apa style dissertation template

Published Dissertation or Thesis References

This page contains reference examples for published dissertations or theses.

Kabir, J. M. (2016). Factors influencing customer satisfaction at a fast food hamburger chain: The relationship between customer satisfaction and customer loyalty (Publication No. 10169573) [Doctoral dissertation, Wilmington University]. ProQuest Dissertations & Theses Global.

Miranda, C. (2019). Exploring the lived experiences of foster youth who obtained graduate level degrees: Self-efficacy, resilience, and the impact on identity development (Publication No. 27542827) [Doctoral dissertation, Pepperdine University]. PQDT Open. https://pqdtopen.proquest.com/doc/2309521814.html?FMT=AI

Zambrano-Vazquez, L. (2016). The interaction of state and trait worry on response monitoring in those with worry and obsessive-compulsive symptoms [Doctoral dissertation, University of Arizona]. UA Campus Repository. https://repository.arizona.edu/handle/10150/620615

• Parenthetical citations : (Kabir, 2016; Miranda, 2019; Zambrano-Vazquez, 2016)
• Narrative citations : Kabir (2016), Miranda (2019), and Zambrano-Vazquez (2016)
• A dissertation or thesis is considered published when it is available from a database such as ProQuest Dissertations and Theses Global or PDQT Open, an institutional repository, or an archive.
• If the database assigns publication numbers to dissertations and theses, include the publication number in parentheses after the title of the dissertation or thesis without italics.
• Include the description “Doctoral dissertation” or “Master’s thesis” followed by a comma and the name of the institution that awarded the degree. Place this information in square brackets after the dissertation or thesis title and any publication number.
• In the source element of the reference, provide the name of the database, repository, or archive.
• The same format can be adapted for other published theses, including undergraduate theses, by changing the wording of the bracketed description as appropriate (e.g., “Undergraduate honors thesis”).
• Include a URL for the dissertation or thesis if the URL will resolve for readers (as shown in the Miranda and Zambrano-Vazquez examples).
• If the database or archive requires users to log in before they can view the dissertation or thesis, meaning the URL will not work for readers, end the reference with the database name (as in the Kabir example).

Published 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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EDK 850 Research Design & Proposal Development

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APA Style Resources

Here are some general APA Style resources. Scroll down further to see more details about citations and paper formatting. 

• APA Style Website The APA Style Website is the official website for APA 7th edition, and includes formatting guidelines for formatting your overall paper including title page setup, tables and figures, as well as guidelines for formatting reference citations. Sample papers are included.
• Excelsior Online Writing Lab: APA Style The Excelsior OWL is an excellent resource for how to write and cite your academic work in APA Style. This is a recommended starting point if you're not sure how to use APA style in your work, and includes helpful multimedia elements.

Several print copies of the APA 7th edition Publication Manual are available for checkout at the Mardigian Library.

(Sorry, APA does not provide an eBook version of this for libraries at the present time.)

APA Style 7th edition Citations (References and In-Text Citations)

If you're new to citation, this brief video will cover an introduction to in-text citations and reference lists in APA 7th edition. Scroll down for more recommended resources about citations. 

More information including examples and sample papers can be found at the recommended websites below: 

• APA Style Website: Reference Examples Guidelines about references from the official APA Style website.
• APA Style Website: In-text Citations Guidelines for in-text citations from the official APA Style website.
• APA 7th edition quick reference handout This quick reference guide to APA 7th edition citations is handy and includes many commonly cited source types and corresponding in-text citations.
• APA In-text Citation Checklist APA's official In-text citation checklist for the 7th edition.

APA Style 7th edition Formatting for Professional Papers (including Dissertations)

• APA Style Website: Sample Annotated Professional Paper This is the official sample professional paper from the APA Style website, and includes annotations illustrating the usage of each element.
• APA Style Website: Paper Format The APA Style website's paper format page includes all of the elements of paper format that you need to follow, including information about the title page, margins and spacing, fonts and headings. Sample papers are included.

CEHHS Formatting Requirements for Ed.D. Dissertations

CEHHS uses the current version of the APA Publication Manual (7th edition) for all matters of format with the exception of some particular requirements for the Title page, pagination (especially of front matter) and top margins. Unless otherwise stated in the CEHHS Ed.D. Dissertation Guide below, defer to APA 7th edition. 

Some formatting aspects to be sure you are following correctly include: 

• Tables and Figures, including labeling thereof
• CEHHS Ed.D. Dissertation Guide
• UM-Ann Arbor Scholarspace Microsoft for Dissertations Guide
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APA Style, 7th edition - Citing Sources

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Dissertation & SPP Format Pieces

Creating a toc in apa, dnp spp toc examples, edd toc examples, important: signature page, the abstract & keywords.

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If you are on this tab, you have probably been asked to format a dissertation or Scholarly Practice Project paper using APA format. Use the below information to help you format the different pieces of your paper.  Please check with your academic department to see if they have an official dissertation/SPP format template for your program.

A note on Table of Contents: Most APA papers do not require a Table of Contents (TOC). If you are writing a Dissertation or Scholarly Practice Project, you may be asked to include one. Please note: the Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association does not have an official stance on formatting a Table of Contents page .

Below, you will find some general information and examples of Table of Contents (TOC), Abstracts and Keywords, and the Signature page that you may find helpful.

• Scribbr Creating an APA-style Table of Contents This tutorial from Scribbr is extremely helpful in formatting your APA Table of Contents.

Use the below examples as a reference point for forming your Table of Contents. These should be used as a baseline for formatting-- yours will be more specific to your headings and subject-matter.

• DNP SPP TOC Example 1
• DNP SPP TOC Example 2
• EdD Dissertation TOC Example 1
• EdD Dissertation TOC Example 2

Your signature page is one of the most important pieces of your final product. It proves that you completed the dissertation!  Below is an example of what your signature page should look like (names blanked out for privacy).

If you have any questions about the signature page or how to get it signed, please contact your program director.

ABSTRACT : An abstract is required for your Dissertation or Scholarly Practice Project and must be included before submitting your final copy to Proquest.  An abstract is a brief, comprehensive overview of your paper. Generally, it should not exceed 250 words.

KEYWORDS : You should also include keywords. Keywords are descriptive terms that encompass the themes of your paper. Think about what terms you used when searching for your topic in the databases. This is what researchers will use to find your paper!

