Research Guides: Physics Toolbox: Theses/Dissertations

Databases of Theses and Dissertations

Theses and dissertations can be an important part of your research. Often, they contain a thorough literature review which can help you track down resources. When you are working on your thesis or dissertation, it is important that you are aware of all other research being done in your topic so you don't repicate someone else's work.

Physics Department Honors & Senior Theses
pdf format; arranged by year, 1999-date.
Physics Department Recent PhD Recipients
1994-date Graduate name and dissertation title.
Search the library catalog by author or title.

ProQuest Dissertations & Theses Global This link opens in a new window
- This link opens in a new window
ProQuest Dissertations & Theses Global is the world's most comprehensive collection of dissertations and theses from around the world, spanning from 1743 to the present day and offering full text for graduate works added since 1997, along with selected full text for works written prior to 1997. It contains a significant amount of new international dissertations and theses both in citations and in full text. More than 70,000 new full-text dissertations and theses are added to the database each year through dissertations publishing partnerships with 700 leading academic institutions worldwide, and collaborative retrospective digitization of dissertations.
W&M Digital Archive This link opens in a new window
Student & faculty research, student publications, digitized material from the Special Collections Research Center, and select university records. Coverage: Varies by title.
FirstSearch This link opens in a new window
- This link opens in a new window
Collection of databases in the humanities, social sciences, arts, and science. See individual databases for further information. Coverage: Varies by database.
WorldCat This link opens in a new window
- This link opens in a new window
Materials held by thousands of libraries in the US and abroad. Books, websites, computer programs, films, slides, journals, magazines, papers, manuscripts, maps, musical scores, newspapers, sound recordings, videotapes, etc. Coverage: Before 1000BC-present.

Submitting your thesis to the Digital Archive

W&M physical standards for theses and dissertations
These are the requirements for formatting your thesis or dissertation.
Submit your theses to W&M's digital archive
Digital Archive Licenses
You must complete the digital archive license and you have the option to add a creative commons license to your work.
Embargo Form
Embargo delays the release or availability of scholarly work due to patents pending, sensitive data, or pending publication. The embargo form must be completed by the student author and the thesis/dissertation advisor and submitted to designated archivists as directed on the form.
Creative Commons - description and examples
Creative Commons - the comics
Physics dept senior and honors research guidelines

Want to Bind Your Dissertation?

You can bind one -- or multiple -- copies of your thesis or dissertation at Long’s Roullet Bookbinders in Norfolk, Virginia.