How to Cite a Thesis or Dissertation in MLA 9th Edition

This guide explains how to format a thesis or dissertation citation in MLA 9th Edition. Follow the format template below, refer to the real example, and use the step-by-step instructions to build your citation correctly.

Format Template

The general pattern for citing a thesis or dissertation in MLA 9th Edition:

Template

Author. Title of Thesis. Year. University, Type of thesis. Database/URL.

In-Text Citation Example

How the citation appears within the body of your paper:

In-text citation

(Williams 45)

Reference List Entry Example

The full citation as it appears in your Works Cited:

Works Cited entry

Williams, Tara R. Machine Learning Approaches to Early Detection of Neurodegenerative Diseases. 2021. Stanford University, PhD dissertation. ProQuest Dissertations & Theses Global.

Step-by-Step Guide

1
Identify the author
List the author in Last Name, First Name format.
2
Write the thesis title
Italicize the full title. Use title case.
3
Add the year
Write the year the thesis was completed, followed by a period.
4
Include the university and thesis type
Name the university, followed by the type of thesis (e.g., "PhD dissertation," "MA thesis," "Undergraduate honors thesis").
5
Add the database or URL
If accessed through a database, include the database name. If accessed online, include the URL.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Not italicizing the thesis title.
Omitting the type of thesis (e.g., PhD dissertation, MA thesis).
Placing the year after the publisher instead of after the title.
Forgetting to include the university name.
Not including the database name when accessed electronically.

Frequently Asked Questions

What abbreviation do I use for the thesis type in MLA?

MLA uses descriptive labels: "PhD dissertation," "MA thesis," "MS thesis," etc. Write the degree abbreviation followed by "dissertation" or "thesis."

Do I include the advisor's name?

It is not required in MLA, but you may include it if relevant. There is no standardized position for it in the citation format.

How do I cite an unpublished thesis in MLA?

Cite it the same way, but omit the database. If it is not available in any repository, the entry ends after the thesis type.

Information You Will Need

Before creating your citation, gather the following information from your thesis or dissertation:

Author
Year
Title
Type (doctoral dissertation or master's thesis)
University name
Database or repository (if applicable)
URL (if available online)

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Step-by-Step Guide

Identify the author

List the author in Last Name, First Name format.

Write the thesis title

Italicize the full title. Use title case.

Add the year

Write the year the thesis was completed, followed by a period.

Include the university and thesis type

Name the university, followed by the type of thesis (e.g., "PhD dissertation," "MA thesis," "Undergraduate honors thesis").

Add the database or URL

If accessed through a database, include the database name. If accessed online, include the URL.