mla format master's thesis

How do I cite a dissertation in MLA style?

Note: This post relates to content in the eighth edition of the MLA Handbook . For up-to-date guidance, see the ninth edition of the MLA Handbook .

A dissertation is a unique type of source. It is a finished, stand-alone work written under the auspices of an institution. In a change from the previous edition of the MLA Handbook ,    we do not distinguish between published and unpublished dissertations. To cite a dissertation, include in the entry the author, title, and date of publication as core elements. As an optional element, list the institution granting the degree and a description of the work.

Njus, Jesse. Performing the Passion: A Study on the Nature of Medieval Acting . 2010. Northwestern U, PhD dissertation.

If you accessed the dissertation through an online repository, include this fact as the title of the second container:

Njus, Jesse. Performing the Passion: A Study on the Nature of Medieval Acting . 2010. Northwestern U, PhD dissertation.  ProQuest , search.proquest.com/docview/305212264?accountid=7432.

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How to Cite a Thesis or Dissertation in MLA

Citing a thesis or dissertation.

Thesis – A document submitted to earn a degree at a university.

Dissertation – A document submitted to earn an advanced degree, such as a doctorate, at a university.

The formatting for thesis and dissertation citations is largely the same. However, you should be sure to include the type of degree after the publication year as supplemental information. For instance, state if the source you are citing is an undergraduate thesis or a PhD dissertation.

MLA Thesis and Dissertation Citation Structure (print)

Last, First M.  Title of the Thesis/Dissertation. Year Published. Name of University, type of degree.

MLA Thesis and Dissertation Citation Structure (online)

Last, First M.  Title of the Thesis/Dissertation. Year Published. Name of University, type of degree.  Website Name , URL.

Wilson, Peggy Lynn. Pedagogical Practices in the Teaching of English Language in Secondary Public Schools in Parker County . 2011. University of Maryland, PhD dissertation.

In-text Citation Structure

(Author Last Name page #)

In-text Citation Example

(Wilson 14)

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Mla 8th ed. style guide: dissertations, theses.

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Essential Elements

Citations for dissertations/master's theses should include the following:

1. Name of Author 

2. Title of dissertation/thesis (italicized)

3. Date of Publication

5. Institution granting the degree (optional)

6. Description of the work (optional)

7. Database and URL if accessed through a database or repository

Sample Citation - Dissertations

Dissertations

The institution granting the degree and description of the work are optional. If you accessed the work online, include that information. 

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MLA 9th Edition Style Guide: Dissertation/Thesis

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Dissertation/Thesis

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Njus, Jesse. Performing the Passion: A Study on the Nature of Medieval Acting . 2010. Northwestern U,

MA thesis.  ProQuest , search.proquest.com/docview/305212264?accountid=7432.

Dissertation

PhD dissertation.  ProQuest , search.proquest.com/docview/305212264?accountid=7432.

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Dissertation and Theses: Unpublished

Dissertation and theses: published, contact kelly.

• In-Text Citations
• Works Cited Page

General, Electronic:

Last-name, First-name. “Title of Dissertation.” Diss. Place of Study, Year. Title of Database . Web. Date Month Year of Access.

Forrester, Pearl. “Psychological Distress and Repeated Television Viewing.” Diss. Miskatonic University, 1990. ProQuest Dissertations and Theses . Web. 13 May 2010.

General, Print:

Last-name, First-name. “Title of Dissertation.” Diss. Place of Study, Year. Print.

Forrester, Pearl. “Psychological Distress and Repeated Television Viewing.” Diss. Miskatonic University, 1990. Print.

General Rule:

Author's Last-name, First-name. Title of Disstertaion . Diss. Place of Study, Year. Place of Publication: Publisher, Year of Publication. Format.

Diamond, Oscar. How to Care for Your Diabetic Cat . Diss. West Virginia University, 1999. New York: Knopf, 2000. Print.

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Citation Help for MLA, 8th Edition: Master's Thesis or Project

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Panasuk, Noel. What Variables Appear to Work in Stress Management Programs in      the Workplace and How Effective are These Programs?  MS Thesis, The College of      St. Scholastica, 2008.

Explanation

Author: Panasuk, Noel. Last name first, followed by first and middle names. End with a period.   

Title & subtitle of the book: What Variables Appear to Work in Stress Managment Programs in the Workplace and How Effective are These Programs? The title and subtitle are separated by a colon. Capitalize all important and proper words. Place in Italics and end with a period or if it has a question mark in the title, that is sufficient.    Status of Publishing: MA Thesis, Use the words MA Thesis followed by a comma. If it is a project, then use the words MA project. If it is a doctoral dissertation, use the word Dissertation. Name of Institution Where Degree was Granted: The College of St. Scholastica, The full name of the college or university followed by a comma. Year of Publication: 2008. List the year of publication, which appears on the title page or the title page verso (back side of title page). End citation with a period. 

[Th e above information is based on   Purdue OWL .]

