APA Style 7th Edition: Citing Your Sources

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Author, A. A.

 

 (year).

[Unpublished doctoral dissertation/master’s thesis].

 

Name of Institution Awarding the Degree

 

Author, A. A.

 

(year).

[Doctoral dissertation, Name of Institution Awarding the Degree].

  [Master’s thesis, Name of Institution Awarding the Degree].

 

Database Name. 

Archive Name.

https://xxxx...

 

Adapted from American Psychological Association. (2020). Publication manual of the American Psychological Association (7th ed).  https://doi.org/10.1037/0000165-000

Formatting:

  • Italicize the title
  • Identify whether source is doctoral dissertation or master’s thesis in parentheses after the title

Thesis, from a commercial database

(Order No. 3682837) [Doctoral dissertation, University of Maryland]. ProQuest Dissertations and Theses Global. 

Dissertation, from an institutional database

Andrea, H. (2014). (Doctoral dissertation). https://etd.ohiolink.edu/

Unpublished master’s thesis

Curry, J.  (2016).  (Unpublished master’s thesis).  Pacific Oaks College.

See Ch. 10 pp. 313-352 of APA Manual for more examples and formatting rules

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APA 7th Edition Style Guide: Unpublished Manuscripts/Informal Publications (i.e. course packets and dissertations)

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Formatting your References

Once you type your references on the reference page, you will need to put in a hanging indent and double-space the entire reference list. In Microsoft Word, highlight the references from A to Z, then find the paragraph function in the Word ribbon. Select Hanging under Indentation and Double under spacing. See the Formatting your References tab for instructions on doing this on a Mac or in Google Docs.

Abbas, D. D. F. (2020). Manipulating of audio-visual aids in the educational processes in Al-Hilla University College. International Journal of Psychosocial Rehabilitation, 24 (3), 1248-1263. https://doi.org.db12.linccweb.org/10.37200/ijpr/v24i3/pr200875

   

                                            

Cite previously published material

(Hirsh & Rangan, 2013).

(1), 21-23.

   

Cite unpublished or unattributed material (author listed) (Bronson, 2013).

Bronson, E. (2013). Table of company earnings by growth rate. In F. Harber (Comp.),  (pp. 15-16). Indian River State College.

 

Cite unpublished or unattributed material (no author) ("Table of company," 2013).

Table of company earnings by growth rate. (2013). In F. Harber (Comp.),  pp. 15-16. Fort Pierce, FL: Indian River State College.

 

   
Cite unpublished dissertation or thesis (Skidmore, 2017). Skidmore, K. L. (2017). (Unpublished master's thesis). Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, FL.
Cite a dissertation published in a subscription database (Woods, 2014).

Woods, S. (2014). (Doctoral dissertation). Retrieved from ProQuest Criminal Justice Database. (Order No. 3665295)

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unpublished thesis apa 7th

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  • How to cite a dissertation in APA Style

How to Cite a Dissertation in APA Style | Format & Examples

Published on December 16, 2020 by Jack Caulfield . Revised on December 27, 2023.

The format for citing someone else’s dissertation or thesis in APA Style depends on whether the thesis is available from a database, published somewhere else (e.g. on a university archive or personal website), or unpublished (only available in print form directly from the author or university).

To cite a dissertation or thesis from a database, use the following format. In the square brackets, specify the type of dissertation or thesis and the university. As with other database sources, no URL or DOI is included.

APA format Author last name, Initials. (Year). (Publication No. Number) [Type of dissertation/thesis, University Name]. Database Name.
Ford, L. (2015). (Publication No. 3731118) [Doctoral dissertation, Pepperdine University]. ProQuest Dissertations and Theses Global.
(Ford, 2015)

Table of contents

Citing a dissertation published elsewhere, citing an unpublished dissertation in apa style.

To cite a dissertation or thesis published in a university archive (often in PDF form ) or on a personal website, the format differs in that no publication number is included, and you do list a URL.

APA format Author last name, Initials. (Year). [Type of dissertation/thesis, University Name]. Archive Name. URL
Behrens, B. (2020). [Master’s thesis, University of Notre Dame]. CurateND. https://curate.nd.edu/show/9k41zc80w8w
(Behrens, 2020)

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unpublished thesis apa 7th

To cite an unpublished dissertation (one you got directly from the author or university in print form), add “Unpublished” to the bracketed description, and list the university at the end of the reference, outside the square brackets.

APA format Author last name, Initials. (Year). [Unpublished type of dissertation/thesis]. University Name.
Smith, J. (2020). [Unpublished master’s thesis]. University of Amsterdam.
(Smith, 2020)

Cite this Scribbr article

If you want to cite this source, you can copy and paste the citation or click the “Cite this Scribbr article” button to automatically add the citation to our free Citation Generator.

Caulfield, J. (2023, December 27). How to Cite a Dissertation in APA Style | Format & Examples. Scribbr. Retrieved August 5, 2024, from https://www.scribbr.com/apa-examples/dissertation/

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Reference Page Examples - Dissertations or Theses

  • Published Dissertation or Thesis
  • Unpublished Dissertation or Thesis

 A dissertation or thesis is considered published when it is available from a database such as ProQuest Dissertations and Theses Global.

If the database or archive requires users to log in before they can view the dissertation or thesis, meaning the url will not work for readers, end the reference with the database name., author, a. a. (year).  title of dissertation  (publication no. xxxxxxxxx). [doctoral dissertation or masters thesis, name of, institution that awarded the degree]. name of source i.e. proquest dissertations and theses global. url for, the dissertation or thesis., d'arcangelis, g. s. (2009).  the bio scare: anthrax, smallpox, sars, flu and post-9/11 u.s. empire  (order no.,            3388146). [doctoral dissertation, university of california los angeles]. proquest dissertations and theses,            global. , * ** remember: each source listed on the reference page must correspond to at least one in-text citation in the body of the paper; each in-text citation must correspond to a source listed on the reference page., when a dissertation or thesis is unpublished, include the description “[unpublished doctoral dissertation]” or “[unpublished master’s thesis]” in square brackets after the dissertation or thesis title., in the source element of the reference, provide the name of the institution that awarded the degree., author, a. a. (year).  title of dissertation  [unpublished doctoral dissertation or unpublished, masters thesis], name of institution that awarded the degree. , johnson, b. (2005). balanced scorecard applications  [unpublished master's thesis]. worthington university..

