Competition Details and Deadlines
Master's students who have earned 18 hours of graduate coursework toward the degree may compete in the Master's in 4 Competition during which they have four minutes, and four slides, to explain their research to a diverse audience.
The M4 Preliminary Rounds are conducted each January while the M4 finals are held in February. Awards are $1,000 for the first place winner, $750 for the second place winner, $500 for the third place winner, $500 for the fourth place winner, and $500 for the People's Choice winner (selected by the audience).
Competition Rules
- A master's student with at least 18 hours of graduate coursework earned toward the degree.
- Four minute time limit.
- A maximum of four slides that have no animation, embedded video, audio, or movement of any kind.
- A solo, non-technical oral description of the student's research or creative endeavors.
- No props, notes or costumes will be allowed.
- A clicker will be provided.
Judging
- A maximum of 30 points may be earned.
- The effectiveness of the following will be rated by the judges:
- Opening captured the audience's attention.
- Strength of the introduction.
- Organized, evidence-based body.
- Appropriate for a diverse audience.
- Presenter demonstrated a strong personal interest.
- Conclusion summarized the main points and referred to the opening.
- Delivery was well-prepared and confident.
- Presenter maintained good eye contact.
- Slides enhanced the presentation.
- The presentation was memorable.
Spring 2019 Master's in Four (MI4) Competition Winners
- 1st Place- Jason Cassel, Music, Piano Technology
- 2nd Place- James Hernandez, Education, Educational Psychology and Learning Systems
- 2nd Place- Steven Pope, Arts and Sciences, History
- 3rd Place- Stacy Hanson, Arts and Sciences, Modern Languages and Linguistics
- People's Choice: Karl Wissemann, Arts and Sciences, Psychology
Videos
Click on the link below to watch and/or download the Master's in Four competition videos.
Photo Gallery
Click on the link below to view photos from the Spring 2019 Master's in Four Competition.
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