How to Cite an Online Course in ACS (4th edition)

Learn how to cite online courses and MOOCs (Coursera, edX, Udemy, FutureLearn) in ACS format (4th edition). This guide includes the reference list format, in-text citation examples, and key formatting rules.

ACS Reference List Format

Here is the standard ACS format for citing an online course in your reference list:

ACS Example for an Online Course

A complete ACS reference for an online course, formatted by the official ACS CSL style definition — the same engine that powers the generator on this site:

Matching in-text citation: 1

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Gather source information: Collect the author name, title, publication date, and URL or DOI for your online course.
2. Format the reference: Arrange the elements following the ACS (4th 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 reference list: Include the full formatted citation at the end of your paper.
5. Double-check formatting: Verify italics, punctuation, capitalization, and hanging indents match ACS requirements.

Cite an Online Course in Other Styles

Cite Other Sources in ACS

More Resources

• Free Citation Generator (10,834 styles)
• Free Writing Tools
• Compare Citation Styles
• All Citation Guides
• Cheat Sheets (APA, MLA, Chicago)
• Citation Glossary (et al., ibid., DOI, hanging indent)