• APA Style Abstract and Keywords Handout For more information on creating an Abstract and Keywords, please use this handout from the APA Style site.
• Professional Paper sample with Abstract Example See page one of this document for an example of an Abstract and Keywords, with annotations on where to find more information in APA Manual. From the APA Style site.
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APA Formatting and Style (7th ed.) for Student Papers

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APA 7th ed. Fillable Word Template and Sample Paper

• APA 7th ed. Template Download this Word document, fill out the title page and get writing!
• Sample Paper APA 7th ed. Our APA sample paper shows you how to format the main parts of a basic research paper.
• APA 7th Sample Papers from Purdue Owl
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In-text citation

Reference list.

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Theses and dissertations

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• 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-WORD TEMPLATES

Updated 8/19/2020 for the current APA 7th edition (2020)

All APA 7th edition Word templates are available to download from my Etsy store .

$2.99 USD for four Word files and instructions on how to choose the one you need. You won’t need all four files, but you’ll have them in case something changes.

Dissertators often have trouble formatting their documents to comply with the format and style requirements dictated by their institutions. Many dissertators fail to comply with the requirements of their style guides. Further, many dissertators don’t know how to use Word styles and waste valuable time formatting content (e.g., headings) individually instead of setting styles one time and applying with a click wherever they are needed. That means formats are applied inconsistently or incorrectly throughout their papers. Incorrect heading styles can derail your chances of getting approvals for your dissertation proposal or manuscript.

Download a Word template to save time

To save you the time and hassle of styling your own Word document to comply with APA 7th edition style requirements, I offer you four versions of a preformatted Word 2013 document (.docx). Two heading schemes are offered for a dissertation proposal and for a dissertation manuscript. See below for descriptions, images, and specifications of each heading scheme.

About the APA-7th ed. Word templates

First, make sure your institution requires APA 7th ed. (2020), not some other style guide. Most social science programs will require APA. If you are in the humanities, you might need to comply with MLA style, and these templates might not work well for you.

These documents are Word documents (created on a PC) preformatted with heading styles that will comply with the heading style requirements of your institution.

IMPORTANT : Before you download a template, check your institution’s dissertation handbook for the preferred heading style scheme. Specifically, determine whether the chapter title headings are considered level 1 (strict APA style) or level 0 ( not strict APA style). The images below show examples of the two heading schemes, updated for APA 7th edition.

Heading scheme 0

Heading scheme 1

Next, choose the document that suits your current status: proposal or manuscript . The proposal contains the first three chapters typically found in a social sciences dissertation proposal (Introduction, Literature Review, and Methodology), plus the front matter (Title page, Abstract, Lists of Tables/Figures, and the Table of Contents) and the back matter (References and Appendices). The manuscript includes all five chapters (Introduction, Literature Review, Methodology, Findings, and Conclusions/Implications), plus the front and back matter.

Template descriptions

In addition to the formatted body of the paper, all the templates include placeholder pages and text for the front matter (Title page, Abstract, Lists of Tables/Figures, Table of Contents) and the back matter (References and Appendices).

NOTE: These files are regular Word 2013 documents (.docx) formatted using Word styles. You can use these documents as a template. These files are not actual Word TEMPLATEs (.dot or .dotm), which your virus scanning software may not accept. If you don’t know what that means, don’t worry about it.

APA-7th ed.-Word Template: PROPOSAL 0123

Chapter titles are level zero. Heading level 1 is bold, centered, title case. Heading level 2 is bold, left-aligned, and title case. Heading level 3 is bold, left aligned, italicized, title case. Heading level 4 is a paragraph-level heading, bold, title case, and ends with a period. Heading level 5 is a paragraph-level heading, bold, italicized, title case, and ends with a period. See APA 7th ed. (2020), section 2.27, for details and examples. Note that the APA examples will not show level zero headings. Many institutions require chapter headings to be document level (chapter title) level heading. This style departs from APA style.

APA-7th ed.-Word Template: PROPOSAL 123

Chapter titles are level 1 headings. Heading level 2 is bold, left-aligned, and title case. Heading level 3 is bold, left aligned, italicized, title case. Heading level 4 is a paragraph-level heading, bold, title case, and ends with a period. Heading level 5 is a paragraph-level heading, bold, italicized, title case, and ends with a period. See APA 7th ed. (2020), section 2.27, for details and examples. Heading styles comply strictly with APA style.

APA-7th ed.-Word Template: MANUSCRIPT 0123

Apa-7th ed.-word template: manuscript 123, heading scheme specifications.

The Styles Panes for the two APA 7th ed. heading schemes are shown below.

To view your Styles Pane in one of the later versions of Word for PC, on the Home Ribbon, click the little arrow at the bottom right hand corner of the Styles command section. If your Styles Pane doesn’t look like this, you can adjust the view using the Options button. When I’m working, I usually show just the styles in the document, and I like them in alphabetical order.

How to use these templates

• After downloading the appropriate template for your needs, open the file.
• Enable editing (click the button so you can edit the document. Your virus software will scan to make sure the file is safe to open on your computer).
• Save the file with a new name (usually using the naming conventions required by your institution) in a place you can find it again. This new version is the one you can start editing. Keep the original template somewhere on your computer so you can refer back to the style scheme as needed.
• Scroll through the document and look at the sections to make sure the template and format will work for you.
• Start adding your own content. Customize the heading text with the headings required by your institution. The template is preformatted so you can simply type your text over the heading placeholders.
• Check your institutional guidelines for other formatting requirements that may depart from strict APA style. For example, some institutions require block quotes and references lists to be single-spaced with one blank line after.
• I’ve included some comments in the margins of the templates to guide you as you go. Remove these comments when they aren’t useful (right-click, Remove Comment).
• To remove the yellow highlighting, you can select the text and type over it or you can select the text and turn off the highlighting (find the Highlighter tool on the Home Ribbon, select No Color).

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University Thesis and Dissertation Templates

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Theses and dissertations are already intensive, long-term projects that require a lot of effort and time from their authors. Formatting for submission to the university is often the last thing that graduate students do, and may delay earning the relevant degree if done incorrectly.

Below are some strategies graduate students can use to deal with institutional formatting requirements to earn their degrees on time.

Disciplinary conventions are still paramount.

Scholars in your own discipline are the most common readers of your dissertation; your committee, too, will expect your work to match with their expectations as members of your field. The style guide your field uses most commonly is always the one you should follow, and if your field uses conventions such as including all figures and illustrations at the end of the document, you should do so. After these considerations are met, move on to university formatting. Almost always, university formatting only deals with things like margins, font, numbering of chapters and sections, and illustrations; disciplinary style conventions in content such as APA's directive to use only last names of authors in-text are not interfered with by university formatting at all.

Use your university's formatting guidelines and templates to your advantage.

