3-Minute Thesis (3MT) Competition

Overview

The Three-Minute Thesis (3MT) contest is an annual event where participating graduate students have just three minutes and one slide to present their research. The winner of the McKay School of Education 3MT Contest advances to the university level contest to compete against winners from other participating colleges on campus.

Participants are critiqued by a panel of judges in three areas: 1) Comprehension - how well they know the research and was their presentation sequenced well in clearly describing background information and key or possible future results; 2) Engagement – did they convey enthusiasm for their research and engage the audience; and 3) Communication – presentation style, pacing and using appropriate language for a non-specialist audience.

BYU Competition: Individual BYU colleges hold their competition to determine one competitor who will advance the university-wide competition.

Who is Eligible to Participate?

Master's, Education Specialists, and Doctoral Candidates.
Graduate students who received funding from the MSE are invited to participate in both the 3MT and the MSE Mentored Research Conference.

MSE Date and Location

Tuesday, February 17, 2026 4:00 pm
Location TBA

BYU Date and Location

Thursday, March 5, 2026 11:00 am in the WSC Varsity Theater

Application Deadline

Saturday, January 24, 2026 by 11:59 pm

Application

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1mY-RtonlWfULARZdKVZUDzVJt3UA0iPhCP9Ddvt7cbU/

Awards

MSE

1st Place: $800; 2nd Place: $500; 3rd Place: $300

BYU

1st Place: $2,000; 2nd Place: $1,500; 3rd Place: $1,000
Contestant's Choice: $500; Remaining participants: $250

Judging Criteria

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1jS477q5qFi1KhsEZZp6GL3aaVOyXb85a/view?usp=sharing

Information on 3MT

https://gradstudies.byu.edu/gss/3mt

What Is the Inspiring Learning Expo? 

The Inspiring Learning Expo is a school-wide event designed to celebrate, share, and strengthen inspiring learning experiences within the McKay School of Education community. Students share meaningful learning experiences, and faculty, staff, and peers come to learn, connect, and support one another.  

Winter Expo Details 

When: Thursday, March 26, 2026
Time: 11:00–11:50 a.m. 
Where: McKay Building (MCKB) 

Who Should Participate? 

Students 

Students may participate in one of two ways: 

• Attend the Expo: All students are encouraged to attend and learn about inspiring learning experiences across the McKay School. 
• Present at the Expo: Students who have worked with faculty or staff (e.g., research, experiential learning, assistantships) are invited to share how the experience inspired their learning. 

Required: All students receiving funding through research assistantships or Experiential Learning are expected to present. 

Faculty & Staff 

Faculty and staff are expected to support students by: 

• Attending the Expo 
• Encouraging student participation 
• Assisting students with presentation preparation 
• Helping support the event during the Expo  

Registration (Required for All Participants) 

Registration Deadline: February 24 

• Student Registration:  https://byu.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_2lyHF8yhDlxaGzk
• Faculty & Staff Registration: https://byu.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_3KGvkD2gUTL0Nvw

Presentation Information (Students) 

Presentation Format 

Each student or group will be assigned a bistro table station. Prepare one of the following formats (detailed instructions provided in Resources & Templates section below): 

• 2–3-minute video (recommended for students unable to attend in person) 
• 5–10 slide presentation 
• 2×3 poster 

Event Structure 

• The Expo will run in two presentation tracks (first half and second half). 
• Students will present at their station for 15–20 minutes during their assigned track. 
• When not presenting, students may enjoy refreshments and engage with other presentations. 

Presentation Content Guidelines 

Presentations should address all three areas: 

• Intellectually Enlarging 
  • What was the experience or research, and how did it contribute to intellectual growth? 
• Spiritually Strengthening / Character Building 
  • How did the experience strengthen faith, values, or personal character? 
• Lifelong Learning and Service 
  • How is this experience shaping future learning, service, or career goals? 

Resources & Templates 

• Presentation Guidelines:

   https://byu.box.com/s/91oxv1abve8339kmu0vkqjwa3e50c07m

• Sample Slide Template: https://byu.box.com/s/8t5fkmwnyyg0uo4wypvz9na49njqfv5s 
• Slide Presentation Examples:
  • https://byu.box.com/s/pi0rk9hs2sr9b5fg0h7o79xdz13yuwq4
  • https://byu.box.com/s/4hb750adcfkswdouff2wjdh6yfza8rs9
• Sample Poster Template: https://byu.box.com/s/vakwwnlouk8abolakwiesnn5qal1eqz9