how to know if a thesis is published or unpublished

The Difference Between a Published & Unpublished Dissertation

How to Locate PhD Dissertations

A dissertation is the main element in completion of a Ph.D. The central element of a doctoral dissertation, and the quality that differentiates it from a master's thesis or an undergraduate thesis, is that it must make an original contribution to its field, usually using primary research. The structure and content of a completed doctoral dissertation is often very different from the structure required for articles or books that are based on it.

Unpublished Dissertations

When a Ph.D. candidate completes her dissertation, this usually results in three or four copies: one each for the candidate, the dissertation supervisor, the university library and sometimes an archive. Unless a dissertation is subsequently published, these are the only copies that are ever created. What this means in practical terms is that unpublished dissertations are almost never widely read. The vast majority of dissertations serve their purpose of gaining a Ph.D. for their author and then fade into obscurity. If you write a dissertation that you want to have an impact, you will need to revise it and publish it in some form.

One of the easiest options for getting your research into published form is to revise a single chapter into an article for a peer-reviewed journal in your field. The difference between this article and an unpublished dissertation is clear: The article is present in a journal that is printed in thousands of copies and distributed to influential academics around the world. In most cases, the editors of the journal will want the form of the dissertation chapter reworked to some extent to make it more accessible to readers who are probably not experts in that particular subject matter.

Motivated dissertation authors often seek to have their dissertations published in book form. As with journal articles, books that are based on dissertations need to be reworked. This usually takes the form of downplaying the methodology and literature-review sections, cutting down on the density of footnotes and references and generally making the text more readable to non-specialists. A published book can get your name out in your academic field and to the world in general. Having a book and some published articles in your field will be helpful to you in advancing your academic career. Within academia, an unpublished dissertation is really nothing more than a prerequisite.

Online Publishing

The Internet has opened up tremendous new opportunities for academic publishing. While having your work accessible online doesn't carry the same weight with hiring committees as an article in a peer-reviewed journal, or better yet a book, it is an effective way to make yourself and your work known, as long as you get it published in the right places. Making contacts through online publishing can be an effective stepping stone toward breaking into journals and book publishing. It's also a useful way to get feedback from other academics about your work.

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• University of California Berkeley/Graduate Division: Publishing Your Dissertation

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How to Cite an Unpublished Paper or Manuscript in APA Referencing

3-minute read

• 23rd June 2020

Did you know that you can cite unpublished works, such as in-progress research papers or manuscripts, in an essay? Well, you can! The key is citing them correctly. And in this post, we will look at how to cite an unpublished paper or manuscript in APA referencing .

How to Cite an Unpublished Paper in APA referencing

In APA referencing, you can cite an unpublished work in the same way as you would a published one. This means giving an author’s name and a date in brackets . The only difference is that you give a year of production (i.e., when the paper was written) rather than a year of publication:

Few fully understand the publication process (Clarke, 2020).

Like other sources, if you name the author in the text, you do not need to repeat it in the brackets. And if you quote an unpublished paper, you should give page numbers. For example:

According to Clarke (2020), publication “is a complex process” (p. 20).

When a paper has been accepted for publication but not yet published, however, you should use the term “in press” in place of a year in citations:

Few fully understand the publication process (Clarke, in press).

How to Reference an Unpublished Work in APA Referencing

When adding an unpublished paper to an APA reference list , the correct format will depend on where it is in the publication process. But let’s start with works that will not be published at all (e.g., a paper that the author never submitted or that the publisher rejected).

In this case, the correct format is:

Author Surname, Initial(s). (Year of Production). Title of manuscript [Unpublished manuscript]. Department, University Name.

So, in practice, we could cite an unpublished paper like this:

Clarke, J. (2020). The publication process explained [Unpublished manuscript]. School of Journalism, Media and Performance, University of Central Lancashire.

Referencing a Work Submitted for Publication

If a paper has been submitted for publication but not yet accepted, the reference should state “manuscript submitted for publication.” However, you should not include any other information about the submission, such as where it was submitted, as this information could go out of date quickly.

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The correct format in this case is therefore:

Author Surname, Initial(s). (Year of Production). Title of manuscript [Manuscript submitted for publication]. Department, University Name.

For example, we would list the paper above as follows:

Clarke, J. (2020). The publication process explained [Manuscript submitted for publication]. School of Journalism, Media and Performance, University of Central Lancashire.

Referencing a Paper in Press

If a paper has been accepted for publication, use the following format:

Author Surname, Initial(s). (in press). Title. Periodical or Journal Title .

As you can see, we now include both:

• The phrase “in press” to show that the paper has been accepted by the journal and is now awaiting publication.
• The title of the journal that accepted it (note, too, that we only use italics for the journal title here, not the title of the paper itself).

In practice, then, we would reference a paper awaiting publication like this:

Clarke, J. (in press). The publication process explained, Publishing Research Quarterly .

It is always worth checking the status of submitted papers before finalizing your reference list, too, as they can go from “submitted for publication” to “in press” quite suddenly, leaving your reference out of date.

Hopefully, you will now be able to cite an unpublished paper or manuscript correctly. But if you would like any further help with your writing, why not submit a document for proofreading ?

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What is the Difference Between Published and Unpublished Thesis?

• by Sean Brown
• October 11, 2023

As an aspiring researcher or academic, you may find yourself pondering questions about the publication and dissemination of your thesis. What exactly does it mean for a thesis to be published or unpublished? What impact does this distinction have on your work? In this blog post, we will dive into the world of thesis publication and explore the key differences between published and unpublished theses.

