Three Minute Thesis (3MT)

Three Minute Thesis or 3MT is a competition in which graduate students present their thesis in three minutes or less with the help of nothing more than a single PowerPoint slide. It challenges the students to effectively explain their research in three minutes, to a non-specialist audience.

Congratulations to all our 2023 participants!

Your presentations wonderfully showcased the diverse research taking place here at Coastal Carolina University. We look forward to seeing how your work will advance knowledge and understanding of our world.

A big thank you to our judges, and the Office of Research for supporting this initiative and our students.

Competitor Guide

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About 3MT

Three-Minute Thesis is a research competition for Coastal Carolina University graduate students. In three minutes or less, students explain their research to a non-specialized audience in a clear and engaging presentation supported by a single static slide.

The competition was developed by the University of Queensland, Australia in 2008. Universities in 85 countries outside of Australia have adopted this event hosting 3MT around the world. 

Competition rules and guidelines are based on the criteria set forth by the University of Queensland, Australia.

When is it?

Mark your calendar, Coastal Carolina University's next 3MT competition is Thursday, Nov. 16, 2023, at 5 p.m. in the Allen Ballroom of the Singleton Building.

Eligibility

Students enrolled in either Master’s or Ph.D. programs may compete. A student’s program of study must contain an original research project.  The degree program need not formally require a thesis or dissertation. However, the presentation topic must cover the original research project.

Rules
(Adopted from the Conference of Southern Graduate Schools 3MT competition)

• Students must submit a PNG, JPEG, or PPTX/PPT copy of their slide.

• A single static 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. notecards, scripts, pointers, costumes, musical instruments, laboratory equipment) are permitted.

• Presentations are limited to 3-minute 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 commence from the stage or in the front of the room.

• Presentations are considered to have commenced when a presenter begins through movement or speech.

• The decision of the judging panel is final.

• Participants should avoid loud noises such as screaming.

More information

If you're interested in participating in CCU's next 3MT competition or would like more information please send an email to gradinfo@coastal.edu.