How to Cite a Thesis or Dissertation in APA: A Complete Guide

Proper citation is crucial in academic writing as it ensures that sources are appropriately credited, maintaining the integrity and credibility of your work. When citing theses or dissertations, adhering to specific guidelines is essential due to the unique nature of these documents.

The APA citation style, particularly the 7th edition, provides a structured approach for referencing various types of sources, including theses and dissertations. It offers clear instructions on how to format citations correctly, whether the work is published or unpublished.

By mastering these citation techniques, you uphold academic standards and contribute to a reliable scholarly community.

Understanding APA 7th Edition Guidelines for Thesis and Dissertation Citations

Proper citation in academic writing is crucial for maintaining the integrity of your work. The APA 7th edition guidelines provide clear formats for citing theses and dissertations, ensuring that you attribute sources accurately. These guidelines vary depending on whether the work is published or unpublished.

Citing Published Dissertations or Master's Theses in APA: Format and Examples

When citing a published dissertation or master's thesis in APA style, you must include specific details to ensure proper attribution:

• Format: Author's Last Name, First Initial(s). (Year). Title of dissertation/thesis (Publication No.) [Doctoral dissertation/Master's thesis, Name of Institution Awarding the Degree]. Database or Archive Name.
• Example:

Angeli, E. L. (2012). Networks of communication in emergency medical services (Publication No. 3544643) [Doctoral dissertation, Purdue University]. ProQuest Dissertations Publishing.

If the work is not published in a database, it is essential to include the URL where the document can be found.

Citing Unpublished Dissertations or Master's Theses in APA: Format and Examples

For an unpublished dissertation or master's thesis, the citation format changes slightly:

• Format: Author's Last Name, First Initial(s). (Year). Title of dissertation/thesis [Unpublished doctoral dissertation/master's thesis]. Name of Institution Awarding the Degree.
• Example:

Samson, J. M. (2016). Human trafficking and globalization [Unpublished doctoral dissertation]. Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University.

The title should be italicized to conform with APA style guidelines. Including "Doctoral dissertation" or "Master's thesis" in brackets after the title clarifies the type of academic work being cited.

These formats are designed to help readers locate and reference your sources accurately. Adhering to these guidelines ensures your citations are consistent and professional, reflecting well on your academic writing skills.

Key Components of Thesis/Dissertation Citations in APA Style

Proper citation of theses and dissertations in APA style includes specific elements that ensure clarity and consistency. Here are the key components:

1. Italicizing Titles in APA Citations

When citing a thesis or dissertation in APA style, it is crucial to italicize the title. This emphasizes the work and distinguishes it from other parts of the citation. For example:

Angeli, E. L. (2012). Networks of communication in emergency medical services [Doctoral dissertation, Purdue University]. ProQuest Dissertations Publishing.

2. Doctoral Dissertation vs. Master's Thesis Citations

Clarifying when to use "Doctoral dissertation" or "Master's thesis" in brackets after the title is essential for accurate citation. Use "Doctoral dissertation" for Ph.D. level works and "Master's thesis" for master's level works. This specification provides clear information about the academic level of the work cited. Examples include:

Samson, J. M. (2016). Human trafficking and globalization [Unpublished doctoral dissertation]. Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University.

Doe, J. A. (2020). Exploring sustainable agriculture practices [Master's thesis, University of California].

3. Including the Name of the Institution Granting the Degree

The institution granting the degree must be included in the citation to provide proper context and attribution. This detail helps identify where the research was conducted and adds credibility to the source.

Smith, R. T. (2018). The impact of social media on political campaigns [Doctoral dissertation, Harvard University].

By following these guidelines—italicizing titles, specifying the type of academic work in brackets, and including the name of the institution—you can ensure your citations are accurate and professional, upholding academic standards.

These elements are critical for precise attribution of academic sources in your writing:

• Italicize titles
• Specify "Doctoral dissertation" or "Master's thesis"
• Include institution name

Understanding these components will help you correctly cite theses and dissertations in APA style, reflecting attention to detail and scholarly integrity.

Incorporating Digital Sources and Databases in Thesis/Dissertation Citations

When citing digital sources such as databases or archives in APA citations, adherence to specific guidelines is crucial for maintaining academic integrity.

Guidelines for Citing Digital Sources

For published dissertations or theses accessed through databases, include the database name in the citation:

• Format: Author's Last Name, First Initial(s). (Year). Title of dissertation/thesis (Publication No.) [Doctoral dissertation/Master's thesis, Name of Institution Awarding the Degree]. Database Name.
• Example: Angeli, E. L. (2012). Networks of communication in emergency medical services (Publication No. 3544643) [Doctoral dissertation, Purdue University]. ProQuest Dissertations Publishing.

Including Database Names

Incorporating database names helps locate the source quickly and ensures proper attribution:

• Use the full name of the database.
• If multiple databases are involved, list them all.

Providing URLs for Unpublished Works

For unpublished works not found in databases, URLs play a key role:

• Format: Author's Last Name, First Initial(s). (Year). Title of dissertation/thesis [Unpublished doctoral dissertation/master's thesis]. Name of Institution Awarding the Degree. URL.
• Example: Samson, J. M. (2016). Human trafficking and globalization [Unpublished doctoral dissertation]. Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University. [URL]

Ensuring accurate digital citations preserves academic integrity and enhances accessibility to scholarly resources.

Conclusion

Maintaining academic integrity starts with proper citation practices. Giving accurate credit not only strengthens your research but also honors the original contributions of others. When you know how to cite a thesis or dissertation in APA, you create transparent, verifiable work that stands up to academic scrutiny.

• Always attribute sources clearly and follow APA guidelines for every thesis or dissertation you reference.
• Use the provided examples as templates until this process becomes second nature.
• Double-check details like italicization, bracketed descriptions, and institutional names—they all matter for clarity and credibility.

Effective citation is a skill that sets your work apart. Practicing these steps ensures your writing remains both ethical and authoritative.

If you're ever uncertain about a citation, revisit these rules or consult the latest APA manual. Consistent effort in this area pays dividends throughout your academic journey.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Why is proper citation of theses and dissertations important in academic writing?

Proper citation of theses and dissertations is crucial in academic writing to uphold academic integrity, give credit to original authors, and allow readers to locate the original sources for further research.

What are the key APA 7th edition guidelines for citing theses and dissertations?

APA 7th edition requires italicizing the title of the thesis or dissertation, specifying whether it is a Doctoral dissertation or Master's thesis in brackets after the title, including the name of the institution granting the degree, and providing database names or URLs when applicable.

How do I cite a published dissertation or master's thesis in APA format?

To cite a published dissertation or master's thesis in APA, include the author's name, year of publication, italicized title with appropriate designation (Doctoral dissertation or Master's thesis), institution name, and database information if accessed digitally.

What is the correct way to cite an unpublished thesis or dissertation in APA style?

For unpublished works, include the author's name, year, italicized title with designation in brackets, institution granting the degree, and provide a URL if available. If accessed through a database, mention the database name instead.

When should I use 'Doctoral dissertation' versus 'Master's thesis' in an APA citation?

'Doctoral dissertation' should be used when citing doctoral-level research projects, while 'Master's thesis' applies to master's level research. This distinction is indicated in brackets immediately after the title in APA citations.

How do I incorporate digital sources and databases when citing theses or dissertations in APA?

When citing digital theses or dissertations in APA, include the database name if accessed through one. For unpublished works not found in databases, provide a direct URL to ensure accessibility and proper attribution.