Whether you’re a graduate student looking to turn your research paper into a book or a PhD candidate seeking to publish your thesis, this blog post will provide you with valuable insights. We will also answer burning questions such as whether ResearchGate is peer-reviewed, where to find information about a book’s publication, and the locations of renowned publishing houses like Taylor and Francis and Routledge Publishers.

So, if you’ve ever wondered about the nuances of publishing a thesis or the benefits of making your research widely accessible, keep reading to uncover the distinctions between published and unpublished theses.

The Lowdown on Published and Unpublished Thesis in the Academic World

When it comes to thesis writing, two terms often come up: “published” and “unpublished.” But what do they mean, and how do they differ? Let’s unravel this academic mystery, shall we?

Published Thesis: Making Waves in the Academic Ocean

A published thesis is not just any ordinary piece of work; it’s a victorious triumph that has navigated its way through peer review and found a cozy spot in the vast sea of academic literature. Picture it as an intellectual A-lister, strutting down the red carpet, basking in all its glory.

The Perks of Being Published

Published theses are like celebrities in the academic world. They have benefits that unpublished theses can only dream of. One of the major advantages is credibility. When your thesis is published, fellow scholars view it as a reliable source of knowledge, unquestionably glossy and polished.

Unpublished Thesis: The Hidden Gem

Unlike its showy counterpart, an unpublished thesis is like a concealed treasure, waiting to be discovered. It may not have had its moment in the spotlight yet, but that doesn’t mean it lacks substance. In fact, some unpublished theses pack a punch that could rival the heavyweight champions of the academic world.

The Perks of Being Unpublished

While unpublished theses may not have the glitz and glamour of their published counterparts, they do offer certain advantages. For starters, an unpublished thesis allows you the freedom to experiment with ideas and concepts without the pressure of meeting stringent publishing criteria. It serves as an incubator for innovation, giving you the space to explore uncharted territories.

Published vs. Unpublished: Which One Should You Choose

Now that we’ve examined the characteristics of published and unpublished theses, you may be wondering which path to choose. Well, my academically inclined friend, it all depends on your goals and intentions.

If You Seek Visibility and Prestige…

…then a published thesis is the grand prize you’re looking for. It will showcase your expertise to the academic world, garnering recognition and admiration from your peers. Just like a superstar, it will make you a sought-after name in your field.

If Innovation is Your Game…

…then an unpublished thesis is your secret weapon. It allows you to break free from the shackles of convention and delve into unexplored territories. You have the freedom to challenge existing theories, question traditional assumptions, and present groundbreaking ideas.

The Verdict: The Choice is Yours

Ultimately, the decision between publishing and keeping your thesis unpublished lies in your hands. Consider your research goals, aspirations, and the level of impact you wish to make in your field. Whether you choose the red carpet or the hidden gem, remember that what truly matters is the quality and significance of your work.

Now, armed with the knowledge of the difference between published and unpublished theses, go forth and conquer the academic world, my ambitious friend!

Key Takeaways

• Published theses have undergone rigorous peer review and hold credibility in the academic world.
• Unpublished theses offer the freedom to explore ideas without the pressure of adhering to publishing criteria.
• Published theses provide visibility and prestige, while unpublished theses foster innovation and experimentation.
• The decision between a published and unpublished thesis depends on your specific research goals and aspirations.
• Ultimately, what matters most is the quality and significance of your work, regardless of its published or unpublished status.

FAQ: What is the Difference Between Published and Unpublished Thesis?

By [Your Name]

How do I Turn my Research Paper into a Book

Turning your research paper into a book can be an exciting journey! Here are a few steps to help you transform your scholarly work into a published book:

Refine and Expand : Take the time to refine your research paper, ensuring it is well-organized and free from errors. Expand your content by providing additional analysis and incorporating any new developments in your field.

Target the Right Publisher : Research publishers who specialize in your subject area. Look for publishing houses that have a track record in publishing academic books within your field.

Write a Book Proposal : Craft a compelling book proposal that outlines the purpose, scope, and market potential of your book. Include a sample chapter to showcase your writing style and expertise.

Submit your Proposal : Submit your book proposal to the publisher, following their submission guidelines . Be patient and prepared for feedback or revision requests.

Revise and Edit : If your book proposal is accepted, work closely with the publisher’s team to revise and edit your manuscript. Address any comments or suggestions provided by the publisher’s editors.

Publication Process : Once your manuscript is finalized, the publisher will guide you through the publication process, which involves copyediting, typesetting, and designing the book cover.

Publication : Your book will be published and made available for purchase. Celebrate your accomplishment and promote your work through social media, academic conferences , and personal networks.

Remember, publishing a book requires dedication and perseverance. Don’t hesitate to seek advice from experienced authors or mentors along the way.

Is ResearchGate Peer-Reviewed

ResearchGate is not a peer-reviewed platform . It is a social networking site designed to enable researchers to collaborate, share research findings, and connect with peers. While it provides a platform for researchers to share and discuss their work, papers uploaded to ResearchGate are not subject to formal peer review by the platform itself.

If you are seeking rigorous peer review for your research, consider submitting your work to academic journals or conferences within your field. These traditional publishing channels often follow a rigorous peer review process to ensure the quality and validity of research publications.

How do you Publish a PhD Thesis in a Book

Publishing your PhD thesis as a book can be a valuable way to showcase your research and reach a wider audience. Here’s a general outline of the process:

Thesis Evaluation : Evaluate if your thesis has the potential to be transformed into a book. Consider the significance of your research, its relevance to a wider audience, and its potential for expansion beyond the scope of your thesis.

Writing and Revision : Take the time to revise and expand your thesis into a comprehensive and cohesive book manuscript. Address any feedback or suggestions provided by your thesis committee.

