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

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

Turabian Bibliography Format

Here is the standard Turabian format for citing a dissertation or thesis in your bibliography:

Author Last Name, First Name. "Title of Dissertation." PhD diss./MA thesis, Institution Name, Year.

Turabian In-Text Citation

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

Parenthetical

(Smith 2024, 45)

Narrative

Smith (2024) demonstrates...

Key Turabian Formatting Rules

  • Put the dissertation title in quotation marks.
  • Specify the degree type and institution.
  • Include the year.
  • Follows Chicago Notes-Bibliography format.

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

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Cite a Dissertation or Thesis in Other Styles

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