Learn How to Cite a Dissertation or Thesis in APA Format with Examples

If you’re working on a dissertation or thesis, citing your sources accurately is vital to maintaining academic integrity. In this article, we’ll guide you through the process of citing a dissertation or thesis in APA format. You’ll learn the key elements and rules you need to follow, as well as specific guidelines for in-text citations and reference list entries. By the end of this article, you’ll have the tools to create credible and professional research papers.

Key Takeaways:

• APA format is the standard for academic writing and requires properly citing sources, including dissertations and theses.
• For dissertation citation, include the author’s name, year of publication, and title of the dissertation. For thesis citation, include the author’s name, year of publication, and title of the thesis.
• Proper formatting, in-text citations, and reference list entries are important components of accurate dissertation and thesis citations.
• Challenges in citing dissertations and theses can be overcome with practical solutions and best practices.
• Additional resources and tools are available to assist in creating accurate and effective citations.

Understanding APA Format for Dissertation and Thesis Citation

When citing a dissertation or thesis in APA format, it’s essential to follow the specific guidelines and format correctly. This helps ensure your research is credible and professional. In this section, we’ll explain the key elements and rules you need to follow when citing your sources in APA style. We’ll cover both the dissertation and thesis citation formats separately.

Citing a Dissertation in APA Format

The format for dissertation citations in APA style consists of the author’s last name, first initial, year of publication, title of dissertation, and academic institution.

For example:

Smith, J. (2020). Investigating the Effects of Social Media on Mental Health (Doctoral dissertation, University of Sydney).

When citing a dissertation in APA, you should also include the database or URL where it was accessed from.

The format for the reference list entry is as follows:

Author, A. A. (Year of publication). Title of dissertation or thesis (Doctoral dissertation or master’s thesis). Retrieved from Name of database. (Accession or Order No.)

For example:

Smith, J. (2020). Investigating the Effects of Social Media on Mental Health (Doctoral dissertation). Retrieved from ProQuest Dissertations & Theses Global. (18442876)

Citing a Thesis in APA Format

The format for thesis citations in APA style is similar to that of dissertation citations. The only difference is that the title is followed by “Master’s thesis” instead of “Doctoral dissertation.”

For example:

Jones, L. (2018). The Impact of Climate Change on Agriculture (Master’s thesis, University of Melbourne).

The reference list entry format for a thesis citation is also similar to that of a dissertation, as follows:

Author, A. A. (Year of publication). Title of dissertation or thesis (Master’s thesis or doctoral dissertation). Retrieved from Name of database. (Accession or Order No.)

For example:

Jones, L. (2018). The Impact of Climate Change on Agriculture (Master’s thesis). Retrieved from ProQuest Dissertations & Theses Global. (18273845)

It’s important to note that the publication date for both dissertations and theses should be the year the work was completed, not the year of publication.

Now that you have a good understanding of the APA format for dissertation and thesis citations, let’s move on to some specific examples and guidelines for accurate and consistent citations.

Citing a Dissertation in APA Format: Example and Guidelines

Properly citing a dissertation in APA format is essential for academic writing and research. Here’s an example of how to cite a dissertation in APA:

Smith, J. D. (2019). Investigating the impact of social media on mental health (Doctoral dissertation). Retrieved from ProQuest Dissertations and Theses Global database (Accession No. 123456789).

The example above includes the author’s name, publication year, title of dissertation, degree type, and the database where it can be accessed. It’s important to follow the specific guidelines for formatting the citation, as well as the in-text citation and reference list entries.

Here are some guidelines to follow when citing a dissertation in APA format:

• Format: Author, A. A. (Year of publication). Title of dissertation or thesis (Doctoral dissertation or master’s thesis). Retrieved from Name of database. (Accession or Order No.)
• Author: The author’s name should be written as Last name, First Initial. Middle Initial (if applicable).
• Publication year: The year the dissertation was published or completed.
• Title of dissertation or thesis: The title should be italicized and written in sentence case.
• Degree type: Indicate if it is a doctoral dissertation or a master’s thesis.
• Database name: The name of the database where the dissertation can be accessed should be italicized.
• Accession number: This number is assigned to the dissertation or thesis when it is added to the database. If no accession number is available, use the Order number instead.

When citing a dissertation in-text, include the author’s last name and year of publication, separated by a comma. For example (Smith, 2019).

