UMD Three-Minute Thesis Competition
The 3MT competition challenges students to communicate the significance of their research projects to a non-specialist audience in just THREE MINUTES! The University of Maryland Graduate School invites graduate students from all disciplines to compete in the annual Three-Minute Thesis Competition (3MT).
The 2024 3MT competition will take place in March and April.
Participation in the 3MT competition provides students with...
- Experience in presentation skills and public speaking
- Practice talking about their research to a non-specialists audience
- Better perspective about how their research fits into the larger picture
- An opportunity to learn how to showcase their work to prospective employers
- Networking opportunities with students and faculty on campus
- An overall positive experience that promotes academic and professional growth
- Recognition and prizes
The Graduate School's 3MT competition takes place in two rounds. The first-round college-level competitions occurs in March. Winners from the first-round competitions win a college-level prize and advance to the final round 3MT competition which is scheduled for April 17, 2024. To learn more about your college level competition, please consult your college-level 3MT competition contact.
2024 3MT Guidelines (available by Nov 1)
REGISTER HERE by February 28, 2024 to participate in the 2024 competition
Preparing your 3MT presentation
Students who are considering competing in the 3MT Competition are encouraged to take advantage of some of the 3MT resources available to them. It is also important to read the 3MT guidelines carefully. Please reach out to your college’s 3MT contact at any time to learn more about your college-level competition.
Last year's Final Round 3MT Competition was held on April 19, 2023. Here is the YouTube Recording
If you have any questions, please email Program Manager Robyn Kotzker at rkotzker@umd.edu.
Important 2024 Dates for 3MT Participants
| DATE | EVENT |
|---|---|
| Feb. 28 | Deadline to register for the 3MT Competition |
| March 6 | If college level first-round is virtual, deadline to submit 3MT video and slide. |
| March 6-31 | College-level 3MT Competitions. College-level winners to be announced by March 31, 2024. |
| April 1-16 | Semi-finalists prepare for final round competition |
| April 17 | Final Round 3MT Presentations (in-person). Winners and honorable mentions announced April 19, 2024 |
View the History and Overview of the 3MT Competition for more information.