How to Cite a Dissertation
As a postgraduate student, you will spend months, perhaps even years, researching and writing your dissertation in order to earn your doctorate degree. When so much hinges upon this text, it is imperative that you follow acceptable procedure when compiling and citing your sources. Depending on the academic requirements of your own school, you will either use the Modern Language Association (MLA) method of citation, the American Psychological Association (APA) style for science dissertations or the Chicago Style citation format. Before you begin, make sure you know which style is required for your paper.
Instructions
-
-
1
Note every instance in your paper where you refer to someone's work, their ideas or a summary of their work. Place these citations in the body of the text--at the end of the sentence in which you reference them. The only exception to this is when you reference more than one resource in a sentence, requiring mid-sentence citations.
-
2
List the author first, and then the year when using APA style. Follow with the title but not in italics, then the publisher and add optional information, such as a volume number, page number or publication number at the end. Use parenthesis to set your citations apart from the rest of the text with all styles.
-
-
3
Use italics for the title if you're following the MLA method of citations in your dissertation. List the author first, followed by the title, the year and the page number, the publisher and then the date of publication.
-
4
Write the author's name first, followed by the year if you're using the Chicago Style when citing. Next, list the title, without italics, followed by the publisher, volume number and page.
-
5
Format a comprehensive bibliography as a reference to all of the resources you cited in your text. This is a compilation of your sources but not a breakdown by page or quote. Use the corresponding format above but omit listing a source more than once and don't include page numbers.
-
6
Find an online dissertation editing service that will assist you in compiling your text and inserting the citations in the format required by your school (see Resources below).
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Make sure you're using the correct style of citations when writing your dissertation. Use a citation program to help you format your notes as you write your paper.
Resources
- Photo Credit Photo, curtesy of Stock.xchng
