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:

Follow the standard ACS template for this source type.

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 (10,832 styles)
• Free Writing Tools
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• All Citation Guides
• Cheat Sheets (APA, MLA, Chicago)