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Dissertations and Theses are book-length studies based on original research and written in partial fulfillment of requirements for the doctoral or master's degree. They provide in-depth research on narrow topics, and are primarily used by graduate students and faculty.
The purpose of this guide is to provide you with discovery tools such as indexes to theses and dissertations, and access to print and electronic theses and dissertations (ETDs) from a variety of universities. Information specific to CSUSM thesis submission is also provided.
Browse Masters Theses by Major
Browse theses completed by Cal State San Marcos graduate students in our library catalog.
CSUSM Graduate Studies
The current deadlines, requirements, and forms for your thesis are here.Thesis Submission Guidelines
Theses are submitted to the Library for binding and addition to the library archival and circulating collection once they have been accepted by the department. This link provides the guidelines for printing and contact information for the library staff involved.University Catalog Individual disciplines have requirements for your thesis project which are listed in the University Catalog by discipline. Additional information may also be found on the department's web page (from the campus home page, select Current Students and look under Academic Programs.)
Many graduate students are interested in dissertations as examples of thorough research on a topic or to see examples of academic standards for their advanced work. The trend by universities to put the full text of their dissertations on the Internet is very recent, so few substantial collections exist. Here are some of the larger collections with text available.
Multi-University Collections
Networked Digital Library of Theses and Dissertations (NDLTD) A union catalog search of participating universities. A keyword search is most effective in their catalog.Electronic Dissertations and Theses in the Humanities
Limited list, but samples a broad range of humanitiesETD Center (through OhioLink) A group of Midwestern universities including Ohio State, Case Western and more.
Specific University Collections
CalTech Electronic ThesesVirginia Tech Electronic Theses and Dissertations
West Virginia University Electronic Theses and Dissertations and Browse collection
Information on Dissertations
Guide to Electronic Theses and Dissertations Maintained by UNESCOHow to Read an Electronic Dissertation
From Virginia Tech on browsing and navigating online dissertations.
The text of locally-held theses and dissertations are not yet available electronically. If the dissertation you are looking for was submitted at UCSD, SDSU, or USD, it is quickest to order it through the Circuit (Use "word" search with "dissertation" and your topic terms.) For dissertations submitted at a University of California campus, you can search Melvyl and order the item through interlibrary loan.
In order to search for dissertations held at other universities, you need to use a research database. None of these databases (except for Dissertations & Theses Database) provide the full-text of the dissertation but some will provide lengthy abstracts. Rather, once you have all the information for a specific item (author, title, institution, etc.), you can request it through interlibrary loan. Some databases also index Master's Theses.
Tips for Searching the Databases
For the most effective search strategy, use the Advanced Search function of each database. Use KEYWORD search for your topic and limit to dissertations through the PUBLICATION or DOCUMENT TYPE search. You may find a pull-down list of types or have to type the word ‘dissertation’ in the search box.If you are having difficulty, contact your subject specialist librarian or the Research Help Desk at 760-750-4342.
Multi-disciplinary Collections
Dissertations and Theses Database Includes digitized dissertations in a variety of subject areas including Art, Communications, Education, History, Linguistics, Literature, and Social Sciences.WorldCat In advanced search, type your search terms and select Material Type: Dissertation, this database does not provide an abstract to describe text.
Subject-specific Collections
America History and Life
US and Canadian historyArt Abstracts
Limit the SUBTYPE field to thesis/dissertations--this will retrieve dissertations and books published from dissertationsChicano Database Child Abuse, Child Welfare and Adoption Database
Use Change Search button to access Advanced SearchHistorical Abstracts
World history except US and CanadaLLBA (Linguistics and Language Behavior Abstracts)
Literature, humanitiesMLA
LiteraturePsycInfo
PsychologyRILM Music
Social Services Abstracts
Indexes Dissertation Abstracts International: ASociological Abstracts
Indexes Dissertation Abstracts International: AWomen’s Studies International
Indexes both Dissertation Abstracts International A and B
Request to borrow dissertations through Interlibrary Loan request or if local use San Diego Circuit. If you really need the dissertation and want to add to your personal library, you can usually purchase a copy through UMI.
Interlibrary Loan We can ask a university that owns a dissertation to lend us a copy. Note that not all universities lend copies of dissertations, while some lend only microfilm copies.Circuit If you find the dissertation in the Circuit, you can request it online, and pick it up at our Library, sometimes within 24 hours. Excludes weekends and holidays.
UMI Dissertations Express Order your own unbound copy from UMI's collection of over one million titles. You do need to know the author and keywords from a specific title to locate the desired item.
We'd like to hear from you!
Email us or call (760) 750-4348
