cite a bachelor thesis

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APA Style 7th Edition: Citing Your Sources

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Standard Format

Formatting rules, various examples.

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Adapted from American Psychological Association. (2020). Publication manual of the American Psychological Association (7th ed).  https://doi.org/10.1037/0000165-000

Formatting:

• Italicize the title
• Identify whether source is doctoral dissertation or master’s thesis in parentheses after the title

See Ch. 10 pp. 313-352 of APA Manual for more examples and formatting rules

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Thesis - from website

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A thesis is an unpublished document produced by student as part of the requirements for the degree. They come at various levels (e.g. Honours, Masters, PhD, etc). Check with your lecturer before using a thesis for your assignment.

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Citation guides

All you need to know about citations

How to cite an undergraduate thesis in MLA

To cite an undergraduate thesis in a reference entry in MLA style 9th edition include the following elements:

• Author(s) name: Give the last name and name as presented in the source (e. g. Watson, John). For two authors, reverse only the first name, followed by ‘and’ and the second name in normal order (e. g. Watson, John, and John Watson). For three or more authors, list the first name followed by et al. (e. g. Watson, John, et al.)
• Thesis title: Titles are italicized when independent. If part of a larger source add quotation marks and do not italize.
• Year of publication: Give the year of publication as presented in the source.
• University: Give the name of the institution.
• Degree: Type of degree.

Here is the basic format for a reference list entry of an undergraduate thesis in MLA style 9th edition:

Author(s) name . Thesis title . Year of publication . University , Degree .

Take a look at our works cited examples that demonstrate the MLA style guidelines in action:

A bachelor thesis with two authors

Parekh, Pooja, and Vitalina Pishchenko . Factors Influencing the Choice of Bank – An International Student Perspective . 2013 . Dalarna U , Bachelor's thesis .

An undergraduate thesis with one author

Baslow, Wadim . The applicability of the Qualitative System Analysis as decision-making tool in public administration by the example of the municipality Ludwigsburg . 2015 . Leuphana U of Lüneburg , Undergraduate thesis .

This citation style guide is based on the MLA Handbook (9 th edition).

More useful guides

• MLA 8th ed. Style Guide: Dissertations, Theses
• MLA, 8th Edition: Master's Thesis or Project
• How do I cite a dissertation in MLA style?

More great BibGuru guides

• Harvard: how to cite a textbook book
• MLA: how to cite a translated book
• Harvard: how to cite an online magazine article

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What is a thesis?

What is a dissertation, getting started, staying on track.

A thesis is a long-term project that you work on over the course of a semester or a year. Theses have a very wide variety of styles and content, so we encourage you to look at prior examples and work closely with faculty to develop yours. 

Before you begin, make sure that you are familiar with the dissertation genre—what it is for and what it looks like.

Generally speaking, a dissertation’s purpose is to prove that you have the expertise necessary to fulfill your doctoral-degree requirements by showing depth of knowledge and independent thinking.

The form of a dissertation may vary by discipline. Be sure to follow the specific guidelines of your department.

• PhD This site directs candidates to the GSAS website about dissertations , with links to checklists,  planning, formatting, acknowledgments, submission, and publishing options. There is also a link to guidelines for the prospectus . Consult with your committee chair about specific requirements and standards for your dissertation.
• DDES This document covers planning, patent filing, submission guidelines, publishing options, formatting guidelines, sample pages, citation guidelines, and a list of common errors to avoid. There is also a link to guidelines for the prospectus .
• Scholarly Pursuits (GSAS) This searchable booklet from Harvard GSAS is a comprehensive guide to writing dissertations, dissertation-fellowship applications, academic journal articles, and academic job documents.

Finding an original topic can be a daunting and overwhelming task. These key concepts can help you focus and save time.

Finding a topic for your thesis or dissertation should start with a research question that excites or at least interests you. A rigorous, engaging, and original project will require continuous curiosity about your topic, about your own thoughts on the topic, and about what other scholars have said on your topic. Avoid getting boxed in by thinking you know what you want to say from the beginning; let your research and your writing evolve as you explore and fine-tune your focus through constant questioning and exploration.

Get a sense of the broader picture before you narrow your focus and attempt to frame an argument. Read, skim, and otherwise familiarize yourself with what other scholars have done in areas related to your proposed topic. Briefly explore topics tangentially related to yours to broaden your perspective and increase your chance of finding a unique angle to pursue.