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MLA Citation Style, 9th Edition: Thesis or Dissertation

• In-Text References
• Works Cited
• One Author or Editor
• Multiple Authors or Editors
• Author and Editor
• Author and Translator
• Organization as Author
• Anonymous Work
• Chapter from an Edited Work
• Introduction, Preface, Foreword, or Afterword
• Multivolume Work
• Edition Other than the First
• Dictionary or Encyclopedia
• Journal Article
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• Newspaper Article
• Book Review
• Basic Webpage
• Video Recording
• Sound Recording
• YouTube Video
• Interview or Personal Communication
• Lecture or Presentation
• Thesis or Dissertation
• Indirect Source
• Government Document
• AI Generated Content

Thesis or Dissertation - Examples

Example 1 – MA Thesis

In-Text:       

( Gaudette 47 )

Works Cited:

Example 2 – PhD Dissertation

( Thomson 145-51 )

Help & Guide Contents

Home General Guidelines     In-Text Reference     Works Cited Books     One Author or Editor     Multiple Authors or Editors     Author and Editor     Author and Translator     Organization as Author     Anonymous Work     Chapter from an Edited Work     Introduction, Preface, Foreword, or Afterword     Multivolume Work     Edition Other than the First     Dictionary or Encyclopedia     E-Book Articles     Journal Article     Magazine Article     Newspaper Article     Book Review Websites     Basic Webpage     Blog Post     Tweet Audiovisual Media     Video Recording     Sound Recording     YouTube Video Other Sources     Interview or Personal Communication     Lecture or Presentation     Thesis or Dissertation     Scripture     Indirect Source     Government Document Plagiarism

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MLA Citation Examples

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• DOIs and URLs
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• Online Classroom Materials
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Format for dissertations and theses

Dissertations and theses database.

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• Title of Dissertation or Thesis.
• Publication Date.
• University,
• Type of thesis or dissertation.
• Title of Database ,
• DOI or URL.

Author. Title of Dissertation or Thesis. Date. University, Type of thesis or dissertation. Title of Database , DOI or URL.

See specific examples below. And see here for more information on DOIs and URLs .

Dissertations:

Pecore, Joanna Theresa. Sounding the Spirit of Cambodia: The Living Tradition of Khmer Music and Dance-Drama in a Washington, D.C. Community . 2004. U of Maryland, PhD dissertation. Dissertations and Theses , ezproxy.umgc.edu/login?url=https://www.proquest.com/docview/305175282?accountid=14580.

Master's Theses:

Harzbecker, Joseph John. Life and Death in Washington, D.C.: An Analysis of the Mortality Census of 1850 . 1999. U of Massachusetts, Master's thesis. Dissertations and Theses , ezproxy.umgc.edu/login?url=https://www.proquest.com/docview/304573667?accountid=14580.

Caprette, Christopher L. Conquering the Cold Shudder: The Origin and Evolution of Snake Eyes . 2005. Ohio State U, PhD dissertation. OhioLINK , rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1111184984.

Angelova, Anelia Nedelcheva. Data Pruning . 2004. California Institute of Technology, Master's thesis.  CaltechTHESIS , resolver.caltech.edu/CaltechETD:etd-05282004-000943.

Caprette, Christopher L. Conquering the Cold Shudder: The Origin and Evolution of Snake Eyes . 2005. Ohio State U, PhD dissertation.

Angelova, Anelia Nedelcheva. Data Pruning . 2004. California Institute of Technology, Master's thesis.

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MLA Style:  Theses

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Theses and dissertations

General rules:.

The exact format of references to theses and dissertations is dependent upon whether the thesis/dissertation is published or unpublished, and how it is available (via a database, freely available on the internet, or in print). 

The elements common to all references to a thesis/dissertation are:

Author Name

• Use full author name as the first element in the reference.

Thesis Title

• Capitalise the thesis title in headline style in quotation marks—not in italics.

Thesis Type

• The type of thesis (e.g. Diss, MA thesis, or MS thesis) is included after the title of the thesis.

Academic Institution

• The academic institution is included after the thesis type.
• The Date of thesis is included after the academic institution.

D atabase name

• For theses retrieved from a commercial database, include the database name as a container title. 

DOI or URL 

• If the document was consulted online, include the DOI if available, or a URL.

Publisher for published theses

• Cite  published theses  as books and add the publisher's name and date of publication in addition to the elements listed above.  

Open online theses and dissertations 

The following is the general format of a reference to a thesis freely available on the internet. 

See  general rules for theses  for more details. 

In-text citation: format and example

... ( Author's Last Name   Page/s cited ) ...

... ( Baker 28 ) ...

... ( Vedr as hko 26 ) ...

Works-cited list entry: format and example

Author's Last Name, First Name.   "T hesis Title : Subtitle ."   Type of Thesis,  University, Year.   Online Collection,  DOI or URL.

Baker, Phillip. "A Genealogy of Australian Educational Revolutions." Diss. U of Newcastle, 2018. Nova, nova.newcastle.edu.au/vital/access/manager/Repository/uon:33328.

Vedrashko ,  Ilya . “Advertising in Computer Games.” MS thesis, MIT, 2006 . DSpace,  hdl.handle.net/1721.1/39144.

Theses and dissertations in databases

The following is the general format of a reference to a thesis retrieved from a library database. 

... ( Choi 28 ) ...

Works cited list entry: format and example

Author's Last Name, First Name.  " T hesis Title : Subtitle ."   Type of Thesis,  University,  Year.  Database Name (DOI or Access No if available ).

Choi, Mihwa. “Contesting Imaginaires in Death Rituals during the Northern Song Dynasty.” Diss. U of Chicago, 2008. ProQuest (AAT 3300426).

Theses and dissertations - in print

The following is the general format of a reference to an unpublished thesis in print. 

... ( Rut z i 23 ) ...

Author's Last Name, First Name.  " T hesis Title : Subtitle ."   Type of Thesis,  University,  Year. 

Rutz, Cynthia Lillian. “ King Lear and Its Folktale Analogues.” Diss. U of Chicago, 2013.

Theses and dissertations - published

Cite a published thesis as you would a book, but add pertinent thesis information before the publication details. 

The following is the general format of a reference to a published thesis in print. 

Author's Last Name, First Name.  " T hesis Title : Subtitle ."   Type of Thesis,  University,  Year of thesis. Publisher, Year of publication. 

Fullerton, Matilda. Women's Leadership in the Public Schools: Towards a Feminist Educational Leadership Model . Diss. Washington State U, 2001. UMI, 2001. 

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How To Cite A Thesis MLA: Expert Tips And Guidelines

One of the biggest academic crimes is quoting or summarizing someone’s work without giving them due credit. This is known as plagiarism and could cut your academic career short in a ruthless way. To eliminate the chances of this happening, you need to cite your sources for your thesis or dissertation properly.

While a thesis is a document that precedes earning your degree at the university, a dissertation is a more advanced form for earning higher degrees like a doctorate. It’s time to find out everything you need to know about citing a thesis MLA correctly using our simple and straightforward guide.

Table of Contents

What you should know about mla.

• 1.1 Headers
• 1.2 Paper formatting
• 1.3 Creating your title page
• 1.4 Including page numbers and a running head while citing in MLA
• 1.5 Using quotations
• 1.6 Citing various media in MLA thesis

Best Way To Cite Your Thesis Or Dissertation

The first step in knowing how to cite a thesis MLA is to know exactly what the MLA format means.

The MLA format means Modern Language Association format. It is one of the most popular citation methods in thesis and dissertations. No worries, it’s actually pretty easy to master as well. If you have to write research papers on subjects in the field of humanities, chances are you would have to use the MLA format. So far, there are thousands of magazines, newsletters, and scholarly journals cited in the MLA format.

Therefore, an MLA thesis can be a master’s level work and a shorter version of research work that’s compulsory before getting an undergraduate degree. Regardless of the purpose, being in the humanities discipline will almost always guarantee that you would have to learn how to cite a thesis MLA.

If you’re writing a standard research project for your MLA thesis, there are specifications that you must adhere to. From the headers and margin size to the location of the listed names and the format for listing, you need to pay attention to these details while citing your dissertation in MLA format.

Thankfully, many schools hold research seminars to guide students on citing a dissertation MLA the right way. Although your university may have given out handbooks to help you master the MLA format for your thesis, it’s always best to also explore online guides. Getting as familiar as possible with the MLA format will definitely pay off in the long run when you have a finished thesis with absolutely no mistakes.

However, if you don’t really need or want that skill, you can custom thesis writing help and spend your free time to reach for your own goals.

Guide To MLA Citation Dissertation

Here is a detailed walk through on how to do MLA citations correctly:

Be sure that the space from the top of the first page to the first line is one inch Your full name, instructor’s name, course, and date should be on separate lines and double spaced. The title should not be in bold or underlined. Also, do not type the title in capital letters. No period is necessary after your headings or the title of your paper. Indent your paragraphs

John Berlin Professor Tokyo Sociology 502 20 February 2022 The Effects of COVID-19 in the Adoption of Remote Work It’s no secret that COVID-19 has changed the future of work as we know it. Now, it’s not a big deal to have people work from home instead of getting all dressed up for a typical 9-5 workday.

Recommended paper size is 8 ½-by-11-inch. Only one-inch margins are permitted for all pages. This is usually a default setting in most word processing programs. One-half-inch indentations are mandatory for the first word of every paragraph. Only use double spacing throughout your research paper. The standard font size is 12 points, and it’s best to use a font type that is easy to read. Recommended fonts are Times New Roman and Arial.

Align the title to the center of the page without italics, bold, or underlined fonts. If your title includes the title of another source, you may include quotation marks or italics. Every text on the title page should be double spaced Use the title case format for your titles, which means capitalizing only the first letter of each word. Your full name, instructor’s name, the course title, and due date of the assignment should be on separate lines at the bottom third of the page.

Your last name should come before the page number and be separated by a single space. While this usually begins on the second page, your professor may specifically request that you include the running head on the first page as well.

The name of the author shouldn’t be included in the sentence. Instead, this should be in parentheses after the sentence The quotes represent the direct statement or words of the author.

As the main character, we can get a bigger glimpse into his state of confusion when he states, “Nothing could have prepared me for the rude shock when I realized that the machine could double as my beginning and end” (Cesaro 254).

Place the image as close to the text as possible. Label the image starting with “Fig.” Include the MLA bibliography format citation below the image if you don’t plan to list it on the works cited page

Fig. 3. The Isle. “Geography of history’s most beautiful site, Paris.” Library of France, www.lof.gov/image/7373963/.