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A thesis is an unpublished document produced by student as part of the requirements for the degree. They come at various levels (e.g. Honours, Masters, PhD, etc). Check with your lecturer before using a thesis for your assignment.

Format

Author, A. A. (Date). [Type of thesis, name of institution awarding degree]. Name of archive or site. URL

Author, A. A. (Date). [Type of thesis, name of institution awarding degree]. Database Name.

:

Author, A. A. (Date). [Type of thesis]. Name of institution awarding the degree. 

Author, A. A. (Date). [Unpublished type of thesis]. Name of institution awarding the degree. 

Examples [Doctoral thesis, James Cook University]. ResearchOnline@JCU. https://researchonline.jcu.edu.au/47533/

Hawkins, E. J. (1999). [Unpublished master's thesis]. James Cook University.

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Citing Dissertations & Theses in APA Format

Author Date Title (SOURCE) Institution (SOURCE) Database Name (SOURCE) URL
Author, A. A.  (2018).

[Unpublished master's thesis].

[Unpublished doctoral dissertation].

(Publication No. xx) [Doctoral dissertation, Name of Institution Awarding the Degree].

Name of Institution Awarding the Degree.

found in Proquest Dissertations and Theses Global).

Proquest Dissertations and Theses Global.

https://www.xx.xxxx

Dissertations & Theses

Dissertations and theses are formatted the same way in APA 7th edition. Theses are generally the culminating work for a master's or undergraduate degree and dissertations are often original research completed by doctoral students. Here are examples of a dissertation & a thesis, and how they would be formatted: 

Examples: 

Dissertation found in Proquest Dissertations and Theses Global: 

Reference:  

Banks, B. (2020). Addressing institutional racism in healthcare: A case study (Publication No. 28154307) [Doctoral dissertation, University of Minnesota]. Proquest Dissertations and Theses Global. 

In-Text Citation (Paraphrase):  

(Banks, 2020).

In-Text Citation (Direct Quote):

(Banks, 2020, p. 157).

Master's thesis from a University scholarship database: 

Sears, L. B. (2017). The public voice and sustainable food systems: Community engagement in food action plans [Unpublished master's thesis]. University of Kansas.  https://kuscholarworks.ku.edu/handle/1808/26899  

In-Text Citation (Paraphrase):

(Sears, 2017). 

(Sears, 2017, p. 24). 

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Citation information has been adapted from the APA Manual (7th Edition). Please refer to page 333 of the APA Manual (7th Edition) for more information.

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A thesis or dissertation will either be unpublished - available only in print at the awarding institution; or published - either on a website, or in a theses database such as ProQuest Dissertations and Theses Global. The principles when referencing a thesis are similar to those used when referencing a book.

  • Unpublished (print)
  • Online from a database
  • Online from a website/archive

Thesis/Dissertation printed and paper bound

Reference elements.

annotated example of a thesis reference

In-text citation

 

(Author, Year)

OR

Author (Year)

... as was demonstrated in the research (Kennedy, 2015).

OR

Kennedy (2015) researched the effects of ...

"..." (Author, Year, p. xx)

OR

Author (Year) "..." (p. xx)

It was found that "characteristics of nurses ..." (Kennedy, 2015, p. 34).

OR

According to Kennedy (2015) "nurses in emergency ..." (p. 23).

Author, A. A. (Year).  [Unpublished type of thesis]. Name of Institution.

Kennedy, B. (2015).   [Unpublished master’s thesis]. University of Sydney.

Thesis/Dissertation from online database

annotated example of a thesis reference from a database

 

(Author, Year)

OR

Author (Year)

... as demonstrated in the research (Sanner-Stiehr, 2015). 

OR

Sanner-Stiehr (2015) demonstrates ...

"..." (Author, Year, p. xx)

OR

Author (Year) "..." (p. xx)

The research shows that "nursing staff ..." (Sanner-Stiehr, 2015, p. 34).

OR

Sanner-Stiehr (2015) found that "nursing staff ..." (p. 34).

Author, A. A. (Year).   (Accession or Order No.) [Type of thesis, Name of awarding institution]. Database name.

Sanner-Stiehr, E. (2015).   (Order No. 3701205) [Doctoral dissertation, University of Missouri]. ProQuest Central.

Thesis/Dissertation from online website/archive

annotated example of a thesis reference from a website

 

(Author, Year)

OR

Author (Year)

... as discussed in the research (Tonkin, 2016).

OR

Tonkin (2016) discusses the correlation between ...

"..." (Author, Year, p. xx)

OR

Author (Year) "..." (p. xx)

It was discovered that "innovation in schools ..." (Tonkin, 2016, p. 12).

OR

Tonkin (2016) concluded that "innovation in schools ..." (p. 12).

Author, A. A. (Year).  [Type of thesis, Name of Institution]. Name of archive. 

Tonkin, A. T. (2016). [Research thesis, The University of Melbourne]. Minerva Access.

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APA 7th edition - Citations: Theses & Dissertations

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Published vs. unpublished

Citations for dissertations and theses reorganize elements depending on whether they are published or unpublished.

  • A dissertation or thesis is considered published when it is available through a database, institutional repository, or archive
  • e.g. [Master's thesis, University of British Columbia] or [Doctoral dissertation, Simon Fraser University]
  • Include the URL if the URL will work for readers, or else end the citation with the name of the database, repository, or archive 

General format - published

Reference List 

AuthorLastName, A. A. (Date). Title of dissertation or thesis (Publication No. ## - if available) [Document type, institution name]. Publisher. http://www.website.com/webpage

(AuthorLastName, Year)

  • Unpublished
  • An unpublished dissertation or thesis includes the name of the university as the source.
  • A URL is generally not included as an unpublished document is assumed to be in print or a digital document unavailable publicly.
  • If available in a database or repository/archive, treat as published.

