: Can I cite my own thesis in future research?
A: Yes, but treat it like any other source. Transparency is important, so clearly note it as your own previous work.
Final Thoughts
Knowing how to cite a thesis is a vital academic skill. Whether you’re writing your first paper or preparing to publish your research paper, proper citation shows professionalism, builds credibility, and maintains academic integrity. Always check the required style guide for your institution or journal, but keep these rules in mind as a foundation.
By mastering thesis citations, you not only avoid plagiarism but also ensure your work contributes meaningfully to the larger world of academic publishing.
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