mla style phd

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

How to Cite a Thesis or Dissertation in MLA

Citing a thesis or dissertation.

Thesis – A document submitted to earn a degree at a university.

Dissertation – A document submitted to earn an advanced degree, such as a doctorate, at a university.

The formatting for thesis and dissertation citations is largely the same. However, you should be sure to include the type of degree after the publication year as supplemental information. For instance, state if the source you are citing is an undergraduate thesis or a PhD dissertation.

MLA Thesis and Dissertation Citation Structure (print)

Last, First M.  Title of the Thesis/Dissertation. Year Published. Name of University, type of degree.

MLA Thesis and Dissertation Citation Structure (online)

Last, First M.  Title of the Thesis/Dissertation. Year Published. Name of University, type of degree.  Website Name , URL.

Wilson, Peggy Lynn. Pedagogical Practices in the Teaching of English Language in Secondary Public Schools in Parker County . 2011. University of Maryland, PhD dissertation.

In-text Citation Structure

(Author Last Name page #)

In-text Citation Example

(Wilson 14)

MLA Formatting Guide

MLA Formatting

• Annotated Bibliography
• Bibliography
• Block Quotes
• et al Usage
• In-text Citations
• Paraphrasing
• Page Numbers
• Sample Paper
• Works Cited
• MLA 8 Updates
• MLA 9 Updates
• View MLA Guide

Citation Examples

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

How useful was this post?

Click on a star to rate it!

We are sorry that this post was not useful for you!

Let us improve this post!

Tell us how we can improve this post?

MLA Citation Examples

Writing Tools

Citation Generators

Other Citation Styles

Plagiarism Checker

Upload a paper to check for plagiarism against billions of sources and get advanced writing suggestions for clarity and style.

Get Started

MLA 8th ed. Style Guide: Dissertations, Theses

• Art, Photography, Music
• Business Resources
• Dissertations, Theses
• Emails, Social Media
• Film, Television, Video
• Journal, Newspaper, & Magazine Articles
• Legal Sources
• Parenthetical (in-text) Citations
• Web Sites, Blogs
• Need more help?

Essential Elements

Citations for dissertations/master's theses should include the following:

1. Name of Author 

2. Title of dissertation/thesis (italicized)

3. Date of Publication

5. Institution granting the degree (optional)

6. Description of the work (optional)

7. Database and URL if accessed through a database or repository

Sample Citation - Dissertations

Dissertations

The institution granting the degree and description of the work are optional. If you accessed the work online, include that information. 

• << Previous: Business Resources
• Next: Emails, Social Media >>
• Last Updated: Sep 1, 2021 12:15 PM
• URL: https://guides.zsr.wfu.edu/mla8

Citation guides

All you need to know about citations

How to cite a dissertation in MLA

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

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

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

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

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

A doctoral dissertation with one author

Guo, Jia . Trust-based Service Management of Internet of Things Systems and Its Applications . 2018 . Virginia Tech , Doctoral dissertation .

Neel, Breta L . Three Flute Chamber Works by Alberto Ginastera: Intertwining Elements of Art and Folk Music . 2017 . Nebraska-Lincoln U , Doctoral dissertation .

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

More useful guides

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

More great BibGuru guides

• MLA: how to cite a personal interview
• MLA: how to cite a play
• Chicago: how to cite a tweet

Automatic citations in seconds

Citation generators

Alternative to.

• NoodleTools
• Getting started

From our blog

• 📚 How to write a book report
• 📝 APA Running Head
• 📑 How to study for a test

Recinto Universitario de Mayagüez, Call Box 9000 Mayagüez, PR 00681     (787) 832-4040 ext. 3810, 2151, 2155    [email protected]

MLA 9th Edition Style Guide: Dissertation/Thesis

• Generic Section Labels
• Inclusive Language
• Publisher Abbreviations
• Formatting your Paper
• Annotated Bibliography
• Social Media
• Audiovisual
• Personal Communication

Dissertation/Thesis

• News Publication
• Classroom Material
• Conference Proceedings and Papers
• Footnotes and Endnotes
• Tables and Figures
• Useful Links

Njus, Jesse. Performing the Passion: A Study on the Nature of Medieval Acting . 2010. Northwestern U,

MA thesis.  ProQuest , search.proquest.com/docview/305212264?accountid=7432.

Dissertation

PhD dissertation.  ProQuest , search.proquest.com/docview/305212264?accountid=7432.

• << Previous: Personal Communication
• Next: News Publication >>
• Last Updated: Feb 28, 2024 12:59 PM
• URL: https://libguides.uprm.edu/MLA9/en

Biblioteca General © 2024 - Universidad de Puerto Rico. Todos los derechos reservados.

A Step-by-Step Walkthrough: MLA Style Formatting in Your PhD Thesis

Picture this: your groundbreaking research, wrapped in a polished and professional package, all thanks to MLA style. It's like putting a fancy bow on a gift that already rocks! With MLA in text citation example in your corner, you'll be citing sources like a pro, giving credit where it's due, and making your thesis a masterpiece of academic integrity.

