Properly citing a thesis showcases your ability to respect intellectual property while adding credibility to your work. Whether you’re referencing published or unpublished theses, follow these steps for accuracy:
Understanding Citation Styles
Each academic field has its preferred citation style:
- APA Style: Common in social sciences and education.
- MLA Style: Used for literature and humanities.
- Chicago Style: Popular for history and some social sciences.
Ensure you follow your institution’s prescribed format.
Components of a Thesis Citation
A complete citation typically includes:
- Author’s name
- Year of publication
- Title of the thesis
- Type of thesis (e.g., master's, doctoral)
- Name of the institution
- URL or DOI (if applicable)
Examples of Thesis Citations
- APA Format:
- Doe, J. (2022). The impacts of climate change on urban planning (Doctoral dissertation, XYZ University). Retrieved from https://example.com
- MLA Format:
- Doe, John. The impacts of Climate Change on Urban Planning. 2022, XYZ University, PhD dissertation, https://example.com.
- Chicago Format:
- Doe, John. The impacts of Climate Change on Urban Planning. PhD diss., XYZ University, 2022. Accessed at https://example.com.
By following these formats, citing a thesis becomes straightforward and professional.