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Mizzou 3MT®

Three Minute Thesis (3MT®) is an international research communication competition, designed to help students improve public speaking skills with public audiences. At Mizzou, 3MT® is also a professional development program that includes training (storytelling workshop), practice sessions with feedback, and a public speaking competition. The annual Mizzou 3MT competition, held each Fall, awards a first place winner and second-place winner, and each winner receives professional development funds.

Save the date! The 2023 Mizzou 3MT® competition will take place on Thursday, November 2 at 6:00 pm in Leadership Auditorium.

Official 3MT® Eligibility


Active PhD and Professional Doctorate (Research) candidates who have successfully passed their confirmation milestone (including candidates whose thesis is under submission) by the date of their first presentation are eligible to participate in 3MT competition. Graduates are not eligible.

See FAQs for Competitors on the Official 3MT® Website.

Mizzou Specific Eligibility

  • Open to domestic and international doctoral candidates in research-based degree programs.
  • Students must submit a signed consent form showing their advisors’ permission and register by the deadline.
  • Students must attend a mandatory orientation session to prepare for the competition and a practice session.
  • Must be available on competition night.
  • Must be willing to travel to regional competition to represent Mizzou at the Council of Southern Graduate Schools in March.

Judging and Prizes

Each competitor assessed on two judging criteria that are equally weighted with emphasis on the audience: comprehension and content (e.g., background, design, conclusions) and engagement and communication (e.g., clearly, well-designed slide, enthusiastic).

  • First place: $500 in professional development funds and plaque; represents Mizzou at regional 3MT contest in March 2024. Travel expenses covered.
  • Second place: $300 in professional development funds and plaque
  • People’s Choice: $200 in professional development funds and plaque

Registration Instructions