Embrace the MLA style formatting services for PhD and let's get this show on the road. Trust me, it's going to be one exhilarating journey you won't want to miss! Are you ready? Let's do this! 

Implementation of MLA Style Formatting in The PhD Thesis

Step one: Familiarize yourself with the MLA style guide, your trusty kitchen companion. Think of it as your secret recipe book, packed with all the rules and guidelines you need to make your thesis shine. It covers everything from citations, in-text references, to formatting your works cited page. Yes, I know, it might not sound like a page-turner, but hey, we're all here to add some academic flair to our work!

Now, let's talk about citations – the flavorful spices of academic writing. In MLA style, you'll be using parenthetical references in the body of your thesis. Whenever you use someone else's work or ideas, sprinkle in a little citation magic. It's as easy as citing the author's last name and the page number in parentheses – just like seasoning your sentences with a pinch of academic goodness (Smith 42).

Oh, and don't forget those delicious direct quotes! Whenever you serve up someone's exact words, wrap them up in quotation marks and add the citation right after. You wouldn't want your readers to think those tasty tidbits are yours, right?

Now, let's move on to the works cited page – the grand finale of your MLA-style feast! This is where you showcase all the ingredients (sources) you used to cook up your thesis. Remember to arrange them alphabetically, just like organizing your spice rack. And don't forget to double-check every detail, like the author's name, title, publication date, and the works' juicy details. You don't want any missing ingredients in your gourmet bibliography!

AtkinsEditing is a top-notch editing service that specializes in catering to the needs of PhD researchers like you. Our team of expert editors are not only well-versed in the MLA style, but they are also scholars themselves. They understand the significance of your research and are dedicated to helping you present it in the best possible light.

MLA In Text Citation Example

1. How to Cite Books in MLA:

i. Format for a book with a single author:

Author's Last Name, First Name. Title of Book. Publisher, Year of Publication.

Smith, John D. The Psychology of Human Behavior. Random House, 2019.

ii. Format for a book with multiple authors:

Author's Last Name, First Name, and Second Author's First Name Last Name. Title of Book. Publisher, Year of Publication.

Johnson, Sarah P., and Mary K. Anderson. Research Methods in Psychology. Academic Press, 2021.

2. How to Cite Journals and Articles in MLA:

i. Format for a journal article:

Author's Last Name, First Name. "Title of Article." Title of Journal, vol. Volume Number, no. Issue Number, Year of Publication, page range.

Miller, Paul Q. "The Effects of Mindfulness Meditation on Stress Reduction." Journal of Applied Psychology, vol. 15, no. 2, 2020, pp. 135-147.

3. How to Cite a Source on the Internet in MLA:

i. Format for a web page or online article:

Author's Last Name, First Name. "Title of Webpage/Article." Website Name, Day Month Year of publication, URL.

Smith, John D. "The Impact of Climate Change on Global Ecosystems." Environmental Insights, 15 May 2022, https://www.environmentinsights.com/climate-change-impact.

4. How to Cite Media Sources in MLA:

i. Format for citing films, TV shows, videos, and podcasts:

"Title of Media Source." Title of the Site, Name of Any Other Contributors, Version (if applicable), Number (if applicable), Publisher, Publication date, URL.

"The Science of Space Exploration." Space Studios, directed by Sarah Smith, 2023, https://www.spacestudios.com/science-space-exploration.

How to Cite Additional Sources in MLA:

For additional sources like conference papers, reports, and other specific documents, you may need to adapt the citation format accordingly. Generally, you would include the author, title, source (e.g., conference name or report series), publication details (e.g., publisher, location), and any relevant page or paragraph numbers.

Now, let's talk about how AtkinsEditing can lend you a helping hand in perfecting your in-text citations and all aspects of your research paper! Our team of skilled editors knows the ins and outs of MLA style like the back of their hand. They'll comb through your work, ensuring every citation is in its right place and every punctuation mark is spot-on.

With AtkinsEditing by your side, you can rest assured that your paper will not only meet the highest academic standards but will also read like a captivating masterpiece. So, why stress over the nitty-gritty details of citations when you can focus on crafting groundbreaking research? Let AtkinsEditing take care of the rest.

Specific challenges or nuances when applying MLA style formatting to complex research data

It's fantastic that you're delving into the wonderful world of MLA style formatting for your complex research data. Trust me, I get it - those tables, graphs, and equations can sometimes feel like a rollercoaster ride of challenges. But fear not, we'll tackle them together and maintain the utmost consistency and clarity in your thesis!

Now, let's talk about the specific challenges you might encounter. When it comes to tables, it's essential to make sure they are clear and well-organized. Sometimes, data can get pretty dense and overwhelming, leaving readers scratching their heads. To address this, break down your tables into logical sections, use headings and subheadings, and label each row and column carefully. If possible, consider creating visually appealing graphs to supplement your tables - they can make complex data much more digestible and even add some flair to your work!