For both thesis and dissertations, the MLA format is usually the same. You will be required to state the type of degree you’re writing the paper for. This could be a Ph.D. dissertation or an undergraduate thesis. There are also crucial differences in citing your dissertation in MLA format if your source is a print document or gotten online. Here is an excellent example of how to cite your thesis in MLA.

Last Name, First, and Middle Name. Title of the Dissertation/Thesis. Year of Publication. University, Degree type.

Last Name, First, and Middle Name. Title of the Dissertation/Thesis. Year of Publication. University, Degree type. Name of Website, URL.

Here are some examples to give you a better idea of how this citation works:

Edsel, Colin Perry. A Study of the Role of Students of Economics in Determining the Impact of Supply and Demand in Advanced Societies. 2014. University of Westminster, BSc thesis. Edsel, Colin Perry. A Study of the Role of Students of Economics in Determining the Impact of Supply and Demand in Advanced Societies. 2014. University of Westminster, Ph.D. dissertation. Edsel, Colin Perry. A Study of the Role of Students of Economics in Determining the Impact of Supply and Demand in Advanced Societies. 2014. University of Westminster, Ph.D. dissertation. Statistics in Motion, www.statisticsinmotion.com/role-of-students-of-economics.

For in-text citations, you should follow this structure:

(Last Name of the Author page number)

Here is an example of in-text citation:

(Cesaro 254)

Citing MLA Thesis Help

So far, this detailed guide has introduced you to the structure necessary for citing a dissertation in MLA format. However, it’s okay if you’re still a little confused about how to go about this successfully. This is where a reliable dissertation service comes in. While you can get all the tips you need on how to cite a thesis paper in MLA format from your college, professor, teacher, or even other students at school, you can take advantage of possibility to pay for thesis .

All you have to do is order for your custom dissertation or thesis, and you’ll be assigned experts online that are ready to deliver within a short time. In all of these, it’s essential to pay extra attention to the specific instructions of your teacher or professor as the guidelines here are recommendations to help you achieve the best work. If this doesn’t follow the structure laid down by your college or university, you may end up missing vital marks.

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Citation Formats: MLA 8 and 9

• Citation Basics
• Chicago/Turabian
• MLA 8 and 9

The New MLA

The MLA Handbook,  8th edition, has abandoned the "print" v. "web" designations, and now uses a universal set of guidelines for all sources focusing on "containers" of information. The 9th edition of the handbook continues the same format and provides additional examples.

• A useful practice template for creating source citations is linked in the Help Resources in the right column below.
• For experienced users of MLA, check out the link to "What's New in the Eighth Edition" for a summary of changes.

Journal Article examples

Journal article with a DOI (Digital Object Identifier):

Kincaid, Jamaica. "In History."  Callaloo,  vol. 24, no. 2, Spring 2001, pp. 620-26. Project Muse , doi:10.1353/cal.2001.0097.

Journal article from a database:

Capperdoni, Alessandra. "Why the Avant-Garde? The Function of the Letter in Canadian Avant-Garde Poetics."  Canadian Literature , no. 210/211, Autumn/Winter 2011, pp. 97-114.  Academic Search Complete , search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=a9h&AN=73785263&site=ehost-live

Journal article in print (more than 2 authors):

Cooper, Stewart E., et al. "Professional Preparation and Continuing Education for Beginning, Entry, Midlevel, and Senior Consulting Psychologists." Consulting Psychology Journal: Practice and Research , vol. 59, no. 1, 2007, pp. 1-16.

Journal article reprinted in a book series:

Bergmann, Harrier F. "‘A Piercing Virtue': Emily Dickinson in Margaret Drabble's The Waterfall ." Contemporary Literary Criticism, edited by,  Jeffrey W. Hunter, vol. 129, Gale, 2000, pp. 124-29. Originally published in  Modern Fiction Studies , vol. 36, no. 2, Summer 1990, pp. 181-93.

Journal article from an online repository or other open access site:

Shehan, Constance L., and Amanda B. Moras. “Deconstructing Laundry: Gendered Technologies and the Reluctant Redesign of Household Labor.” Michigan Family Review , vol. 11, no. 1, 2006, pp. 39-54. hdl.handle.net/2027/spo.4919087.0011.104.

Articles from Magazines, Newspapers, Encyclopedias, and the Web

Print magazine article:

Kates, Robert W. “Population and Consumption: What We Know, What We Need to Know.” Environment , Apr. 2000, pp. 10-19.

Online magazine article:

Deresiewicz, William. “The Death of the Artist—and the Birth of the Creative Entrepreneur.” The Atlantic , 28 Dec.2014,  www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2015/01/the-death-of-the-artist-and-the-birth-of-the-creative-entrepreneur/383497/.

Print newspaper article:

Ruhe, Pierre. "Pouring it On: Heat Churns in a Vicious Cycle." The Atlanta Journal-Constitution , main edition, 8 Aug. 2008, p. A1.

Online newspaper article (no author):

“The Scientists Speak.” New York Times , 20 Nov. 2007, nyti.ms/25n2Pf9.