If your institution has a template for formatting your thesis or dissertation that you can use, do so. Don't look at another student's document and try to replicate it yourself. These templates typically have the necessary section breaks and styles already in the document, and you can copy in your work from your existing draft using the style pane in MS Word to ensure you're using the correct formatting (similarly with software such as Overleaf when writing in LaTeX, templates do a lot of the work for you). It's also often easier for workers in the offices that deal with theses and dissertations to help you with your work if you're using their template — they are familiar with these templates and can often navigate them more proficiently.

These templates also include placeholders for all front matter you will need to include in your thesis or dissertation, and may include guidelines for how to write these. Front matter includes your table of contents, acknowledgements, abstract, abbreviation list, figure list, committee page, and (sometimes) academic history or CV; everything before your introduction is front matter. Since front matter pages such as the author's academic history and dissertation committee are usually for the graduate school and not for your department, your advisor might not remember to have you include them. Knowing about them well before your deposit date means you won't be scrambling to fill in placeholders at the last minute or getting your work returned for revision from the graduate school.

Consider institutional formatting early and often.

Many graduate students leave this aspect of submitting their projects until it's almost too late to work on it, causing delays in obtaining their degree. Simply being aware that this is a task you'll have to complete and making sure you know where templates are, who you can ask for help in your graduate office or your department, and what your institution's guidelines are can help alleviate this issue. Once you know what you'll be expected to do to convert to university formatting, you can set regular check-in times for yourself to do this work in pieces rather than all at once (for instance, when you've completed a chapter and had it approved by your chair). 

Consider fair use for images and other third-party content.

Most theses and dissertations are published through ProQuest or another publisher (Harvard, for instance, uses their own open publishing service). For this reason, it may be the case that your institution requires all images or other content obtained from other sources to fall under fair use rules or, if an image is not considered under fair use, you'll have to obtain permission to print it in your dissertation. Your institution should have more guidance on their specific expectations for fair use content; knowing what these guidelines are well in advance of your deposit date means you won't have to make last-minute changes or removals to deposit your work.

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APA Style Guide 7th Edition

• Thesis and Dissertations
• About This Guide
• Direct Quote
• Block Quote
• Indirect Quote
• Summary/Paraphrase
• Tables/Graphs/Images
• Personal Communications
• Book/E-book
• Journal Article
• Website/Webpage
• Social Media
• Conference Papers/Presentations
• Video/Film/TV
• Music/Audio
• Visual Works
• Student Paper Guidelines
• Professional Paper Guidelines
• Creating Original Tables, Graphs, and Images
• Additional Help

GENERAL GUIDELINES FOR Thesis and Dissertations 

Published Thesis - Available online / from a database 

Author Last name, First Initials. (Year). Title of Thesis or Dissertation     [Type of thesis, Name of institution awarding degree]. Database name. Web address

Unpublished Thesis - Available in print from a college or university 

Author Last name, First Initials. (Year).  Title of Thesis or Dissertation     [Unpublished type of thesis]. Name of institution awarding degree.

EXAMPLES 

Published Thesis - From a database 

Kral, T. R. (2020). Impact of mindfulness meditation on brain function, connectivity, and structure (Publication          No.  27833897)    [Doctoral dissertation, The University of Wisconsin-Madison].  ProQuest Dissertations           Publishing.

Published Thesis - Available online  

Hunsaker, C. (2020).  Beyond theory: Simulation and role-play in interpreter education  [Master's thesis,           Western Oregon University]. Western Oregon University Digital Commons. https://digitalcommons           wou.edu/theses/61 

​ Unpublished Thesis - Available in print form at a college or university 

Carlin, A. (2017).  Effective pairing methods for students in a second grade dual language            classroom.  [Unpublished Master's thesis]. Western Oregon University.

NOTES ABOUT AUTHOR, DATE, TITLE, AND SOURCE

Author 

• List the author alphabetically by the authors last name and first name initial(s)
• Enclose the date of publication in parentheses followed by a period. For example: (2020).

Thesis or Dissertation Title 

• Italicize the title 
• The first word of the title and subtitle is capitalized as are proper nouns but all other words are lowercase. 
• If a title ends with a question mark or exclamation point, use those punctuation marks instead of a period at the end. 

Identify Type of Dissertation or Thesis 

• For an unpublished dissertation or thesis (available only in print from a college or university) label as [Unpublished doctoral dissertation] or [Unpublished master's thesis]. 
• For a published dissertation or thesis label as [Doctoral dissertation, Name of University] or [Master's thesis, Name of University].   

Name of Institution 

• The name of the instruction will appear with the type of dissertation or thesis (if published) or as the place where the dissertation or thesis is housed (if unpublished). 

Database Publication 

• If published, include the name of the database publishing the dissertation or thesis 

Online Publication Not in a Database 

• If published online but not in a database, include the web address /URL 
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APA Style 6th Edition: Citing Your Sources

• Basics of APA Formatting
• In Text Quick View
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• Thesis/Dissertation

Standard Format

Various examples.

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Dissertation or thesis available from a database service:

Author Surname, First Initial. Second Initial. (year of publication).  Title of dissertation or thesis (Doctoral dissertation or master’s thesis).  Retrieved from Name of database.  (Accession or Order No.)

For an unpublished dissertation or thesis:

Author Surname, First Initial. Second Initial. (year of creation).  Title of dissertation or thesis (Unpublished doctoral dissertation or master’s thesis).  Name of Institution, Location.

See Ch 7 pp. 207-208 APA Manual for more examples and formatting rules

Formatting:

• Italicize the title
• Identify whether source is doctoral dissertation or master’s thesis in parentheses after the title
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APA 7th Edition Citation Examples

• Volume and Issue Numbers
• Page Numbers
• Undated Sources
• Citing a Source Within a Source
• In-Text Citations
• Academic Journals
• Encyclopedia Articles
• Book, Film, and Product Reviews
• Online Classroom Materials
• Conference Papers
• Technical + Research Reports
• Court Decisions
• Treaties and Other International Agreements
• Federal Regulations: I. The Code of Federal Regulations
• Federal Regulations: II. The Federal Register
• Executive Orders
• Charter of the United Nations
• Federal Statutes

Format for dissertations and theses

Dissertations and theses database.

• Interviews, E-mail Messages + Other Personal Communications
• Social Media
• Business Sources
• PowerPoints
• AI: ChatGPT, etc.

