How to Cite a Dissertation in MLA Format

Basic Information

• Dissertations and master's theses are sometimes used for citation purposes whether they are published or not. Cite the publication as usual, though include Diss. (or MA/MS thesis) then the institution that awarded the degree followed by the year it was awarded.

—Shimpalee, Pattama. The Contribution of Economic and Institutional Factors to Currency Crises: Additional Evidence from Asia, Europe and the Western Hemisphere. Diss. University of South Carolina, 2004. John Mcqueen: UMI, 2009. Print.


• If its unpublished work, have title within quotation marks and finish with the end date the degree was issued.

—Zeller, Gary. "If I ain't one, you won't find another one here: Race, identity, citizenship, and land, the African Creek experience in the Indian Territory and Oklahoma, 1830-1910." Diss. University of Arkansas, 2003. Print.