Newspaper article from a library database:

Jeromack, Paul. “This Once, A David of the Art World Does Goliath a Favor.” New York Times,  late edition, 13 July 2002, p. B7. LexisNexis Academic , www.lexisnexis.com/lnacui2api/api/version1/getDocCui?lni=468H-Y5C0-01CN-H2CR&csi=270944,270077,11059,8411&hl=t&hv=t&hnsd=f&hns=t&hgn=t&oc=00240&perma=true.

Article in multi-volume encyclopedia:

Schroth, Gwen. "Scheduling." Encyclopedia of Education , edited by James W. Guthrie, 2nd ed., vol. 6, Macmillan Reference USA, 2003, pp. 2095-99.

Blog post or web article:

Hollmichel, Stefanie. "The Reading Brain: Differences between Digital and Print."  So Many Books , 25 Apr. 2013, somanybooksblog.com/2013/04/25/the-reading-brain-differences-between-digital-and-print/.

Book and Anthology examples

Books in print:

Wieder, Alan. Teacher and Comrade: Richard Dudley and the Fight for Democracy in South Africa . State U of New York P, 2008.

Eggins, Suzanne, and Diana Slade.  Analyzing Casual Conversation . Cassell, 1997.

Quirk, Randolph, et al.  A Comprehensive Grammar of the English Language . Longman,1985.

Ebook from a library database:

Coutinho, Steve. An Introduction to Daoist Philosophies . Columbia UP, 2014. eBook Collection (EBSCOhost) , search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=nlebk&AN=658170&site=ehost-live.

Book chapter in an edited volume:

Bordo, Susan. “The Moral Content of Nabokov’s Lolita .” Aesthetic Subjects , edited by Pamela R. Matthews and David McWhirter, U of Minnesota P, 2003, pp. 125-52.

Stand-alone work (e.g., a play) in an anthology:

Euripides. The Trojan Women .  Ten Plays , translated by Paul Roche, New American Library, 1998, pp. 457-512.

Dissertations And Theses

Dissertation from ProQuest database:

Njus, Jesse. Performing the Passion: A Study on the Nature of Medieval Acting . 2010. Northwestern U, PhD dissertation. ProQuest, search.proquest.com/docview/305212264?accountid=13965.

Print master's thesis:

Remedios, Richard E. Defining My Process: My Journey Through the MFA Acting Program at the University of South Carolina . 2007. U of South Carolina, Master's thesis.

Social Media and Non-Textual Sources

@USC. "GO GAMECOCKS." Twitter , 13 Mar. 2022, 7:52 p.m., twitter.com/USC/status/1503157124217675780.

YouTube video:

"This is How Social Media is Destroying Your Life - The Fake Reality." YouTube , uploaded by MotivationGrid, 16 Jul. 2019, www.youtube.com/watch?v=e2Tq2gvGt80.

Online image with URL and access date:

Van Gogh, Vincent. The Potato Eaters . 1885. Van Gogh Museum, Amsterdam. Van Gogh Museum , artsandculture.google.com/asset/the-potato-eaters-vincent-van-gogh/7gFcKarE9QeaXw. Accessed 20 Mar. 2022.

Streaming film:

The Untold Story of Emmett Louis Till , directed by Keith Beauchamp, Shout Factory, 2005, Kanopy . sc.kanopy.com/video/untold-story-emmett-louis-till. Accessed 20 Mar. 2022.

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How to Cite a Dissertation and Master’s Thesis in MLA 9 With Examples

• 6 December 2023
• 10 min read

Students pursuing a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral diploma and writing papers in MLA 9 must prepare to undertake unique academic projects before completing their studies. For bachelor’s and master’s students, the project is writing a thesis, while for doctoral students, it is a dissertation. Basically, this academic project in MLA 9 aims to allow students to demonstrate to themselves, their supervisors, the university, and the public that their knowledge levels have expanded during their time at the university. In this sense, both a thesis and a dissertation in MLA 9 mark the end of a student’s time at the university and entry into another higher learning level or the job market. Hence, students need to learn how to cite a dissertation and Master’s thesis in MLA 9 by reviewing the main rules discussed in this simple guide.

General Aspects of Citing a Dissertation and Master’s Thesis in MLA 9

In higher education, students undertake various activities to advance their academic qualifications. Basically, one of these activities is the writing of a dissertation or Master’s thesis in MLA 9. In particular, it is defined as a single educational project for students in undergraduate or postgraduate studies that accounts for a significant part of their degree. Also, a dissertation is known as a thesis in some contexts, meaning that both are interrelated. While a dissertation is a written project, students sometimes undergo an oral examination to prove their points and defend their work in front of assessors. In turn, it is standard practice in many universities that assessors of students’ oral presentations are professors.

Purpose of a Dissertation and Master’s Thesis

The primary purpose of writing a dissertation and Master’s thesis in MLA 9 is to allow undergraduate and postgraduate students to demonstrate their ability to explore and present scientific findings on a topic. In this case, the academic project provides students a platform upon which they show they have become significantly knowledgeable during their years at the university. Generally, the length of an undergraduate dissertation or Master’s thesis in MLA 9 is a maximum of 12,000 words, while a postgraduate one does not exceed 25,000 words. Hence, writing a dissertation or Master’s thesis in MLA 9 is the most complicated academic project that students undertake during their lifetime at the university.