Next up, graphs can be both a blessing and a curse. While they can illustrate trends and patterns beautifully, they can also be tricky when trying to fit them seamlessly into your text. To maintain consistency, make sure your graph design remains uniform throughout your thesis. Pay close attention to labels, units, and scales, and remember that less is often more. Keep it clean, and your readers will thank you!

Now, how can AtkinsEditing lend you a helping hand in this academic adventure? Well, we specialize in polishing and perfecting academic documents just like yours. Our team of expert editors knows all the ins and outs of MLA style formatting and can ensure that your tables, graphs, and equations are impeccably presented. With our keen eye for detail, we'll make sure your work maintains consistency and clarity from start to finish.

At AtkinsEditing, we believe that your research deserves to shine, and we're here to help you make it happen. So, worry no more about the formatting woes, and let's work together to create a thesis that leaves a lasting impression on your readers!

Final Thoughts

Congratulations, my esteemed PhD researchers, you've made it through our exhilarating step-by-step walkthrough of MLA style formatting in your grand thesis! We've covered everything from taming those intricate tables, spicing up your graphs, and conquering the mystifying equations, all while maintaining consistency and clarity in your scholarly masterpiece.

By now, you're no stranger to the magic of MLA style formatting services for PhD. With its meticulous guidelines and in-text citation examples that give credit where credit is due, MLA ensures your work remains a beacon of credibility and academic integrity. So, kudos to you for taking the time to master this essential aspect of scholarly writing!

Let's face it - MLA style formatting in PhD thesis may seem like a daunting challenge, but with the right guidance and support, it becomes a thrilling adventure. Your hard work, dedication, and passion for your subject deserve to be presented in the most polished and captivating way possible.

So, fellow researchers, as you embark on the final leg of your academic journey, remember that mastering MLA style formatting is not just about ticking boxes; it's about showcasing your research in the best possible light. And AtkinsEditing is here to be your trusty sidekick, ensuring your thesis is a true testament to your academic prowess.

Now, go forth with confidence, armed with the knowledge of MLA style formatting in your PhD thesis, and let your brilliance shine through! Happy writing!

MLA Citation Style

Subject guide.

Related Guides

• Citation Management Tools by Dianna McKellar Last Updated Feb 27, 2024 533 views this year
• RefWorks @ the University of Delaware by Dianna McKellar Last Updated Jun 16, 2023 87 views this year
• Writing by Yalonda Green Last Updated Aug 30, 2023 3 views this year

• MLA Handbook Chapter 1: Introduction to Formatting Your Research Project Free introductory chapter to formatting a research paper. Includes sections 1.0-1.16 of the MLA Handbook's first chapter. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1632/SNGR8997
• MLA Style Sample Papers Does your research or term paper require MLA style? Use these examples to help you follow the proper guidelines.
• MLA Handbook Chapter 4.2–4.11: Avoiding Plagiarism A free chapter from the MLA style manual regarding how to avoid plagiarism in your work. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1632/IRIL1204
• OWL Purdue: MLA Formatting and Style Guide Purdue University's Online Writing Lab provides a general introduction to the MLA formatting and style guide. Excellent resource for referencing MLA style. more... less... Navigate sections of the style guide in the left column of the screen. Sections are also accessible by search.

Introducing the Elements

The many new and updated chapters make this edition the comprehensive, go-to resource for writers of research papers, and anyone citing sources, from business writers, technical writers, and freelance writers and editors to student writers and the teachers and librarians working with them. 

• The MLA Style Center (MLA)
• What’s New in the 9th Edition (MLA)
• Last Updated: May 30, 2023 11:51 AM
• URL: https://guides.lib.udel.edu/mla

•   [email protected]

MLA Style: Basics

More help with citation.

• Citing Your Sources Guide (Shapiro Library)
• SNHU Wolak Learning Center (Campus Students) This link opens in a new window
• SNHU Academic Support (Online) This link opens in a new window

This guide is intended to help you cite sources in MLA style, avoid plagiarism, learn what MLA style is and includes, find examples of MLA style, lead you to campus resources that can help you cite sources in MLA, and more.

Please note that the information provided on these pages is intended to be a guideline, not expert advice. If you need additional assistance citing sources in MLA beyond what is provided here, speak to your professor or contact the Wolak Learning Center This link opens in a new window (Campus Students) or Academic Support This link opens in a new window (Online Students) for additional help.

Navigate through this guide by using the tabs to the left and visit the Citing Your Sources guide for more information.

Search our Frequently Asked Questions:

Popular mla citation faqs:.

