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APA Citation Style, 7th edition: Thesis or Dissertation

Basic Thesis and Dissertation Differences

The main difference between a thesis and a dissertation is when they are completed. The thesis is a project that marks the end of a master's program, while the dissertation occurs during doctoral study. The two are actually quite different in their purpose, as well. A thesis is a compilation of research that proves you are knowledgeable about the information learn throughout your graduate program. A dissertation is your opportunity during a doctorate program to contribute new knowledge, theories or practices to your field. The point is to come up with an entirely new concept, develop it and defend its worth.

Helpful Tips!

 How do I cite an article I found using an iPhone app?

Smartphones

 

It is irrelevant whether you read it on your iPhone, IPad, Android, Blackberry, MAC, laptop or in the library. Creating references is not about documenting "how" you located the information but providing the reader a direct path to the "original" source of the material.

Remember - the "iPhone app" is not the source of the article - the "journal" is your source. Cite it as you would any journal article.  

 

Basic Format to Reference a Thesis or Dissertation

The basics of a reference list entry for a thesis or dissertation:

  • Author. The surname is followed by first initials.
  • Year (in round brackets).
  • Title (in italics).
  • Level of Thesis or Dissertation [in square brackets].
  • University, also in [square brackets] following directly after the Level of Thesis, for e.g. [Doctoral dissertation, Victoria University]
  • Database or Archive Name
  • URL
  • The first line of each citation is left adjusted. Every subsequent line is indented 5-7 spaces.

Example:​

Mosek, E. (2017). Team flow: The missing piece in performance [Doctoral dissertation, Victoria University]. Victoria University Research Repository. http://vuir.vu.edu.au/35038/

(Source: https://libraryguides.vu.edu.au/apa-referencing/7Theses,2024)

From a Commercial Database

General Rule:

Author, A. A. (year). Title of doctoral dissertation or master’s thesis (Publication No. #) [Doctoral dissertation or master’s thesis, Name of Institution Awarding the Degree]. Name of Database. 

Example:

Cash, S. S. (2009). Emotional intelligence, a necessary component of educational leadership programs,as perceived by professors of educational leadership. (Publication No. 3429815) [Doctoral dissertation, Cornell University]. ProQuest Dissertations and Theses Global.

From the Web

General Rule:

Author, A. A. (year). Title of doctoral dissertation or master’s thesis [Doctoral dissertation or master’s thesis, Name of Institution]. Name of Website. URL

Example:

Buckman, A. (1997). MOOSE Crossing: Construction, community, and learning in a networked virtual world for kids [Doctoral dissertation, Massachusetts Institute of Technology]. DSpace@MIT. https://dspace.mit.edu/handle/1721.1/33821

Unpublished (in print from a university library)

General Rule:

Author, A. A. (year). Title of doctoral dissertation or master’s thesis [Unpublished doctoral dissertation or master’s thesis]. Name of Institution.

Example:

Stephen, R.P. (2022). A study of instructional objectives and methods for interpersonal communication. [Unpublished master’s thesis]. Universiti Utara Malaysia.