Three Minute Thesis logo

 

The Graduate School is proud to host the Three Minute Thesis (3MT) Research Competition during the fall semester.

3MT® is a competition that provides graduate students the opportunity to showcase their scholarly work or research in 3 minutes or less. The competition provides a great opportunity for presenters to develop communication skills, to share their work with the San Antonio community, and to compete for cash prizes.

Students interested in competing must participate in one of the following bootcamps.

3MT® Bootcamps

Virtual: July 26 | 10 a.m. - Noon 
In-Person: September 6 | 9:30 a.m. - 3 p.m. | John Peace Library 4.04.22

Prizes for the Final 3MT® Research Competition include:

  • 1st Place ~ $1,200
  • 2nd Place ~ $750
  • 3rd Place ~ $500
  • People’s Choice ~ $200

Eligibility

  • Master’s and Doctoral students are able to compete.
  • Students must be currently enrolled in graduate-level coursework or graduate-level research or dissertation hours.
  • Students must be in good academic standing (3.0 or above)
  • Students must submit their presentation topic at the time they register to compete.

Guidelines

  • Presentations are limited to a three-minute maximum. Competitors exceeding three minutes will be disqualified.
  • One single (static) PowerPoint slide is permitted.
  • No sound, video, or additional props can be utilized during the presentation.
  • Index cards or speech notes are allowed.

Final 3MT® Research Competition

DATE: Thursday, Oct. 23, 2025 
DETAILS: Judges will select a first, second, and third prize winner. Audience members will choose People's Choice.

For questions about the 3MT, email John Shaffer at john.shaffer@utsa.edu.