Critical Reading

Critical reading is the opposite of passive reading. Instead of merely reading for information to absorb, critical reading also involves careful, sustained thinking about what you are reading. This process may include analyzing the author’s motives and assumptions, asking what might be left out of the discussion, considering what you agree with or disagree with in the author’s statements and why you agree or disagree, and exploring connections or contradictions between scholarly arguments. Here is a resource to help hone your critical-reading skills:

http://writing.umn.edu/sws/assets/pdf/quicktips/criticalread.pdf

Conversation

Your thesis or dissertation will incorporate some ideas from other scholars whose work you researched. By reading critically and following your curiosity, you will develop your own ideas and claims, and these contributions are the core of your project. You will also acknowledge the work of scholars who came before you, and you must accurately and fairly attribute this work and define your place within the larger discussion. Make sure that you know how to quote, summarize, paraphrase ,  integrate , and cite secondary sources to avoid plagiarism and to show the depth and breadth of your knowledge.

A thesis is a long-term, large project that involves both research and writing; it is easy to lose focus, motivation, and momentum. Here are suggestions for achieving the result you want in the time you have.

The dissertation is probably the largest project you have undertaken, and a lot of the work is self-directed. The project can feel daunting or even overwhelming unless you break it down into manageable pieces and create a timeline for completing each smaller task. Be realistic but also challenge yourself, and be forgiving of yourself if you miss a self-imposed deadline here and there.

Your program will also have specific deadlines for different requirements, including establishing a committee, submitting a prospectus, completing the dissertation, defending the dissertation, and submitting your work. Consult your department’s website for these dates and incorporate them into the timeline for your work.

Accountability

Sometimes self-imposed deadlines do not feel urgent unless there is accountability to someone beyond yourself. To increase your motivation to complete tasks on schedule, set dates with your committee chair to submit pre-determined pieces of a chapter. You can also arrange with a fellow doctoral student to check on each other’s progress. Research and writing can be lonely, so it is also nice to share that journey with someone and support each other through the process.

Common Pitfalls

The most common challenges for students writing a dissertation are writer’s block, information-overload, and the compulsion to keep researching forever.

There are many strategies for avoiding writer’s block, such as freewriting, outlining, taking a walk, starting in the middle, and creating an ideal work environment for your particular learning style. Pay attention to what helps you and try different things until you find what works.

Efficient researching techniques are essential to avoiding information-overload. Here are a couple of resources about strategies for finding sources and quickly obtaining essential information from them.

https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/subject_specific_writing/writing_in_literature/writing_in_literature_detailed_discussion/reading_criticism.html

https://students.dartmouth.edu/academic-skills/learning-resources/learning-strategies/reading-techniques

Finally, remember that there is always more to learn and your dissertation cannot incorporate everything. Follow your curiosity but also set limits on the scope of your work. It helps to create a folder entitled “future projects” for topics and sources that interest you but that do not fit neatly into the dissertation. Also remember that future scholars will build off of your work, so leave something for them to do.

Browsing through theses and dissertations of the past can help to get a sense of your options and gain inspiration but be careful to use current guidelines and refer to your committee instead of relying on these examples for form or formatting.

DASH Digital Access to Scholarship at Harvard.

HOLLIS Harvard Library’s catalog provides access to ProQuest Dissertations & Theses Global .

MIT Architecture has a list of their graduates’ dissertations and theses.

Rhode Island School of Design has a list of their graduates’ dissertations and theses.

University of South Florida has a list of their graduates’ dissertations and theses.

Harvard GSD has a list of projects, including theses and professors’ research.

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General, Electronic:

Last-name, First-name. “Title of Dissertation.” Diss. Place of Study, Year. Title of Database . Web. Date Month Year of Access.

Forrester, Pearl. “Psychological Distress and Repeated Television Viewing.” Diss. Miskatonic University, 1990. ProQuest Dissertations and Theses . Web. 13 May 2010.

General, Print:

Last-name, First-name. “Title of Dissertation.” Diss. Place of Study, Year. Print.

Forrester, Pearl. “Psychological Distress and Repeated Television Viewing.” Diss. Miskatonic University, 1990. Print.

General Rule:

Author's Last-name, First-name. Title of Disstertaion . Diss. Place of Study, Year. Place of Publication: Publisher, Year of Publication. Format.

Diamond, Oscar. How to Care for Your Diabetic Cat . Diss. West Virginia University, 1999. New York: Knopf, 2000. Print.

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Home / Guides / Citation Guides / Chicago Style / How to Cite a Thesis/Dissertation in Chicago/Turabian

How to Cite a Thesis/Dissertation in Chicago/Turabian

Academic theses and dissertations can be a good source of information when writing your own paper. They are usually accessed via a university’s database or a third party database, or found on the web. The main difference between a thesis and a dissertation is the degree type they are submitted for:

• Thesis—A document submitted to earn a degree, such as a master’s degree, at a university.
• Dissertation—A document submitted to earn an advanced degree, such as a doctorate, at a university.

This guide will show you how to create notes-bibliography style citations for theses and dissertations in a variety of formats using the 17th edition of the  Chicago Manual of Style.

Guide Overview

• Citing a thesis or dissertation from a database
• Citing a thesis or dissertation from the web
• Citing an unpublished thesis or dissertation

Citing a Thesis or Dissertation from a Database

Citation structure.

1. First name Last name, “Title” (master’s thesis or PhD diss., University Name, year published), page number, Database (Identification Number).

Bibliography:

Last name, First name. “Title.” Master’s thesis or PhD diss., University Name, year published. Database (Identification Number).

Citation Example

1. Kimberly Knight,  “Media Epidemics: Viral Structures in Literature and New Media” (PhD diss., University of California, Santa Barbara, 2011), 17, MLA International Bibliography (2013420395).

Knight, Kimberly.  “Media Epidemics: Viral Structures in Literature and New Media.” PhD diss., University of California, Santa Barbara, 2011. MLA International Bibliography (2013420395).

Citing a Thesis or Dissertation from the Web

1. First name Last name, “Title” (master’s thesis or PhD diss., University Name, year published), page number, URL.

Last name, First name. “Title.” Master’s thesis or PhD diss., University Name, year published. URL.

1. Peggy Lynn Wilson, “Pedagogical Practices in the Teaching of English Language in Secondary Public Schools in Parker County” (PhD diss., University of Maryland, College Park, 2011), 25, https://drum.lib.umd.edu/bitstream/1903/11801/1/Wilson_umd_0117E_12354.pdf.

Wilson, Peggy Lynn. “Pedagogical Practices in the Teaching of English Language in Secondary Public Schools in Parker County.” PhD diss., University of Maryland, College Park, 2011. https://drum.lib.umd.edu/bitstream/1903/11801/1/Wilson_umd_0117E_12354.pdf.

Citing an Unpublished Thesis or Dissertation

In rare cases, you may need to cite a thesis or dissertation that has not yet been published. This is particularly the case if you want to cite your own work or the work of a colleague.

1. First name Last name, “Title” (unpublished manuscript, Month Day, Year last modified), format.

Last name, First name. “Title.” Unpublished manuscript, last modified Month Day, Year. Format.

1. John Doe, “A Study of Generic Topic” (unpublished manuscript, June 19, 2021), Microsoft Word file.

Doe, John. “A Study of Generic Topic.” Unpublished manuscript, last modified June 19, 2021. Microsoft Word file.

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Format for dissertations and theses

Dissertations and theses database.

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Author last name, first initial. (Year).  Title of dissertation/thesis  (Publication No.) [Doctoral dissertation/Master's thesis, University]. Database. URL

• Author:  List the last name, followed by the first initial (and second initial). See  Authors  for more information.
• Year:  List the year between parentheses, followed by a period.
• Title of dissertation/thesis:  In italics. Capitalize the first word of the title, subtitle, and proper nouns.
• Publication number: Can be found in Dissertations and Theses database, listed in the item record as “Dissertation/thesis number.”
• Doctoral dissertation/Master's thesis:  List whether it is a dissertation or a thesis.
• University:  List the university associated with the dissertation/thesis.
• Database:  List database the dissertation/thesis was found in, if found in a database.
• URL:  List URL if found on the free Web rather than in a database.

See specific examples below.

Dissertations:

Pecore, J. T. (2004). Sounding the spirit of Cambodia: The living tradition of Khmer music and dance-drama in a Washington, DC community  (Publication No. 3114720) [Doctoral dissertation, University of Maryland]. ProQuest Dissertations and Theses Global. 

Master's Theses:

Hollander, M. M. (2017). Resitance to authority: Methodological innovations and new lessons from the Milgram experiment   (Publication No. 10289373) [Master's thesis, University of Wisconsin - Madison]. ProQuest Dissertations and Theses Global.

APA calls for the citation to include a unique identifying number for the dissertation, labeling it “Publication No.” That number can be found in Dissertations and Theses database, listed in the item record as “Dissertation/thesis number.”

Karamanos, X. (2020). The influence of professional development models on student mathematics performance in New Jersey public elementary schools [Doctoral dissertation, Seton Hall University]. Seton Hall University Dissertations and Theses (ETDs). https://scholarship.shu.edu/dissertations/2732

Bordo, V. C. (2011). Making a case for the use of foreign language in the educational activities of nonprofit arts organizations [Master's thesis, University of Akron]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses & Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=akron1311135640

Caprette, C. L. (2005). Conquering the cold shudder: The origin and evolution of snake eyes  [Doctoral dissertation, Ohio State University].