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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Dissertation & Doctoral Project Formatting & Clearance: Formatting Manual & Forms

• Submitting to the Library
• Formatting Manual & Forms
• APA Style 7th Ed.
• Submitting to ProQuest ETD

SPRING 2024 CHANGES TO THE DISSERTATION CLEARANCE PROCESS

In order to streamline the dissertation clearance process, the following changes have been made, effective 3-1-2024 .

1. The Dissertation Cataloging Form is no longer necessary.

2. The Dissertation Clearance Form is now initiated directly by the student, and only through Adobe Sign - Signed PDFs and scanned forms have been replaced by Adobe Sign.

3. Students completing dissertation clearance are no longer required to schedule a meeting with their DCR (Dissertation Clearance Representative). If they have questions about what to do, they are welcome to schedule a DCR appointment, but it is not required.

If you have questions about these changes or other aspects of the process, contact [email protected] and we will be happy to assist.

1. Alliant International University Dissertation/Doctoral Project Style and Format Manual

• 2020 Dissertation/Doctoral Project Style & Format Manual

The APA Publication Manual is primarily for submitting papers for journal publication, so it lacks guidelines specific to dissertations and doctoral projects.  To fill this gap, Alliant has created systemwide guidelines for you to follow. This document provides details on those guidelines.  You will need to refer to both manuals to format your dissertation correctly.

The 2020 Alliant manual incorporates elements of the 7th edition of the APA Publication Manua l. When the Alliant manual differs from APA, follow the Alliant manual. If the Alliant manual is silent on an issue, then follow APA. The formatting requirements in the Alliant manual supersede program-specific dissertation manuals, but program manuals’  other content is not affected.

2. Library Clearance Form - Dissertations/Doctoral Projects

To launch your library dissertation clearance form using Adobe Sign, you will click on the link below that corresponds to the number of committee members you have. 

In order to see all of the places you need to enter information, you will need to click to expand different sections of the form, as shown in the image below.

Near the bottom of this page, there is a link to a YouTube video showing a quick demonstration of how to use the Adobe Sign process.

NOTE: When entering the library signer information, if you attend the Fresno campus, use [email protected]. Otherwise, use [email protected].

Library Dissertation Clearance – 1 Committee Member

• Student - signer
• Dissertation Chair - signer
• Committee Member1 - signer
• Program Director - signer
• Library - signer
• copy:  [email protected]

Workflow instructions: Please complete & enter information for ALL participants by scrolling down & expanding each participant (Dissertation Chair, Committee Member1, Program Director, Library Staff) Dissertation Chair Dissertation Committee Member #1 Program Director Library Staff

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ CLICK HERE TO LAUNCH A CLEARANCE FORM WITH ONE COMMITTEE MEMBER +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Library Dissertation Clearance – 2 Committee Members Workflow:

• Committee Member2 - signer

Please complete & enter information for ALL participants by scrolling down & expanding each participant (Dissertation Chair, Committee Member1, Committee Member2, Program Director, Library Staff) Dissertation Chair

Dissertation Committee Member #1 Dissertation Committee Member #2 Program Director Library Staff

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ CLICK HERE TO LAUNCH A CLEARANCE FORM WITH TWO COMMITTEE MEMBERS +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Library Dissertation Clearance – 3 Committee Members Workflow:

• Committee Member3 - signer
• copy:  [email protected] 

Please complete & enter information for ALL participants by scrolling down & expanding each participant (Dissertation Chair, Committee Member1, Committee Member2, Committee Member3, Program Director, Library Staff) Dissertation Chair

Dissertation Committee Member #1 Dissertation Committee Member #2 Dissertation Committee Member #3 Program Director Library Staff

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ CLICK HERE TO LAUNCH A CLEARANCE FORM WITH THREE COMMITTEE MEMBERS +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Library Dissertation Clearance – 4 Committee Members  Workflow:

• Committee Member4 - signer

Please complete & enter information for ALL participants by scrolling down & expanding each participant  Dissertation Chair

Dissertation Committee Member #1 Dissertation Committee Member #2 Dissertation Committee Member #3 Dissertation Committee Member #4 Program Director Library Staff

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ CLICK HERE TO LAUNCH A CLEARANCE FORM WITH FOUR COMMITTEE MEMBERS +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++  

3. Dissertation Manuscript Template

• Dissertation Manuscript Template - APA 7th edition

In response to commonly asked questions, the library has provided the following Microsoft Word dissertation template for students to use if they find it helpful. DISCLAIMER : it is not official or required, nor is it fool-proof. All dissertations, regardless of whether they use the provided template or not, must follow the guidelines contained within the Formatting Manual. While library staff are not able to assist with using MS Word or the template, many helpful tutorials can be found at https://support.office.com/en-us/word

Who is my DCR (Dissertation Clearance Rep)?

EMERYVILLE Scott Zimmer 858-635-4553 [email protected]  

FRESNO Adan Ortega 559-253-2288 [email protected]

IRVINE Scott Zimmer 858-635-4553 [email protected]  

LOS ANGELES Scott Zimmer 858-635-4553 [email protected]  

ONLINE Scott Zimmer 858-635-4553 [email protected]  

SACRAMENTO Scott Zimmer 858-635-4553 [email protected] 

SAN DIEGO Scott Zimmer 858-635-4553 [email protected]  

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• Dissertation & Thesis Outline | Example & Free Templates

Dissertation & Thesis Outline | Example & Free Templates

Published on June 7, 2022 by Tegan George . Revised on November 21, 2023.

A thesis or dissertation outline is one of the most critical early steps in your writing process . It helps you to lay out and organize your ideas and can provide you with a roadmap for deciding the specifics of your dissertation topic and showcasing its relevance to your field.

Generally, an outline contains information on the different sections included in your thesis or dissertation , such as:

• Your anticipated title
• Your abstract
• Your chapters (sometimes subdivided into further topics like literature review, research methods, avenues for future research, etc.)

In the final product, you can also provide a chapter outline for your readers. This is a short paragraph at the end of your introduction to inform readers about the organizational structure of your thesis or dissertation. This chapter outline is also known as a reading guide or summary outline.

Table of contents

How to outline your thesis or dissertation, dissertation and thesis outline templates, chapter outline example, sample sentences for your chapter outline, sample verbs for variation in your chapter outline, other interesting articles, frequently asked questions about thesis and dissertation outlines.

While there are some inter-institutional differences, many outlines proceed in a fairly similar fashion.

• Working Title
• “Elevator pitch” of your work (often written last).
• Introduce your area of study, sharing details about your research question, problem statement , and hypotheses . Situate your research within an existing paradigm or conceptual or theoretical framework .
• Subdivide as you see fit into main topics and sub-topics.
• Describe your research methods (e.g., your scope , population , and data collection ).
• Present your research findings and share about your data analysis methods.
• Answer the research question in a concise way.
• Interpret your findings, discuss potential limitations of your own research and speculate about future implications or related opportunities.