General format - unpublished

AuthorLastName, A. A. (Date). Title of dissertation or thesis (Publication No. ## - if available) [Unpublished document type]. Institution Name. http://www.website.com/webpage

1. Published

Hossain, M. A. (2018). What do police recruits identify as strategies to deal with their triggers/biases to deliver fair and impartial policing? [Capstone Project, Justice Institute of British Columbia]. The Vault. https://jibc.arcabc.ca/islandora/object/jibc%3A2380?solr_nav%5Bid%5D=16b067104b80bcb271bb&solr_nav%5Bpage%5D=0&solr_nav%5Boffset%5D=0

(Hossain, 2018)

Ferguson, J. (2010). Queer Japanese cinema: A rich and diverse cultural history's challenge to hegemonic ideologies of gender and sexuality (Publication No. MR82331) [Master's thesis, University of British Columbia]. ProQuest Dissertations and Theses Global.

(Ferguson, 2010)

2. Unpublished

Smith, I. (2020). Effects of library instruction on college students' citation practices [Unpublished undergraduate thesis]. Okanagan College.

(Smith, 2020)

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APA Citations (7th ed.)

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Dissertations & Theses

Reference for doctoral dissertations and master's and undergraduate theses are divided by whether they are unpublished or published. This guide will focus on published dissertations and theses.

Published works may be available from a database, a university archive, or a personal website.

If you wish to cite an unpublished dissertation or theses, please check with your instructor to make sure this source would be appropriate for your assignment.

To learn how to cite unpublished dissertations or theses, see pp. 333-334 of the manual.

Dissertations & Theses Templates

unpublished thesis apa 7th

Dissertation or Thesis From a Database

Villalobos, R. (2023). (Im)mobile girls: Latina rural girlhoods in the United States  [Doctoral dissertation, University of California, Santa Cruz]. ProQuest Dissertations and Theses Global.

Parenthetical citation:  (Villalobos, 2023)

Narrative citation:  Villalobos (2023)

Dissertation or Thesis Published Online (Not in a Database)

Shacklette, D. W. (2021).  Linking processing speed and white matter: A bridge between education and neuroscience research  [Master's thesis, Stanford University]. Stanford Digital Repository. https://searchworks.stanford.edu/view/yq219dn0952

Parenthetical citation:  (Shacklette, 2021)

Narrative citation:  Shacklette (2021)

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APA 7th Edition Citation Guide Dissertations and Theses

Thesis or dissertation from a library database.

Reference Page Format:

Author, A. A. (Year of Publication).  Title of dissertation/thesis  [Master's thesis/Doctoral dissertation, Name of institution awarding degree]. Database name.

Reference Page Example:

Thao-Yang, T. (2021).  All it takes is one person: First-generation Hmong women's educational experiences  [Doctoral dissertation, Concordia University]. Proquest Dissertations and Theses Global.

In-text Citation Examples:

Thao-Yang (2021) shared that ... ...( Thao-Yang ,  2021 ). ...( Thao-Yang ,  2021, p. 65 ).

Thesis or Dissertation from an Institutional Repository

Author, A. A. (Year of Publication).  Title of dissertation/thesis  [Master's thesis/Doctoral dissertation, Name of institution awarding degree]. Institutional Repository Name. URL
Janssen, K. (2021).  Ways technology impact cognitive development in early childhood environment  [Master's Thesis, Concordia University]. DigitalCommons@CSP.  https://digitalcommons.csp.edu/teacher-education_masters/52
Janssen (2021) shared that ... ...( Janssen,  2021 ). ...( Janssen,  2021, p. 22 ).

Print Thesis or Dissertation

Author, A. A. (Year of Publication).  Title of dissertation  [Unpublished master's thesis/doctoral dissertation]. Name of the institution awarding the degree.
Munson, D. J. (2019). How undergraduate faculty navigate the use of free internet sources for scholarly purposes  [Unpublished doctoral dissertation]. Nova Southeastern University.
Munson (2019) shared that ... ...(Munson, 2019). ...( Munson, 2019, p. 36 ).
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unpublished thesis apa 7th

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Author, A. A. (2020).

[Doctoral dissertation, Name of Institution Awarding the Degree].

[Master's thesis, Name of Institution Awarding the Degree].

Database Name.

Archive Name.

https://xxxxx

For a doctoral or master's thesis available from a database service such as ProQuest Dissertations and Theses Global:

Reference List

Dempsey-Richardson, C. (2013). 'It's like we were being watched ... like there were only three walls, and not a fourth wall': Manifestations of metafiction in Buffy the vampire slayer  (Order No. 14333 04638 ) [Master's thesis, Eastern Kentucky University].  ProQuest  Dissertations & Theses Global.

Nicosia, M. (2016).  Performing the female superhero: An analysis of identity acquisition, violence, and hypersexuality in DC comics  [Doctoral dissertation, Bowling Green State University]. Electronic Theses and Dissertation Center.  https://etd.ohiolink.edu/

In-Text Citations

Parenthetical citations:

  • Paraphrase: (Dempsey-Richardson, 2013);  (Nicosia, 2016)
  • Quotation: (Dempsey-Richardson, 2013, p. 6);  (Nicosia, 2016, p. 110)

Narrative citations: Dempsey-Richardson (2013);  Nicosia (2016)

NOTE: Remember to use proper spacing and hanging indentations.

Author, A. A. (2020)  [Unpublished doctoral dissertation]. Name of Institution Awarding the Degree.

Kassover, A. (1987). Treatment of abusive males: Voluntary vs. court mandated referrals  [Unpublished doctoral dissertation]. Nova University.

Considine, M. (1986). Australian insurance politics in the 1970s: Two case studies  [Unpublished doctoral dissertation]. University of Melbourne.

Parenthetical citations:  (Kassover, 1987); (Considine, 1986)

Narrative citations: Kassover (1987); Considine (1986)

NOTE:   Remember to use proper spacing and hanging indentations.

 


 

 

 


Author, A. A. (2020)

 [Doctoral dissertation, Name of Institution Awarding the Degree].

 [Master's thesis, Name of Institution Awarding the Degree].

Database Name.