Angelova, A. N. (2004). Data pruning  [Master's thesis, California Institute of Technology].

See  Publication Manual , 10.6.

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Cite a Thesis

Don't let plagiarism errors spoil your paper

Consider your source's credibility. ask these questions:, contributor/author.

• Has the author written several articles on the topic, and do they have the credentials to be an expert in their field?
• Can you contact them? Do they have social media profiles?
• Have other credible individuals referenced this source or author?
• Book: What have reviews said about it?
• What do you know about the publisher/sponsor? Are they well-respected?
• Do they take responsibility for the content? Are they selective about what they publish?
• Take a look at their other content. Do these other articles generally appear credible?
• Does the author or the organization have a bias? Does bias make sense in relation to your argument?
• Is the purpose of the content to inform, entertain, or to spread an agenda? Is there commercial intent?
• Are there ads?
• When was the source published or updated? Is there a date shown?
• Does the publication date make sense in relation to the information presented to your argument?
• Does the source even have a date?
• Was it reproduced? If so, from where?
• If it was reproduced, was it done so with permission? Copyright/disclaimer included?
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How to Cite a Thesis in APA: A Comprehensive Guide to Proper Citations

Citing a thesis in APA format is a critical skill for students and researchers alike. This blog post will guide you through the essentials of APA citation for theses, ensuring your academic work adheres to widely accepted standards.

The American Psychological Association (APA) citation style is commonly used in the social sciences, education, and psychology fields. It provides a consistent framework for referencing sources, including theses.

Key Components of a Thesis Citation in APA

An APA citation for a thesis includes several key components: the author’s name, publication year, thesis title, university name, and the URL or database name (if applicable).

These elements are arranged in a specific order and format to ensure clarity and uniformity in scholarly communication. Understanding and correctly applying these components is crucial for accurate and ethical academic writing.

Why Accurate Citation Matters

Accurate citation is vital for several reasons. It acknowledges the original author’s work, provides readers with the context and sources of your research, and helps avoid plagiarism. Proper citation is not just a formal requirement; it’s a sign of academic integrity and respect within the research community.

For expert assistance in crafting your thesis and ensuring accurate APA citations, consider the specialized services offered at thesisrush.com , a resource dedicated to supporting students with their academic writing challenges.

Step-by-Step Guide to Citing a Thesis in APA

1. formatting the author’s name and publication year.

When citing a thesis in APA format, begin with the author’s last name followed by a comma, then the initial(s) of their first and middle names (if available).

After the author’s name, include the publication year in parentheses. This information is crucial as it identifies the thesis’s creator and the time of its creation, helping readers locate the source.

2. Citing the Thesis Title and University Name

Next, include the title of the thesis in sentence case, capitalizing only the first word and any proper nouns. Italicize the title to distinguish it from other elements of the citation.

Following the title, state the name of the university where the thesis was submitted. This detail provides context about the academic environment in which the research was conducted.

3. Including the URL or Database Name

If the thesis is available online, conclude the citation with the URL or the name of the database where it can be found.

This information is crucial in the digital age, as it allows readers to access the source material directly. Make sure the URL is accurate and leads to the specific document to ensure ease of access for your audience.

Examples of Thesis Citations in APA Format

Citing an Unpublished Thesis

When citing an unpublished thesis, the format slightly differs from a published one. An example of an unpublished thesis citation in APA format would be:

• Doe, J. (2020). Exploring Behavioral Patterns in Early Childhood Education (Unpublished master’s thesis). University of Education.

This example demonstrates how to format each element, from the author’s name to the university’s name, for an unpublished thesis.

Citing a Published Thesis from a Database

For a published thesis retrieved from a database, the citation includes the database name or URL. An example is:

• Smith, A. B. (2018). A Comparative Study of Cognitive Development in Children (Doctoral dissertation, University of Psychology). ProQuest Dissertations and Theses Global.

This citation shows the inclusion of the database where the thesis can be accessed, a crucial detail for published theses.

Citing an Online Thesis

Citing a thesis found online requires including the direct URL. An example of this citation is:

• Lee, C. (2019). Innovative Teaching Methods in Higher Education. The University of Learning. Retrieved from (here you will insert URL)

This example illustrates the format for citing a thesis available on a university’s digital repository, emphasizing the inclusion of a retrievable URL.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Inaccurate author details.

One common mistake is inaccurately recording the author’s name or initials. Always double-check these details against the original source to ensure accuracy.

Incorrect Title Formatting

Another error is incorrect title formatting. Remember, the thesis title should be in sentence case and italicized. Paying attention to these details is crucial for consistency in APA citations.

