UPDATE (5/20/26 @ 7:30am AZ time):
The GCU Library's updated version of LopeCat, the library’s online catalog, is live! For more details on what has changed, visit the What's New Guide .
Introduction to Graduate Studies: Finding Dissertations/Theses
Dissertations & Theses: Empirical Research, Citations, and Theories
Most dissertations will include a theoretical foundation or model, and will trace the history of it. They can also be a great way to find citations because of the literature review sections.
Tips for Searching in ProQuest Dissertations & Theses
- Search using keywords, not whole phrases.
- Narrow down the date using the 'Publication Date' limit.
- Limit to either just theses or just dissertations under ' Manuscript Type'.
- Looking for a specific theory? Make sure to search full text and put the full name of the theory in quotes, i.e. "Social learning theory".
Dissertation Databases & Collections
- Dissertations & Theses Global This link opens in a new windowFull Text
ProQuest Dissertation & Theses Global (PQDT Global) simplifies searching for dissertations and theses via a single access point to explore an extensive, trusted collection of 4 million graduate works, with 2 million in full text. Designated as an official offsite repository for the U.S. Library of Congress, PQDT Global offers comprehensive historic and ongoing coverage for North American works and significant and growing international coverage from a multiyear program of expanding partnerships with international universities and national associations.
The ProQuest Dissertations & Theses database includes most dissertations from North American universities but its coverage of other regions is limited. Many dissertations from around the world are available for free online. You can look for these using the search engines below.
- PQDT Open This link opens in a new windowPQDT Open provides free access to the full text of dissertations and theses whose authors opted to publish as open access. Learn more about Open Access Publishing .
- Open Access Theses & Dissertations This link opens in a new windowA large repository of international dissertations & theses.
Citing Dissertations & Theses
- Citation Basics Tutorial This link opens in a new window
This tutorial walks through the basics of finding the citing information in common source types like articles and websites.
The Dissertations & Theses database is from ProQuest, which has a citation tool:
ProQuest includes the permalink in the citation tool.
You will find all of the information needed on the title page. For dissertations NOT from Proquest you will need:
- Author
- Title
- Date
- University
- URL/Address
- Items retrieved from ProQuest Dissertations and Theses should state so in the reference
- Dissertations posted online should mention the granting University
Format:
Example:
