How to Cite an Online Course in Bluebook (21st edition)

Learn how to cite online courses and MOOCs (Coursera, edX, Udemy, FutureLearn) in Bluebook format (21st edition). This guide includes the reference list format, in-text citation examples, and key formatting rules.

Bluebook Bibliography Format

Here is the standard Bluebook format for citing an online course in your bibliography:

Bluebook Example for an Online Course

Bluebook does not give an online course an entry in the bibliography — it is cited in a note only. Here is that note, formatted by the official Bluebook CSL style definition:

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 Bluebook (21st 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 bibliography: Include the full formatted citation at the end of your paper.
5. Double-check formatting: Verify italics, punctuation, capitalization, and hanging indents match Bluebook requirements.

Cite an Online Course in Other Styles

Cite Other Sources in Bluebook

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)