The MWSU Graduate School is sponsoring their Fifth Annual Three Minute Thesis competition for graduate students to showcase their research and accomplishments.

Contestants will have 3 minutes to present a summary of their in-process or completed capstone experiences to an audience and a panel of non-specialist judges. Capstone experiences vary by graduate program and may include theses, applied projects, internship projects, or class projects for capstone courses. The competition rewards $300 for First Prize, $200 for Runner-up, and $200 for a People’s Choice winner.

The competition will be a virtual Zoom event and will take place on Saturday, February 20 at 1pm. There is no fee to participate.

To be considered for the competition a graduate student must:

  1. Complete the registration form no later than Wednesday, February 10th.
  2. Submit a 3-minute video sample presentation no later than Wednesday, February 10th.
  3. The registration and video may be submitted separately, however, BOTH must be submitted NO LATER THAN Wednesday, February 10th.

Each contestant will submit a preliminary video on their presentation topic that meets the 3-minute time limit. The video submission does not need to be a finely polished performance, but videos will be used to help select finalists for the competition as well as to provide feedback for contestants to improve their final presentations. Videos do not have to be uploaded at the time of registration for the competition, but videos must be submitted by the February 10th deadline.

Click here to register
For assistance, please contact Dr. Jordan Atkinson, jatkinson3@missouriwestern.edu.

Competition Rules and Guidelines

Current graduate students in good academic standing, who are involved in a capstone experience, are eligible to participate in the 3MT competition. Capstone experiences may include theses, projects, internships, portfolios, or capstone course projects. Graduate students in any stage of their capstone experience, including those in the initial planning stage, as well as those in the data collection or final preparation stage are welcome to participate, along with Fall 2020 master’s degree graduates.

  • A single static PowerPoint slide 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 will be   disqualified.
  • Presentations are to be spoken word (e.g. no poems, raps or songs).
  • Presentations are to be presented via Zoom.
  • Presentations are to commence from the stage.
  • Presentations are considered to have commenced when a presenter starts their presentation through either movement or speech.
  • The decision of the judges panel is final.

Each competitor will be assessed on the judging criteria listed below. Please note: Each criterion is equally weighted to place emphasis on audience understanding and impact.

Comprehension and Content

  • Did the presentation provide an understanding of the background of the capstone topic or research being addressed and its significance?
  • Did the presentation clearly describe the actual or expected key results of the capstone projects including conclusions and outcomes?
  • Did the presentation follow a clear and logical sequence?
  • Was the capstone topic, key results, 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 the presentation?
  • 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 project or research?
  • Did the presenter convey enthusiasm for their topic?
  • Did the presenter capture and maintain the audience’s attention?
  • Did the speaker maintain eye contact and keep a steady pace?
  • Did the speaker utilize a sufficient vocal range and volume to be easily understood?
  • Did the PowerPoint slide enhance the presentation? Was it clear, legible, and concise?

No. We do not expect sample videos to be “super polished”, but you may want to practice your presentation a few times before making your video. You may refer to the sample and the competition videos of the 2018 People’s Choice winner for some ideas.

One of the goals of the competition is learning to present information in a clear and concise manner, thus, it is advisable to keep your sample video close to the target time of three minutes. If you go over three minutes in the final round, you will be DISQUALIFED. Additionally, deductions will be made for presentations significantly less than three minutes.

Sample videos will be used to qualify applicants for the final round of competition, as well as for feedback and coaching to students prior to the final competition.

You do not need to submit a sample video when registering, however, BOTH the sample video and registration MUST be submitted NO LATER than Wednesday, February 10th.

No, your live presentation does not have to be the same as the video you submitted. In fact, we hope it is not! The video is a way for you to demonstrate your potential for the final competition. You are free to change your final presentation, if selected, as long as it keeps with the competition guidelines for time and format. (See Competition Rules and Judging)