Overlooking the University Name and URL

Omitting the university name or the URL (for online theses) can lead to incomplete citations. Ensure every element of the citation is included and correctly formatted.

Advanced Tips

Incorporating Direct Quotes from a Thesis

When including direct quotes from a thesis, it’s important to provide page numbers in the citation. This helps readers locate the specific part of the thesis you’re referencing. For instance:

• Doe, J. (2020). Exploring Behavioral Patterns in Early Childhood Education (Unpublished master’s thesis). University of Education. (p. 45).

This citation shows how to incorporate a page number, enhancing the accuracy and usefulness of your reference.

Citing a Thesis with Multiple Authors

In cases where a thesis has multiple authors, list them in the order they appear in the source. Use an ampersand (&) before the last author’s name. For example:

• Doe, J., & Smith, A. B. (2018). A Comparative Study of Cognitive Development in Children. University of Psychology.

This format acknowledges all contributors, maintaining the integrity of your citation.

Handling Missing Information

Sometimes, certain information like the publication year or university name might be missing. In such cases, use placeholders like “n.d.” (no date) or provide as much information as possible. Be thorough in your search for information to minimize these occurrences.

Utilizing APA Citation Tools and Resources

Online generators.

There are numerous online tools available to assist with APA citation. These generators can automatically format your references, but it’s important to double-check their accuracy. Examples include Citation Machine and BibMe.

Academic Databases and Libraries

Academic databases and university libraries often provide guides and resources for APA citation. Utilizing these resources ensures that your citations are aligned with the latest APA standards.

Consultation with Instructors or Librarians

When in doubt, consulting with your instructor or a librarian can provide clarity and ensure that your citations are correct. Their expertise can be invaluable, especially for complex or unusual citation scenarios.

Concluding Thoughts

Mastering APA citations for theses is a fundamental skill for students and researchers. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the process, from understanding the basics to correctly formatting each citation component.

By following these guidelines, you can ensure your academic work adheres to the highest standards of scholarly communication , maintaining integrity and credibility in your field.

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Thesis, dissertation or exegesis?

Theses and dissertations from online sources, theses and dissertations in hardcopy format.

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Terminology

Thesis and dissertation can mean different things, depending on which institution the work is from.  For study purposes and for your APA reference you need to know the level of the work.

• Always check the title page, or subsequent pages, to determine exactly what the work is
• Use the information there for your APA reference

At Auckland University of Technology (and other NZ universities)

Thesis is either for a doctoral or a master's degree.

Dissertation is either for a master's or a bachelor's degree with honours.

Exegesis is the written component of a practice-based thesis where the major output is a creative work;  e.g. a film, artwork, novel.

In some other parts of the world such as North America, a dissertation may be for a doctoral degree and a thesis for a master's degree.  

See Section 7.05  in the Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association, 6th edition .

Reference format for a thesis from a commercial database:

Reference format for a thesis from an institutional repository:

A Doctoral dissertation (USA) from ProQuest Dissertations and Theses database

Reference list entry:

• Include the name of the database and the order number of the document
• Use this style for theses retrieved from a commercial database

Thesis from a NZ institutional repository :

• Include the full URL for the thesis/dissertation and the full name of the degree-granting institution/university
• Also include the location of the university, if outside the United States.

In-text citations guide  

Reference format for unpublished thesis/dissertation:

• Give the correct full name of the university, not its abbreviation or brand name.

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• URL: https://aut.ac.nz.libguides.com/APA6th

Unpublished Dissertation or Thesis References

This page contains a reference example for an unpublished dissertation or thesis.

Harris, L. (2014). Instructional leadership perceptions and practices of elementary school leaders [Unpublished doctoral dissertation]. University of Virginia.

• Parenthetical citation : (Harris, 2014)
• Narrative citation : Harris (2014)
• When a dissertation or thesis is unpublished, include the description “[Unpublished doctoral dissertation]” or “[Unpublished master’s thesis]” in square brackets after the dissertation or thesis title.
• In the source element of the reference, provide the name of the institution that awarded the degree.
• The same format can be adapted for other unpublished theses, including undergraduate theses, by changing the wording of the bracketed description as appropriate.
• If you find the dissertation or thesis in a database or in a repository or archive, follow the published dissertation or thesis reference examples .

Unpublished dissertation or thesis references are covered in the seventh edition APA Style manuals in the Publication Manual Section 10.6 and the Concise Guide Section 10.5

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Referencing a Bachelor's Thesis

LaTeX only offers @mastersthesis or @phdthesis , but no bachelor's thesis.

I tried to keep the entry as @misc , but the university name doesn't appear.