Contents of a Dissertation in MLA 9

The general characteristic of a dissertation and Master’s thesis in MLA 9 is that it differs from standard essays and other writing projects that students undertake by capturing specific information. Depending on the format of the paper, a student should ensure their dissertation has:

• a title page;
• a copyright page;
• an abstract;
• optional dedication, acknowledgments, and preface pages;
• a table of contents that covers page numbers of headings and subheadings;
• a list of tables, figures, or illustrations;
• a list of abbreviations (if applicable);
• a list of symbols (if applicable);
• chapters throughout the main body;
• an appendix page;
• Works Cited page, References, Bibliography, or List of References.

Types of Dissertations

The three main types of dissertations are an undergraduate thesis, a Master’s thesis, and a doctoral dissertation . Basically, the core difference between a Master’s thesis and a dissertation is that the former marks the completion of an undergraduate or Master’s program, while the latter marks the end of a doctoral program. Consequently, a thesis paper is a student’s compilation of research, denoting an advanced level of knowledge from the day the person joined the undergraduate or master’s program to the day of completion. On the other hand, writing a dissertation in MLA 9 is a doctoral student’s compilation of knowledge that advances knowledge and theories in a specific field. Hence, a dissertation is an academic project that allows students to use what they have learned to develop new concepts in a discipline.

Structural Differences in Citing a Dissertation in MLA 9

Based on the difference in purpose, it stands to reason that citing a Master’s thesis differs from a dissertation in structure by considering the MLA 9 format. In a Master’s thesis, a student researches a topic, analyzes different sources, and comments on the information gathered. Basically, this comment entails discussing how the information researched relates to the particular subject under investigation. Therefore, a Master’s thesis showcases a student’s ability to think critically about a topic and knowledgeably discuss the information and to expand upon a topic relevant to a specialty area they wish to pursue as a profession. In contrast, a dissertation showcases a student’s ability to use others’ research as a guide in developing and proving a new theory or concept. Hence, the bulk of the information in a Master’s thesis is borrowed, while, in a dissertation, the bulk of the information is attributable to the student.

Citing a Dissertation in MLA 9

When writing academic texts, such as essays, students sometimes cite dissertations in MLA 9 as sources of essential, relevant knowledge. Basically, such citations intend to provide student’s arguments with a strong foundation. Therefore, learning to cite a dissertation in MLA 9 is a critical academic exercise. In this case, the core elements that a student should capture in a citation of a dissertation in MLA 9 are the name of the author, the title, and the date of publication. However, other optional components include the name of the institution granting the degree and a description of the work. Hence, a typical citation in the MLA 9 format indicates:

• the author’s name;
• an italicized title;
• the date of publication;
• the university granting the degree;
• a description of the work;
• the database or URL (if available);
• the date of access (if available).

1. Author’s Name

The first element in citing a dissertation in MLA 9 is the name of the author of the dissertation. Basically, the name should start with the last name, a comma, and then the first and middle names (if any). In this case, students should complete this citation with a period. Moreover, a student gets the author’s name from the publication, which can be accessed as a print, on an online database, or on a web page.

2. The Title

The title of the dissertation or Master’s thesis in MLA 9 is the second element in the citation. Basically, students should capture both the title and subtitle, if any, separating both with a colon. Also, they should use a title case, meaning that all the words in the title should be capitalized, and italics when writing the title, ending it with a period or a question mark, whatever applies. Just like the name, a student can access the dissertation title from the publication in its print form, in an online database, or from a web page.

3. Date of Publication

The third element in citing a dissertation in MLA 9 is the date when the dissertation is published. Basically, a student can find this information by looking at the dissertation title, which can be found in the dissertation in its print form, on an online database, or from a web page. Moreover, the date can appear on the backside of the title page in the case of a printed dissertation. In turn, students should end the citation with a period.

4. Name of the Institution

As an academic project in undergraduate and postgraduate studies, a dissertation is affiliated with the university that grants the student a degree. In this case, the university’s name is the fourth element in the citation of a dissertation. Like most of the information about a dissertation, a student can access the name of the institution by accessing the dissertation in its print form, in an online database, or from a webpage. In turn, students should complete the MLA citation with a comma.

5. Status of Publishing

When citing a dissertation in MLA 9, a student should indicate whether it is an undergraduate thesis, a master’s thesis, or a doctoral dissertation. In the case of a Master’s thesis, students should use the word “thesis,” indicating whether it is an undergraduate or a master’s. In the case of a dissertation, students should write it in its short form – Diss. Also, scholars can access this information by accessing the publication in its print form, in an online database, or from a webpage.

6. Dissertation Scenarios

Three scenarios involve a dissertation – unpublished dissertation, database-based dissertation, and online-based dissertation. Basically, the significant difference between these scenarios is based on exposure. Ideally, an unpublished dissertation has limited exposure, as it is only the student, the supervisor, and the university reserves copies. In contrast, both a database- and an online-based dissertation have broad exposure.

Citing an Unpublished Dissertation in MLA 9

When an undergraduate, postgraduate, or doctoral student writes a dissertation in MLA 9, entities that gain access to the work are the student, the dissertation supervisor, and the university library. In some cases, a copy is made for the archive. Also, an unpublished dissertation is rarely widely read. In that case, after serving its purpose of helping a student gain a degree, this type of discourse fades into obscurity.