Finally, make sure to include the dissertation citation in the reference list, sorted alphabetically by the author’s last name. The reference list entry should follow the same format as the example above.

By following these guidelines and using the example provided, you can accurately and effectively cite dissertations in APA format.

Citing a Thesis in APA Format: Example and Guidelines

When citing a thesis in APA format, there are specific guidelines to follow to ensure consistency and accuracy. The basic format for citing a thesis in APA format is as follows:

Lastname, F. N. (Year). Title of dissertation or thesis (Publication No.) [Doctoral dissertation or Master’s thesis, Name of Institution]. Name of Archive or Collection.

Let’s break down each element of this format:

• Lastname, F. N.: Author’s last name and initials
• (Year): Year of publication (in parentheses)
• Title of dissertation or thesis: Title of the dissertation or thesis (in italics)
• (Publication No.): Publication number (if available)
• [Doctoral dissertation or Master’s thesis, Name of Institution]: Degree type (in brackets) and Name of Institution
• Name of Archive or Collection: Name of the archive or collection where the thesis is located (if applicable)

Let’s look at an example of citing a thesis in APA format:

Scott, A. W. (2017). Examining the relationship between social media usage and mental health in adolescents (Publication No. 12345) [Doctoral dissertation, University of Sydney]. University of Sydney Digital Theses Collection.

In the example above, the author’s last name is Scott, the year of publication is 2017, and the title of the thesis is Examining the Relationship between Social Media Usage and Mental Health in Adolescents. The publication number is 12345, and the degree type is a doctoral dissertation from the University of Sydney. The thesis is located in the University of Sydney Digital Theses Collection.

Guidelines for Citing a Thesis in APA Format

Now that we’ve seen an example of citing a thesis in APA format, let’s review the specific guidelines you need to follow:

• Start with the author’s last name and initials, followed by the year of publication in parentheses.
• Italicize the title of the thesis or dissertation.
• Include the publication number (if available) in parentheses.
• Indicate the degree type in brackets (e.g., [Doctoral dissertation or Master’s thesis]) and the name of the institution where it was obtained.
• If the thesis is available in an archive or collection, include the name of the archive or collection.
• Use proper capitalization and punctuation throughout the citation.

By following these guidelines and using the example provided above, you can accurately and consistently cite a thesis in APA format.

Common Challenges and Solutions in Citing Dissertations and Theses

Citing dissertations and theses can be challenging due to multiple factors such as complex author names, unpublished works, and the lack of standard citation guidelines. The following section will discuss common challenges you may encounter and provide practical solutions to overcome them.

Challenges in Citing Dissertations and Theses

Challenge 1: Complex author names

Author names can sometimes be confusing, especially when dealing with foreign names or multiple authors with the same last name. This can lead to inaccurate citations or the omission of an author’s work.

Challenge 2: Unpublished works

Dissertations and theses can be unpublished works, making it difficult to obtain the necessary information required for accurate citations. This can include missing publication dates, author affiliations, and DOI (digital object identifier) numbers.

Challenge 3: Lack of standard citation guidelines

Unlike other published works, dissertations and theses do not have standard citation guidelines, which can lead to inconsistencies in citation styles across different sources.

Solutions for Citing Dissertations and Theses

Solution 1: Verify author names

When dealing with complex author names, it’s essential to verify the correct spelling and order of names to ensure accurate citations. Double-check with the author or supervisor if necessary.

Solution 2: Include as much information as possible

For unpublished works, include as much information as possible, such as the author’s name, title of the dissertation or thesis, level of degree, name of the university, and date of completion.

Solution 3: Check for formatting guidelines

While there are no standard citation guidelines for dissertations and theses, some universities may have specific formatting guidelines or requirements. Check with the university or supervisor for any formatting guidelines to ensure consistency in your citations.

By acknowledging and overcoming these common challenges, you can ensure your citations are accurate, consistent, and adhere to APA formatting standards.

Best Practices for Citing Dissertations and Theses in APA Format

To ensure accurate and effective citations for dissertations and theses in APA format, it’s essential to follow best practices. Here are some tips and recommendations to help you create credible and professional citations:

• Use hanging indentation for reference list entries. This means the first line is flush left, and subsequent lines are indented half an inch.
• Include all relevant information for the source, such as the author’s name, title, date of publication, and publisher.
• Use italics for book and journal titles, but not for article or chapter titles.
• Include the DOI (digital object identifier) if available for online sources.
• For in-text citations, include the author’s last name and year of publication.
• Use et al. for sources with three or more authors in both in-text citations and reference list entries.
• Proofread and double-check your citations for accuracy and consistency.