Archive Name.

https://xxxxx

Hutcheson, V. (2012). Dealing with dual differences: Social coping strategies of gifted and lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer adolescents [Master's thesis, The College of William & Mary]. William & Mary Digital Archive.  https://digitalarchive.wm.edu/handle/10288/16594

Parenthetical citations: 

  • Paraphrase: (Hutcheson, 2012)
  • Quotation: (Hutcheson, 2012, p. 12)

Narrative citation: Hutcheson (2012)

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General Rule:

Author, A. A. (year). Title of doctoral dissertation or master’s thesis  (Publication No. #) [Doctoral dissertation or master’s thesis, Name of Institution Awarding the Degree]. Name of Database.

Davis, P. M. (2010). Access, readership, citations: A randomized controlled trial of scientific journal publishing . (Publication No.   3429815 )  [Doctoral dissertation, Cornell University].  ProQuest Dissertations and Theses Global.  

Author, A. A. (year). Title of doctoral dissertation or master’s thesis  [Doctoral dissertation or master’s thesis, Name of Institution]. Name of Website. URL

Buckman, A. (1997). MOOSE Crossing: Construction, community, and learning in a networked virtual world for kids [Doctoral dissertation, Massachusetts Institute of Technology]. DSpace@MIT.  https://dspace.mit.edu/handle/1721.1/33821

Author, A. A. (year). Title of doctoral dissertation or master’s thesis  [Unpublished doctoral dissertation or master’s thesis]. Name of Institution.

Long, R.P. (1972). A study of instructional objectives and methods for interpersonal communication. [Unpublished master’s thesis]. West Virginia University.

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In-text citation

Reference list.

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Theses and dissertations

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  • Other styles AGLC4 APA 7th Chicago 17th (A) Notes Chicago 17th (B) Author-Date Harvard MLA 9th Vancouver
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(Author's surname, Year)

This was seen in an Australian study (Couch, 2017). 

Couch (2017) suggests that…

  • Go to  Getting started >  In-text citation  to view other examples such as multiple authors.

Published thesis

Author, A. A. (Year). Title of thesis [Type of thesis, Name of institution awarding degree]. Name of archive or site. https://xxxxxx

Stored in a database

Author, A. A. (Year). Title of thesis (Database Publication number, if assigned) [Type of thesis, Name of institution awarding degree]. Database Name.

Taffe, S. (2017).  The Federal Council for the Advancement of Aborigines and Torres Strait Islanders: The politics of inter-racial coalition in Australia, 1958–1973  [Doctoral thesis, Monash University]. Bridges.  https://doi.org/10.4225/03/59d4482289ea4

Bozeman, A. Jr. (2007).  Age of onset as predictor of cognitive performance in children with seizure disorders  (Publication No. 3259752) [Doctoral dissertation, The Chicago School of Professional Psychology]. ProQuest Dissertations and Theses Global.

Unpublished thesis

Author, A. A. (Year).  Title of thesis or dissertation  [Unpublished Doctoral dissertation or Master's thesis]. Name of Institution.

Imber, A. (2003).  Applicant reactions to graduate recruitment and selection  [Unpublished Doctoral dissertation]. Monash University. 

For further guidance, see the APA Style website- Published Dissertation or Thesis , Unpublished Dissertation or Theses .

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APA Style Guide, 7th Edition: Unpublished Manuscripts/Informal Publications (i.e. course packets and dissertations)

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Formatting your References

Once you type your references on the reference page, you will need to put in a hanging indent and double-space the entire reference list. In Microsoft Word, highlight the references from A to Z, then find the paragraph function in the Word ribbon. Select Hanging under Indentation and Double under spacing. See the Formatting your References tab for instructions on doing this on a Mac or in Google Docs.

Abbas, D. D. F. (2020). Manipulating of audio-visual aids in the educational processes in Al-Hilla University College. International Journal of Psychosocial Rehabilitation, 24 (3), 1248-1263. https://doi.org.db12.linccweb.org/10.37200/ijpr/v24i3/pr200875

The citation above may not indicate a hanging indent depending on the device you are using to view it.  The second and all subsequent lines of APA formatted references use a hanging indent.

                                            

Cite previously published material

(Hirsh & Rangan, 2013).

(1), 21-23.

Cite unpublished or unattributed material (author listed) (Bronson, 2013).

Bronson, E. (2013). Table of company earnings by growth rate. In F. Harber (Comp.),  (pp. 15-16). Indian River State College.

Cite unpublished or unattributed material (no author) ("Table of company," 2013).

Table of company earnings by growth rate. (2013). In F. Harber (Comp.),  pp. 15-16. Fort Pierce, FL: Indian River State College.

Cite unpublished dissertation or thesis (Skidmore, 2017). Skidmore, K. L. (2017). (Unpublished master's thesis). Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, FL.
Cite a dissertation published in a subscription database (Woods, 2014).

Woods, S. (2014). (Doctoral dissertation). Retrieved from ProQuest Criminal Justice Database. (Order No. 3665295)

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Dissertation or thesis from a database

In-text citation: (Ponte, 2022) Reference list: Ponte, B. (2022). Sexual assault prevention: The impact of public health messages on rape related attitudes, knowledge, self-efficacy, and behavioral intention (Publication No. 29394204) [Doctoral dissertation, Palo Alto University]. ProQuest Dissertations and Theses Global.  For more reference examples of published dissertations, please visit the APA Style website . Section 10.6 of the Publication Manual covers published dissertations and theses. 

Dissertation or thesis published online (repository)

In-text citation: (Keogh, 2022) Reference list: Keogh, S. (2022). Within the liminal [Undergraduate thesis, Ball State University]. Cardinal Scholar.  https://cardinalscholar.bsu.edu/handle/123456789/203203

Unpublished dissertation

In-text citation: (Azcarraga, 2019) Reference list:  Azcarraga, A.W. (2019). The role of self-esteem and shame in single parenting [Unpublished doctoral dissertation]. The Chicago School of Professional Psychology.  For more examples of an unpublished dissertation or thesis, please see the APA Style website . Section 10.6 of the Publication Manual covers unpublished dissertations and theses. 

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APA 7th Edition - University of Lincoln

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Theses/dissertations

Dissertations or theses can be either published or unpublished. Those that are unpublished are usually obtained from the respective university in print format. Those that are published, are usually available from a research database or a university archive/repository. 

