How to Cite Dissertations and Theses in APA Format

Dissertations and theses represent original research and in-depth scholarly work, often containing findings not yet published in journals. Whether you're citing a doctoral dissertation from ProQuest, a master's thesis from an institutional repository, or unpublished graduate work, understanding APA 7th edition format ensures proper credit for these substantial academic contributions.

Why Dissertations and Theses Are Valuable Sources

Dissertations and theses contain detailed methodology, comprehensive literature reviews, and original research that may not appear elsewhere. They often represent the most thorough treatment of specialized topics, particularly in emerging research areas. Many doctoral dissertations eventually lead to multiple journal publications, but the complete dissertation provides context and details that journal articles may lack due to space constraints.

APA 7th edition distinguishes between published dissertations (available through databases like ProQuest or institutional repositories) and unpublished ones (available only from the degree-granting institution). The citation format varies based on publication status and where the work can be accessed, helping readers locate these specialized sources.

Basic Format for Dissertation Citations

In-text Citation:

• Parenthetical: (Author, Year)
• Narrative: Author (Year)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Identify the Author

The author is the person who wrote the dissertation or thesis. Use the format: Last name, First initial. Middle initial. Unlike published books, dissertations typically have a single author—the graduate student who conducted the research.

Step 2: Determine the Year

Use the year the dissertation or thesis was completed and accepted by the university. For dissertations from databases, this is usually the graduation year or publication year shown in the database record. Don't confuse this with the defense date if it differs from the acceptance year.

Step 3: Format the Title

Italicize the complete title and use sentence case: capitalize only the first word, the first word after a colon or dash, and proper nouns. Include subtitles after a colon. The title should match what appears on the dissertation's title page.

Step 4: Add the Type and Institution in Brackets

After the title, include brackets with the document type and degree-granting institution. Common types include: [Doctoral dissertation, University Name], [Master's thesis, University Name], or [Unpublished doctoral dissertation] if not publicly available. Always include the specific degree type (doctoral, master's, PhD dissertation, etc.).

Step 5: Include Database or Repository

For published dissertations, name the database or repository where you accessed it (ProQuest Dissertations & Theses Global, university institutional repository name, etc.). If the dissertation has a DOI, include it. If it has a persistent URL from the repository, include that instead.

Step 6: Add URL or DOI

Include the DOI if available (format: https://doi.org/xx.xxxx). If no DOI exists, include the direct URL from the database or institutional repository. For unpublished dissertations not available online, omit the URL entirely.

Detailed Examples

Example 1: Doctoral Dissertation from ProQuest

Example 2: Master's Thesis from Institutional Repository

Example 3: Dissertation with DOI

Example 4: Unpublished Dissertation

Example 5: International Dissertation

Example 6: Dissertation Published as a Book

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Forgetting to Italicize the Title

Dissertation and thesis titles should always be italicized, just like book titles. They represent complete, substantial works, not chapters or articles.

2. Omitting the Institution Nameincorrect Bracket Content

Always include both the degree type and university name in brackets: [Doctoral dissertation, University Name] or [Master's thesis, University Name]. Omitting either piece makes the citation incomplete.

3. Confusing Published and Unpublished Dissertations

Dissertations available through ProQuest or institutional repositories are considered published. Only dissertations available exclusively from the university library or department are unpublished. The distinction affects citation format.

4. Using "PhD Dissertation" Inconsistently

While "PhD dissertation" is acceptable, "doctoral dissertation" is more standard in APA format. Choose one form and use it consistently throughout your reference list.

5. Including Page Numbers

Unlike citing specific chapters, when citing an entire dissertation, don't include page numbers in the reference list entry. Page numbers appear only in in-text citations when referencing specific passages.

6. Citing Only the Abstract

Dissertation abstracts appear in databases, but you should access and cite the full dissertation when possible. If you can only access the abstract, note [Abstract] in your citation and explain in your text.

7. Using Outdated Database Names

ProQuest Dissertations & Theses Global (formerly Digital Dissertations and Dissertation Abstracts International) is the current database name. Use the current name even for older dissertations.

Quick Reference Guide

Degree Type Variations

• PhD: [Doctoral dissertation] or [PhD dissertation]
• EdD: [Doctoral dissertation] (specify field if helpful)
• Master's: [Master's thesis]
• Undergraduate: [Undergraduate thesis] or [Honors thesis]
• Professional: [Doctoral dissertation] (MBA thesis, etc.)

Master's Thesis vs. Doctoral Dissertation

The main differences in citing master's theses versus doctoral dissertations:

• Use [Master's thesis] for master's degree work
• Use [Doctoral dissertation] for PhD, EdD, and other doctoral work
• Master's theses may be less likely to appear in ProQuest; check institutional repositories
• Both follow the same basic citation structure
• The degree type in brackets is the key distinguishing element

Finding Dissertation Information

Locate citation details from these sources:

• Title page: Complete title, author name, university, degree type
• Copyright page: Year of completion or publication
• Database record: ProQuest or repository listing with all citation info
• University library: Catalog entry or digital repository
• Author's CV: May list dissertation title and institution

When to Cite Dissertations

Consider these factors when deciding whether to cite a dissertation:

Good Reasons to Cite Dissertations

• The research hasn't been published elsewhere
• The dissertation contains methodology details or data not in journal articles
• You need the comprehensive treatment only found in the full dissertation
• The research is recent and represents cutting-edge work in the field

When to Consider Alternatives

• If the author has published journal articles from the dissertation, cite those instead (they're peer-reviewed and more accessible)
• If the dissertation is unpublished and very old, it may be difficult for readers to access
• If you only need a small part that appears in published papers

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I cite the advisor or committee members?

No. Only cite the author (the graduate student who wrote the dissertation). Committee members and advisors aren't included in the citation, though you might mention them in your text if relevant.

What if I can't access the full dissertation?

If you can only access the abstract through a database, add [Abstract] after the title and note in your text that you only consulted the abstract. However, try to access the full dissertation when possible for more complete research.

Should I include the publication or order number?

No. APA 7th edition doesn't require ProQuest publication numbers or order numbers. The URL or DOI is sufficient for readers to locate the dissertation.

How do I cite a dissertation in a foreign language?

Provide the title in its original language, then include an English translation in square brackets: Original title [English translation] [Doctoral dissertation, University Name]. Database. URL

What if the dissertation is embargoed?

If a dissertation is under embargo (not yet publicly available), it's generally better not to cite it unless you have special permission. Wait until the embargo lifts and the work becomes accessible to other scholars.

Can I cite my own dissertation?

Yes, you can cite your own dissertation work using the same format. However, if you've published journal articles from your dissertation, consider citing those instead as they represent peer-reviewed versions of the research.

Related Guides

• How to Cite Journal Articles in APA Format
• How to Cite Conference Papers in APA Format
• How to Cite Books in APA Format