For a more detailed overview of chapters and other elements, be sure to check out our article on the structure of a dissertation or download our template .

To help you get started, we’ve created a full thesis or dissertation template in Word or Google Docs format. It’s easy adapt it to your own requirements.

 Download Word template    Download Google Docs template

It can be easy to fall into a pattern of overusing the same words or sentence constructions, which can make your work monotonous and repetitive for your readers. Consider utilizing some of the alternative constructions presented below.

Example 1: Passive construction

The passive voice is a common choice for outlines and overviews because the context makes it clear who is carrying out the action (e.g., you are conducting the research ). However, overuse of the passive voice can make your text vague and imprecise.

Example 2: IS-AV construction

You can also present your information using the “IS-AV” (inanimate subject with an active verb ) construction.

A chapter is an inanimate object, so it is not capable of taking an action itself (e.g., presenting or discussing). However, the meaning of the sentence is still easily understandable, so the IS-AV construction can be a good way to add variety to your text.

Example 3: The “I” construction

Another option is to use the “I” construction, which is often recommended by style manuals (e.g., APA Style and Chicago style ). However, depending on your field of study, this construction is not always considered professional or academic. Ask your supervisor if you’re not sure.

Example 4: Mix-and-match

To truly make the most of these options, consider mixing and matching the passive voice , IS-AV construction , and “I” construction .This can help the flow of your argument and improve the readability of your text.

As you draft the chapter outline, you may also find yourself frequently repeating the same words, such as “discuss,” “present,” “prove,” or “show.” Consider branching out to add richness and nuance to your writing. Here are some examples of synonyms you can use.

If you want to know more about AI for academic writing, AI tools, or research bias, make sure to check out some of our other articles with explanations and examples or go directly to our tools!

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When you mention different chapters within your text, it’s considered best to use Roman numerals for most citation styles. However, the most important thing here is to remain consistent whenever using numbers in your dissertation .

The title page of your thesis or dissertation goes first, before all other content or lists that you may choose to include.

A thesis or dissertation outline is one of the most critical first steps in your writing process. It helps you to lay out and organize your ideas and can provide you with a roadmap for deciding what kind of research you’d like to undertake.

• Your chapters (sometimes subdivided into further topics like literature review , research methods , avenues for future research, etc.)

Cite this Scribbr article

If you want to cite this source, you can copy and paste the citation or click the “Cite this Scribbr article” button to automatically add the citation to our free Citation Generator.

George, T. (2023, November 21). Dissertation & Thesis Outline | Example & Free Templates. Scribbr. Retrieved June 24, 2024, from https://www.scribbr.com/dissertation/dissertation-thesis-outline/

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References are essential documents that vouch for an individual’s qualifications, character, and experience. A Company Reference Letter is typically used in professional settings to validate an employee’s performance and skills. An Academic Reference Letter supports a student’s application for educational programs by highlighting their academic achievements and potential. Additionally, a Reference Sheet lists multiple contacts who can provide further information about an individual’s background.

What is Reference?

A reference is a formal recommendation or validation of a person’s qualifications, character, or experience, provided by someone who knows them well. It can be used in various contexts such as employment, academics, and personal endorsements.

Examples of Reference

• Company Reference Letter – A letter from a previous employer verifying an employee’s job performance and skills.
• Academic Reference Letter – A recommendation from a professor supporting a student’s application for a program or scholarship.
• Character Reference Letter – A personal endorsement highlighting an individual’s character traits and qualities.
• Professional Reference – A reference provided by a colleague or supervisor in a professional setting.
• Employment Verification Letter – A letter confirming an individual’s employment status and job role.
• Reference Sheet – A document listing multiple contacts who can provide references for an individual.
• Graduate School Reference Letter – A letter supporting a student’s application to graduate school.
• Personal Reference – A reference from a friend or acquaintance vouching for personal qualities.
• Volunteer Reference Letter – A letter from a volunteer coordinator or organization verifying volunteer work and contributions.
• Internship Reference Letter – A recommendation from an internship supervisor highlighting an intern’s performance and skills.
• Tenant Reference Letter – A letter from a landlord or property manager verifying a tenant’s rental history.
• Contractor Reference Letter – A recommendation from a previous client or employer verifying a contractor’s work quality.
• Military Reference Letter – A letter supporting a service member’s application for civilian jobs or further military roles.
• Scholarship Reference Letter – A letter recommending a student for a scholarship based on academic and personal achievements.
• Co-op Reference Letter – A letter from a co-op program supervisor supporting a student’s application for jobs or further education.
• Nanny Reference Letter – A letter from a previous employer verifying a nanny’s performance and reliability.
• Teacher Reference Letter – A letter from a principal or colleague recommending a teacher for a new position.
• Athletic Reference Letter – A letter from a coach supporting an athlete’s application for a team or sports program.
• Religious Reference Letter – A letter from a religious leader vouching for an individual’s character and participation.
• Doctoral Program Reference Letter – A recommendation supporting a student’s application to a doctoral program.
• Research Reference Letter – A letter from a research supervisor supporting a researcher’s application for grants or positions.
• Fellowship Reference Letter – A letter recommending a candidate for a fellowship program.
• Mentor Reference Letter – A letter from a mentor supporting a mentee’s application for jobs or programs.
• Business Reference Letter – A recommendation from a business associate or client verifying professional relationships.
• Leadership Program Reference Letter – A letter supporting an application to a leadership development program.
• Parental Reference Letter – A letter from a parent supporting a child’s application to schools or programs.
• Medical School Reference Letter – A recommendation supporting a student’s application to medical school.
• Law School Reference Letter – A letter recommending a student for admission to law school.
• Job Reference List – A list of contacts who can provide references for a job application.
• Study Abroad Reference Letter – A letter supporting a student’s application for a study abroad program.

Character Reference Examples

Character references are letters written by someone who knows the subject of the letter well and can speak to their character and abilities. These references are often used for job applications, college admissions, legal proceedings, or other situations where an assessment of a person’s character is needed. Below are several examples of character reference letters tailored for different purposes.

Character Reference for Job Application

[Your Name] [Your Address] [City, State, ZIP Code] [Email Address] [Phone Number] [Date]

[Recipient Name] [Company Name] [Company Address] [City, State, ZIP Code]

Dear [Recipient Name],

I am writing to recommend [Applicant’s Name] for the [Job Title] position at [Company Name]. I have known [Applicant’s Name] for [number] years as [his/her/their] [friend/mentor/colleague], and I can confidently attest to [his/her/their] excellent character and work ethic.

