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- Citing an unpublished thesis or dissertation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
Note:
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
Note:
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).
Bibliography:
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
Citation Structure
Note:
1. First name Last name, “Title” (master’s thesis or PhD diss., University Name, year published), page number, URL.
Bibliography:
Last name, First name. “Title.” Master’s thesis or PhD diss., University Name, year published. URL.
Citation Example
Note:
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.
Bibliography:
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.
Citation Structure
Note:
1. First name Last name, “Title” (unpublished manuscript, Month Day, Year last modified), format.
Bibliography:
Last name, First name. “Title.” Unpublished manuscript, last modified Month Day, Year. Format.
Citation Example
Note:
1. John Doe, “A Study of Generic Topic” (unpublished manuscript, June 19, 2021), Microsoft Word file.
Bibliography:
Doe, John. “A Study of Generic Topic.” Unpublished manuscript, last modified June 19, 2021. Microsoft Word file.
