Skip to Main Content

Finding Theses and Dissertations: Overview

A guide to finding theses and dissertations

Introduction


Due to uneven coverage in the catalog and databases, as well as multiple possible library locations for these items, searching for dissertations and theses can be complicated. If you find yourself stuck, or if you just want to talk to a librarian about your search, please Contact Us.

  • Dissertation - Presents original research and is written as part of the requirements for obtaining a doctorate.
  • Thesis - Presents original research and is written as part of the requirements for obtaining a master's degree.
  • Master's Paper - Some master's programs at UNC do not have an official "thesis" but rather require a major paper or report.
  • Undergraduate Honors Thesis - Written and defended by Honors Carolina undergraduate students in order to graduate with Honors or Highest Honors.

Searching for Theses and Dissertations

There are also 2 published lists of UNC-Chapel Hill theses and dissertations covering up to 1960, both arranged by department, type of degree, and year, with author indexes:

  • Godfrey, James L.  The Graduate School: Dissertations and Theses.  Chapel Hill, 1947.

        (Davis Service Desk Z5055.U5 N853)

  • N.C. University Library.  Humanities Division.  Graduate School Dissertations and Theses, First Supplement: 1946-59.

         (Davis Service Desk Z5055.U5 N853 Suppl.)

Open Access Dissertation Searches (Freely Available)