How do I know if a thesis is published or unpublished?

If you retrieved it from a database (like ProQuest Dissertations & Theses), it is considered published. If you accessed it only from the university's institutional repository or library, treat it as unpublished.

Do I include the advisor's name?

No. APA 7 does not require the thesis advisor's name in the reference.

How do I cite a thesis available on a university website?

Treat it as an unpublished thesis but add the URL at the end: Author, A. A. (Year). *Title* [Unpublished doctoral dissertation]. University. URL

How to Cite a Thesis in APA 7th Edition

General Format

APA 7 distinguishes between published and unpublished theses/dissertations: **Published (in a database):** Author, A. A. (Year). *Title of dissertation/thesis* (Publication No. number) [Doctoral dissertation/Master's thesis, University Name]. Database Name. **Unpublished:** Author, A. A. (Year). *Title of dissertation/thesis* [Unpublished doctoral dissertation/master's thesis]. University Name.

Worked Example

Published dissertation: Hollander, M. M. (2017). *Resistance to authority: Methodological innovations and new lessons from the Milgram experiment* (Publication No. 10289373) [Doctoral dissertation, University of Wisconsin--Madison]. ProQuest Dissertations & Theses Global. Unpublished thesis: Harris, L. (2019). *Instructional leadership perceptions and practices of elementary school leaders* [Unpublished doctoral dissertation]. University of Virginia.

Common Mistakes

1. **Confusing published and unpublished formats** -- A thesis is "published" if it appears in a database like ProQuest. If it only exists in the university library, it is unpublished. 2. **Omitting the institution name** -- Always include the degree-granting institution in brackets. 3. **Not specifying the degree type** -- Indicate whether it is a doctoral dissertation or master's thesis in the brackets.