The examples below show how to reference both types of dissertation/thesis.

See also the guidance on the APA's Style website at: https://apastyle.apa.org/style-grammar-guidelines/references/examples/unpublished-dissertation-references (unpublished dissertations) And https://apastyle.apa.org/style-grammar-guidelines/references/examples/published-dissertation-references (published dissertations)

Unpublished theses, dissertations

Parenthetical citation  

 (Aggrey, 2012) 

Narrative citation

Aggrey (2012)

Reference List   

Aggrey, K. K. (2012).  The collaboration between the NHS Trusts (Lincolnshire Foundation Partnership Trusts)

      and the voluntary sector on performance of mental health care delivery in Lincolnshire [Unpublished doctoral

      dissertation]. University of Lincoln.   

1. Author(s)’ surname, comma, initial(s) with a full stop after each initial  2. Year of submission in round brackets followed by a full stop   3. Title of thesis/dissertation in italics  4. Description in square brackets [Unpublished doctoral dissertation] or [Unpublished master’s dissertation] followed by a full stop  5. Name of institution followed by a full stop 

Published dissertation/thesis from a database

Parenthetical citation

(El-Chab, 2016)

Narrative citation 

El-Chab (2016)  

Reference list 

El-Chab, A. (2016).  The effect of dietary standardisation on exercise performance and physiological

     responses in male athletes  (Publication No. 10588261) [Doctoral dissertation, Oxford Brookes University].

     Proquest Dissertations and Theses Global.  

1. Author(s)’ surname, comma, initial(s) with a full stop after each initial (and comma if more than one author)  2. Year of publication in round brackets followed by a full stop   3. Title of thesis/dissertation in italics  4. Publication number in round brackets   5. Doctoral dissertation or Master’s thesis in square brackets, name of institution followed by a full stop  6. Database name followed by a full stop  

Dissertation/thesis published online (not in a database)

Parenthetical citation 

(Lund, 2017) 

Lund (2017)

Lund, T. W. (2017). Perceptions of academic dishonesty in a cross-cultural context: Students views on cheaters, cheating,

       and severity of offences  [Master’s thesis, Marietta College]. OhioLINK: Electronic Theses & Dissertation Center.

        https://etd.ohiolink.edu/apexprod/rws_olink/r/1501/10?p10_etd_subid=150733&clear=10 

Format: 

Author surname, Initial(s). (Year).  Title of dissertation  [Doctoral dissertation or Master’s thesis, Name of Institution).

       Name of resource. URL 

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APA 7th Referencing Style Guide

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Terminology - Thesis, dissertation or exegesis?

Published theses and dissertations, unpublished theses and dissertations.

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Thesis and dissertation can mean different things depending on where the degree is awarded. Always check the title page, or subsequent pages, to determine exactly what the work is and use the information for your reference. ​

Auckland University of Technology (and other NZ universities)

  • Thesis is either for a doctoral or a master's degree.
  • Dissertation is either for a master's or a bachelor's degree with honours.
  • Exegesis is the written component of a practice-based thesis where the major output is a creative work;  e.g., a film, artwork, novel.

Other parts of the world

  • In North America and some other countries, dissertation is used for a doctoral degree and thesis for a master's degree.

Theses available in a database, a university archive or from a personal website.

Reference format

Author, A. A. (Year).  (Publication No. ) [Doctoral dissertation/Doctoral thesis/Master's dissertation/Master's thesis, Institution Name].

Database Name.  URL

Archive Name.  URL

Theses published online (e.g. in institutional repositories)

Miller, T. (2019). [Master's thesis, Auckland University of Technology]. Tuwhera. 

Kelly, C. B. D. (2018). [Doctoral thesis, The University of Waikato]. The University of Waikato Research Commons. 

Theses from ProQuest Dissertations and Theses Global

Becker, J. C. (2013). (Publication No. 3577776) [Doctoral dissertation, Graduate Council of Texas State University - San Marcos]. ProQuest Dissertations and Theses Global.

Find how to cite in text on the  In-text citation  page.

 Unpublished thesis or dissertations are usually sourced directly from the university in print form.

 Reference format

Author, A. A. (Year). [Unpublished doctoral or master's thesis or dissertation].

Name of the Institution awarding the degree.

Stewart, Y. (2000).  [Unpublished master's thesis]. Auckland University of Technology.

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Dissertation and Theses Examples

There will be times when you will be citing published and unpublished doctoral dissertations and master's theses. The following are examples of citing both styles. The examples are taken from the 7th ed. APA manual, and can be found on pp. 333-334, 10.6. ex.64-66.

Unpublished:

Author, A.A. (2020). Title of dissertation [Unpublished doctoral dissertation]. Name of Institution Awarding the Degree.

Author, A.A. (2020). Title of thesis [Unpublished master's thesis]. Name of Institution Awarding the Degree.

Harris, L. (2014). Instructional leadership perceptions and practices of elementary school leaders [Unpublished doctoral dissertation]. University of Virginia.

Author, A.A. (2020). Title of dissertation [Doctoral dissertation, Name of Institution Awarding the Degree]. Database or Archive name. URL

Author, A.A. (2020). Title of thesis [Master's thesis, Name of Institution Awarding the Degree.] Database or Archive name. URL

From a Database :

Hollander, M.M. (2017). Resistance to authority: Methodological innovations and new lessons from the Milgram experiment (Publication No. 10289373) [Doctoral dissertation, University of Wisconsin-Madison]. ProQuest Dissertations and Theses Global.

Online, not in a Database:

Hutcheson, V.H.(2012). Dealing with dual differences: Social coping strategies of gifted and lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer adolescents [Master's thesis, The College of William & Mary]. William & Mary Digital Archive. https://digitalarchive.wm.edu/bitstream/handle/10288/16594/HutchesonVirginia2012.pdf

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How To Cite A Dissertation APA 7th Edition Style Guideline

how to cite a dissertation apa 7th

In the academic world, proper citations are the cornerstone of research integrity. They not only acknowledge the work of others but also guide readers to the source for further exploration.

