3 Minute Thesis Competition Overview

 Have you ever wondered what kind of research Rowan University graduate students are working on? Do you want to learn in three minutes or less?

The Three Minute Thesis (3MT®) is a research communication competition. Participants work to convey their research and its significance in a short presentation that is understandable by a general audience, assisted only by one PowerPoint slide. Each presentation is judged on a specific set of criteria focusing on both the content of the speech and the quality of its delivery. 3MT is an excellent way for students to cultivate their academic, presentation, and research communication skills, on top of showcasing the incredible work being done by graduate students at Rowan University. 

Come out and support your fellow Rowan students! Enjoy fascinating information, tailored to be understandable by anyone who attends. This event is also open to the public.*

*We ask that young children not attend this event. As each presentation is timed and only given three minutes, any interruption can ruin a participant’s chances. There is an expectation of silence in the room when a participant is giving their presentation.

The Event

Location: Chamberlain Student Center Room 221
Date and Time: March 24th, 2025; 6:00pm-8:00pm

Prizes

First Place Doctoral Presentation: $300 
First Place Masters Presentation: $300
Audience Choice: $100

Entering the Competition

Be sure to have a draft (written or video) of your 3 minute presentation, a draft of your single PowerPoint slide, and written permission from your committee chair/thesis advisor to be a part of the competition. (Written permission can be any correspondence giving consent to compete, from a formal letter of approval to an informal email exchange.)

Rules for the Live Event

• 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).
• 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 are disqualified.
• Presentations are to be spoken word (e.g. no poems, raps or songs).
• Presentations are to commence from the stage. 
• Presentations are considered to have commenced when a presenter starts their presentation through movement or speech.
• The decision of the adjudicating panel is final.

Judging Criteria

Comprehension and Content

• Presentation provided clear background and significance to the research question
• Presentation clearly described the research strategy/design and the results/findings of the research
• 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

Three-Minute Thesis Drafting Workshop
This workshop, presented by the School of Graduate Studies (SGS), will help you to hone the first draft of your presentation before submitting for consideration. If you would like assistance with your draft, please reach out to SGS at graduateresearch@rowan.edu. 

November 26, 2024 
6pm-7pm
WebEx
RSVP

November 27, 2024
6pm-7pm
WebEx
RSVP

If you are unable to attend a virtual workshop, please see the recorded workshop from 2024's competition preparations below.