How to Cite a Thesis in MLA 9th Edition
Learn the correct MLA 9th Edition format for citing a thesis. Includes format template, worked example, common mistakes, and FAQ.
General Format
MLA 9 format for a thesis or dissertation:
Author Last Name, First Name. "*Title of Thesis*." Degree type, University Name, Year.
For theses accessed from a database:
Author Last Name, First Name. "*Title of Thesis*." Degree type, University Name, Year. *Database Name*, URL.
Worked Example
Bishop, Karen L. *Documenting Institutional Identity: Strategic Writing in the IUPUI Comprehensive Campaign*. PhD dissertation, Purdue University, 2004.
From a database:
Larson, Sarah. *Reading Practices in First-Year Composition*. MA thesis, University of Nebraska, 2019. *ProQuest Dissertations & Theses Global*, www.proquest.com/docview/xxxxx.
Common Mistakes
1. **Not italicizing the thesis title** -- In MLA, thesis and dissertation titles are italicized, not placed in quotation marks.
2. **Omitting the degree type** -- Specify whether it is a PhD dissertation, MA thesis, MS thesis, etc.
3. **Forgetting the database information** -- If accessed from a database, include the database name and URL as a second container.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I abbreviate the degree type?
You can use either the full form ("Doctor of Philosophy dissertation") or the abbreviation ("PhD dissertation"). Be consistent throughout your paper.
How do I cite a thesis from another country in MLA?
Use the same format. Include the full university name as it appears in the source.
Should I include the thesis advisor in MLA?
It is not required by MLA. You may include it as supplemental information if it is relevant to your discussion.
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