How do I cite a dissertation in MLA style?

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In order to cite a thesis or dissertation in MLA Style, you will need the following information:

  • Author’s name
  • Title of the dissertation (in quotation marks)
  • Date of the degree conferment
  • Name of the university
  • The words, PhD dissertation (or MA/MS thesis)

Here is an example of how to cite a dissertation:

  • Jones, John A. “An Examination of the Influence of Cultural Diversity in Corporate America.” PhD dissertation, Harvard University, 2010.

For a published dissertation or thesis available in a database or on a website, you may include the name of the database or site, the URL, and the date of access:

Remember to write the author’s last name first, followed by first name and middle initial if given. The title should be in quotations and title case, and the name of the university should be italicized. The word “Accessed” should be used when providing the date accessed for an online source.

Citing an unpublished thesis or dissertation

Citation of an unpublished thesis or dissertation can vary due to different citation styles. Here are examples in APA, MLA and Chicago style:

1. APA (American Psychological Association) Style:

Author’s Last name, F. (Year). Title of dissertation/thesis (Unpublished doctoral dissertation [OR] Unpublished master’s thesis). Academic Institution, City, State.

Example:

  • Smith, J. (2010). Understanding global climate change: A study on the effects of greenhouse gases (Unpublished doctoral dissertation). Harvard University, Cambridge, MA.

2. MLA (Modern Language Association) Style:

Author’s Last name, First name. “Title of Dissertation/Thesis.” Year of Completion. Name of Institution, Degree, Location.

Example:

  • Smith, John. “Understanding Global Climate Change: A Study on the Effects of Greenhouse Gases.” 2010. Harvard University, PhD dissertation, Cambridge.

3. Chicago Style:

Author’s Last name, First name. “Title of Dissertation/Thesis.” PhD diss. [OR] Master’s thesis, Name of Institution, Year of Completion.

Example:

  • Smith, John. “Understanding Global Climate Change: A Study on the Effects of Greenhouse Gases.” PhD diss., Harvard University, 2010.

Remember that citation styles can vary between different academic institutions and fields, so it’s always wise to check the specific requirements for your particular situation. In all cases, be sure that your references are clear and complete. Always provide as much information as possible to enable your readers to locate the sources you’ve cited.

Published by Henry