Three-Minute Thesis Details

Page Content

The Graduate School's annual Three Minute Thesis Competition will be held at the Joe Paul Theater on November 13-14, 2025. The Preliminary and Final Rounds will be livestreamed on the Graduate School Facebook page.

Three Minute Thesis Program 2024

What is 3MT®?

The Three Minute Thesis (3MT®) is an academic research communication competition developed by the University of Queensland in Australia. 3MT® participants are asked to describe their thesis or dissertation in a three-minute presentation, clearly conveying the complexities of their topic and research to a nonacademic audience. The competition provides an excellent opportunity for students to hone their 30-second elevator pitch and win monetary prizes while doing so.

Eligibility

All Master's and PhD students at Southern Miss in all programs are invited to participate.
Students enrolled in 100% online programs can participate virtually.

Why participate in 3MT®?

Participation in the 3MT® competition at Southern Miss can strengthen graduate student communication skills, promote their field of research to the campus and the general public, and advocate the value of research and how it positively impacts their lives. Winners will be provided cash prizes including:

Grand Champion: $1,000
Runner Up: $750
People's Choice Award: $500
Each of the Eight Finalists: $250

The 2025 3MT Grand Champion will represent The University of Southern Mississippi at the Regional 3MT competition held at the Conference of Southern Graduate Schools in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, on February 18-20, 2026.

What 3MT® resources can I take advantage of?

Please join USM's 2023 Three Minute Thesis Grand Champion, Meagan Stanley, as she leads this session and gives valuable details about how to prepare for the research competition. During this workshop, participants will learn about the 3MT® competition standards and effective techniques for making the perfect three-minute presentation. This workshop is available to all graduate students and will help them prepare for their upcoming job interviews.

3MT Prep Workshop: Tuesday, October 8, 2024

Workshop Video

^{Password: GradSchool2024!}

A 3MT® Competitor Guide is available on the University of Queensland's website and provides information and tips on the 3MT® Slide, presentation and more.

What are the rules for 3MT®?

The presentation must describe current research. Research for which a degree was previously awarded or which was done at another institution is not allowed.

A single static PowerPoint slide is permitted (no slide transitions, animations or 'movement' of any description, the slide is to be presented from the beginning of the oration). Wide format (16:9).
No additional electronic media (e.g. sound and video files) are permitted.
No additional props (e.g. pointers, note cards, costumes, musical instruments, laboratory equipment) are permitted.
Presentations are limited to 3 minutes maximum, and competitors exceeding three minutes are disqualified.
Presentations are to be spoken word (e.g. no poems, raps or songs).
Presentations are considered to have commenced when the presenter starts their presentation through movement or speech.
The decision of the judges is final.

What is the judging criteria for 3MT®?

Comprehension and Content

Did the presentation provide an understanding of the background to the research question being addressed and its significance?
Did the presentation clearly describe the key results of the research including conclusions and outcomes?
Did the presentation follow a clear and logical sequence?
Were the thesis topic, key results, and research significance and outcomes communicated in language appropriate to a non-specialist audience?
Did the speaker avoid scientific jargon, explain terminology and provide adequate background information to illustrate points?
Did the presenter spend adequate time on each element of his/her presentation - or did the presenter elaborate for too long on one aspect or was the presentation rushed?

Engagement and Communication

Did the oration make the audience want to know more?
Was the presenter careful not to trivialize or generalize their research?
Did the presenter convey enthusiasm for the research?
Did the presenter capture and maintain the audience's attention?
Did the speaker have sufficient stage presence, eye contact and vocal range; maintain a steady pace, and have a confident stance?
Did the PowerPoint slide enhance the presentation - was it clear, legible, and concise?

For questions, please contact Shaadi Shoubaki at Shaadi.ShoubakiFREEMississippi.

View Previous 3MT Winners