Book Proposal : Develop a detailed book proposal that outlines the objectives, target audience, and market potential of your book. Include a sample chapter to showcase your writing style and the uniqueness of your research.

Publishing Houses : Research publishing houses that specialize in your subject area. Look for publishers that have published similar books in the past and have a strong presence within your academic field.

Submit your Proposal : Submit your book proposal to the publishers you have identified, following their submission guidelines. Be prepared for potential revision requests or rejection, as the publishing industry is highly competitive.

Editorial Process : If your proposal is accepted, you will work closely with the publisher’s editorial team to revise, refine, and finalize your manuscript. Address any comments or suggestions provided by the editors.

Publication : After the editing and production processes are completed, your book will be published and made available to the public. Ensure to participate actively in promoting your book through academic conferences, social media, and other relevant platforms.

Remember that publishing a thesis as a book may require additional research, revision, and the inclusion of new material. Consult with your advisor or colleagues who have published their theses as books for further guidance.

Where do you Find Where a Book Was Published

Finding where a book was published can be quite simple. Follow these straightforward steps:

Check the Title Page : The title page of a book usually contains important publication information, including the publishing company’s name and the location where the book was published.

Look for the Copyright Page : The copyright page is typically found on the back of the title page. It provides detailed information about the book’s publication, including the publisher’s name and address.

Search Online : If the book is relatively recent, searching for the book’s title along with the author’s name on online book retailers or search engines can help you find the publication details.

Remember, the publishing location refers to the city or town where the book was printed or produced, and it is different from the publisher’s physical location, which may have multiple offices or branches around the world.

Where is Taylor and Francis Publishing Located

Taylor and Francis is a well-known academic publishing company with a global presence. The company has multiple offices and publishing locations worldwide. Some of their prominent locations include:

London, United Kingdom : Taylor and Francis has a significant presence in London, with multiple offices located throughout the city. London serves as one of their major publishing hubs.

Philadelphia, United States : Taylor and Francis also has a significant operation in Philadelphia, with offices dedicated to publishing academic works for the North American market.

Singapore : Taylor and Francis has established an office in Singapore to cater to the Asia-Pacific region, reflecting their commitment to global reach and collaboration.

These are just a few examples of Taylor and Francis’ publishing locations, but their reach extends beyond these regions. With their broad network, Taylor and Francis contributes to the dissemination of academic knowledge worldwide.

How do you Publish a Monograph

Publishing a monograph, a single author’s scholarly work, follows a similar process to publishing other academic books. Here’s an overview of the steps you can take:

Research and Writing : Conduct thorough research in your area of interest and produce a well-written monograph that contributes to existing knowledge in your field.

Identify Suitable Publishers : Look for academic publishers who specialize in your subject area. Take note of their submission guidelines, publishing focus, and the types of monographs they typically publish.

Prepare a Book Proposal : Craft a persuasive book proposal that outlines the significance of your monograph, its target audience, and its market potential. Include a sample chapter to showcase your writing skills and the unique contribution of your work.

Submit your Proposal : Submit your proposal to the publishers you have identified as suitable for your monograph. Ensure you follow their submission guidelines and be prepared for potential revisions or rejections.

Editorial Process : If your proposal is accepted, you will work closely with the publisher’s editorial team to refine and finalize your monograph. Address any comments or suggestions provided by the editors.

Publication and Promotion : Once the editing and production processes are complete, your monograph will be published. Engage in promotional activities, such as book launches, academic conferences, and social media, to increase the visibility and impact of your work.

Remember, publishing a monograph requires dedication, persistence, and adherence to academic standards. Seek advice from colleagues or mentors who have experience in publishing monographs to guide you throughout the process.

Can you Publish Your PhD Thesis

Yes, it is indeed possible to publish your PhD thesis! Many scholars choose to publish their theses to share their research findings, contribute to their field, and increase the visibility of their work. Here are a few options to consider:

Book Publication : Transform your thesis into a book manuscript by expanding upon your research, addressing feedback, and ensuring its clarity and coherence. Submit your book proposal to academic publishers.

Journal Articles : Break down your thesis into smaller research articles and submit them to reputable academic journals. This allows you to focus on specific aspects of your research and reach a broader audience.

Conference Proceedings : Present your thesis findings at conferences and consider submitting extended versions of your conference papers to conference proceedings. This provides a platform to disseminate your research among fellow academics.

Open Access Repositories : Share your thesis on open access repositories like institutional repositories or preprint servers. This allows your work to be freely accessible to researchers around the world.

Collaborative Research : Collaborate with other researchers in your field to publish joint papers or co-authored books that build upon your thesis findings. This widens the scope and impact of your research.

Remember, when publishing your thesis, always ensure that you acknowledge the originality and intellectual contributions of your advisor, committee members, and any other collaborators who supported your research journey.

Where are Routledge Publishers Located

Routledge is a well-known publishing company specializing in academic books, journals, and digital resources. It has a global presence with offices located in various parts of the world. Some of Routledge’s prominent locations include:

London, United Kingdom : As a renowned British publishing company, Routledge has its headquarters in London, making it a significant hub for their operations and editorial teams.

New York City, United States : Routledge has a substantial presence in New York City, with offices dedicated to serving their North American market. This location allows them to effectively engage with scholars and researchers in the United States and Canada.

Melbourne, Australia : Routledge has an office in Melbourne, emphasizing their commitment to serving the Asia-Pacific region. This location enables them to connect and collaborate with academics and researchers in Australia and other neighboring countries.

These are just a few examples of Routledge’s publishing locations, and their reach extends beyond these regions. With their extensive network, Routledge contributes significantly to academic publishing across the globe.

