How to Cite a Thesis in Chicago 17th Edition

General Format

Chicago 17 thesis/dissertation citation: **Footnote:** First Last, "Title of Thesis" (PhD diss./MA thesis, University Name, Year), page. **Bibliography:** Last, First. "Title of Thesis." PhD diss./MA thesis, University Name, Year. Note: In Chicago style, thesis titles are placed in quotation marks, not italicized, because theses are considered unpublished works.

Worked Example

Footnote: 1. Cynthia Lillian Rutz, "King Lear and Its Folktale Analogues" (PhD diss., University of Chicago, 2013), 99--100. Bibliography: Rutz, Cynthia Lillian. "King Lear and Its Folktale Analogues." PhD diss., University of Chicago, 2013. With database: Rutz, Cynthia Lillian. "King Lear and Its Folktale Analogues." PhD diss., University of Chicago, 2013. ProQuest Dissertations & Theses (AAT 3655etymology).

Common Mistakes

1. **Italicizing the title** -- In Chicago, thesis and dissertation titles go in quotation marks because they are unpublished. This is different from APA and MLA. 2. **Using the wrong degree abbreviation** -- Use "PhD diss." for doctoral dissertations and "MA thesis" or "MS thesis" for master's theses. 3. **Omitting the degree-granting institution** -- Always include the university name after the degree type.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does Chicago put thesis titles in quotes instead of italics?

Chicago treats theses and dissertations as unpublished works, and unpublished works receive quotation marks rather than italics. This contrasts with APA and MLA, which italicize thesis titles.

How do I cite a thesis I found online?

Add the URL or database information at the end of the citation. If it has a DOI, use that instead.

Can I use a shortened footnote for subsequent thesis citations?

Yes. Use the shortened form: Last, "Shortened Title," page. For example: Rutz, "King Lear," 105.