How to Cite a Dissertation or Thesis in PLOS (current)
Learn how to cite doctoral dissertations and master's theses in PLOS format (current). This guide includes the reference list format, in-text citation examples, and key formatting rules.
PLOS Reference List Format
Here is the standard PLOS format for citing a dissertation or thesis in your reference list:
PLOS Example for a Dissertation or Thesis
A complete PLOS reference for a dissertation or thesis, formatted by the official PLOS CSL style definition — the same engine that powers the generator on this site:
1. Vasquez E. Reading practices in the digital archive. Doctoral dissertation, State University. 2022. Available: https://www.example.org/theses/vasquez
Matching in-text citation: [1]
Step-by-Step Guide
- Gather source information: Collect the author name, title, publication date, and URL or DOI for your dissertation or thesis.
- Format the reference: Arrange the elements following the PLOS (current) template shown above.
- Create the in-text citation: Add a parenthetical or narrative citation in your paper where you reference this source.
- Add to your reference list: Include the full formatted citation at the end of your paper.
- Double-check formatting: Verify italics, punctuation, capitalization, and hanging indents match PLOS requirements.
Evidence and review notes
Worked examples are generated by citeproc from the published CSL definition, not written by a language model. Editorial guidance and sources in this section were reviewed on 2026-08-14.
CSL style record: plos.csl
Metadata to collect
- author
- title
- degree type (doctoral dissertation or master's thesis)
- awarding institution
- year the degree was awarded
- database or repository name and identifier
- URL
Common metadata traps
- State whether the work is published in a database or repository or is unpublished; the formats differ.
- Use the year the degree was awarded, not the date the file was uploaded.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How do I cite a dissertation or thesis in PLOS?
- To cite a dissertation or thesis in PLOS (current), include the author, title, date, and source location. Use our free citation generator for automatic formatting.
- What is the PLOS format for a dissertation or thesis citation?
- The PLOS format for a dissertation or thesis is: 1. Vasquez E. Reading practices in the digital archive. Doctoral dissertation, State University. 2022. Available: https://www.example.org/theses/vasquez
- What does the in-text citation look like for a dissertation or thesis in PLOS?
- In PLOS, the in-text citation for the example above is [1]
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