In this FAQ-style subsection, we discussed some common questions related to the difference between published and unpublished theses. We explored the process of turning a research paper into a book, the peer-review aspect of ResearchGate, publishing a Ph.D. thesis, finding the publication location of a book, locations of Taylor and Francis Publishing and Routledge Publishers, publishing a monograph, and the possibility of publishing one’s Ph.D. thesis. By addressing these questions, we hope to have provided you with valuable insights into the publication world. Remember, the journey of transforming your research into a published work is a remarkable endeavor that deserves celebration!

• book proposal
• multiple offices
• publication
• publication process
• renowned publishing houses
• research paper
• routledge publishers
• unpublished theses
• unpublished thesis

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Guide to Sources for Finding Unpublished Research

Unpublished research.

• Research Networks
• Conference Proceedings
• Clinical Research in Progress
• Grey Literature
• Institutional Repositories
• Preprint Servers
• Finding Theses

This guide takes you through the tools and resources for finding research in progress and unpublished research in Paramedicine. 

What do we mean by unpublished?  

Typically we mean anything that is publicly available on the internet that isn't published formally in a journal article or conference proceedings.  By their nature these  unpublications  are varied but might include things like: 

• Preprints, work in progress or an early version of an article intended for publication that is made available for comment by interested researchers, 
• Presentations, posters, conference papers  published on personal websites or research networks like  ResearchGate  or  Mendeley ,
• Theses and dissertations  published on the web or through repositories.

Unpublished research can be harder to find a number of reasons.  There is no one place to look. You have to dig a little deeper.  The tools you can use o do this are covered in this  Guide . Also, there isn't that much of it.  There are a number of reasons for this. Paramedic researchers are relatively few and widely dispersed geographically and across different organizations (academic and EMS/Ambulance Services).  Compared to similar areas Paramedic research is in the early stages of development.  To use an analogy, Paramedic research is till taxing up the runway while other areas are already up and flying. It's not impossible; it's just harder than in more established research areas.

Why would you want to look?

If you are wondering why you would want to search for  unpublished  material, there could be a number of reasons: 

• Completeness,   if you need to cover a complete topic including work in progress and projects and ideas that haven't made it to formal publication,
• Real- world  examples and case studies , not every project or every implementation will make it to formal publication but may be reported informally as a presentation, theses or dissertation,
• Currency,   the lengthy publication process encourages researchers to find alternative routes to promote research in progress to share ideas and inform current practice. Typically this would be preprints but there are other informal methods such as copies of posters and presentations. 
• Next: Research Networks >>
• Last Updated: Nov 9, 2023 10:51 PM
• URL: https://ambulance.libguides.com/unpublishedresearch

APA Style 7th Edition: Citing Your Sources

• Basics of APA Formatting
• In Text Quick View
• Block Quotes
• Books & eBooks
• Thesis/Dissertation

Standard Format

Formatting rules, various examples.

• Audiovisual
• Conference Presentations
• Social Media
• Legal References
• Reports and Gray Literature
• Academic Integrity and Plagiarism
• Additional Resources
• Reference Page

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

• << Previous: Articles
• Next: Websites >>
• Last Updated: Apr 22, 2024 9:37 AM
• URL: https://libguides.usc.edu/APA7th

Home / Guides / Citation Guides / APA Format / How to Cite a Thesis or Dissertation in APA

How to Cite a Thesis or Dissertation in APA

In this citation guide, you will learn how to reference and cite an undergraduate thesis, master’s thesis, or doctoral dissertation. This guide will also review the differences between a thesis or dissertation that is published and one that has remained unpublished. The guidelines below come from the 7th edition of the Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association (2020a), pages 333 and 334. Please note that the association is not affiliated with this guide.

Alternatively, you can visit EasyBib.com for helpful citation tools to cite your thesis or dissertation .

Guide Overview

Citing an unpublished thesis or dissertation, citing a published dissertation or thesis from a database, citing a thesis or dissertation published online but not from a database, citing a thesis or dissertation: reference overview, what you need.

Since unpublished theses can usually only be sourced in print form from a university library, the correct citation structure includes the university name where the publisher element usually goes.

Author’s last name, F. M. (Year published). Title in sentence case [Unpublished degree type thesis or dissertation]. Name of institution.

Ames, J. H., & Doughty, L. H. (1911). The proposed plans for the Iowa State College athletic field including the design of a reinforced concrete grandstand and wall [Unpublished bachelor’s thesis]. Iowa State University.

In-text citation example:

• Parenthetical :  (Ames & Doughty, 1911)
• Narrative :  Ames & Doughty (1911)

If a thesis or dissertation has been published and is found on a database, then follow the structure below. It’s similar to the format for an unpublished dissertation/thesis, but with a few differences:

• The institution is presented in brackets after the title
• The archive or database name is included

Author’s last name, F. M. (Year published). Title in sentence case (Publication or Document No.) [Degree type thesis or dissertation, Name of institution]. Database name.

Examples 1:

Knight, K. A. (2011). Media epidemics: Viral structures in literature and new media (Accession No. 2013420395) [Doctoral dissertation, University of California, Santa Barbara]. ProQuest Dissertations Publishing.

Trotman, J.B. (2018). New insights into the biochemistry and cell biology of RNA recapping (Document No. osu1523896565730483) [Doctoral dissertation, Ohio State University]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses & Dissertations Center.

In the example given above, the dissertation is presented with a Document Number (Document No.). Sometimes called a database number or publication number, this is the identifier that is used by the database’s indexing system. If the database you are using provides you with such a number, then include it directly after the work’s title in parentheses.

