GSAS Master’s SynThesis

The annual GSAS Master’s SynThesis competition is an opportunity for MA students from across the Arts and Sciences to showcase their research and presentation skills in a relaxed and collegial environment. 

The Competition

Can you present your thesis research to a general audience in under three minutes using a single slide? GSAS invites all master's students who are writing a thesis to participate in the annual GSAS Master's SynThesis competition. First-, second-, and third-place awardees receive prizes of $1,000, $500, and $250, respectively. Read about the 2024 competition here and view videos of past competitions.

GSAS Master's SynThesis 2025 will take place Thursday, May 1, at 4:00 pm in Low Library Faculty Room. Reserve your ticket today!

Get Ready to Apply!

We offer workshops for prospective applicants prior to the application deadline. Check back in winter 2026 for sessions for the 2026 competition!

Please write to [email protected] with any questions.

Application Process

Applications have closed for 2025. 2026 application information will be available in February 2026.

To apply, applicants must submit a 300-word summary of your thesis, appropriate for a non-specialist audience.

Between 12 to 15 finalists will be selected to present their research to a general audience and a multidisciplinary panel of judges at the final competition. Finalists must participate in a preparatory workshop with GSAS staff prior to the competition. The workshop will be offered in mid-April.

Review and Selection Process and Criteria

Applications go through two rounds of review to identify finalists. In the first round, all submitted abstracts are reviewed by a GSAS staff committee, which will select the semi-finalists. In the second round, semi-finalists will submit a short video answering a series of questions about their thesis.

At each stage of review, applicants will be evaluated based on the following criteria:

Comprehension and content

  1. Abstract/interview/presentation describes the research question, methods, outcomes, and conclusions with clarity.
  2. Abstract/interview/presentation convincingly articulates the project's significance, both within the field and more broadly.
  3. Abstract/interview/presentation describes the project to a nonspecialist audience, meaning that it avoids jargon and adequately explains technical concepts.

Communication and engagement

  1. Project is communicated in an engaging and concise manner.
  2. Presenter uses appropriate nonverbal communication: makes eye contact with the audience, uses hands and body language appropriate (for video and in-person components)
  3. Slide is clear, legible, and concise, and enhances the presentation (for finalists)

Applicants must be:

  1. Currently enrolled in an Arts and Sciences MA program, or must have graduated from an Arts and Sciences MA program no earlier than October 2024;
  2. Working on a thesis based on original research;
  3. In good academic and administrative standing; and
  4. Available to attend the in-person competition.
  • A single static PowerPoint slide is permitted (no slide transitions, animations. or movement of any type).
  • No additional electronic media (e.g., sound and video files) are permitted.
  • Presentations are limited to three minutes maximum. Once three minutes is reached, the presenter will be asked to stop.

Click here to view recordings of prior years' winners.

I haven't started my thesis yet. May I still apply?

Applicants must have an approved thesis topic and should at least be at the research phase. If you have not yet confirmed your thesis topic or are unsure of your main arguments, it is probably too early to apply and it is best to wait until next year.

My program does not require a thesis. May I apply with a class paper or personal project?

Applicants must be working on a thesis project. Students in programs that do not have a thesis requirement are not eligible to participate.

I have never done anything like this before. Is there any help available?

Yes! We do our best to create a supportive environment for participants. GSAS staff conduct a preparatory workshop and office hours for finalists. This is an excellent opportunity to challenge yourself!

Do I need to be in New York City for the final event?

Yes, this is an in-person event. Students may not participate remotely. If you are away from campus because you are enrolled in a dual degree program, please contact [email protected].

Can my family and friends watch the competition?

Yes! The event in Low Library is open to the general public, but note that all in-person attendees must have a ticket. The event will also be livestreamed via Zoom.