Suggested Preparation
If you plan to apply to the HST-SHBT program, you should have earned a bachelor's (or master's) degree in physical science, biology, psychology, linguistics, communicative sciences/disorders, engineering, or computer science, and have strong analytical skills. Our first-year course work assumes familiarity with calculus, college-level physics, probability/statistics, and biology.
Our emphasis is on broad-based research education rather than on clinical or narrowly focused technical training.
We choose students based on interests, academic background, intellectual capacity, curiosity, motivation, energy, and character.
Financial Aid
If you are a United States citizen or permanent resident, as an SHBT student you are eligible for a training grant from the National Institutes of Health (NIH). This support normally includes full tuition and a stipend for your initial years in the program, after which you would usually be supported by working as a Research Assistant (RA) in the lab where you conduct your Ph.D. research.
If you are not a US citizen or permanent resident, the Division requires that you provide documentation that demonstrates your financial ability to cover your educational expenses (e.g., tuition and books) as well as your living expenses for the years you will be pursuing your degree.
Applying
You may apply to the HST-SHBT program online using the CollegeNet Application Service, or you may download a PDF version of the application which you will need to fill out and mail to the MIT Graduate Admissions Office:
MIT Graduate Admissions Office
Room 3-103
77 Massachusetts Avenue
Cambridge, MA 02139
PLEASE NOTE: On the application, for "department," list "HST"; under "interdisciplinary program," use "SHBT" .
Your application packet should consist of the following items:
It is your responsibility to ensure that MIT receives all these materials before the application deadline.
GRE test scores are helpful but are not required. If you are a non-native English speaker, we require The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). The official application deadline is December 15 for admission to the program in the Fall of the following year. We may consider a limited number of applications at other times.
For technical admissions information, on subjects such as filling out the on-line application, sending in your test scores and letters of recommendation, and checking on your application, please contact:
Ms. Cathy Modica
cmodica [at] mit.edu
For more general admissions information, please contact:
Christopher Shera
shera [at] mit.edu
Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary
243 Charles St
Boston, MA 02114