If you’ve ever wondered “how to cite a dissertation APA 7th edition,” you’re not alone. Many scholars and students grapple with the nuances of the APA 7th edition format, especially when citing dissertations. This article will provide a step-by-step guide on how to cite a dissertation in APA 7th edition format, ensuring your work stands out for its academic rigor rather than citation errors.

So, whether you’re an academic, a student, or a curious reader, this guide will shed light on the intricacies of APA dissertation formatting practices. Let’s dive right in!

Table of Contents

What is apa citation, what is the 7th edition apa citation, how to cite a dissertation in apa 7th edition, additional information on apa 7th edition dissertation citation.

The American Psychological Association (APA) citation style is one of the most widely used formats for scholarly writing, especially in the social sciences. Another common writing formats include MLA (click to learn more about citing a thesis in MLA ) and Chicago styles.

At its core, APA citation is a set of rules and guidelines that scholars use to ensure their work’s clarity, consistency, and credibility. Citations serve as bridges, connecting readers to the sources of information, allowing them to verify facts, delve deeper into topics, and give credit to original authors.

The APA citation system involves two primary components:

  • In-text citations: These are brief references within the body of the text that direct readers to the full citation in the reference list.
  • Reference list: Located at the end of a document, this comprehensive list provides full details of all sources cited in the text.

The APA periodically updates its style manual to accommodate the evolving needs of academic writing and the dynamics of publishing. The 7th edition of the APA Publication Manual, released in October 2019, introduced several changes to the previous version.

Here’s what you need to know about the APA style 7th edition:

Student Papers: Unlike previous editions, the 7th edition provides formatting guidelines for student papers, distinguishing them from professional papers intended for publication. Simplified In-text Citation: The 7th edition allows using the singular “they” as an inclusive pronoun and has done away with the requirement to include “doi:” in front of DOIs. Increased Flexibility: The updated edition offers more flexibility in font choices and introduces new guidelines for citing online sources, reflecting the digital age’s prevalence. Reference List: The format for multiple authors in the reference list has been simplified, and there are clearer guidelines on how to cite a dissertation, how to cite a thesis APA, and other unique source types.

This 7th edition underscores the APA’s commitment to staying current and provides scholars with tools to present their work in a structured, clear, and consistent manner.

Whether looking into APA report citation, APA citation dissertation, or figuring out how to cite a report in APA, this 7th APA style edition has streamlined the process.

Dissertations, being significant academic works, often serve as invaluable sources of information. Knowing how to cite a dissertation APA 7th is crucial for academic writers and students. Here’s a detailed guide to help you navigate this specific citation:

Author’s Last Name, First Initial. Middle Initial. (Year). Title of dissertation [Degree type]. Academic Institution. URL or Database Name
Example: Smith, J. A. (2020). Exploring the impacts of climate change on marine life [Doctoral dissertation, University of California]. Academic Database.
Example: Doe, M. L. (2019). The History of Urban Architecture in New York [Unpublished doctoral dissertation]. New York University.
Example: Brown, T. R. (2018). A Study on Sustainable Agriculture Practices in the Midwest [Master’s thesis, University of Illinois]. University Archive.
Example: Williams, K. P. (2017). Social Media’s Role in Modern Politics [Doctoral dissertation, Oxford University]. https://www.oxford.edu/dissertations/williams2017

Now that you know how to cite a dissertation, you must ensure that all the details you supply are accurate. This gives due credit to the original author and helps readers trace back to the original source for further exploration. Remember, proper citation is a hallmark of good academic practice.

Here are some extra details about APA 7th Edition citations to keep in mind when working on dissertation proofreading :

Avoid plagiarism Provide readers with the tools to delve deeper into topics. Contribute to the academic discourse by situating your research within a broader context.
The use of singular “they” as an inclusive pronoun. Specific formats for different source types, like podcasts, tweets, and more. Guidance on using font styles and sizes that enhance readability.

Get Citation Help Today

Now that you have all the information on how to cite in APA 7th Edition correctly you can proceed to work on your dissertation. However, you might be feeling stuck, or are running out of time. This is where our editing service might come in handy. You can get in touch with our professional writers who will help you finish up your dissertation or help with with formatting a research paper . You will receive the highest scores!

What is the main difference between APA 6th and APA 7th edition citations?

The APA 7th edition introduced several changes from the 6th edition, including guidelines for student papers, more flexibility in font choices, simplified in-text citations, and clearer guidelines for citing unique sources like dissertations.

Do I need to include the database name when citing a published dissertation?

Yes, for published dissertations available on a database, you should include the name of the database and the accession or order number at the end of the citation.

How do I cite an unpublished dissertation in APA 7th edition?

For unpublished dissertations, replace the database name with the phrase “Unpublished doctoral dissertation” and then list the university.

For instance, Doe, M. L. (2019). The history of urban architecture in New York [Unpublished doctoral dissertation]. New York University.

Is there a difference between citing a doctoral dissertation and a master’s thesis in APA 7th edition?

Yes, when citing a master’s thesis, you’d specify a master’s thesis in the citation.

For example: Brown, T. R. (2018). A study on sustainable agriculture practices in the Midwest [Master’s thesis, University of Illinois]. University Archive.

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How to Cite an Unpublished Paper or Manuscript in APA Referencing

  • 3-minute read
  • 23rd June 2020

Did you know that you can cite unpublished works, such as in-progress research papers or manuscripts, in an essay? Well, you can! The key is citing them correctly. And in this post, we will look at how to cite an unpublished paper or manuscript in APA referencing .

How to Cite an Unpublished Paper in APA referencing

In APA referencing, you can cite an unpublished work in the same way as you would a published one. This means giving an author’s name and a date in brackets . The only difference is that you give a year of production (i.e., when the paper was written) rather than a year of publication:

Few fully understand the publication process (Clarke, 2020).

Like other sources, if you name the author in the text, you do not need to repeat it in the brackets. And if you quote an unpublished paper, you should give page numbers. For example:

According to Clarke (2020), publication “is a complex process” (p. 20).

When a paper has been accepted for publication but not yet published, however, you should use the term “in press” in place of a year in citations:

Few fully understand the publication process (Clarke, in press).

