If you’re a high school student curious about research in chemistry but can’t commit to an in-person program, consider enrolling in an online chemistry research program!
These programs offer hands-on experience in diverse areas, such as biochemistry, environmental chemistry, and materials science. Online chemistry research programs also allow you the opportunity to conduct original investigations under expert mentorship all from the comfort of your home.
Enrolling in these programs can enhance your academic profile, as it demonstrates independent research experience, which is highly valued in college applications and STEM career paths. Some of these programs are also free or funded, allowing those from diverse and low-income backgrounds to gain experience in advanced chemistry topics.
While some programs in this list aren’t traditional research programs, they do offer a strong research component.
1. Horizon Academic Research Program – Chemistry Track
Location: Virtual
Cost: $5,950—Need-based financial aid available
Application Date: Multiple deadlines throughout the year for the spring, summer and fall cohorts | Summer deadline – April 20
Program Dates/Duration: Summer cohort kicks off on June 16 | Dates for Horizon Labs are flexible; however, applications must be submitted at least 4 weeks in advance
Eligibility: High school students with >3.67/4.0 GPA | Review specific prerequisites for some program tracks here
Horizon Academic Research Program’s chemistry track provides a trimester-long, one-on-one research experience for high school students keen on exploring advanced topics in formulation chemistry. You’ll delve into the main concepts of formulation chemistry and understand their applications in pharmaceutical and food industries. You’ll work on a 20-page university-level research paper, which you can submit to academic journals. Your research project will involve a comprehensive literature review on a scientific challenge that lies at the intersection of Formulation Chemistry and Material Science.
2. Aspiring Scientists Summer Internship Program (ASSIP) – GMU College of Science
Location: Virtual and in-person—depends on mentor | Check virtual internships here
Cost: Free | $25 application fee—can be waived based on financial need
Application Deadline: February 2
Dates: June 18 – Aug 8
Eligibility: 15 years or older by June 18 of the application year | Few research labs may be unavailable for non-US citizens
This is a virtual, research-intensive experience for high school students with a strong interest in chemistry and related scientific disciplines. You’ll work closely with faculty mentors on independent projects in diverse areas, such as biochemistry, peptide engineering, and computational protein design. You’ll develop practical research skills through exposure to chemical techniques, experimental design, data interpretation, and scientific writing.
The program will include structured training in research communication and literature analysis, allowing you to contribute to ongoing studies in chemistry and potentially co-author academic publications or present findings at conferences.
3. Lumiere Research Scholar Program – Chemistry Track
Location: Virtual
Cost: Individual Research Program – 12 weeks, $2,990| Premium Research & Publication Program – 16–20 weeks, $5900 | Research Fellowship – 6–12 months, $8900 | Full financial aid available
Application Deadline: Varying deadlines based on cohort—spring (January), summer (May), fall (September) and winter (November)
Program Dates/Duration: Ranges from 12 weeks to 1 year
Eligibility: High school students with a GPA of 3.3 out of 4 | No prerequisites
Program Dates: Varies by cohort summer, fall, winter, and and spring
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program is a rigorous research program tailored for high school students. It offers extensive 1-on-1 research opportunities for high school students across a broad range of subject areas that you can explore as a high schooler.
The program pairs high-school students with PhD mentors to work 1-on-1 on an independent research project. At the end of the 12-week program, you’ll have developed an independent research paper. You can choose research topics from various subjects such as chemistry, psychology, physics, economics, data science, computer science, engineering, and international relations. You can find more details about the application here.
4. Topics in Biochemistry – Stanford Pre-Collegiate Summer Institutes
Location: Virtual | Monday – Friday, 4 – 7p.m. (PTD)
Cost: $3,080—need-based financial aid available
Application Deadline: March 27 (session two)
Program Dates: July 7 – July 18 (session two)
Eligibility: Students in grades 9–11 at the time of application with completion of high school biology course
This two-week virtual program provides an in-depth study of molecular processes essential to life. You’ll learn about proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, and nucleic acids and explore how their dysfunction impacts health. You’ll also gain insight into various topics, such as CRISPR-Cas9, antibiotic resistance to bacteria, and mRNA vaccines through live lectures, research-based assignments, and group projects. The immersive program will prepare you for advanced studies in biochemistry and health sciences.
