How to Cite a Thesis/Dissertation in IEEE Citation Style
Learn the exact format with examples, in-text citations, and common mistakes to avoid.
Citation Format
Basic Template
[#] Author, "Thesis Title," Thesis, University Name, Location, Month Year. [Online]. Available: URL
Citation Components
Reference Number
Numbered [1], [2], etc.
Author
Initial(s). Last Name format.
Thesis Title
In quotation marks. Title Case.
Degree Type
Ph.D. dissertation, M.S. thesis, etc.
Institution/Location/Date
University Name, Location, Month Year
Real-World Example
Example Source
1
T. N. Gonzalez
Advanced Signal Processing for Wireless Networks
Ph.D. dissertation
Stanford University
Stanford, CA
June
2022
https://purl.stanford.edu/example
Formatted Citation
[1] T. N. Gonzalez, "Advanced Signal Processing for Wireless Networks," Ph.D. dissertation, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, June 2022. [Online]. Available: https://purl.stanford.edu/example
In-Text Citation
[1]
[1], [2]
Common Mistakes
Wrong:
[1] Gonzalez, T. N. (2022). Advanced Signal Processing. Doctoral dissertation at Stanford University.
Right:
[1] T. N. Gonzalez, "Advanced Signal Processing for Wireless Networks," Ph.D. dissertation, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, June 2022. [Online]. Available: URL
Why: Use Initial(s). Last format, thesis title in quotation marks, standard degree abbreviation, location with state, and [Online]. Available: URL.
Wrong:
[1]. Gonzalez. Signal Processing Thesis. Stanford. 2022.
Right:
[1] T. N. Gonzalez, "Advanced Signal Processing for Wireless Networks," Ph.D. dissertation, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, June 2022. [Online]. Available: https://...
Why: Include full title in quotation marks, degree designation (Ph.D. dissertation), city and state, and complete access information.
Wrong:
[1] T. Gonzalez. Advanced Signal Processing. Stanford University. Dissertation. June 2022.
Right:
[1] T. N. Gonzalez, "Advanced Signal Processing for Wireless Networks," Ph.D. dissertation, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, June 2022. [Online]. Available: URL
Why: Use full initial and last name format, thesis title in quotation marks, and proper degree designation abbreviation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I abbreviate degrees in IEEE? ▼
Ph.D. dissertation, M.S. thesis, M.A. thesis, B.S. thesis, etc.
Should I include both university name and location? ▼
Yes, use: University Name, City, State/Country format.
Do I always need the month and year? ▼
Include month if available. Year is required.
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