How to Reference an Unpublished Work in APA Referencing

When adding an unpublished paper to an APA reference list , the correct format will depend on where it is in the publication process. But let’s start with works that will not be published at all (e.g., a paper that the author never submitted or that the publisher rejected).

In this case, the correct format is:

Author Surname, Initial(s). (Year of Production). Title of manuscript [Unpublished manuscript]. Department, University Name.

So, in practice, we could cite an unpublished paper like this:

Clarke, J. (2020). The publication process explained [Unpublished manuscript]. School of Journalism, Media and Performance, University of Central Lancashire.

Referencing a Work Submitted for Publication

If a paper has been submitted for publication but not yet accepted, the reference should state “manuscript submitted for publication.” However, you should not include any other information about the submission, such as where it was submitted, as this information could go out of date quickly.

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The correct format in this case is therefore:

Author Surname, Initial(s). (Year of Production). Title of manuscript [Manuscript submitted for publication]. Department, University Name.

For example, we would list the paper above as follows:

Clarke, J. (2020). The publication process explained [Manuscript submitted for publication]. School of Journalism, Media and Performance, University of Central Lancashire.

Referencing a Paper in Press

If a paper has been accepted for publication, use the following format:

Author Surname, Initial(s). (in press). Title. Periodical or Journal Title .

As you can see, we now include both:

  • The phrase “in press” to show that the paper has been accepted by the journal and is now awaiting publication.
  • The title of the journal that accepted it (note, too, that we only use italics for the journal title here, not the title of the paper itself).

In practice, then, we would reference a paper awaiting publication like this:

Clarke, J. (in press). The publication process explained, Publishing Research Quarterly .

It is always worth checking the status of submitted papers before finalizing your reference list, too, as they can go from “submitted for publication” to “in press” quite suddenly, leaving your reference out of date.

Hopefully, you will now be able to cite an unpublished paper or manuscript correctly. But if you would like any further help with your writing, why not submit a document for proofreading ?

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American Psychological Association

Published Dissertation or Thesis References

This page contains reference examples for published dissertations or theses.

Kabir, J. M. (2016). Factors influencing customer satisfaction at a fast food hamburger chain: The relationship between customer satisfaction and customer loyalty (Publication No. 10169573) [Doctoral dissertation, Wilmington University]. ProQuest Dissertations & Theses Global.

Miranda, C. (2019). Exploring the lived experiences of foster youth who obtained graduate level degrees: Self-efficacy, resilience, and the impact on identity development (Publication No. 27542827) [Doctoral dissertation, Pepperdine University]. PQDT Open. https://pqdtopen.proquest.com/doc/2309521814.html?FMT=AI

Zambrano-Vazquez, L. (2016). The interaction of state and trait worry on response monitoring in those with worry and obsessive-compulsive symptoms [Doctoral dissertation, University of Arizona]. UA Campus Repository. https://repository.arizona.edu/handle/10150/620615

  • Parenthetical citations : (Kabir, 2016; Miranda, 2019; Zambrano-Vazquez, 2016)
  • Narrative citations : Kabir (2016), Miranda (2019), and Zambrano-Vazquez (2016)
  • A dissertation or thesis is considered published when it is available from a database such as ProQuest Dissertations and Theses Global or PDQT Open, an institutional repository, or an archive.
  • If the database assigns publication numbers to dissertations and theses, include the publication number in parentheses after the title of the dissertation or thesis without italics.
  • Include the description “Doctoral dissertation” or “Master’s thesis” followed by a comma and the name of the institution that awarded the degree. Place this information in square brackets after the dissertation or thesis title and any publication number.
  • In the source element of the reference, provide the name of the database, repository, or archive.
  • The same format can be adapted for other published theses, including undergraduate theses, by changing the wording of the bracketed description as appropriate (e.g., “Undergraduate honors thesis”).
  • Include a URL for the dissertation or thesis if the URL will resolve for readers (as shown in the Miranda and Zambrano-Vazquez examples).
  • If the database or archive requires users to log in before they can view the dissertation or thesis, meaning the URL will not work for readers, end the reference with the database name (as in the Kabir example).

Published dissertation or thesis references are covered in the seventh edition APA Style manuals in the Publication Manual Section 10.6 and the Concise Guide Section 10.5

unpublished thesis apa 7th

IMAGES

  1. How to create metadata of published and unpublished thesis using Mendeley (APA 7th edition) ?

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  4. APA Style Reference Citations for Published/ Unpublished Dissertation or Thesis

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  5. APA Citations for a Thesis or Dissertation

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  6. Theses and dissertations

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COMMENTS

  1. Unpublished Dissertation or Thesis References

    Narrative citation: Harris (2014) When a dissertation or thesis is unpublished, include the description " [Unpublished doctoral dissertation]" or " [Unpublished master's thesis]" in square brackets after the dissertation or thesis title. In the source element of the reference, provide the name of the institution that awarded the degree.

  2. Thesis/Dissertation

    Effective networked nonprofit organizations: Defining the behavior and creating an instrument for measurement (Doctoral dissertation). https://etd.ohiolink.edu/ Unpublished master's thesis. Curry, J. (2016). A guide to educating single mothers about early gang intervention and prevention (Unpublished master's thesis). Pacific Oaks College.

  3. APA 7th Edition Style Guide: Unpublished Manuscripts/Informal

    How to set-up and cite your sources using APA 7th edition format. Cite the material in draft for publication or material completed, but not submitted for publication. ... These may be published in a database or freely available online or they may be unpublished. Cite unpublished dissertation or thesis (Skidmore, 2017). Skidmore, K. L. (2017).

  4. How to Cite a Dissertation in APA Style

    Citing an unpublished dissertation in APA Style. To cite an unpublished dissertation (one you got directly from the author or university in print form), add "Unpublished" to the bracketed description, and list the university at the end of the reference, outside the square brackets. ... This article reflects the APA 7th edition guidelines.

  5. Dissertations or Theses

    When a dissertation or thesis is unpublished, include the description "[Unpublished doctoral dissertation]" or "[Unpublished master's thesis]" in square brackets after the dissertation or thesis title. In the source element of the reference, provide the name of the institution that awarded the degree. Pattern: Author, A. A. (year).