If you are interested in learning more about how to handle works that were accessed via academic research databases, see Section 9.3 of the Publication Manual.

In-text citation examples :

• Parenthetical citation : (Trotman, 2018)
• Narrative citation : Trotman (2018)

Author’s last name, F. M. (Year Published). Title in sentence case [Degree type thesis or dissertation, Name of institution]. Name of archive or collection. URL

Kim, O. (2019). Soviet tableau: cinema and history under late socialism [Doctoral dissertation, University of Pittsburgh]. Institutional Repository at the University of Pittsburgh. https://d-scholarship.pitt.edu/37669/7/Olga%20Kim%20Final%20ETD.pdf

Stiles, T. W. (2001). Doing science: Teachers’ authentic experiences at the Lone Star Dinosaur Field Institute [Master’s thesis, Texas A&M University]. OAKTrust. https://hdl.handle.net/1969.1/ETD-TAMU-2001-THESIS-S745

It is important to note that not every thesis or dissertation published online will be associated with a specific archive or collection. If the work is published on a private website, provide only the URL as the source element.

In-text citation examples:

• Parenthetical citation : (Kim, 2019)
• Narrative citation : Kim (2019)
• Parenthetical citation : (Stiles, 2001)
• Narrative citation : Stiles (2001)

We hope that the information provided here will serve as an effective guide for your research. If you’re looking for even more citation info, visit EasyBib.com for a comprehensive collection of educational materials covering multiple source types.

If you’re citing a variety of different sources, consider taking the EasyBib citation generator for a spin. It can help you cite easily and offers citation forms for several different kinds of sources.

To start things off, let’s take a look at the different types of literature that are classified under Chapter 10.6 of the Publication Manual :

• Undergraduate thesis
• Master’s thesis
• Doctoral dissertation

You will need to know which type you are citing. You’ll also need to know if it is published or unpublished .

When you decide to cite a dissertation or thesis, you’ll need to look for the following information to use in your citation:

• Author’s last name, and first and middle initials
• Year published
• Title of thesis or dissertation
• If it is unpublished
• Publication or document number (if applicable; for published work)
• Degree type (bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral)
• Thesis or dissertation
• Name of institution awarding degree
• DOI (https://doi.org/xxxxx) or URL (if applicable)

Since theses and dissertations are directly linked to educational degrees, it is necessary to list the name of the associated institution; i.e., the college, university, or school that is awarding the associated degree.

To get an idea of the proper form, take a look at the examples below. There are three outlined scenarios:

• Unpublished thesis or dissertation
• Published thesis or dissertation from a database
• Thesis or dissertation published online but not from a database

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

American Psychological Association. (2020b). Style-Grammar-Guidelines. https://apastyle.apa.org/style-grammar-guidelines/citations/basic-principles/parenthetical-versus-narrative

Published August 10, 2012. Updated March 24, 2020.

Written and edited by Michele Kirschenbaum and Elise Barbeau. Michele Kirschenbaum is a school library media specialist and the in-house librarian at EasyBib.com. Elise Barbeau is the Citation Specialist at Chegg. She has worked in digital marketing, libraries, and publishing.

APA Formatting Guide

APA Formatting

• Annotated Bibliography
• Block Quotes
• et al Usage
• In-text Citations
• Multiple Authors
• Paraphrasing
• Page Numbers
• Parenthetical Citations
• Reference Page
• Sample Paper
• APA 7 Updates
• View APA Guide

Citation Examples

• Book Chapter
• Journal Article
• Magazine Article
• Newspaper Article
• Website (no author)
• View all APA Examples

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To cite a published thesis in APA style, it is important that you know some basic information such as the author, publication year, title of the thesis, institute name, archive name, and URL (uniform resource locator). The templates for an in-text citation and reference list entry of a thesis, along with examples, are given below:

In-text citation template and example:

Use the author surname and the publication year in the in-text citation.

Author Surname (Publication Year)

Cartmel (2007)

Parenthetical:

(Author Surname, Publication Year)

(Cartmel, 2007)

Reference list entry template and example:

The title of the thesis is set in sentence case and italicized. Enclose the thesis and the institute awarding the degree inside brackets following the publication year. Then add the name of the database followed by the URL.

Author Surname, F. M. (Publication Year). Title of the thesis [Master’s thesis, Institute Name]. Name of the Database. URL

Cartmel, J. (2007). Outside school hours care and schools [Master’s thesis, Queensland University of Technology]. EPrints. http://eprints.qut.edu.au/17810/1/Jennifer_Cartmel_Thesis.pdf

To cite an unpublished dissertation in APA style, it is important that you know some basic information such as the author, year, title of the dissertation, and institute name. The templates for in-text citation and reference list entry of an online thesis, along with examples, are given below:

Author Surname (Year)

Averill (2009)

(Author Surname, Year)

(Averill, 2009)

The title of the dissertation is set in sentence case and italicized. Enclose “Unpublished doctoral dissertation” inside brackets following the year. Then add the name of the institution awarding the degree.

Author Surname, F. M. (Publication Year). Title of the dissertation [Unpublished doctoral dissertation]. Name of the Institute.

Averill, R. (2009). Teacher–student relationships in diverse New Zealand year 10 mathematics classrooms: Teacher care [Unpublished doctoral dissertation]. Victoria University of Wellington.

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APA Referencing - Education & CCSC students: Unpublished or informally published work

• Abbreviations
• Journal article
• Quotes & citations
• Reference lists
• Referencing questions
• Audiovisual works
• Brochure or pamphlet
• Conference paper
• Dictionary/Encyclopedia
• Government publication
• Gray literature
• Group author
• Interviews/Research data
• Lecture notes/Tutorial material
• Newspaper/Magazine
• Personal communication
• Self-referencing
• Software app
• Figures & tables

Unpublished or informally published work

How to reference an unpublished or informally published work.