[Applicant’s Name] is a highly dependable and dedicated individual. In the time I’ve known [him/her/them], [he/she/they] has consistently demonstrated [his/her/their] commitment to excellence. For example, [provide a specific example of the applicant’s reliability, hard work, or other positive traits].

Moreover, [Applicant’s Name] is a person of great integrity and kindness. [He/She/They] always treats others with respect and fairness, which makes [him/her/them] a pleasure to work with. I am certain that [he/she/they] would bring a strong work ethic and positive attitude to your team.

I wholeheartedly recommend [Applicant’s Name] for the [Job Title] position. Please feel free to contact me if you need any further information.

Sincerely, [Your Name]

Character Reference for College Admission

[Admission Officer’s Name] [College Name] [College Address] [City, State, ZIP Code]

Dear [Admission Officer’s Name],

I am writing to offer my enthusiastic support for [Student’s Name]’s application to [College Name]. I have had the pleasure of knowing [Student’s Name] for [number] years as [his/her/their] [teacher/coach/mentor], and I can confidently speak to [his/her/their] outstanding character and academic potential.

[Student’s Name] is an exceptionally bright and motivated individual. During [his/her/their] time in my [class/club/team], [he/she/they] consistently demonstrated a passion for learning and a willingness to go above and beyond. [He/She/They] often [provide a specific example of the student’s academic achievements or extracurricular involvement].

In addition to [his/her/their] academic prowess, [Student’s Name] is also a person of high moral character. [He/She/They] is compassionate, respectful, and always willing to lend a helping hand to peers. These qualities make [him/her/them] not only an excellent student but also a valued member of our community.

I have no doubt that [Student’s Name] will thrive at [College Name] and contribute positively to the campus community. Please feel free to contact me if you require any further information.

Character Reference for Legal Proceedings

[Judge’s Name] [Court Name] [Court Address] [City, State, ZIP Code]

Dear [Judge’s Name],

I am writing to provide a character reference for [Defendant’s Name], whom I have known for [number] years as [his/her/their] [friend/colleague/neighbor]. I understand the serious nature of the matter before the court, and I wish to offer my perspective on [Defendant’s Name]’s character.

[Defendant’s Name] is a person of integrity and good moral character. Throughout the time I have known [him/her/them], [he/she/they] has always been honest, responsible, and kind. For example, [provide a specific example illustrating the defendant’s positive qualities].

While I am aware of the charges against [Defendant’s Name], I believe that [he/she/they] is genuinely remorseful and committed to making amends. [He/She/They] has always been willing to help others and contribute positively to our community. I am confident that [Defendant’s Name] will use this experience as a catalyst for positive change.

I hope that the court will consider this letter as a testament to [Defendant’s Name]’s character and potential for rehabilitation. Please feel free to contact me if you need any additional information.

APA Style Reference

APA (American Psychological Association) style is widely used for citing sources in academic writing. Here is a comprehensive guide on how to format different types of references in APA style.

Basic Format for Books

Author, A. A. (Year of Publication). Title of work: Capital letter also for subtitle. Publisher.

Example: Smith, J. A. (2020). The art of writing: A comprehensive guide. Writing Press.

Basic Format for Journal Articles

Author, A. A. (Year). Title of article. Title of Periodical, volume number(issue number), pages. DOI

Example: Brown, L. B. (2019). The effects of modern teaching methods. Educational Research Journal, 45 (2), 123-145.

Basic Format for Online Articles

Author, A. A. (Year, Month Day). Title of article. Title of Online Periodical . URL

Example: Doe, J. M. (2021, March 5). Innovations in education technology. Tech Education Today.

Basic Format for Book Chapters

Author, A. A. (Year). Title of chapter. In E. E. Editor (Ed.), Title of book (pp. pages of chapter). Publisher.

Example: Green, P. L. (2018). Understanding language development. In R. B. White (Ed.), Advances in child psychology (pp. 45-67). Academic Press.

Basic Format for Edited Books

Editor, E. E. (Ed.). (Year). Title of work. Publisher.

Example: Johnson, R. T. (Ed.). (2017). Perspectives on learning . Learning Press.

Basic Format for Dissertations and Theses

Author, A. A. (Year). Title of dissertation [Unpublished doctoral dissertation]. Name of Institution.

Example: Miller, T. R. (2016). Exploring the impact of digital media on learning [Unpublished doctoral dissertation]. University of Education.

Basic Format for Websites

Author, A. A. (Year, Month Day). Title of web page. Site Name. URL

Example: National Institute of Education. (2022, April 10). Effective teaching strategies. National Education Portal.

Basic Format for Conference Papers

Author, A. A. (Year, Month). Title of paper. In E. E. Chairperson (Chair), Title of symposium. Symposium conducted at the meeting of Organization Name, Location.

Example: Taylor, D. J. (2020, August). Integrating technology in classrooms. In S. P. Roberts (Chair), Future of Education Conference. Symposium conducted at the meeting of the Educational Research Association, New York, NY.

Basic Format for Reports

Author, A. A. (Year). Title of report (Report No. xxx). Publisher.

Example: U.S. Department of Education. (2019). Annual report on educational progress (Report No. ED12345). U.S. Government Printing Office.

Writing a Reference Letter

Structure of a reference letter.

Header : Your Name, Your Title/Position, Your Address, City, State, Zip Code, Email Address, Phone Number, Date.

Recipient’s Information : Recipient’s Name, Recipient’s Title/Position, Recipient’s Organization, Recipient’s Address, City, State, Zip Code.

Salutation : Dear [Recipient’s Name].

Introduction : State your relationship with the applicant and how long you have known them, Mention the purpose of the letter.

Body Paragraphs : Highlight the applicant’s skills, qualifications, and achievements. Provide specific examples to demonstrate the applicant’s strengths, Discuss the applicant’s character and work ethic.

Conclusion : Summarize your recommendation, Offer to provide further information if needed.

Closing : Sincerely, [Your Name]

Reference Letter Template

[Your Name] [Your Title/Position] [Your Address] [City, State, Zip Code] [Email Address] [Phone Number] [Date]

[Recipient’s Name] [Recipient’s Title/Position] [Recipient’s Organization] [Recipient’s Address] [City, State, Zip Code]

Dear [Recipient’s Name],

I am writing to highly recommend [Applicant’s Name] for [position/program/opportunity]. I have had the pleasure of knowing [him/her/them] for [number] years in my capacity as [Your Position] at [Your Organization]. During this time, I have been consistently impressed with [his/her/their] exceptional skills and dedication.

