What are theses and dissertations? Who should use them for research?
An academic thesis or dissertation is a large research paper written by students in order to complete their master's or doctoral degrees (Phd). Generally thesis refers to a Master's degree and dissertation refers to a Doctoral degree. (learn more)
Theses and dissertations can be good sources of information, especially for student's working on their own theses/dissertations. The bibliography (i.e. list of sources) of these documents can be particularly useful.
Tip:Academic thesis should not be confused with thesis statement which is, "a basic argument advanced by a writer or speaker, who then attempts to prove it using research or opinion." (learn more about thesis statements)
Searching for CSULB Theses (in print or electronically) 1.) COAST (print copy of CSULB thesis) Search for Theses Search COAST by keyword, type in the words long beach and thesis and your keywords. Click Submit Search. Write down the call number and go find your thesis. Theses are located on the 2nd floor (map). Theses can be checked out like a book. For example: OR
Tip: If you know the author's name, use a Author Search. If you know the title, use a Title Search. Tip: Use an asterisk (*) to search for different word endings. (learn more) Tip: Make sure your words are spelled correctly. Use AND and OR to build your search. Do not use little words (if, in, it, is, of, a, etc.) in your search, you will get 0 results.
To find CSULB theses type in keywords, i.e. "geography" or "social work" or the author's name. In the 2nd box, type in "Long Beach" and use the pull down menu on the right to select School Name/Code. This limits your search to theses done at CSULB.
Use "More Search Options" to browse by advisor name, school, subjects or index terms.
b.) Getting/Downloading Note: We have electronic access to CSULB theses from 1996 to present. We have pre-1996 theses in print (useCOAST).
After searching, click on Full Text Options. Verify that the pull down menu reads Free PDF Download! Click on Check Out.
Type in your name and e-mail. No other fields need to be filled out, then click on Continue.
You will see a verification of your free order. Click on Submit Order and the thesis should arrive in your e-mail inbox in PDF format in a few minutes.
Tip: See instructions for more information. Tip: If you are asked for payment, we do NOT have access to this title. Use Illiad to request non-CSULB theses. Search COAST for CSULB theses.
Non-CSULB Theses and Dissertations There are many ways to search for theses and dissertations from other universities. Many theses and dissertations are not yet available for free. If you find a theses/dissertation and it is not available for free, use Illiad to request.
Dissertations and Theses database (instructions) Search over 2 million doctoral dissertations and master's theses. Dissertations published from 1980 to present include an abstract. Theses published since 1988 include an abstract. Some also include a 24-page preview. Use Illiad to get the entire document.
Subject Databases Some databases index theses/dissertations along with journal articles. To search, type in your keywords and use "Limits" to limit results to only thesis/dissertation. For example, use PsychInfo to search for psychology dissertations by limiting the "publication type" to dissertation abstracts.
WorldCat & Other Library Catalogs If you know a specific author or university go directly to that University's library catalog or use Worldcat. Worldcat will search thousands of library catalogs at the same time. Use Illiad to request any theses/dissertations you find. Tip: If the library is local you can also go there in person and read/photocopy it.
Institutional Repositories Some large universities now post their student's dissertations/theses on the Web, generally in PDF format. Use a search engine or search the University's web site. For example, the California Institute of Technology Library posts selected Electronic Theses.
Terms Illiad: InterLibrary Services (need Library Password to use) Use Illiad to request dissertations we do not have. Fill out our online form with the author's name, title, school name, and year. You will generally receive it in about 7 to 20 days. Note: Theses and dissertations can be difficult to obtain through Illiad due to other institutions' strict lending policies.
PDF A PDF is a electronic picture of the printed page. You need Adobe Acrobat Reader to access the article. This format works well when you are printing or want to see graphs or images.
What is truncation? Truncation expands your search by searching for different word endings like -s, -es, -ed, -ing. The truncation symbol is usually an asterisk (*), but check the database instructions or search tips. Example: teen* searches teen, teens, teenager, teenagers. Example: comput* searches computer, computers, computing, computation, etc.
Index A database indexes journals, newspapers, magazines, books, book chapters, and other documents by organizing parts of a citation such as title, author, subject, etc. This indexing lets you search and find only the items you are interested in.
This page created was by Kate Peterson, updated by Cathy Outten and maintained by Hema Ramachandran, Engineering Librarian University Library, California State University, Long Beach
Master's Theses and Doctoral Dissertations 
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