Published Dissertation

After students gain degrees, it is recommended that they publish their dissertations to protect their work from fading into obscurity. Basically, a published dissertation is often found in peer-reviewed databases, but it can also be found online. In this case, publishing a dissertation in a database ensures it gains the critical title of peer-reviewed academic work, meaning that it is widely read and used as a reference in various works.

Online Publishing

Sometimes, students can publish their dissertations and make them accessible through the online platform and not a database. For example, the Internet has become home to publishers of academic content, especially those who desire to have their work freely accessible to students and other consumers. Basically, such dissertations help to broaden the reach of the publication while expanding the influence of the author. In this case, authors reach a significant number of people and get feedback from influential academics. As a result, such reach and relationships help authors to find access to journal and book publishing.

Scheme of Citing a Dissertation and Master’s Thesis in MLA 9

The scheme of an MLA 9 citation denotes its format, the way it must appear in both in-text and Works Cited citations. As stated above, the MLA 9 format must capture both core elements (author’s name, the title, date of publication) and optional elements (the name of the institution and a description of the work). However, for unpublished dissertations, there is no date of publication. As a result, for the three scenarios described above, the structure of the MLA 9 citation for a dissertation or Master’s thesis would be as follows:

1. Unpublished Dissertation:

Last Name, First and Middle Names. “Title of the Dissertation.” University, Dissertation or Master’s Thesis.

Dong, Yu Ren. “Non-Native Graduate Students’ Thesis/Dissertation Writing in Science: Self-Reports by Students and Their Advisors from Two U.S. Institutions.” 1998. Queens College, Ph.D. Dissertation.

2. Database-Based Published Dissertation:

Last, First and Middle Names. Title of Dissertation. Dissertation or Master’s Thesis, University, Date of Publication. Name of Database. Accessed Date.

Dong, Yu Ren. Non-Native Graduate Students’ Thesis/Dissertation Writing in Science: Self-Reports by Students and Their Advisors from Two U.S. Institutions. Master’s Thesis, Queens College, 1998. Elsevier Dissertations and Theses. Accessed on 31 July 2020.

3. Online-Based Dissertation:

Last, First and Middle Names. Title of Dissertation . Dissertation or Master’s Thesis, University, Date of publication, Link. Date accessed.

Dong, Yu Ren. Non-Native Graduate Students’ Thesis/Dissertation Writing in Science: Self-Reports by Students and Their Advisors from Two U.S. Institutions. Master’s Thesis, Queens College, 1998, https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0889490697000549. Accessed on 31 July 2020.

Note : these examples are based on a peer-reviewed scholarly article, while such samples serve only for learning purposes.

Summing Up on How to Cite a Dissertation and Master’s Thesis in MLA 9

Students in higher education (undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral studies) undertake a single academic project to mark the end of their studies. Basically, this project is a dissertation, which is also known as a Master’s thesis. Despite the differences in purpose and structure between these two notions, they provide insight into students’ grasp of knowledge during their years at the university. When citing a dissertation and Master’s thesis, a student should determine which scenario best describes the work. In this case, the three primary scenarios are unpublished dissertations, database-based published dissertations, and online-based published dissertations. On differences, the title of an unpublished dissertation is put under quotes, while that of the other two scenarios is italicized. Also, the date noted in an unpublished dissertation denotes the year it is written.

Despite the stated differences, a student should note the following tips when citing a dissertation:

• The author’s full name.
• Which scenario best describes the dissertation.
• The year the dissertation was published.
• The title of the dissertation.
• The type of degree- undergraduate or post-graduate (master’s or doctoral).
• Whether the work is a thesis or a dissertation.
• The name of the institution awarding the degree.
• The name of the database (for a database-based dissertation) or the URL (for an online-based dissertation).

To Learn More, Read Relevant Articles

How to Get Prepared for the Dissertation Defense with Tips

• 1 August 2020

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• 30 July 2020

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Guide on How to Cite a Thesis or Dissertation in MLA

Students and homework are synonymous in learning institutions today. Any high school or college student is no stranger to the different writing styles used when writing thesis and dissertations . However, you shouldn’t worry if you’re unfamiliar with these writing styles, as you’ll learn about them during your academic career. However, one format stands out among the various writing styles for being relatively easier to follow and implement. This article will discuss this commonly used MLA format and answer the question on how to cite a thesis paper MLA, “where does the thesis go in MLA format?” and, more so, the MLA format for thesis papers. Let’s begin.

What Is the MLA Dissertation Citation Background?

Who uses mla thesis formatting, how do you write a title page in thesis mla format, does a thesis mla format contain a summary, is mla dissertation citation complicated, does mla thesis format simplify your project, why use mla thesis citation, why your examiner wants a good mla citation thesis, advantages of using mla cite dissertation, we can help you cite a thesis mla.

Many students search “how to cite thesis MLA” or ” how to cite dissertation MLA” on the internet but don’t know what those three letters stand for. The letter MLA stands for Modern Language Association , an organization of language or literature scholars. This organization is responsible for publishing various journals in the Ph.D. format.