In [his/her/their] role as [Applicant’s Job Title], [Applicant’s Name] has demonstrated outstanding abilities in [specific skill or task]. For instance, [he/she/they] successfully [specific example or project], which resulted in [specific outcome or achievement]. [His/Her/Their] ability to [specific skill] is truly remarkable and sets [him/her/them] apart from [his/her/their] peers.

Moreover, [Applicant’s Name] possesses excellent [character trait], which is evident in [his/her/their] interactions with colleagues and clients. [He/She/They] is a reliable, hardworking, and enthusiastic individual who consistently goes above and beyond to achieve [his/her/their] goals. [His/Her/Their] positive attitude and strong work ethic make [him/her/them] an invaluable asset to any team.

Based on my experience working with [Applicant’s Name], I am confident that [he/she/they] will excel in [position/program/opportunity]. I wholeheartedly recommend [him/her/them] and believe that [he/she/they] will make a significant contribution to your organization.

Please feel free to contact me at [Your Phone Number] or [Your Email Address] if you require any further information.

What’s the difference between a Citation and Reference

Why are references important in academic writing?

References ensure credibility, allow verification of sources, and give credit to original authors.

How do you cite a book in APA style?

Author’s Last Name, First Initial. (Year). Title of the book . Publisher.

Can websites be used as references?

Yes, credible websites can be used as references if they provide reliable information.

What’s the difference between a citation and a reference?

A citation is a brief mention within the text, while a reference provides full source details.

What is a reference list?

A reference list includes full details of all sources cited in a work, placed at the end.

How do you format an online article in APA?

Author’s Last Name, First Initial. (Year). Title of article. Title of Periodical , volume number(issue number), pages. URL

What’s the purpose of using references?

References support arguments, validate research, and attribute ideas to original sources.

Can you use Wikipedia as a reference?

Generally, Wikipedia is not considered a reliable academic source due to its open-edit nature.

How do you cite an article from a database in APA?

Author’s Last Name, First Initial. (Year). Title of article. Title of Journal , volume(issue), pages. DOI or URL

How do you format a reference for a podcast in APA?

Host’s Last Name, First Initial. (Host). (Year, Month Day). Title of episode (No. episode number) [Audio podcast episode]. In Podcast Name . Production Company. URL

Text prompt

• Instructive
• Professional

10 Examples of Public speaking

20 Examples of Gas lighting

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Write and Cite

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Why acknowledge sources?

When is citing necessary, citing textual sources, citing images and non-textual sources, citing generative ai, links to style guides and citation resources.

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Reasons for citing sources are based on academic, professional, and cultural values. At the GSD, we cite to promote

• Integrity and honesty by acknowledging the creative and intellectual work of others.
• The pursuit of knowledge by enabling others to locate the materials you used.
• The development of design excellence through research into scholarly conversations related to your subject.

Cite your source whenever you quote, summarize, paraphrase, or otherwise include someone else's

• Words 
• Opinions, thoughts, interpretations, or arguments
• Original research, designs, images, video, etc.
• Chicago Style

Citations follow different rules for structure and content depending on which style you use. At the GSD, mostly you will use Chicago or APA style. Often you can choose the style you prefer, but it's good to ask your professor or TA/TF. Whichever style you use, be consistent. We recommend using Zotero , a citation-management tool, to structure your citations for you, but you should always check to make sure the tool captures the correct information in the correct place.

 Chicago Style 

Citing print sources.

Footnote - long (first time citing the source)

1. Joseph Rykwert, The Idea of a Town: The Anthropology of Urban Form in Rome, Italy and the Ancient World , (New Jersey: Princeton University Press, 1976), 35.

Footnote - short (citing the source again)

1. Rykwert, The Idea of a Town , 35.

In-text citation (alternative to footnotes)

(Rykwert 1976, 35)

Bibliography (alphabetical order and hanging indentation)

Rykwert, Joseph. The Idea of a Town: the Anthropology of Urban Form in Rome, Italy and the Ancient World . New Jersey: Princeton University Press, 1976.

Chapter 

1. Diane Favro, “The Street Triumphant: The Urban Impact of Roman Triumphal Parades,” in Streets: Critical Perspectives on Public Space , ed. Zeynep Çelik , Diana Favro, and Richard Ingersoll (Berkeley: University of California Press,1994), 153.

1. Favro, “The Street Triumphant,” 156.

In-text citation (called "author-date," an alternative to footnotes)

(Favro 1994, 153)

Bibliography  (alphabetical order and hanging indentation)

Favro, Diane. “The Street Triumphant: The Urban Impact of Roman Triumphal Parades.” In Streets: Critical Perspectives on Public Space, edited by Zeynep Çelik, Diane G. Favro, and Richard Ingersoll, 151-164. Berkeley: University of California Press, 1994.

Journal Article 

1. Hendrik Dey, “From ‘Street’ to ‘Piazza’: Urban Politics, Public Ceremony, and the Redefinition of platea in Communal Italy and Beyond” Speculum 91, no.4 (October 2016): 919.

1. Dey, “From ‘Street’ to ‘Piazza,’” 932.

Dey, Hendrik. “From ‘Street’ to ‘Piazza’: Urban Politics, Public Ceremony, and the Redefinition of platea in Communal Italy and Beyond.” Speculum 91, no.4 (October 2016): 919-44.

 APA Style 

In-text citation  

(Rykwert 1976 p. 35)

Footnote  (for supplemental information)

1. From  The idea of a town: The anthropology of urban form in Rome, Italy and the ancient world by Joseph  Rykwert, 1976, New Jersey:  Princeton University Press.

Bibliography/Reference  (alphabetical order and hanging indentation)

Rykwert, J. (1976).  The idea of a town: The anthropology of urban form in Rome, Italy and the ancient world .  Princeton University Press.

In-Text Citation

(Favro   1994 p.153)

Footnote (for supplemental information)

1. From the chapter "The street triumphant: The urban impact of Roman triumphal parades" in  Streets: Critical perspectives on public space,  edited by Zeynep Çelik , Diana Favro, and Richard Ingersoll, 1994, Berkeley: University of California Press.

Favro, D. (1994) “The street triumphant: The Urban Impact of Roman Triumphal Parades.” In Zeynep Çelik, Diane G. Favro, and Richard Ingersoll (Eds.),  Streets: Critical Perspectives on Public Space ( pp.151-164). University of California Press.

