APA reference list example: Unpublished dissertation. The author is listed by last name and initials: Mitchell, R. D. The year is listed in parentheses, followed by a period: (2007). The dissertation title is italicized and is followed by no punctuation: The Wesleyan Quadrilateral: Relocating the conversation The label is listed in parentheses, followed by a period: (Unpublished doctoral dissertation). The institution is listed, followed by a comma and the location: Claremont School of Theology, Claremont, C A.