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Speech and Hearing Bioscience and Technology

Unlike other programs that focus on biomedical or biotechnology, the Harvard speech and hearing bioscience and technology program covers all aspects of the field.

Speech and Hearing Bioscience and Technology (SHBT)​ is one of the programs in the Harvard Integrated Life Sciences that facilitates collaboration and cross-disciplinary research. Visit HILS for additional application instructions.

Unlike other programs that focus on biomedical or biotechnology, the Harvard speech and hearing bioscience and technology program covers all aspects of the field. The wide variety of course offerings enables you to choose and research the path that most interests you. You will gain knowledge and skills from many different disciplines including acoustics, engineering, computer science, cellular and molecular neuroscience, psychophysics, cognitive science, linguistics, and clinical practice.

Examples of the many student projects being worked on include developing computational models capable of human-like speech recognition, exploring the structure and activity circuits within the auditory cortex, studying variability in cochlear implant performance, and investigating CRISPR-based technologies and construct-improvement to increase the efficiency of gene therapy in congenital hearing impairments.

The program has a long list of successful alumni, with some securing faculty positions at Stanford University, MIT, and Boston University, while others have begun careers at companies like Novartis, Genentech, Boston Scientific, and Bose, and nonprofits such as The Possible Zone, MakerWala Learners Trust, and MGH Licensing.

Additional information on the graduate program is available from Speech and Hearing Bioscience and Technology, and requirements for the degree are detailed in policies.

Admissions Requirements

Please review the admissions requirements and other information before applying. You can find degree program-specific admissions requirements below and access additional guidance on applying from Speech and Hearing Bioscience and Technology.

Interviews

Applicants who are invited for on-campus interviews are notified in late December. Interviews generally occur in late January as part of a series of activities beginning on a Thursday evening and ending the following Sunday. Travel and hotel expenses for this visit are covered by the SHBT program. Invited applicants should make every effort to attend the interview weekend, but those who are unable to do so should inquire about other arrangements.

Personal Statement

Required

Standardized Tests

GRE General: Not Accepted
GRE Subject: Not Accepted
iBT TOEFL minimum score: 100
IELTS minimum score: 7

Faculty

See list of Speech and Hearing Bioscience and Technology faculty

APPLICATION DEADLINE

Degrees Offered