  6. APA (7th Edition) Referencing Guide

    A thesis is an unpublished document produced by student as part of the requirements for the degree. They come at various levels (e.g. Honours, Masters, PhD, etc). Check with your lecturer before using a thesis for your assignment.

  7. APA Citation Style, 7th Edition: Dissertations & Thesis

    Title of thesis [Unpublished master's thesis]. Title of dissertation [Unpublished doctoral dissertation]. Title of dissertation (Publication No. xx) [Doctoral dissertation, Name of Institution Awarding the Degree]. ... Dissertations and theses are formatted the same way in APA 7th edition. Theses are generally the culminating work for a master ...

  8. LibGuides: APA 7th Referencing: Theses and dissertations

    APA 7th quiz; Feedback; Theses and dissertations overview. A thesis or dissertation will either be unpublished - available only in print at the awarding institution; or published - either on a website, or in a theses database such as ProQuest Dissertations and Theses Global. The principles when referencing a thesis are similar to those used ...

  9. APA 7th edition

    Unpublished. An unpublished dissertation or thesis includes the name of the university as the source. A URL is generally not included as an unpublished document is assumed to be in print or a digital document unavailable publicly. If available in a database or repository/archive, treat as published. General format - unpublished. Reference List

  10. Research Guides: APA Citations (7th ed.): Dissertations & Theses

    Reference for doctoral dissertations and master's and undergraduate theses are divided by whether they are unpublished or published. This guide will focus on published dissertations and theses. Published works may be available from a database, a university archive, or a personal website. If you wish to cite an unpublished dissertation or theses ...

  11. Dissertations and Theses

    APA 7th Edition Citation Guide Dissertations and Theses. Thesis or Dissertation from a Library Database. Reference Page Format: Author, A. A. (Year of Publication). ... [Unpublished master's thesis/doctoral dissertation]. Name of the institution awarding the degree. Reference Page Example: Munson, D. J. (2019).

  12. Research Guides: APA Citation Style 7th Edition: Dissertations

    APA Citation Style 7th Edition. Resources for learning how to cite your sources using APA Style 7th Edition guidelines. APA Style Overview; ... [Unpublished doctoral dissertation]. Nova University. Considine, M. (1986). Australian insurance politics in the 1970s: Two case studies [Unpublished doctoral dissertation]. University of Melbourne.

  13. APA Citations for a Thesis or Dissertation

    How to Cite a Dissertation or Thesis in APA 7th Edition. The APA dissertation or thesis citation isn't a one size fits all type of citation. The reason behind this is because APA offers a different format for a published and unpublished thesis or dissertation. However, you'll need to include information like: Author, A. A. (Year).

  14. APA 7th Edition Citation Style Guide

    General Rule: Author, A. A. (year). Title of doctoral dissertation or master's thesis [Unpublished doctoral dissertation or master's thesis].Name of Institution. Example: Long, R.P. (1972). A study of instructional objectives and methods for interpersonal communication.

  15. Subject guides: APA 7th: Theses and dissertations

    The Federal Council for the Advancement of Aborigines and Torres Strait Islanders: The politics of inter-racial coalition in Australia, 1958-1973. Age of onset as predictor of cognitive performance in children with seizure disorders (Publication No. 3259752) [Doctoral dissertation, The Chicago School of Professional Psychology].

  16. APA Style Guide, 7th Edition: Unpublished Manuscripts/Informal

    Cite unpublished dissertation or thesis (Skidmore, 2017). Skidmore, K. L. (2017). The effects of postpartum depression among young mothers who give children up for adoption (Unpublished master's thesis). Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, FL. Cite a dissertation published in a subscription database (Woods, 2014). Woods, S. (2014).

  17. Dissertations and theses

    In-text citation: (Azcarraga, 2019) Reference list: Azcarraga, A.W. (2019).The role of self-esteem and shame in single parenting [Unpublished doctoral dissertation]. The Chicago School of Professional Psychology. For more examples of an unpublished dissertation or thesis, please see the APA Style website.Section 10.6 of the Publication Manual covers unpublished dissertations and theses.

  18. Theses, dissertations

    Proquest Dissertations and Theses Global. 1. Author (s)' surname, comma, initial (s) with a full stop after each initial (and comma if more than one author) 2. Year of publication in round brackets followed by a full stop. 3. Title of thesis/dissertation in italics. 4. Publication number in round brackets.

  19. Theses and dissertations

    Auckland University of Technology (and other NZ universities) Thesis is either for a doctoral or a master's degree. Dissertation is either for a master's or a bachelor's degree with honours. Exegesis is the written component of a practice-based thesis where the major output is a creative work; e.g., a film, artwork, novel.

  20. APA (7th ed.), Citation Style: Dissertations and Theses

    The examples are taken from the 7th ed. APA manual, and can be found on pp. 333-334, 10.6. ex.64-66. Unpublished: Author, A.A. (2020). Title of dissertation [Unpublished doctoral dissertation]. Name of Institution Awarding the Degree. Author, A.A. (2020). Title of thesis [Unpublished master's thesis]. Name of Institution Awarding the Degree.

  21. How To Cite A Dissertation APA 7th Edition

    How do I cite an unpublished dissertation in APA 7th edition? For unpublished dissertations, replace the database name with the phrase "Unpublished doctoral dissertation" and then list the university. For instance, Doe, M. L. (2019). The history of urban architecture in New York [Unpublished doctoral dissertation]. New York University.

  22. How to Cite an Unpublished Paper or Manuscript in APA Referencing

    In this case, the correct format is: Author Surname, Initial (s). (Year of Production). Title of manuscript [Unpublished manuscript]. Department, University Name. So, in practice, we could cite an unpublished paper like this: Clarke, J. (2020). The publication process explained [Unpublished manuscript].

  23. Published Dissertation or Thesis References

    The same format can be adapted for other published theses, including undergraduate theses, by changing the wording of the bracketed description as appropriate (e.g., "Undergraduate honors thesis"). Include a URL for the dissertation or thesis if the URL will resolve for readers (as shown in the Miranda and Zambrano-Vazquez examples).