• Next: What is MLA Style? >>

Search Modern Language Association

Log in to Modern Language Association

• Annual Report
• MLA News Digest Archive
• Mission and Strategic Priorities
• Advertising
• Join the MLA Mailing List
• The MLA Staff
• Delegate Assembly
• Executive Council
• Related Organizations
• Donate to the MLA
• Leading Contributors to the MLA
• ADE-ALD Summer Seminar and MAPS Leadership Institute
• MLA Webinars Site
• 2025 Convention Program Forms
• Presidential Theme for the 2025 Convention
• A Letter from MLA Executive Director Paula M. Krebs Urging Support of Convention Attendance
• MLA Exhibit Hall
• Access Guidelines for MLA Convention Session Organizers and Presenters
• Calls for Papers
• Policies for Forums and Allied Organizations
• Procedures for Organizing Convention Meetings
• Exhibiting at the 2025 MLA Convention
• Sponsorship and Marketing
• Convention History
• Appropriate Conduct at the MLA Annual Convention
• Membership Benefits
• Join the MLA
• MLA Academic Program Services
• MLA Newsletter
• MLA Strategic Partnership Network
• Member Resources
• Member Search
• Renew Your Membership

MLA Handbook Plus

• Buy the MLA Handbook
• MLA Style Support

Publications

• Backlist Titles
• Forthcoming Titles
• Library Subscriptions
• What We Publish
• What We Value
• How to Propose a Volume
• Contribute to a Book in Development
• Request Your Complimentary MLA Handbook
• About the MLA International Bibliography
• Free Online Course
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Submitting Work to the MLA International Bibliography
• Tutorial Videos
• Using the MLA International Bibliography
• A Video from Paula Krebs about Humanities Successes
• Executive Council Actions
• MLA Pathways
• Resources on Academic Freedom, Free Speech, and the Right to Protest
• Resources on Collective Action
• Career Resources
• Conferences, Fellowships, and Announcements
• MLA Grants and Awards
• MLA Professional Development Webinars
• MLA Sit and Write Sessions
• MLA Webinars on the Public Humanities
• Reimagining Humanities Coursework for Career Readiness: A Workshop
• MLA Language Map
• Reports and Professional Guidelines

Request Your Free Member Copy

Buy the  MLA Handbook

The MLA Style Center

What is mla style.

Building confidence in the information and ideas we share with one another is perhaps more important today than ever before, and for nearly a century it has been the driving principle behind MLA style, a set of standards for writing and documentation used by writers to find and evaluate information, alert their audience to the trustworthiness of their findings through citation, and shape the expression of their ideas in conversation with others. 

Resources for MLA Style

Our new, subscription-based digital platform, MLA Handbook Plus is

• Trusted: The only authorized subscription-based digital resource featuring the latest edition of the MLA Handbook is available for unlimited simultaneous users.
• Evolving: Get the same content as the print edition, plus seamless annual updates and forthcoming additional resources such as videos and companion titles.
• Dynamic: Features an easy-to-search interface, cross-linking of related material, and a split view that lets students see illustrations while reading corresponding content.
• Flexible: Whether on campus, at home, or in a coffee shop, students can access the platform from anywhere—perfect for remote or hybrid learning environments.
• Affordable: Tiered pricing model based on full-time undergraduate enrollments in US higher education institutions (with custom pricing options for secondary schools, consortia, international schools, campus systems, and other organizations).
• Accessible: Meets current accessibility standards—ensuring that learning MLA style is available to all.

Contact [email protected] for more info.

MLA Handbook , 9th Edition

The ninth edition of the MLA Handbook , published in spring 2021, builds on the MLA's unique approach to documenting sources using a template of core elements—facts common to most sources, like author, title, and publication date—that allows writers to cite any type of work, from books, e-books, and journal articles in databases to song lyrics, online images, social media posts, dissertations, and more. With this focus on source evaluation as the cornerstone of citation, MLA style promotes the skills of information and digital literacy so crucial today. The new edition offers

• New chapters on grammar, punctuation, capitalization, spelling, numbers, italics, abbreviations, and principles of inclusive language
• Guidelines on setting up research papers in MLA format with updated advice on headings, lists, and title pages for group projects
• Revised, comprehensive, step-by-step instructions for creating a list of works cited in MLA format that are easier to learn and use than ever before
• A new appendix with hundreds of example works-cited-list entries by publication format, including websites, YouTube videos, interviews, and more
• Detailed examples of how to find publication information for a variety of sources
• Newly revised explanations of in-text citations, including comprehensive advice on how to cite multiple authors of a single work
• Detailed guidance on using notes in MLA style
• Instructions on quoting, paraphrasing, summarizing, and avoiding plagiarism
• Annotated bibliography examples
• Numbered sections throughout for quick navigation
• Advanced tips for professional writers and scholars

The MLA Style Center offers free online resources on MLA style, including an interactive MLA format template, answers to common questions on Ask the MLA, advice from the MLA editors, and more. Get updates by signing up for The Source newsletter, and follow us on Twitter @MLAstyle .

