Ask Us! National University Library

Can I use dissertations or theses as scholarly sources?

In many cases, yes - with guidance.

Dissertations and theses are often considered scholarly sources because they:

• Are written for an academic audience
• Are extensively researched and follow formal research methods
• Are supervised and approved by a dissertation or thesis committee of scholars
• Are sometimes cited in other scholarly work

However, it’s important to know that dissertations and theses are still student work and are not peer‑reviewed in the same way as journal articles are.

What should I do before using one?

Because expectations vary by discipline and course, always check with your instructor or thesis/dissertation chair to confirm whether dissertations or theses are acceptable sources for your assignment.

If you’re unsure how to evaluate or cite a dissertation or thesis, your librarian can help - we’re happy to work with you at any stage of your research.