Three Minute Thesis (3MT™)

Skills development for research candidates
Participating in 3MT develops academic, presentation and research communication skills, while developing research candidates’ ability to effectively explain their research in language appropriate to a non-specialist audience.

Building external relations for the university
3MT winners go on to represent FSU at regional and national competitions which provides an excellent networking and professional development opportunity. 

Three Minute Thesis is an oral research communication competition where students have three minutes and one static slide to explain their research to broad, nonspecialist audiences.

The FSU Three Minute Thesis Competition has two rounds. In the first round, conducted virtually, students submit a video and their slide for judging. From the preliminary round, up to fifteen students will be selected as finalists to compete in the second, in-person round (held in April). 

Finalists will have an opportunity to receive feedback and adjust their slide and presentation between the preliminary and final rounds.

This competition is open to currently enrolled FSU graduate students (master's and doctoral) who have completed at least 18 credit hours in their graduate program. Students do not need to be enrolled in a graduate program that formally requires a thesis or dissertation; however, 3MT® presentations must showcase significant research or scholarly work that the student has conducted as part of their graduate program at FSU.

• 1st Place - $1,000
• 2nd Place - $750
• 3rd Place - $500
• People's Choice (selected by the audience): $250

At every level of the competition each competitor will be assessed on the judging criteria listed below. Each criterion is equally weighted and has an emphasis on audience.

Comprehension and content

• Presentation provided clear background and significance to the research question
• Presentation clearly described the research strategy/design and the results/findings of the research
• Presentation clearly described the conclusions, outcomes and impact of the research

Engagement and communication

• The oration was delivered clearly, and the language was appropriate for a non-specialist audience
• The PowerPoint slide was well-defined and enhanced the presentation
• The presenter conveyed enthusiasm for their research and captured and maintained the audience’s attention

1. A single static PowerPoint slide is permitted (no slide transitions, animations or 'movement' of any description), and the slide is to be presented from the beginning of the oration and remain in view for the duration of the oration.
2. No additional electronic media (e.g. sound and video files) are permitted.
3. No additional props (e.g. costumes, musical instruments, laboratory equipment) are permitted.
4. Presentations are limited to 3 minutes maximum, and competitors exceeding 3 minutes are disqualified.
5. The decision of the judging panel is final.

• Click here to view the Three Minute Thesis Competitor Guide.

3MT Recording/Editing Links

• The FSU Reading-Writing Center and Digital Studio can provide feedback on slide design, presentation scripts, and your presentation itself. 
• OpenShot Editing Video
• Kapwing Website
• 3MT Workshop Recording of Kapwing Editor: this video is a demonstration of the software
• Kapwing Tutorial
• FSU Canvas Support Center Tutorial: Best Practices for Student Video Production (iMovie and Movie Maker)
• Vimeo Website