5. Quantum, Statistical, and Computational Foundations of Chemistry – Harvard Division of Continuing Education
Location: Virtual
Cost: $4,050 (4-credits), $7,900 (8-credits) |$75 non-refundable application fee| financial aid available
Application Deadline: June 17
Program Dates/Duration: June 23 – August 8
Eligibility: High school-level algebra | One semester of introductory chemistry and physics required
The program introduces key theoretical frameworks that govern the behavior of matter, with a focus on quantum mechanics, statistical mechanics, and computational modeling. You’ll analyze the quantum behavior of electrons, understand the development of the periodic table, explore chemical bonding, and investigate how energy principles influence material properties and chemical reactions. Through hands-on computational labs using MATLAB, you’ll simulate and visualize complex chemical phenomena, helping you gain experience in scientific computing techniques essential for modern chemistry research.
6. UC Berkeley Extension – Chemistry Programs
Location: Online
Cost: $1,300
Application Deadline: No deadline mentioned
Program Dates/Duration: Flexible time schedule | 180 days to complete this course once enrolled
Eligibility: One course in introductory chemistry and basic algebra knowledge
The UC Berkeley Extension’s suite of online chemistry programs offers a rigorous introduction to chemical sciences, covering key areas such as general chemistry, organic chemistry, and biochemistry. Through courses like Introduction to Chemistry (CHEM X16) and Introduction to Organic Chemistry (CHEM X18), you’ll understand foundational principles, including atomic theory, molecular bonding, and chemical equilibria. You’ll develop analytical and problem-solving skills critical for scientific inquiry.
Although lab components are limited or offered in classroom settings, the structured coursework fosters independent learning, data interpretation, and application of core chemical concepts essential for academic advancement or research preparation.
7. CHM 101: Introductory Chemistry – Arizona State University
Location: Virtual
Cost: $25 + $400
Application Deadline: Not mentioned
Program Dates/Duration: June 17, 2025 (8 weeks), Aug 19, 2025 (16 weeks)
Eligibility: Completed high school
This program introduces the molecular foundations of matter and the chemical principles that explain biological systems, material properties, and everyday phenomena. Through real-world applications, such as the regulation of blood pH or the formation of complex molecules, you’ll gain experience interpreting data, predicting chemical reactions, and understanding atomic trends. The program’s lab components include data analysis, plotting, and presenting findings, along with hands-on assignments supported by visual and interactive tools.
8. Applications of Chemistry in Medicine – John Hopkins Summer Programs
Location: Virtual
Cost: $85 application fee
Application Deadline: Applications accepted on a rolling basis
Program Dates/Duration: July 7 – July 18
Eligibility: Must have graduated 9th grade and a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale
Applications of Chemistry in Medicine (AS.030.104) is an online, credit-bearing pre-college course that explores the intersection of chemistry and pharmaceutical sciences. Through asynchronous lectures, assignments, and optional synchronous discussions, you’ll learn to analyze chemical data, interpret structure-activity relationships, and evaluate real-world applications of chemistry in drug development and diagnostics. You’ll learn how to apply foundational knowledge in chemistry and biology to contemporary challenges in medicine, enhancing your conceptual understanding and scientific communication skills.
9. General Chemistry – Concept Development and Application, Rice University (Coursera)
Location: Virtual
Cost: Free
Application Deadline: No deadline mentioned
Program Dates/Duration: Self-paced—21 hours spread out across 3 weeks
Eligibility: Students who want comprehensive introduction to fundamental chemistry concepts
This 12-module course provides a comprehensive introduction to key principles of chemistry using an inductive, concept-driven approach. It explores fundamental topics like the ideal gas law and kinetic molecular theory while emphasizing problem-solving and analytical reasoning skills, which are essential for chemistry research.
You’ll develop a deeper understanding of the logical processes that underlie chemical principles with the help of engaging case studies, conceptual exercises, and online resources. You’ll be required to take up 11 assignments to gauge your understanding of the topics learned.
10. Chemicals and Health – Johns Hopkins University (Coursera)
Location: Virtual
Cost: Free
Application Deadline: No deadline mentioned
Program Dates/Duration: Self-paced—10 hours
Eligibility: Beginner-level course for students who want to learn about chemical risk and safety
This six-module program explores the presence of chemicals in the environment and their effects on human health. The course also explores the broader implications of chemical policies and regulations, with a focus on public health impacts. You’ll develop an understanding of risk assessment and regulatory frameworks shaping chemical safety policies through case studies and data analysis. You’ll also complete assignments that will be peer-reviewed to enhance your chemistry research skills.
Image source – Johns Hopkins University
