UMD Three-Minute Thesis Competition

• Eligible students are doctoral and master’s students who are doing dissertation or thesis research.
• Research presented in the 3MT must have been conducted while a student at the University of Maryland.
• Students should be able to present some conclusions and impacts from research already conducted, not merely a description of research to be conducted.
• Students must prepare a three-minute presentation and a single static slide as outlined in the “3MT Rules” below. The first-round college level competition will held virtually (students will be asked to submit a 3MT video). Please contact your college to learn more about the firstround competition. The final-round will be held in person on Wednesday, April 14, 2027.

This 3MT registration will automatically enter you into your College-Level competition. (ENGR students will register on a separate ENGR 3MT site). Shortly after registration, students will receive instructions about the college-level, first-round competition which will be held in early March.

The First-Round College-Level 3MT Competition takes place in early March and will be organized at the college-level. Based on college enrollment and past participation in the 3MT competitions, the 12 colleges and schools are grouped so that there will be a total of five College-Level 3MT Competitions:

• CMNS will hold their own 3MT competition
• ENGR will hold their own 3MT competition (will require a separate ENGR registration)
• ARHU and BSOS will hold a joint 3MT competition
• ARCH, EDUC, INFO, JOUR will hold a multi-college competition
• AGNR, BMGT, PLCY, SPHL will hold a multi-college competition

Each College-Level Competition will name finalists who will advance to the final-round competition. The number of students who advance from each first-round competition will depend on the size of the collegelevel competition and will be determined after the 3MT registration has closed.

College-Level 3MT Contacts information

A total of 20 students will advance to the Final Round. The Campus-Level, Final-Round Competition will take place on Wednesday, April 14, 2027. An interdisciplinary panel will name up to six campus-level winners. Campus-level winners will receive a cash prize as well as the professional video production of their 3MT presentation. Winners may be considered for nomination to participate in other 3MT competitions. One post-candidacy winner will be selected by the Graduate School to compete in the Universitas 21 3MT Video Competition in October 2027.

Prizes:

• First-round college-level prizes are determined by the college(s).
• Final-round campus-level winners will receive $1,000 each.

(based upon rules developed by the University of Queensland)

RULES:

• Orally present a three-minute presentation.
• Provide a single static PowerPoint slide along with the 3MT video (no slide transitions, animations or 'movement' on the slide is permitted).
• Presentations are to be spoken word (e.g. no poems, raps or songs).
• No reading cues are permitted.
• No edits or splices are allowed.
• No additional electronic media (e.g. sound effects, embedded video clips) are permitted.
• No additional props (e.g. costumes, musical instruments, laboratory equipment) are permitted.

JUDGING CRITERIA:

• Comprehension and Content: The presentation provided clear motivation, background and significance to the research question. The presentation clearly described the research strategy/design and the results/findings of the research. The presentation clearly described the conclusions, outcomes, and impact of the research.
• Engagement and Communication: The oration was delivered clearly, and the language was appropriate for a non-specialist audience. The PowerPoint slide was well-defined and enhanced the presentation. The presenter conveyed enthusiasm for their research and captured and maintained the audience’s attention.

• Sharpen communication and presentation skills
• Gain better perspective about how your research fits into the larger picture
• Increase networking opportunities with students and faculty on campus
• Showcase your work to colleagues and prospective employers
• Earn recognition and prizes

The Graduate School Center for Writing & Oral Communication is available as a resource for students and colleges.

• Students can schedule a one-on-one consultation with a Writing Fellow to discuss ideas for a 3MT presentation.
• Colleges and Schools can contact Director Linda Macri (lmacri@umd.edu) to schedule a 3MT workshop for interested students at your college.

3MT Workshops: Join us for a 3MT workshop to help you prepare for the competition or just to hone your communication skills! Online sessions are offered on:

• Tuesday, December 15, 2026, 2:30 - 4:00 pm - Register here.
• Thursday, January 28, 2027, 10:30 a.m. - 12:00 pm - Register here.
• Friday, February 12, 2027, 3:00 - 4:30 pm. Register here.

Additionally, check with your college level 3MT contact to learn of additional resources or training.

One Button Studios: A One Button Studio (OBS) is a simplified recording studio that gives users the ability to create a high-quality video recording without any previous video production experience. UMD’s One Button Studios provide everything needed to create a polished video project. Using an OBS is not a requirement for the 3MT Competition.

Please view the 3MT Webpage for the most up-to-date list of 3MT contacts at your college/school, and to view past 3MT winners! Your college or school may provide additional resources or training to assist students with creating a successful 3MT.

College-Level 3MT Contacts

Please direct questions to Program Director Robyn Kotzker (rkotzker@umd.edu / 301-405-0281).