• Free Tools for Students
• MLA Citation Generator

Free MLA Citation Generator

Generate accurate citations in MLA format automatically, with MyBib!

😕 What is an MLA Citation Generator?

An MLA citation generator is a software tool designed to automatically create academic citations in the Modern Language Association (MLA) citation format. The generator will take information such as document titles, author, and URLs as in input, and output fully formatted citations that can be inserted into the Works Cited page of an MLA-compliant academic paper.

The citations on a Works Cited page show the external sources that were used to write the main body of the academic paper, either directly as references and quotes, or indirectly as ideas.

👩‍🎓 Who uses an MLA Citation Generator?

MLA style is most often used by middle school and high school students in preparation for transition to college and further education. Ironically, MLA style is not actually used all that often beyond middle and high school, with APA (American Psychological Association) style being the favored style at colleges across the country.

It is also important at this level to learn why it's critical to cite sources, not just how to cite them.

🙌 Why should I use a Citation Generator?

Writing citations manually is time consuming and error prone. Automating this process with a citation generator is easy, straightforward, and gives accurate results. It's also easier to keep citations organized and in the correct order.

The Works Cited page contributes to the overall grade of a paper, so it is important to produce accurately formatted citations that follow the guidelines in the official MLA Handbook .

⚙️ How do I use MyBib's MLA Citation Generator?

It's super easy to create MLA style citations with our MLA Citation Generator. Scroll back up to the generator at the top of the page and select the type of source you're citing. Books, journal articles, and webpages are all examples of the types of sources our generator can cite automatically. Then either search for the source, or enter the details manually in the citation form.

The generator will produce a formatted MLA citation that can be copied and pasted directly into your document, or saved to MyBib as part of your overall Works Cited page (which can be downloaded fully later!).

MyBib supports the following for MLA style:

Daniel is a qualified librarian, former teacher, and citation expert. He has been contributing to MyBib since 2018.

Purdue Online Writing Lab Purdue OWL® College of Liberal Arts

MLA In-Text Citations: The Basics

Welcome to the Purdue OWL

This page is brought to you by the OWL at Purdue University. When printing this page, you must include the entire legal notice.

Copyright ©1995-2018 by The Writing Lab & The OWL at Purdue and Purdue University. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, reproduced, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed without permission. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our terms and conditions of fair use.

MLA (Modern Language Association) style is most commonly used to write papers and cite sources within the liberal arts and humanities. This resource, updated to reflect the MLA Handbook (9 th ed.), offers examples for the general format of MLA research papers, in-text citations, endnotes/footnotes, and the Works Cited page.

Guidelines for referring to the works of others in your text using MLA style are covered throughout the  MLA Handbook  and in chapter 7 of the  MLA Style Manual . Both books provide extensive examples, so it's a good idea to consult them if you want to become even more familiar with MLA guidelines or if you have a particular reference question.

Basic in-text citation rules

In MLA Style, referring to the works of others in your text is done using parenthetical citations . This method involves providing relevant source information in parentheses whenever a sentence uses a quotation or paraphrase. Usually, the simplest way to do this is to put all of the source information in parentheses at the end of the sentence (i.e., just before the period). However, as the examples below will illustrate, there are situations where it makes sense to put the parenthetical elsewhere in the sentence, or even to leave information out.

General Guidelines

• The source information required in a parenthetical citation depends (1) upon the source medium (e.g. print, web, DVD) and (2) upon the source’s entry on the Works Cited page.
• Any source information that you provide in-text must correspond to the source information on the Works Cited page. More specifically, whatever signal word or phrase you provide to your readers in the text must be the first thing that appears on the left-hand margin of the corresponding entry on the Works Cited page.

In-text citations: Author-page style

MLA format follows the author-page method of in-text citation. This means that the author's last name and the page number(s) from which the quotation or paraphrase is taken must appear in the text, and a complete reference should appear on your Works Cited page. The author's name may appear either in the sentence itself or in parentheses following the quotation or paraphrase, but the page number(s) should always appear in the parentheses, not in the text of your sentence. For example:

Both citations in the examples above, (263) and (Wordsworth 263), tell readers that the information in the sentence can be located on page 263 of a work by an author named Wordsworth. If readers want more information about this source, they can turn to the Works Cited page, where, under the name of Wordsworth, they would find the following information:

Wordsworth, William. Lyrical Ballads . Oxford UP, 1967.

In-text citations for print sources with known author

For print sources like books, magazines, scholarly journal articles, and newspapers, provide a signal word or phrase (usually the author’s last name) and a page number. If you provide the signal word/phrase in the sentence, you do not need to include it in the parenthetical citation.

These examples must correspond to an entry that begins with Burke, which will be the first thing that appears on the left-hand margin of an entry on the Works Cited page:

Burke, Kenneth. Language as Symbolic Action: Essays on Life, Literature, and Method . University of California Press, 1966.