By following these best practices, you can ensure your citations are clear, concise, and adhere to APA formatting standards.

Additional Resources and Tools for APA Format Citations

Aside from the guidelines and examples outlined in this article, there are numerous resources and tools available to help you master the APA format for dissertation and thesis citations.

Online Citation Generators

Online citation generators such as Citation Machine and EasyBib can be extremely useful in creating accurate and consistent citations in APA format. Simply input the required information and the generator will create a proper citation for you.

APA Style Blog

The APA Style Blog provides a wealth of information regarding APA formatting and citation rules. You can find a wide variety of topics, including how to cite unusual sources, guidance on when to include page numbers in in-text citations, and more.

Reference Managers

Reference managers such as Zotero and Mendeley can help you organize a large number of sources and create citations in various formats, including APA. These tools allow you to easily add and manage sources, create bibliographies, and even collaborate with others.

APA Manual

The Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association is the definitive guide to APA formatting and citation rules and is an essential resource for anyone who frequently writes academic papers. This comprehensive manual covers all aspects of APA formatting, including in-text citations, reference list entries, and more.

By utilizing these resources and tools, you can enhance your understanding of APA format and ensure your citations are accurate and consistent.

Conclusion

To summarize, properly citing dissertations and theses in APA format is critical for ensuring the credibility and professionalism of your research. By following the guidelines, examples, and best practices provided in this article, you can create accurate and effective citations that adhere to APA formatting standards.

Remember to always check for accuracy and consistency in your citations, particularly with complex sources such as dissertations and theses. Don’t hesitate to seek help from your professor or a writing center if you encounter any difficulties.

With the resources and tools available, including the ones we have highlighted in this article, you can easily improve your citation skills and enhance the quality of your academic writing. So, go ahead and start mastering the art of citing dissertations and theses in APA format with examples!

Frequently Asked Questions About How To Cite A Dissertation Or Thesis In APA Format

How do I cite a dissertation in APA format?

To cite a dissertation in APA format, you should include the author’s last name and initials, the year of publication, the title of the dissertation in italics, the institution where the dissertation was published, and the URL or DOI (if available). For example: Smith, J. A. (2021). Title of Dissertation (Doctoral dissertation). University Name. Retrieved from URL

How do I cite a thesis in APA format?

To cite a thesis in APA format, you should include the author’s last name and initials, the year of publication, the title of the thesis in italics, the institution where the thesis was published, and the URL or DOI (if available). For example: Johnson, S. M. (2020). Title of Thesis (Master’s thesis). University Name. Retrieved from URL

What are the key elements of APA format for dissertation and thesis citation?

The key elements of APA format for dissertation and thesis citation include the author’s name, the year of publication, the title of the dissertation or thesis, the type of work (e.g., doctoral dissertation, master’s thesis), and the name of the institution.

Can you provide examples of APA dissertation citations?

Sure! Here’s an example of how to cite a dissertation in APA format:

Smith, J. A. (2021).

Title of Dissertation (Doctoral dissertation).

University Name. Retrieved from URL

Can you provide examples of APA thesis citations?

Certainly! Here’s an example of how to cite a thesis in APA format:

• Johnson, S. M. (2020).
• Title of Thesis (Master’s thesis).
• University Name. Retrieved from URL

What are some common challenges in citing dissertations and theses?

Common challenges in citing dissertations and theses include

• Finding accurate and complete information,
• Determining the correct format for different types of dissertations and theses,
• And ensuring consistency in citation style throughout the document.

Are there any best practices for citing dissertations and theses in APA format?

Yes, some best practices for citing dissertations and theses in APA format include

• Using proper formatting,
• Adhering to the guidelines provided by the institution or publisher,
• Checking for updates to APA citation rules,
• And accurately citing all sources used in the research.

Where can I find additional resources and tools for APA format citations?

There are several additional resources and tools available to assist you in citing dissertations and theses in APA format. Some helpful resources include official APA style guides, citation generators, and online databases specifically designed for academic citations.