Are dissertations primary or secondary?

Examples of a primary source are: Original documents such as diaries, speeches, manuscripts, letters, interviews, records, eyewitness accounts, autobiographies. Empirical scholarly works such as research articles, clinical reports, case studies, dissertations.

Is dissertation a secondary source?

Even sources presenting facts or descriptions about events are secondary unless they are based on direct participation or observation. These include biographies, journal articles, books, and dissertations. ... These are often grouped together with secondary sources. They include encyclopedias and dictionaries.