Three Minute Thesis

3mt logo 2024

The Three Minute Thesis (3MT™) is a research communication competition developed by The University of Queensland.

The exercise develops academic, presentation, and research communication skills and supports the development of students’ capacities to effectively explain their research in language appropriate to an intelligent but non-specialist audience.

Master’s and Doctoral students have three minutes to present a compelling oration on their thesis or dissertation topic and its significance. 3MT™ is not an exercise in trivializing or ‘dumbing-down’ research but forces students to consolidate their ideas and crystallize their research discoveries.

Registration Form

3MT Competition Registration and Dates

  • 3MT Deadline: March 21st
  • Slide Submission Deadline: March 28th
  • Event Date and Time: April 4th at 5:30 p.m.
  • Location: HS 1103 - Prillaman Health Sciences Building
  • Reception Following Competition: HS 1101 - Indoor Plaza

Eligibility

  • Currently enrolled master's and doctoral students at Kennesaw State University will be eligible to participate.
  • Students that have already graduated are not eligible.
  • Students should have key results in their presentation; thesis or dissertation should be mostly complete.
  • Two levels of judging:
    • Dissertation Students
    • Thesis Students
  • Communication style: was the thesis topic and its significance communicated in language appropriate to an intelligent but non-specialist audience? did the presentation clearly describe the key results of the research including conclusions and outcomes? did the presentation follow a clear and logical sequence?
  • Comprehension: did the presentation help the audience understand the research? did the speaker avoid scientific jargon, explain terminology and provide adequate background information to illustrate points?
  • Engagement: did the presentation make the audience want to know more? Did the presenter convey enthusiasm for their research? Did the presenter capture and maintain their audience's attention? Did the PowerPoint slide enhance the presentation? i.e was it clear, legible, and concise

Panel of Judges

  • TBA

Awards*

  • 1st Place  $1,000
  • 2nd Place  $750
  • Peoples Choice $350

    *Awards are subject to taxes.

  • A single static PowerPoint slid is permitted. No slide transitions, animations or “movement’ of any description are allowed.
  • The slide is to be presented from the beginning of the oration.
  • No Additional electronic media (e.g. sound and video files) are permitted.
  • No additional props (e.g. costumes, musical instruments, laboratory equipment) are permitted.
  • Presentations are limited to 3 minutes maximum and competitors exceeding 3 minutes are disqualified.
  • Presentations are to be spoken word (e.g. no poems, raps or songs)
  • Presentation are to commence from the stage.
  • Presentations are considered to have commenced when the presenter starts presentation through either movement or speech.
  • The decision of the adjudicating panel is final.

Kennesaw Campus:

  • Date/Time:
    Monday, March 4; 4-5:30 p.m.
  • Location:
    Academic Learning Center
    Room 3550
    480 Bartow Avenue,
    Kennesaw, GA 30144
Register: Kennesaw

Marietta Campus:

  • Date/Time:
    Thursday, February 8; 3-5 p.m.
  • Location:
    Marietta Campus
    Norton Hall Conference Room
    Technology Parkway
    Marietta, GA 30060
Register : Marietta

Virtual:

  • Date/Time:
    Thursday, February 22
    5:30-7 p.m.

Register here.

Preparation Resources

Research Travel Award

Graduate students seeking to attend virtual or in-person professional conferences for the purpose of presenting research during the academic year 2023/2024 are eligible for consideration for one award. The Graduate College will award funds up to a maximum of $800. The award provides funding for presenting original research at conferences. The amounts will be determined on the basis of the nature of the conference (virtual, max. $300 for conference fees only).

 
ksu student preparing to travel aboard studies

 

Students who wish to apply must submit the complete packet, with all attachments to gradcollegeforms@kennesaw.edu.

  1. A completed Application
  2. Signature and brief written support from program
  3. Attach all required materials.  

Incomplete packets may not be considered. Please collect and attach all required materials prior to submitting. A checklist on the application will help ensure you know what to submit. 

Additional travel authorization documents may be required per Kennesaw State Policy.

The Graduate College will award funds up to a maximum of $800.

The award will provide research funding for presenting original research at conferences. Please review the information in the tabs below for the application process and determine eligibility. All required documents must be submitted at least 3 weeks prior to your conference. Requests later than 3 weeks prior to conferences will be reviewed but may not be funded.

Funds are available and will be disbursed on the basis of conference type, availability of other funding (e.g., from department or academic college, and recommendation of faculty and/or program director).

Please review and confirm your eligibility prior to submitting.

Graduate students who apply for this award must meet the following eligibility criteria during the semester when the fund will be used.

  • Be in Good Standing (minimum institutional GPA of 3.0)
  • Be enrolled in a minimum of 6 credit hours OR enrolled in thesis/dissertation hours
  • Submit a one-page summary of research and statement on the benefits of attending conference for successful completion of their graduate degree
  • Submit acceptance and/or evidence of submission materials (note for submissions, an acceptance letter/email must be submitted prior to travel)
  • Note that no more than two student authors on the project or presentation can be eligible to receive a Graduate College award.

Before You Travel

Please review the additional student travel resources below. Students will be required to meet University requirements prior to travel. Forms should be submitted to gradcollegeforms@kennesaw.edu

NOTE: GRAs/GTAs are employees of the University and approval of their travel is administered as such (although their travel is not processed through Concur).  Authorization and payment for non-employee student travel is limited.

After You Travel

Expenses should be submitted within 10 days of your trip completion, but no later than 45 days. Expenses submitted 60 days or more from the trip completion will be considered taxable income. Forms should be submitted to gradcollegeforms@kennesaw.edu.

 

 

CETL Graduate Student Professional Development