In-text citations for print sources by a corporate author

When a source has a corporate author, it is acceptable to use the name of the corporation followed by the page number for the in-text citation. You should also use abbreviations (e.g., nat'l for national) where appropriate, so as to avoid interrupting the flow of reading with overly long parenthetical citations.

In-text citations for sources with non-standard labeling systems

If a source uses a labeling or numbering system other than page numbers, such as a script or poetry, precede the citation with said label. When citing a poem, for instance, the parenthetical would begin with the word “line”, and then the line number or range. For example, the examination of William Blake’s poem “The Tyger” would be cited as such:

The speaker makes an ardent call for the exploration of the connection between the violence of nature and the divinity of creation. “In what distant deeps or skies. / Burnt the fire of thine eyes," they ask in reference to the tiger as they attempt to reconcile their intimidation with their relationship to creationism (lines 5-6).

Longer labels, such as chapters (ch.) and scenes (sc.), should be abbreviated.

In-text citations for print sources with no known author

When a source has no known author, use a shortened title of the work instead of an author name, following these guidelines.

Place the title in quotation marks if it's a short work (such as an article) or italicize it if it's a longer work (e.g. plays, books, television shows, entire Web sites) and provide a page number if it is available.

Titles longer than a standard noun phrase should be shortened into a noun phrase by excluding articles. For example, To the Lighthouse would be shortened to Lighthouse .

If the title cannot be easily shortened into a noun phrase, the title should be cut after the first clause, phrase, or punctuation:

In this example, since the reader does not know the author of the article, an abbreviated title appears in the parenthetical citation, and the full title of the article appears first at the left-hand margin of its respective entry on the Works Cited page. Thus, the writer includes the title in quotation marks as the signal phrase in the parenthetical citation in order to lead the reader directly to the source on the Works Cited page. The Works Cited entry appears as follows:

"The Impact of Global Warming in North America." Global Warming: Early Signs . 1999. www.climatehotmap.org/. Accessed 23 Mar. 2009.

If the title of the work begins with a quotation mark, such as a title that refers to another work, that quote or quoted title can be used as the shortened title. The single quotation marks must be included in the parenthetical, rather than the double quotation.

Parenthetical citations and Works Cited pages, used in conjunction, allow readers to know which sources you consulted in writing your essay, so that they can either verify your interpretation of the sources or use them in their own scholarly work.

Author-page citation for classic and literary works with multiple editions

Page numbers are always required, but additional citation information can help literary scholars, who may have a different edition of a classic work, like Marx and Engels's  The Communist Manifesto . In such cases, give the page number of your edition (making sure the edition is listed in your Works Cited page, of course) followed by a semicolon, and then the appropriate abbreviations for volume (vol.), book (bk.), part (pt.), chapter (ch.), section (sec.), or paragraph (par.). For example:

Author-page citation for works in an anthology, periodical, or collection

When you cite a work that appears inside a larger source (for instance, an article in a periodical or an essay in a collection), cite the author of the  internal source (i.e., the article or essay). For example, to cite Albert Einstein's article "A Brief Outline of the Theory of Relativity," which was published in  Nature  in 1921, you might write something like this:

See also our page on documenting periodicals in the Works Cited .

Citing authors with same last names

Sometimes more information is necessary to identify the source from which a quotation is taken. For instance, if two or more authors have the same last name, provide both authors' first initials (or even the authors' full name if different authors share initials) in your citation. For example:

Citing a work by multiple authors

For a source with two authors, list the authors’ last names in the text or in the parenthetical citation:

Corresponding Works Cited entry:

Best, David, and Sharon Marcus. “Surface Reading: An Introduction.” Representations , vol. 108, no. 1, Fall 2009, pp. 1-21. JSTOR, doi:10.1525/rep.2009.108.1.1

For a source with three or more authors, list only the first author’s last name, and replace the additional names with et al.

Franck, Caroline, et al. “Agricultural Subsidies and the American Obesity Epidemic.” American Journal of Preventative Medicine , vol. 45, no. 3, Sept. 2013, pp. 327-333.

Citing multiple works by the same author

If you cite more than one work by an author, include a shortened title for the particular work from which you are quoting to distinguish it from the others. Put short titles of books in italics and short titles of articles in quotation marks.

Citing two articles by the same author :

Citing two books by the same author :

Additionally, if the author's name is not mentioned in the sentence, format your citation with the author's name followed by a comma, followed by a shortened title of the work, and, when appropriate, the page number(s):

Citing multivolume works

If you cite from different volumes of a multivolume work, always include the volume number followed by a colon. Put a space after the colon, then provide the page number(s). (If you only cite from one volume, provide only the page number in parentheses.)

Citing the Bible

In your first parenthetical citation, you want to make clear which Bible you're using (and underline or italicize the title), as each version varies in its translation, followed by book (do not italicize or underline), chapter, and verse. For example:

If future references employ the same edition of the Bible you’re using, list only the book, chapter, and verse in the parenthetical citation:

John of Patmos echoes this passage when describing his vision (Rev. 4.6-8).

