Michigan State University Libraries

Finding Dissertations and Theses

• The text of MSU dissertations and theses may be found in one or more of these locations:
  
  
• • WG-7
    
    Bound copies are shelved in this room at the west end of the basement of the Main Library. Call numbers for these volumes consist of a six-digit number followed by the notation "THS". Example: 134 024 THS. Branch libraries sometimes own duplicate copies of MSU theses.
  • Microforms
    
    Microfilm or microfiche copies are shelved near microform reader-printers on 2-West in the Main Library. Call numbers for microfiche reproductions consist of the author's last name and first initial, followed by the number of fiche. Example: Smith, A - 2 fiche. Call numbers for 35mm microfilm reproductions consist of a one- to four-digit number followed by the notation "THS Microfilm". Example: 3931 THS Microfilm.
  • Online
    
    Digitized full text versions of most MSU dissertations completed since 1997 are available through our subscription to the online ProQuest Dissertations & Theses service (see below).

• Go to the Library Catalog
  
  
• Limit your Search
  
  Limit your search to find only dissertations and theses: on the left side of the screen, choose "Search by Location" and then choose "Theses and Dissertations from MSU."
• Normal search options are available: author, title, keyword and subject.
  
  
• A keyword search also can locate theses submitted to specific departments or schools.
  
  Examples: chemical engineering or education.

It is possible to search for MSU dissertations and theses using ProQuest Dissertations & Theses (this is the online version of Dissertation Abstracts published by University Microfilms International).

• Step 1:
  
  Using the Electronic Resources page at http://er.lib.msu.edu/ , find the entry for the title "ProQuest Dissertations & Theses" and click on the ENTER button.
• Step 2:
  
  Use the pulldown menu to change the Field designation in the first of the three search term boxes to "School name/code" and type michigan state university in the first search box.
• Step 3:
  
  Enter other search terms in the second and third search boxes, changing the Field designation as desired. Author, title and keyword searches of citation and abstract are possible. It is possible to search by "Adviser" but not all entries include this information.
• Step 4:
  
  Retrieved records are listed in a brief form (title, author, institution, degree year, page count) with a link to the citation and abstract. For dissertations and theses since 1997, you may be able to view a "24 page Preview" of the text. If you see a "Full text - PDF" link, you may request the complete text in PDF.

The MSU Libraries own a small number of dissertations and theses from other schools, and these will be listed in the Library Catalog. It is often possible to borrow copies of dissertations and theses using the ILLiad interlibrary loan forms. If a copy cannot be borrowed through ILL, individuals can investigate purchase of bound, unbound or microform copies of dissertations from most U. S. universities using Proquest Dissertations & Theses or UMI's online order forms. Some online information also is available about Canadian and British dissertations.

MSU researchers are eligible to download the full text of most dissertations and theses completed since 1997 in the other CIC universities using Proquest Dissertations & Theses. The Committee on Institutional Cooperation consists of the Big Ten universities plus the University of Chicago and the University of Illinois at Chicago.