So I just used @mastersthesis and typed

Is there another way of doing this -- or could I create a new @bachelorthesis entry type in the .bst file?

• bibliographies

• This should be possible with biblatex (somewhat easily). I suspect if it is at all possible with standard .bst files, it's probably not worth the hassle. –  moewe Commented Sep 25, 2013 at 20:00
• @moewe - It's not much hassle either to modify a copy of a bibliography style such as plainnat . :-) –  Mico Commented Sep 25, 2013 at 20:57
• @Mico I did not think it would be that easy. Being a biblatex fan I really underestimated natbib and friends. –  moewe Commented Sep 25, 2013 at 21:00
• 9 There are many types of thesis and @mastersthesis provides the field type just for this purpose. I wouldn't bother creating a new entry type just for a couple of citations. Before editing (a copy) of an existing .bst style, consider that for a submission you would have to use @mastersthesis anyway and you can't share your .bib file with your coworkers unless they have the new .bst file: using personally modified styles limits document portability. –  egreg Commented Sep 25, 2013 at 21:56
• 1 I had a similar problem and solved with this technique: hci.rwth-aachen.de/materials/bib/?id=kluth2011a –  user75906 Commented Apr 9, 2015 at 23:03

3 Answers 3

The simplest way to do so is to use @masterthesis and then setting the type to Bachelor's Thesis which will get printed instead of the default Master's Thesis . That is:

The new way to reference a Bachelor's Thesis is to use @thesis , which also replaces @phdthesis and @mastersthesis (both can still be used).

In type you can write whatever you want. But mathesis and phdthesis are predefined for Master's Thesis and PhD Thesis respectively.

• 4 Can you provide a source for the @thesis type? –  andreas Commented Mar 22, 2018 at 10:19
• 8 This did not work for me, maybe because of an old LaTeX installation at my institution. The type and school were not shown. However, when I changed @thesis to @phdthesis it worked as expected. –  m00am Commented Jan 7, 2019 at 14:06
• That doesn't work with BibTeX. –  vonbrand Commented Jun 24, 2021 at 2:52
• Similar to m00am: "Warning--entry type for "joachim2018methodology" isn't style-file defined" –  Caleb Stanford Commented Jul 26, 2022 at 23:09

It's not LaTeX per se but the bibliography style you use that determines, among many things, which types of bibliographic entries are recognized. If you're using a bibliography style such as plainnat , it's not much work at all to create a new entry type named, say, @bachelorsthesis . The following instructions should work not just for plainnat but for many other bibliography styles too, as long as they feature a function called mastersthesis .

Find the file plainnat.bst in your TeX distribution. Make a copy of this file and call it, say, myplainnat.bst . (Don't edit an original file of the TeX distribution directly.)

Open the file myplainnat.bst in your favorite text editor and locate the function called mastersthesis . (It starts on line 910 in my copy of the .bst file.)

Copy the code of the entire function (ca. 16 lines) and paste the copy below the existing function.

Change the new function's name from mastersthesis to bachelorsthesis .

Change the string "Master's thesis" to "Bachelor's thesis" .

Save the new .bst file either in the same directory as your main .tex file or somewhere in your TeX distribution's search path. If you choose the latter method, you will probably need to update the filename database in a way that's appropriate for your TeX distribution.

Start using the new bibliography style by invoking it via \bibliographystyle{myplainnat) , rerun LaTeX, BibTeX, and LaTeX twice more to fully update all references and citation call-outs, and start creating and citing those entries of type @bachelorsthesis . :-)

Happy (Bib)TeXing!

Specifying the type of thesis within @mastersthesis

works for me when using \bibliographystyle{elsarticle-num}.

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Rules for correct quotation and citation in a bachelor's, master's and PhD thesis

Correct citation in the Bachelor's, Master's and Doctoral thesis is the prerequisite for passing this exercise. These tips will help you to avoid mistakes from the beginning.

What function do quotations have in the thesis?

Academic texts adopt thoughts of other authors, whether literally or in spirit. These quotations must be marked to be verifiable. Such a verification is made possible by references.

How should literal quotations in the thesis appear?

Verbatim or literal quotations are taken 1 to 1 from the original text enclosed in quotation marks. Even typing errors are included. Usually, a literal quote is documented in a footnote at the end of the page. It contains the name of the author, the year of the publication, and the page number. This content provides a clear assignment to the source in the bibliography. However, the guidelines of your department must be observed.

The second option is to put the year and page number in brackets after the closing character of the quote in the running text. (American citation)

How are non-literal quotations cited in the thesis?

