Dissertations & Theses: Writing Your UCSD Thesis or Dissertation

The Preparation and Submission Manual for Doctoral Dissertations and Master’s Theses “Bluebook”, from the UC San Diego Graduate Division, outlines the requirements for "the preparation, submission and dissemination of doctoral dissertations and master’s theses at UCSD." It includes sections on layout and organization, copyright, handling special materials, using published materials (including material submitted or being prepared for publication), electronic filing of dissertations and theses, and lists of necessary filing documents (including the release form where you can set a one or two-year embargo period).

Several ways a subject librarian can support you during your thesis or dissertation research and writing:

• Show you the library services that you will need while you're here at UC San Diego.
• Help you get the most out of the resources (databases, etc.) you need for your research, including literature reviews.
• Assist you with citation management tools such as EndNote and Mendeley, or with additional support with data management.

The Library has many books on writing and research for dissertations and theses. A keyword search for writing dissertation* or academic writing in UC Library Search.  You may also find additional books by searching your discipline and adding works like research or authorship

Every discipline has its own guidelines for formatting notes, references, and bibliographies. Here are a few of the most popular styles, but you should consult with your committee on the preferred citation style. Your subject librarian can help you find the style manual you need.