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How to Cite a Dissertation or Thesis in MLA (9th edition)

Learn how to cite doctoral dissertations and master's theses in MLA format (9th edition). This guide includes the reference list format, in-text citation examples, and key formatting rules.

MLA Works Cited Format

Here is the standard MLA format for citing a dissertation or thesis in your Works Cited page:

Author Last Name, First Name. Title of Dissertation. Year. Institution Name, PhD/MA dissertation.

MLA Example for a Dissertation or Thesis

A complete MLA reference for a dissertation or thesis, formatted by the official MLA CSL style definition — the same engine that powers the generator on this site:

Vasquez, Elena. Reading Practices in the Digital Archive. 2022, https://www.example.org/theses/vasquez. State University, Doctoral dissertation.

Matching in-text citation: (Vasquez)

MLA In-Text Citation

Use one of these formats when referencing this source within your paper:

Parenthetical

(Smith 45)

Narrative

Smith argues that...

Step-by-Step Guide

  1. Gather source information: Collect the author name, title, publication date, and URL or DOI for your dissertation or thesis.
  2. Format the reference: Arrange the elements following the MLA (9th edition) template shown above.
  3. Create the in-text citation: Add a parenthetical or narrative citation in your paper where you reference this source.
  4. Add to your Works Cited: Include the full formatted citation at the end of your paper.
  5. Double-check formatting: Verify italics, punctuation, capitalization, and hanging indents match MLA requirements.

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Cite a Dissertation or Thesis in Other Styles

Dissertation or Thesis in APADissertation or Thesis in ChicagoDissertation or Thesis in HarvardDissertation or Thesis in VancouverDissertation or Thesis in IEEEDissertation or Thesis in AMADissertation or Thesis in TurabianDissertation or Thesis in CSEDissertation or Thesis in BibTeXDissertation or Thesis in NatureDissertation or Thesis in ACSDissertation or Thesis in OSCOLADissertation or Thesis in BluebookDissertation or Thesis in AGLCDissertation or Thesis in ASADissertation or Thesis in APSADissertation or Thesis in AAADissertation or Thesis in NLMDissertation or Thesis in ACMDissertation or Thesis in APSDissertation or Thesis in AIPDissertation or Thesis in CellDissertation or Thesis in ScienceDissertation or Thesis in PLOSDissertation or Thesis in BMJDissertation or Thesis in LancetDissertation or Thesis in JAMADissertation or Thesis in Elsevier HarvardDissertation or Thesis in Springer

Cite Other Sources in MLA

Website in MLABook in MLAJournal Article in MLAYouTube Video in MLAPodcast in MLANewspaper Article in MLAMagazine Article in MLABlog Post in MLAWikipedia in MLAPDF in MLAInterview in MLASocial Media Post in MLAGovernment Document in MLAConference Paper in MLALecture or PowerPoint in MLAWebinar in MLAOnline Course in MLAPowerPoint Presentation in MLAImage or Photograph in MLAMovie or Film in MLADocumentary in MLATV Show in MLASong or Music in MLAPoem in MLACourt Case in MLAPatent in MLAEncyclopedia Entry in MLADictionary Entry in MLADataset in MLASoftware or App in MLAVideo Game in MLAPress Release in MLAReport in MLAPreprint in MLABook Chapter in MLAChatGPT in MLABible in MLATED Talk in MLAEmail in MLAReddit or Forum Post in MLAX (Twitter) Post in MLAMap in MLA

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