Perhaps this organization is mainly known for the general writing guidelines that its publication editors came up with. It all started when some literature scholars acknowledged the need of having a standard format for papers. They then came up with this format and asked their students to present their thesis statements in MLA format.

The thesis MLA format, MLA cite thesis, or citing a dissertation MLA  may be a common writing style; however, it’s commonly used in the liberal arts and humanities. Here are the disciplines in which writers use the thesis MLA format example in their writing:

• Cultural studies
• Literary criticism
• Foreign languages
• English literature

Another advantage of citing dissertation MLA is the simplicity of making a title page. Unlike in other formats where the requirements for a title page are complicated, you only need your name, course name, instructor’s name, and the date. Remember to use the Times New Roman font with a measurement of 12 and double-space your work when using an MLA dissertation cite.

When using an MLA citation thesis or citing a thesis using this format, a summary is not necessary for other writing styles. Writing a summary is a task that many students find challenging or tedious as it is meant to be a stand-alone paper from your original assignment. However, when citing a dissertation MLA, the summary is not required, thus saving the student time and energy spent working on another paper.

Citing a thesis MLA or an MLA citation dissertation is easy to cite and reference your sources. MLA is simpler than other writing styles, such as the Harvard or Chicago style, where you must use complicated methods of citing and referencing your sources. Additionally, the reader can follow through with your ideas and identify your sources easily without turning pages or following certain numbers.

It’s also simpler to write your bibliography or works cited when using the MLA format as its only requirement is that the sources need to be in Alphabetical order.

This format aims to make students’ work clear and easy to follow by creating a framework for standardized methods of citations. An MLA thesis format example also creates a framework for putting down your bibliography with the help of a cite master at the end of the essay. This format also makes it easier to follow a paper through well-known cues. These cues help with easy referencing outsourced information.

When learning how to cite a master’s thesis MLA or how to cite a thesis in MLA, it’s important to learn why the format is the most common style for students online. Here are some of the reasons why you should use the MLA format thesis in your dissertation:

• To help you get a better grade, follow the required citation format in your MLA works cited thesis.
• To show your knowledge or skill by demonstrating that you are conversant with various methods of citing references.
• To show where you borrowed your ideas from, thus, preventing plagiarism.

The simple MLA rules have morphed into the guidelines used by all students worldwide in their MLA thesis statements. Examiners want you to follow the right MLA format for your thesis paper because:

• It enables them to follow through with your ideas and helps them find specific areas of your paper easily.
• It shows the student’s ability to present a professionally done paper and your knowledge of the writing style.

As previously mentioned, the MLA citation thesis format is students’ most common writing style. There are several benefits of using the MLA thesis style that make students type “how to cite a thesis MLA” or “how to cite a dissertation MLA” on their browsers.

Here are some of the advantages of how to cite a thesis using MLA format:

• Has no operating head: Unlike the headers required when you cite a dissertation APA, the process of putting a header is not applicable in MLA. This makes formatting your assignments much easier than it would use other formats.
• Fewer rules to follow: Unlike its counterparts, such as the Chicago or APA writing style, citing a dissertation, MLA has far fewer rules to remember. This makes it easier for students to cite thesis MLA correctly. Its simplicity makes it the best-suited writing style for those writing lengthy essays.

Do you need help citing a dissertation MLA or any other academic service, including writing a thesis statement in MLA format? If so, look no further, as we have a team full of experts ready to help you out with your thesis or dissertation. You can get in touch with us any day of the week for an MLA thesis example or the answer to “do you include Ph.D. in MLA citation?”

In your quest to learn how to format a thesis, how to cite a thesis, or how to cite a thesis, remember that MLA format is best suited for those who have never used writing styles before. You can always refer to us and we will help you with your Ph.D. formatting using the MLA format for help.

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Mla independent thesis.

Landscape Architecture students are not required to complete an independent thesis. The thesis project is an opportunity for students to pursue a design project that they have researched and developed independently. Landscape students interested in pursuing thesis declare the thesis track in May prior to their final fall semester. MLA students who declare thesis will be required to enroll in Thesis Prep seminar (ADV-9341; 4-units) in the fall of their final year.

The Independent Design Thesis track (ADV-9341; 4-units, ADV-9342; 8-units) is a full-year commitment and carries a total of 12-units.

Candidates pursuing a thesis in the spring must complete an option studio offered by the Department of Landscape Architecture (1400-level option studio) in addition to the Thesis Prep seminar in their final fall term.

MLA Thesis Manual 2022-2023 MLA Thesis Manual Appendix I – Readings MLA Thesis Manual Appendix II – Archiving Guidelines MLA Thesis Manual Appendix III – Sample Permissions Statement MLA Thesis Manual Appendix IV – PDF Creation Examples

MLA students entering their final year who wish to submit a binding declaration to the one-year thesis track must do so by Thursday, May 23 at 12:00 pm ET. Please submit the declaration directly to Program Coordinator Briana King and contact Briana King for more information.

MLA Thesis Declaration Form 2024-2025

Selected MLA theses are available through HOLLIS (Harvard Library) or in hard copy in the Loeb Design Library.

For current thesis students, all final PDF theses must be submitted to the Thesis Director and Program Coordinator no later than 9:00 AM (ET) on May 13th, 2024. The Department reserves the right to withhold student grades until thesis materials are submitted .