Indirect quotations are not placed in quotation marks. Instead, a statement from another author and quasi rewritten is accompanied by a footnote or a reference in brackets. As a rule, the procedure is the same as for direct citations. However, the abbreviation Cf. (comparisons) is placed before the source reference. Here too, the guidelines of your supervisor must be observed.

How can I cite a source with several authors in my thesis?

There are several possibilities. Either all names are listed, or only one name is mentioned with the addition et al. (et alii = and others). This citation must be clearly assigned to a source in the bibliography.

How can I quote a statement of an author found in the text of another author?

You don't! Get the primary source and quote the argument from it or find another source with the argument or leave it out.

One more tip: Review the arguments of the author. If an author is restating the statements of other authors page by page, you should instead look at the other authors. But if it provides a real in-depth overview, as is the rule in a dissertation, then you should look for other sources selectively.

Another tip: Work with real studies (paper or journal article). Then this question does not even arise. Because these quotations in books usually come from real studies anyway.

Your checklist for correct citations in the thesis:

• Original sources consulted?
• Quote checked?
• Literal quotations declared?
• Quotations taken over in the same way declared?
• Emphasis adopted?
• Own comments declared?
• Omissions reasonable and technically correct?
• Source references technically correct and uniform?
• Page details technically correct?
• Transfers to the directories correct?

Good luck writing your text! Silvio and the Aristolo Team

PS: Check out the Thesis-ABC and the Thesis Guide for writing a bachelor's or master's thesis in 31 days.

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Bachelor thesis: cite my own paper?

I am currently writing my bachelor thesis and since my results were really good, my advisors encouraged me to write a paper about it. The paper was accepted at an international conference and will get published and in the corresponding journal.

I've really invested much time in the paper and the results, thus my thesis fell a bit short. Additionally the topics are identical, because I wrote about the results that I achieved during my work for my thesis. Therefore it is really hard to write a "completely different" text in the thesis compared to the paper.

Moreover the deadline of my thesis ends in 3 weeks...thus, my second advisor suggested to mostly copy+paste stuff of my paper, because it is good and was reviewed several times.

However, my second advisor is always relaxed and calm. I haven't talked to my first advisor about this so far...but I suspect that he would not be too happy if I copy & paste large parts.

What is the "standard" in academia for comparable situations? Would you feel OK with copying certain parts of your paper?

Any advice would be great and really appreciated.

• 3 Can you simply submit the Conference paper, as is as your Bachelor Thesis? My institution changed a rule to allow that recently. Not Copy paste sections, but the whole thing, with the statement "This work, as is, will appear in X, in 2016" –  Frames Catherine White Commented Jun 17, 2016 at 10:35
• 1 Could you indicate some more context such as your approximate field, please? I'm asking because the "standard" you are referring to might vary considerably; for instance the solution suggested by @Oxinabox is pretty much unthinkable in the part of academia I'm most familiar with, as conference papers are usually limited to some 8 to 10 pages there, whereas Bachelor theses typically cover at the very least 60 pages. –  O. R. Mapper Commented Jun 18, 2016 at 11:08
• I'm writing my bachelor thesis in a specialized STEM-field at a department with quite some reputation at a big university in Europe. Students here are encouraged to write research-based theses rather than writing "something that gets you the graduation". While I do not have a specific page limit (neither minimum nor maximum) most bachelor theses here are in a range of 40 to 120 pages. –  daniel451 Commented Jun 18, 2016 at 15:28

3 Answers 3

When it comes to copy and paste , I'd certainly have a bad feeling. Paraphrasing/rewriting is the least you can do. In general, citing own publications is common practice. Citing your own publication in your bachelor thesis is therefore, in my opinion, completely okay.

Since the research published in your paper is actually part of your thesis, everything should be fine. But in your thesis you should be able to give even more detail than in a conference paper. That way you can reference your paper, showing that you published successfully, and then show your findings to a bigger extent.

Good luck with your thesis!

Edit: Almost forgot about your first advisor: Talk to him/her! There is no reason to feel bad for asking. Ask your second advisor for advice on how to talk to your first advisor.

• 1 If it's the same person describing the same work, and it's all their own work, I don't see a problem with copy/paste (with adaptations as necessary). Why waste one's time rewriting perfectly good prose? There are certainly paragraphs of my PhD thesis that are identical to paragraphs of the corresponding papers, and everybody involved was fine with that. But obviously this depends on the regulations of the institution in question. –  Flyto Commented Aug 9, 2018 at 11:13
• @Flyto It does come down on regulations and personal taste. Personally, I would just not feel good copy/pasting passages from my publications. However, in some instutions this might be perfectly normal. One should definitely look around how colleagues did it in the past. –  Ian Commented Aug 9, 2018 at 11:43

Where I come from it is common for chapters of a PhD thesis to have a lot in common with published papers by the same author - maybe even with copy/pasted sections. The declaration for the thesis is "it's all my own work, and it hasn't previously been submitted for a degree"; there's no requirement that it hasn't been published in a journal.

