How to Cite a Thesis/Dissertation in MLA 9th Edition
Learn the exact format with examples, in-text citations, and common mistakes to avoid.
Citation Format
Basic Template
Author. "Thesis Title." Year, University, Degree type.
Citation Components
Author
Last, First.
Thesis Title
In quotation marks. Capitalize major words (title case).
Year
Year the thesis was completed.
University
Full name of the university granting the degree.
Degree Type
Bachelor of Arts, Master of Science, PhD dissertation, etc.
Real-World Example
Example Source
Patel, Ananya
Neural mechanisms of learning differences in autism
2022
Stanford University
PhD dissertation
Formatted Citation
Patel, Ananya. "Neural Mechanisms of Learning Differences in Autism." 2022, Stanford University, PhD dissertation.
In-Text Citation
(Patel)
(Author)
Common Mistakes
Wrong:
Patel, A. (2022). Neural mechanisms of learning differences in autism [Doctoral dissertation, Stanford University].
Right:
Patel, Ananya. "Neural Mechanisms of Learning Differences in Autism." 2022, Stanford University, PhD dissertation.
Why: MLA uses full first names, quotation marks around title, and no brackets. Format is: Title. Year, University, Degree type.
Wrong:
Patel, Ananya. Neural Mechanisms of Learning Differences in Autism. PhD dissertation. Stanford University, 2022.
Right:
Patel, Ananya. "Neural Mechanisms of Learning Differences in Autism." 2022, Stanford University, PhD dissertation.
Why: Title must be in quotation marks. Use proper MLA punctuation: Title. Year, University, Degree type.
Wrong:
Patel, Ananya. 2022. PhD dissertation titled "Neural Mechanisms." Stanford University.
Right:
Patel, Ananya. "Neural Mechanisms of Learning Differences in Autism." 2022, Stanford University, PhD dissertation.
Why: Thesis title goes in quotation marks immediately after the author. Follow with Year, University, Degree.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I include the date of graduation or completion? ▼
Just the year is needed. If the exact date is relevant, use the full date in the citation.
How do I cite a thesis from a database like ProQuest? ▼
Add the database information at the end: Patel, Ananya. "Title." 2022, Stanford University, PhD dissertation. ProQuest Dissertations and Theses Global.
Is 'PhD dissertation' hyphenated in MLA? ▼
In MLA 9th, you can use: PhD dissertation, M.A. thesis, Master's thesis, or Doctoral dissertation.
Need to Generate a Citation?
Use our free MLA 9th Edition citation generator tool to instantly format your citations.
Go to MLA Citation Generator →Looking for other citation styles or source types?
View All Citation Guides →