As with all referencing in academic writing, referencing is a matter of establishing the authority of the source or information you are relying upon as evidence to support the claims you make in your writing. This is the reason for peer review as it is a process that establishes the authority of a work through expert checking. Peer-reviewed published works are accepted as having greater authority than works that are not peer reviewed. Sometimes, however, the most useful research article might not be available as a peer-reviewed published article but it is available to us in an unpublished form. Use other peer-reviewed articles if possible but if there is a lack of published research reports and, for example, a pre-press version is available directly from the author, you may use it. Check whether the article has been published before submitting your final assignment or thesis and, if it has, reference the final version, taking into account any changes that the editors may have required in the peer-review process.

Unpublished and informally published works include:

• work in progress
• work submitted for publication
• work prepared for publication but not submitted

a university website

An electronic archive such as academia.edu or researchgate.

• the author's personal website

In-text citation

Reference list

Author, A. A. (Year).  Title of manuscript.  Unpublished manuscript [or "manuscript submitted for publication," or "Manuscript in preparation"].

If the unpublished manuscript is from a university, give this information at the end.

If you locate the work on an electronic archive, give this information at the end.

If a URL is available, give it at the end. 

If you use a pre-print version of an article that is later published, reference the published version.

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QuickTips: The Blog @ Evidence Explained

Is This Published or Unpublished?

18 February 2015

Two mantras are common among those who use historical material:

• Cite what you've actually used.
• To decide what it is you've actually used, ask yourself: What am I holding in my hand?

One aspect of that Handholding Principle is often overlooked. We also need to ask ou rselves: Is this material published or unpublished?

If we use a published photograph, deed, letter, will, or pension application, the manner in which w e cite it will be significantly different from the manner in which we would cite something unpublished, something that is accessible in just one place, somethin g w e eyeballed there and can't access again without going there.

• If we are using a traditionally published image of a document, we have not used the actual document from Whatever Archives. We will be holding a book, or a journal, or a magazine, or a roll of microfilm, or that strange critter seldom seen by modern researchers—that card of tiny little negatives called, what, fish? no, fiche!
• If we are using an image published online, what we would be holding—if we reduced it to a physical form—would be a sheet of paper with (a) an image of a document, or (b) a database entry, or (c) an article we obtained from Such-and-Such Website, which (we can hope) tells us the source of its information

All of which is to say:

Our citation needs to reflect that difference between a published image and the original, the difference between a database entry and an image, the difference between an abstract or transcript that conveys only the details in the document as opposed to an authored article or book that injects interpretations and options.  Failing to record these differences will misrepresent what we have used. That misrepresentation could lead us or others astray in those many cases in which an alteration or legibility problem exists with the derivative we actually used.

And, of course, if you've never been sure how to tell whether something is published or unpublished, check out EE 2.18 .

PHOTO CREDIT: Created by E. S. Mills in the pre-PowerPoint Dark Ages, for course instruction in her evidence-analysis classes at Samford University's IGHR.

• Handholding Principle
• Published works
• Unpublished works
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© Evidence Explained  2011-2024.

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APA 7th Edition Style Guide: Unpublished Manuscripts/Informal Publications (i.e. course packets and dissertations)

• About In-text Citations
• In-Text Examples
• What to Include
• Volume/Issue
• Bracketed Descriptions
• URLs and DOIs
• Book with Editor(s)
• Book with No Author
• Book with Organization as Author
• Book with Personal Author(s)
• Chapters and Parts of Books
• Classical Works
• Course Materials
• Journal Article
• Magazine Article
• Multi-Volume Works
• Newspaper Article
• Patents & Laws
• Personal Communication
• Physicians' Desk Reference
• Social Media

Unpublished Manuscripts/Informal Publications (i.e. course packets and dissertations)

• Formatting Your Paper
• Formatting Your References
• Annotated Bibliography
• Headings in APA
• APA Quick Guide
• NEW!* Submit your Paper for APA Review

Formatting your References

Once you type your references on the reference page, you will need to put in a hanging indent and double-space the entire reference list. In Microsoft Word, highlight the references from A to Z, then find the paragraph function in the Word ribbon. Select Hanging under Indentation and Double under spacing. See the Formatting your References tab for instructions on doing this on a Mac or in Google Docs.

Abbas, D. D. F. (2020). Manipulating of audio-visual aids in the educational processes in Al-Hilla University College. International Journal of Psychosocial Rehabilitation, 24 (3), 1248-1263. https://doi.org.db12.linccweb.org/10.37200/ijpr/v24i3/pr200875

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• Research Guides
• A-Z Database List
• Library Home

APA 7th Edition Citation Guide

• Formatting Essays
• Paraphrase and Summary
• Bibliographic Citations
• Sources with Multiple Authors
• Sources with No Author, Date, Title or Page Numbers
• Journal Articles
• Magazine and Newspaper Articles
• Reference Articles, Encyclopedia and Dictionary Entries
• Books and eBooks
• Conference Proceedings and Presentations
• Dissertations and Theses

Published Dissertation or Thesis

Unpublished dissertation or thesis.

• Films, Video and Audio
• Government Documents, Non-Profit and Corporate Reports
• Images and Advertisements
• Personal Communications (E-mails, Interviews, and etc.)
• Religious Texts
• Social Media
• Statutes, Legal Documents and the Constitution
• Avoiding Plagiarism

Sara Carman , Librarian

Call: 320-629-5169

Laurie Jorgensen , Library Technologist

Call: 320-629-5145

24/7 Chat help is available!

