How to Cite a Thesis/Dissertation in Chicago Manual of Style (Notes-Bibliography)
Learn the exact format with examples, in-text citations, and common mistakes to avoid.
Citation Format
Basic Template
Author. "Thesis Title." PhD diss. / MA thesis, University Name, Year.
Citation Components
Author
First Last format.
Thesis Title
In quotation marks.
Degree Type
PhD diss. or MA thesis or equivalent.
University
Full university name.
Year
Year completed/submitted.
Real-World Example
Example Source
Sarah Mitchell
Neural correlates of language development
PhD diss.
MIT
2021
Formatted Citation
1. Sarah Mitchell, "Neural Correlates of Language Development" (PhD diss., MIT, 2021).
In-Text Citation
1
Superscript numeral
Common Mistakes
Wrong:
Mitchell, Sarah. Neural Correlates of Language Development. PhD dissertation. MIT, 2021.
Right:
1. Sarah Mitchell, "Neural Correlates of Language Development" (PhD diss., MIT, 2021).
Why: Use First Last format. Title in quotation marks. Use 'PhD diss.' abbreviation in parentheses.
Wrong:
1. Mitchell, S. (2021). Neural correlates. MIT, PhD dissertation.
Right:
1. Sarah Mitchell, "Neural Correlates of Language Development" (PhD diss., MIT, 2021).
Why: Use full first name. Include full title. Use proper abbreviation and parenthetical format.
Wrong:
1. Sarah Mitchell wrote a PhD dissertation at MIT called Neural Correlates in 2021.
Right:
1. Sarah Mitchell, "Neural Correlates of Language Development" (PhD diss., MIT, 2021).
Why: Use standardized citation format with quotation marks and parenthetical information.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I use 'dissertation' or 'diss.'? ▼
Chicago style uses the abbreviation 'diss.' for brevity: PhD diss., MA thesis.
Can I cite an unpublished thesis? ▼
Yes, the format is the same. You may note if it's unpublished or available through institutional repositories.
How do I cite a thesis from a database? ▼
Add the database after the year: (PhD diss., MIT, 2021, ProQuest Dissertations and Theses Global).
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