Citing Sources

Some of the most common citation styles are:

• American Psychological Association (APA) 

Abbreviated Style Guide (Purdue OWL)  |  Citation Examples (UMUC Library)

• Modern Language Association (MLA)

Abbreviated Style Guide (Purdue OWL)  |  Citation Examples (UMUC Library)

• Chicago Manual of Style (CMS)

Abbreviated Style Guide (Purdue OWL)  |  Citation Examples (UMUC Library) ​

When you quote, paraphrase, summarize, or otherwise refer to the work of another, you need to cite the source, using either parenthetical documentation or a footnote.  

Students should use the citation style recommended by the instructor. You'll need to ask which one he or she prefers. 

Be consistent throughout your paper in how citations are presented and what information they include. Remember, citing helps your reader identify and locate the material you used!

​Consider using RefWorks to keep track of your sources and help format citations.