(Dey 2016 p.919)

Footnote  (for supplemental material)

1. From the article “From ‘street’ to ‘Piazza’: Urban politics, public ceremony, and the Redefinition of platea in Communal Italy and Beyond” by  Hendrik Dey in   Speculum 91(4), 919.  www.journals.uchicago.edu/toc/spc/2016/91/4

Dey, H. (2016). From "street" to "piazza": Urban politics, public ceremony, and the redefinition of platea in communal Italy and beyond.  Speculum 91 (4), 919-44. www.journals.uchicago.edu/toc/spc/2016/91/4

Citing Visual Sources 

Visual representations created by other people, including photographs, maps, drawings, models, graphs, tables, and blueprints, must be cited.  Citations for visual material may be included at the end of a caption or in a list of figures, similar to but usually separate from the main bibliography.

When they are not merely background design, images are labeled as figures and numbered. In-text references to them refer to the figure number. Sometimes you will have a title after the figure number and a brief descriptive caption below it. 

If you choose to include the citation under the caption, format it like a footnote entry. If you would prefer to have a list of figures for citation information, organize them by figure number and use the format of a bibliographic entry. 

The construction of citations for artwork and illustrations is more flexible and variable than textual sources. Here we have provided an example with full bibliographic information. Use your best judgment and remember that the goals are to be consistent and to provide enough information to credit your source and for someone else to find your source.

Some borrowed material in collages may also need to be cited, but the rules are vague and hard to find. Check with your professor about course standards. 

Visual representations created by other people, including photographs, maps, drawings, models, graphs, tables, and blueprints, must be cited. In APA style, tables are their own category, and all other visual representations are considered figures. Tables and figures both follow the same basic setup. 

When they are not merely background design, images are labeled as figures and numbered and titled above the image. If needed to clarify the meaning or significance of the figure, a note may be placed below it. In-text references to visual sources refer to the figure number (ex. As shown in Figure 1..."). 

Citations for visual material created by other people may either be included under the figure or note or compiled in a list of figures, similar to but usually separate from the main bibliography.

Figures may take up a whole page or be placed at the top or bottom of the page with a blank double-space below or above it.

If you choose to include the citation under the figure, format it like a bibliographic entry. If you would prefer to have a list of figures for citation information, organize them by figure number and use the format of a bibliographic entry. Here is a detailed example. Some figures will require less bibliographic information, but it is a good practice to include as much as you can.

The construction of citations for artwork and illustrations is more flexible and variable than for textual sources. Here we have provided an example with full bibliographic information. Use your best judgment and remember that the goals are to be consistent and to provide enough information to credit your source and for someone else to find your source.

Citing Generative AI

The rules for citing the use of generative AI, both textual and visual, are still evolving. For guidelines on when to cite the use of AI, please refer to the section on Academic Integrity. Here, we will give you suggestions for  how to cite based on what the style guides say and what Harvard University encourages. We again recommend that you to ask your instructors about their expectations for use and citation and to remain consistent in your formatting.

The Chicago Manual of Style currently states that "for most types of writing, you can simply acknowledge the AI tool in your text" with a parenthetical comment stating the use of a specific tool. For example: (Image generated by Midjourney). 

For academic papers or research articles, you should have a numbered footnote or endnote

Footnote - prompt not included in the text of the paper

1. ChatGPT, response to "Suggest three possible responses from community stakeholders to the proposed multi-use development project," OpenAI, March 28, 2024, https://chat.openai.com/chat.

Footnote - prompt included in the text of the paper

1. Text generated by ChatGPT, OpenAI, March 28, 2024, https://chat.oenai.com/chat

Footnote - edited AI-generated text

1. Text generated by ChatGPT, OpenAI, March 28, 2024, edited for clarity, https://chat.oenai.com/chat

In-text citation  (called "author-date," an alternative to footnotes)

(Text generated by ChatGPT, OpenAI) or (Text generated by ChatGPT, OpenAI, edited for clarity)

Chicago does not encourage including generative AI in a bibliography unless the tool also generates a direct link to the same generated content.

https://www-chicagomanualofstyle-org.ezp-prod1.hul.harvard.edu/qanda/data/faq/topics/Documentation/faq0422.html

The APA style team currently says to "describe how you used the tool in your Methods section or in a comparable section of your paper," perhaps the introduction for literature reviews and response papers. In your paper, state the prompt followed by the resulting generated text. Cite generative AI use according to the rules you would use for citing an algorithm. Include the URL if it leads directly to the same generated material; otherwise, the URL is optional.

(OpenAI, 2024) 

Footnote   (for supplemental material)

APA does not yet provide a structure or example for a footnote. If you need to mention generative AI in a footnote, stay as consistent with formatting as possible.

OpenAI. (2024). ChatGPT (Mar 14 version) [Large language model]. https://chat.openai.com/chat

These links take you to external resources for further research on citation styles.

• Chicago Manual of Style 17th Edition Online access to the full manual through Hollis with a quick guide, Q&A, video tutorials, and more.
• CMOS Shop Talk: How Do I Format a List of Figures? A brief description of how to format a list of figures with an attached sample document.
• Documenting and Citing Images in Chicago A Research guide from USC with nice examples of images with citations.
• Harvard Guide to Citing Sources A guide from Harvard Libraries on citing sources in Chicago style.
• A Manual for Writers of Research Papers, Theses, and Dissertations: Chicago Style for Students and Researchers A Chicago manual specifically for students with clear and detailed information about citing for papers rather than publications.
• Chicago Manual of Style Q&A Citing Generative Artificial Intelligence
• APA Style The main page of the official APA website that directs you to various topics on style and formatting
• APA Style Manual 7th Edition Online access to the full APA Style Manual (scanned) through Hollis.
• APA Style Common Reference Examples A list of sample references organized by type.
• APA Style Sample Papers Links to sample papers that model how to create citations in APA.
• Formatting Checklist This page is a quick guide to all kinds of formatting, from the title page to the bibliography, with links to more detailed instructions.
• Harvard Guide to Citing Sources A guide from Harvard Libraries on citing sources in APA style.
• Journal Article References This page contains reference examples for journal articles.
• In-Text Citations in APA Style A place to learn more about rules for citing sources in your text.
• Tables and Figures This page leads to explanations about how to format tables and figures as well as examples of both.
• How to Cite ChatGPT Here are the APA's current rules for citing generative AI and ChatGPT in particular.
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• Last Updated: Jun 24, 2024 11:19 AM
• URL: https://guides.library.harvard.edu/gsd/write

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