Citing indirect sources

Sometimes you may have to use an indirect source. An indirect source is a source cited within another source. For such indirect quotations, use "qtd. in" to indicate the source you actually consulted. For example:

Note that, in most cases, a responsible researcher will attempt to find the original source, rather than citing an indirect source.

Citing transcripts, plays, or screenplays

Sources that take the form of a dialogue involving two or more participants have special guidelines for their quotation and citation. Each line of dialogue should begin with the speaker's name written in all capitals and indented half an inch. A period follows the name (e.g., JAMES.) . After the period, write the dialogue. Each successive line after the first should receive an additional indentation. When another person begins speaking, start a new line with that person's name indented only half an inch. Repeat this pattern each time the speaker changes. You can include stage directions in the quote if they appear in the original source.

Conclude with a parenthetical that explains where to find the excerpt in the source. Usually, the author and title of the source can be given in a signal phrase before quoting the excerpt, so the concluding parenthetical will often just contain location information like page numbers or act/scene indicators.

Here is an example from O'Neill's  The Iceman Cometh.

WILLIE. (Pleadingly) Give me a drink, Rocky. Harry said it was all right. God, I need a drink.

ROCKY. Den grab it. It's right under your nose.

WILLIE. (Avidly) Thanks. (He takes the bottle with both twitching hands and tilts it to his lips and gulps down the whiskey in big swallows.) (1.1)

Citing non-print or sources from the Internet

With more and more scholarly work published on the Internet, you may have to cite sources you found in digital environments. While many sources on the Internet should not be used for scholarly work (reference the OWL's  Evaluating Sources of Information  resource), some Web sources are perfectly acceptable for research. When creating in-text citations for electronic, film, or Internet sources, remember that your citation must reference the source on your Works Cited page.

Sometimes writers are confused with how to craft parenthetical citations for electronic sources because of the absence of page numbers. However, these sorts of entries often do not require a page number in the parenthetical citation. For electronic and Internet sources, follow the following guidelines:

• Include in the text the first item that appears in the Work Cited entry that corresponds to the citation (e.g. author name, article name, website name, film name).
• Do not provide paragraph numbers or page numbers based on your Web browser’s print preview function.
• Unless you must list the Web site name in the signal phrase in order to get the reader to the appropriate entry, do not include URLs in-text. Only provide partial URLs such as when the name of the site includes, for example, a domain name, like  CNN.com  or  Forbes.com,  as opposed to writing out http://www.cnn.com or http://www.forbes.com.

Miscellaneous non-print sources

Two types of non-print sources you may encounter are films and lectures/presentations:

In the two examples above “Herzog” (a film’s director) and “Yates” (a presentor) lead the reader to the first item in each citation’s respective entry on the Works Cited page:

Herzog, Werner, dir. Fitzcarraldo . Perf. Klaus Kinski. Filmverlag der Autoren, 1982.

Yates, Jane. "Invention in Rhetoric and Composition." Gaps Addressed: Future Work in Rhetoric and Composition, CCCC, Palmer House Hilton, 2002. Address.

Electronic sources

Electronic sources may include web pages and online news or magazine articles:

In the first example (an online magazine article), the writer has chosen not to include the author name in-text; however, two entries from the same author appear in the Works Cited. Thus, the writer includes both the author’s last name and the article title in the parenthetical citation in order to lead the reader to the appropriate entry on the Works Cited page (see below).

In the second example (a web page), a parenthetical citation is not necessary because the page does not list an author, and the title of the article, “MLA Formatting and Style Guide,” is used as a signal phrase within the sentence. If the title of the article was not named in the sentence, an abbreviated version would appear in a parenthetical citation at the end of the sentence. Both corresponding Works Cited entries are as follows:

Taylor, Rumsey. "Fitzcarraldo." Slant , 13 Jun. 2003, www.slantmagazine.com/film/review/fitzcarraldo/. Accessed 29 Sep. 2009. 

"MLA Formatting and Style Guide." The Purdue OWL , 2 Aug. 2016, owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/747/01/. Accessed 2 April 2018.

Multiple citations

To cite multiple sources in the same parenthetical reference, separate the citations by a semi-colon:

Time-based media sources

When creating in-text citations for media that has a runtime, such as a movie or podcast, include the range of hours, minutes and seconds you plan to reference. For example: (00:02:15-00:02:35).

When a citation is not needed

Common sense and ethics should determine your need for documenting sources. You do not need to give sources for familiar proverbs, well-known quotations, or common knowledge (For example, it is expected that U.S. citizens know that George Washington was the first President.). Remember that citing sources is a rhetorical task, and, as such, can vary based on your audience. If you’re writing for an expert audience of a scholarly journal, for example, you may need to deal with expectations of what constitutes “common knowledge” that differ from common norms.