Note : Theses and dissertations are considered "published" if you located them either in a library database (e.g. ProQuest) or online in an institutional repository.  They are considered "unpublished" if you located them in a library's print collection of theses and dissertations completed by students at that university.

Thesis or Dissertation Published in a Library Database

Thesis or Dissertation Published in an Institutional Repository

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In-text citation

Reference list.

• Artificial intelligence
• Audiovisual
• Books and chapters
• Conferences
• Course materials
• Government and business reports
• Medicine and health sources
• Music scores
• Tables and figures

Theses and dissertations

• Web and social media
• Other sources
• Print this page
• Other styles AGLC4 APA 7th Chicago 17th (A) Notes Chicago 17th (B) Author-Date Harvard MLA 9th Vancouver
• Referencing home

(Author's surname, Year)

This was seen in an Australian study (Couch, 2017). 

Couch (2017) suggests that…

• Go to  Getting started >  In-text citation  to view other examples such as multiple authors.

Published thesis

Author, A. A. (Year). Title of thesis [Type of thesis, Name of institution awarding degree]. Name of archive or site. https://xxxxxx

Stored in a database

Author, A. A. (Year). Title of thesis (Database Publication number, if assigned) [Type of thesis, Name of institution awarding degree]. Database Name.

Taffe, S. (2017).  The Federal Council for the Advancement of Aborigines and Torres Strait Islanders: The politics of inter-racial coalition in Australia, 1958–1973  [Doctoral thesis, Monash University]. Bridges.  https://doi.org/10.4225/03/59d4482289ea4

Bozeman, A. Jr. (2007).  Age of onset as predictor of cognitive performance in children with seizure disorders  (Publication No. 3259752) [Doctoral dissertation, The Chicago School of Professional Psychology]. ProQuest Dissertations and Theses Global.

Unpublished thesis

Author, A. A. (Year).  Title of thesis or dissertation  [Unpublished Doctoral dissertation or Master's thesis]. Name of Institution.

Imber, A. (2003).  Applicant reactions to graduate recruitment and selection  [Unpublished Doctoral dissertation]. Monash University. 

For further guidance, see the APA Style website- Published Dissertation or Thesis , Unpublished Dissertation or Theses .

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APA Citation Style

• Web Sources
• Unpublished Sources
• Sound and Video Recordings
• Chicago Notes & Bibliography

Scrivner, E. M. (1996). Role of police psychology in controlling excessive force in 50 large cities in the United States, 1992 [Data file and codebook]. http://doi.org/10.3886/ICPSR06402.v1

Doctoral Dissertations

Lastname, F. M. (year). Title of doctoral dissertation (Doctoral dissertation). Retrieved from Name of Database. (Accession or Order No.)

Boucher, H. C. (2005). Culture and implicit self-concept inconsistency (Doctoral dissertation). Retrieved from ProQuest Dissertations & Theses Global database. (UMI No. 3210518). 

The order number is listed under "Dissertation/thesis number" in ProQuest Dissertations . If you found the dissertation elsewhere online, for example an institutional web site, you can use the URL instead of an order number.

Unpublished interviews are considered personal communication and are cited in text only, not in the reference list. The in-text citation should include the interviewee's initials, surname, and exact date of interview, e.g. (C. M. Murray, personal communication, March 2, 2016), unless the interview was part of your qualitative data collection, in which case the identity of the interviewee should not be disclosed. If the interview has been archived, either as a recording or a transcript, cite it as archival material, as in the citation below.

Trafton, B. M. (1999). Trafton, Barbara McKnight oral history interview.  (M. Richard., Interviewer). Retrieved from Bates College, Edmund S. Muskie Oral History Collection website: http://scarab.bates.edu/muskie_oh/388

Lecture notes are considered personal communication  unless they have been publicly posted online (Lyceum doesn't count); personal communications are not recoverable by other researchers and should cited in text only, not in the reference list.

Ben-Shahar. T. Lecture 10: Mindfulness [PowerPoint slides]. Retrieved from Harvard University website: http://isites.harvard.edu/fs/docs/icb.topic134046.files/1504-10-mindfulness.ppt

Measurement instrument

Bavolek, S. J. (1983). Adult-Adolescent Parenting Inventory [Measurement instrument]. Unpublished instrument. Retrieved from http://chipts.ucla.edu/resources/?did=159.

Do not italicize the titles of software, programs, or languages. See also the APA Style Blog: How to Cite a Psychological Test in APA Style

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Copyright: Writing your thesis

• What do I need to know?
• Licences & exceptions
• Personal research & private study
• Writing your thesis
• Publishing your work

When writing your thesis you need to be careful when you use text, images or other material produced by someone else in your work. Follow the guidance below to ensure you don't breach copyright law.

Unpublished theses and copyright

Sufficient acknowledgement means identifying both the work in question (by its title or other description) and the author/creator, unless that work is published anonymously or the identity of the author cannot be established by reasonable means.

However, this exception does not apply when your thesis is made available to the public, subsequently - including via the University's institutional repository, CentAUR (see 'What constitutes a published thesis?' below). If you need to include third party copyright-protected material in your thesis, and you would like people to be able to find and read your thesis online, you will need to follow the advice on this page.

Image: Kim Shahabudin

What constitutes a published thesis?

When the whole or part of a thesis is made available to the public, whether it be print, or electronically on a website or in a repository (an institutional repository such as CentAUR, EThOS or any other national, institutional or subject repository), it is considered to have been published and the copyright situation changes.

While it is very unlikely to be necessary to omit material for copyright reasons from the final, printed version of your thesis, you may require permission from the copyright owner to retain any third party copyright-protected material within the electronic copy made available via CentAUR .