It's not common for undergraduate dissertations, but that may simply be because it isn't common for undergraduates to publish in the academic literature. In my view the fact that you have done work that is good enough to be published should be a positive thing, not an additional problem for you.

However , whether this is allowed will very much depend on the policies of your universtiy - so definitely talk to your primary advisor about it. Assuming it's allowed then you should note clearly, perhaps in the introduction, that the same work has been / is going to be published in $journal, with a citation. This looks good for you, and also provides an explanation if the thesis gets a red flag from automated plagarism detection software.

If your earlier work has been published, then cite it as you would any other work. However, if it has not been published, even by your university, then the rules don't need to be as strict. You could possibly just consider your undergraduate thesis as a "draft" of the publication, in which case there is no need to cite. However, it might be better to cite it, and you should mention somewhere that the work is "derived from" your thesis.

Doctoral theses, on the other hand are regularly published by universities through Proquest , which used to be University Microfilms. I don't know if all dissertations wind up there, but in some fields, they do.

If a prior publication exists, cite it. You can quote or paraphrase as you would any other work, but give a proper citation.

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Department of East Asian Studies

• Thesis Formatting, Style, and Structure

The title page must include the thesis title, author’s name, date of submission, and the following statement: A senior thesis submitted to the Department of East Asian Studies of Princeton University in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Bachelor of Arts.

Please sign and date the honor code for each copy of the paper on the last page with the following text: This paper represents my own work in accordance with University regulations. I pledge my honor that I have not violated the honor code during the writing of this paper.

Table of Contents

A table of contents listing the title and page number of each chapter should follow the title page. On a page preceding the table of contents you may wish to acknowledge any special assistance or support that you received in writing your thesis.

The text must be double-spaced, and 60-100 pages in length (excluding the bibliography).

Long quotations should be indented. All quotations from Chinese, Japanese or Korean sources should be translated into English. Inclusion of these sources in their original script is not required. If unavailable in the Gest Library add a copy of the original language text as an appendix.

Footnotes are preferred to endnotes, but either are acceptable. Endnotes should be double-spaced; footnotes may be single-spaced. In annotating, even if you have not made a direct quotation but are paraphrasing, give the reference. Be fair to your sources; acknowledge them.

Romanization

Consult with your adviser well in advance on which romanization system you will use. Then be consistent. Do not simply adopt the spellings in your English-language sources. This is a sure sign that you are out of touch with your Asian language sources.

Provide romanization on the first occurrence of the transliteration of proper titles, etc., or provide a glossary of these characters. Characters for commonly known names (e.g., Tokyo, Beijing, Tokugawa, and Qing) may be omitted. Be consistent.

Bibliography

For book titles, characters must appear in the bibliography, but not necessarily in the notes. In general, the bibliography should consist of a single alphabetized list, irrespective of the language. Give full bibliographical information so the editions you have used can be identified.

Citation and style resources can be found on the Princeton University Library website. In other matters of style, when in doubt follow the MLA style or the Chicago style. The important thing is to be consistent.

Sample Thesis Titles

• A Vision of Change: Analyzing the Role of Social Adaptation in the Resettlement Process of North Korean Defectors.
• The Better Earth: Contextualizing Contemporary Organic Farming with China's Dynamic Agricultural History
• China, Zhōng Guó, Assessing Michelangelo Antonioni’s Chung Kuo: Cina
• Cold War Crutches: Mao Zedong's "Lean to One Side" Policy and Sino-American Confrontation in Korea
• Ding Ling and the Chinese Woman: From Empowerment to Mobilization
• Identity and Ideology: Religion and Ethnicity in State Formation during the Northern Dynasties
• Japanese Portrayals of African Americans in Literature and Television: 1940-2010
• Japan's Emerging Role on the Korean Peninsula: The Dynamics of Japan-South Korea Relations in the Post-Cold War Era.
• Kpop and Islam in Turkey: The Pious Generation and the Heathen’s Music
• Infected and Deviant: Korean Netizen Responses to Early COVID-19 Outbreaks
• Representations of Modern Japanese Schools: Eyes of a Chick & Maria is Watching
• The White-Clad: Media, Police and Public Imagination in Post-Aum Japan
• Departmental Requirements
• Junior Independent Works
• Senior Thesis
• Research and Writing Support
• Senior Thesis Prizes in East Asian Studies