Other Sources

The MLA Handbook describes how to cite many different kinds of authors and content creators. However, you may occasionally encounter a source or author category that the handbook does not describe, making the best way to proceed can be unclear.

In these cases, it's typically acceptable to apply the general principles of MLA citation to the new kind of source in a way that's consistent and sensible. A good way to do this is to simply use the standard MLA directions for a type of source that resembles the source you want to cite.

You may also want to investigate whether a third-party organization has provided directions for how to cite this kind of source. For example, Norquest College provides guidelines for citing Indigenous Elders and Knowledge Keepers⁠ —an author category that does not appear in the MLA Handbook . In cases like this, however, it's a good idea to ask your instructor or supervisor whether using third-party citation guidelines might present problems.

Do the credentials or titles of authors I cite need to be given?

Note: This post relates to content in the eighth edition of the MLA Handbook . For up-to-date guidance, see the ninth edition of the MLA Handbook .

As the MLA Handbook notes (1.2), a title like  Dr. or  Sir should not be included before a name mentioned in the text and is usually unnecessary to include in your works-cited-list entry.

You might, however, explain the qualifications of an author in the body of your essay if they are helpful in making your point or refuting a claim:

Although many continue to deny the dangers of fossil fuel emissions, James E. Hansen, a climate scientist and the former head of the NASA Goddard Institute for Space Studies, argues that “[c]ontinued failure to phase out fossil fuel emissions will consign our children to a diminishing existence.”

Work Cited Hansen, James E. “The Constitutional Right to a Healthier Climate.”  The Boston Globe , 9 Mar. 2016, www.bostonglobe.com/opinion/2016/03/09/ the-constitutional-right-healthier-climate/0xTKyK1s5SaD0ne78YqRHL/ story.html.

Generate accurate MLA citations for free

• Knowledge Base
• How to cite a journal article in MLA style

How to Cite a Journal Article in MLA | Format & Examples

Published on April 16, 2019 by Courtney Gahan . Revised on March 5, 2024.

An MLA Works Cited entry for a journal article contains the author(s); article title; journal name; volume and issue; month and year; page range; and a DOI if accessed online. In the in-text citation, include the author’s last name and the page number.

You can also use our free MLA Citation Generator to create accurate MLA citations for journal articles.

Generate accurate MLA citations with Scribbr

Instantly correct all language mistakes in your text.

Upload your document to correct all your mistakes in minutes

Table of contents

Citing an online journal article, articles with multiple authors, articles in special issue journals, frequently asked questions about mla style.

When citing an online journal article, first look for a DOI , as this is more stable and less likely to change than a URL. A DOI should be formatted as a full link beginning with “https://”, even if not listed as such on the page with the article.

If there is no DOI, you can add a URL instead. If the article is in PDF form, you can optionally note this in your reference .

Citing an article in a database

For sources that you accessed via a database, include the database name along with the DOI or permanent URL.

Receive feedback on language, structure, and formatting

Professional editors proofread and edit your paper by focusing on:

• Academic style
• Vague sentences
• Style consistency

See an example

In MLA style, up to two authors are included in citations. List them in the order they appear in the source, separated by commas, and don’t invert the second author’s name.

If an article has three or more authors, include only the first author’s name, followed by  “ et al. ”

Special issue journals focus on a specific theme, are written by a specific group of authors, or are compiled from a special event.

In these cases, include the special issue name, the phrase “special issue of,” and the journal’s regular name. If the special issue lists editors or other contributors, their names should also be included.

The title of an article is not italicized in MLA style , but placed in quotation marks. This applies to articles from journals , newspapers , websites , or any other publication. Use italics for the title of the source where the article was published. For example:

Use the same formatting in the Works Cited entry and when referring to the article in the text itself.

If a source has two authors, name both authors in your MLA in-text citation and Works Cited entry. If there are three or more authors, name only the first author, followed by et al.

In MLA style citations , format a DOI as a link, including “https://doi.org/” at the start and then the unique numerical code of the article.

DOIs are used mainly when citing journal articles in MLA .

Some source types, such as books and journal articles , may contain footnotes (or endnotes) with additional information. The following rules apply when citing information from a note in an MLA in-text citation :

• To cite information from a single numbered note, write “n” after the page number, and then write the note number, e.g. (Smith 105n2)
• To cite information from multiple numbered notes, write “nn” and include a range, e.g. (Smith 77nn1–2)
• To cite information from an unnumbered note, write “un” after the page number, with a space in between, e.g. (Jones 250 un)

You must include an MLA in-text citation every time you quote or paraphrase from a source (e.g. a book , movie , website , or article ).

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.

Gahan, C. (2024, March 05). How to Cite a Journal Article in MLA | Format & Examples. Scribbr. Retrieved March 12, 2024, from https://www.scribbr.com/mla/journal-citation/

Is this article helpful?

Courtney Gahan

Other students also liked, how to cite a website in mla, a complete guide to mla in-text citations, how to format your mla works cited page, what is your plagiarism score.