CentAUR (Central Archive at the University of Reading) is the University of Reading's institutional repository for research publications and equivalent research outputs.

Lists published items, including journal and conference proceedings, books and book sections, and other formats that constitute the research outputs of the University. Where copyright permits, the author's final versions of papers (that have been peer reviewed and accepted for publication), or the equivalent multimedia formats, are included. The main period covered is 2003 onwards. Find out more about CentAUR Help and guidance CentAUR help Contact the CentAUR team for additional advice on using this resource

References for British PhD theses. Includes some full-text, and the ability to request theses for scanning where not already available (a cost might apply). No password required, although you need to register with the service to order a thesis - Find out about ordering a British thesis via EThOS

Search across 600,000+ British PhD theses for free and order full text quickly and easily The service automatically harvests e-theses from Institutional Repositories and digitises paper theses from participating institutions.  List of institutions participating in EThOS Help and guidance Find out about ordering a British thesis via EThOS Search tips for Ethos Contact inter-library loans for further information about requesting theses via EThOS

Your responsibility to arrange copyright clearance

All higher degree students registered on or after 1st October 2012 are required on submission to deposit an electronic copy of their thesis with the Doctoral and Researcher College for upload to CentAUR and EThOS. Unless there are specific reasons to restrict access, agreed by your supervisor and School Director of Postgraduate Research Studies, your thesis will be made available to the public via these repositories.

Third party copyright-protected material included within your assessed work may be retained in the published, electronic version of your thesis if your use constitutes ‘fair dealing’ for the purposes of criticism, review or quotation, or otherwise if you have received permission from the copyright owner (e.g. under the terms of a licence). If your use of third party material would not be ‘fair dealing’ for the purposes of criticism, review or quotation under UK copyright law (for example, the inclusion of material not previously made available to the public) and you have not obtained permission from the copyright owner, such material must be redacted, or access to the thesis restricted. Follow the links for further guidance.

• Electronic deposition of doctoral theses Guidance on depositing your thesis electronically.

Note that copyright owners are not obliged to respond quickly (or indeed at all) to reuse requests, so where necessary, you are strongly advised to seek permission as you go (whilst you are writing the thesis, rather than when you are preparing to submit). If it is not possible to obtain the necessary permissions and the redaction of the third party copyright-protected content would compromise the integrity of the thesis as a whole, you will need to indicate on your Thesis Deposit Form that access must be restricted, meaning people will be unable to read your research online.

• Thesis deposit form

Further help

• Contact the Examinations Office For advice on submitting your thesis.
• Contact Chris Jones (University Copyright & Compliance Officer) For advice on ensuring your thesis complies with copyright law.

Fair dealing for the purposes of criticism, review or quotation

• Criticism and review
• Fair dealing

Reproducing any substantial portion of a copyright-protected work generally requires permission from the copyright owner(s). This can be true even for your own publications: sometimes the copyright will be owned jointly between co-authors, or have been transferred to a publisher.

Section 30 of the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988 provides a possible exception, stating that "fair dealing with a work for the purposes of criticism or review, or that of an earlier work or of a performance of a work, does not infringe any copyright in the work provided that it is accompanied by sufficient acknowledgement and provided that the work has been made available to the public."

This permits limited reuse of published material for the purposes of facilitating direct, germane critique. For example, it may be permissible to reproduce a whole photograph if it is necessary to refer to specific visual elements in an accompanying commentary - as long as this is 'fair dealing'. More information about fair dealing is provided within this box, in the next tab.

Note that ‘criticism or review’ can extend to commentary on the ideas, impressions or implications of a copyright work, as well as its specific content or style – but the less direct your critique (and the more generally illustrative the use), the harder it will be to demonstrate that the dealing is fair.

With regard to quotations specifically, the extent of any quotation must also be "no more than is required by the specific purpose for which it is used."

• See Section 30 of the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988 (Criticism, review, quotation and news reporting)

UK copyright exceptions permit limited reuse in certain circumstances and many exceptions are subject to a test of ‘fair dealing’ - in other words, whether the reuse is 'fair' in the context. There is no statutory definition of 'fair dealing', so the extent to which a fair dealing copyright exception might apply will always depend on the individual facts in each case.

However, the use cannot be excessive or considered to conflict unduly with the interests of the copyright owner (e.g. by replacing a sale of a work). Reliance on fair dealing exceptions almost always requires accompanying acknowledgement of the creator and source.

In deciding whether your use of copyright-protected material is a fair dealing for the purposes of criticism, review or quotation, you should consider whether an independent ‘fair-minded and honest person’ would agree with your approach.

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MLA Citation Guide (9th Edition): Unpublished Manuscript or Paper

• Advertisements
• Audio Materials
• Books, Ebooks, & Book Chapters
• ChatGPT or Other Generative AI
• Class Materials (Notes, Slides, & Recordings)
• Creative Commons Works
• Encyclopedias, & Dictionaries
• Images, Charts, Graphs, & Tables
• Journal Articles
• Magazine Articles
• Newspaper Articles
• Personal Communications (Interviews, Emails, etc.)
• Religious Works
• Social Media
• Unpublished Manuscript or Paper
• Websites (includes documents/PDFs posted online)
• When Information Is Missing
• When a Work Is Quoted in Another Source
• Works in Another Language / Translations
• Permalinks, URLs, & DOIs!
• Quoting vs. Paraphrasing
• Works Cited & Paper Format
• Citation Tools

Unpublished Manuscripts or Papers

• Student Paper (including your own!)

Unpublished Manuscript

Student paper (including if you are citing your own previous work).

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