If you’re a high school student interested in a structured opportunity in psychology, consider a pre-college program!
What are psychology pre-college programs for high school students?
Psychology pre-college programs offer high school students the chance to explore advanced topics. These university-led programs provide exposure to college-level coursework, covering subjects such as cognitive psychology, social behavior, neuropsychology, and more. Engaging with experts in the field and participating in hands-on research activities can enhance your ability to analyze human behavior. The programs focus on developing analytical thinking and research skills relevant to psychology studies.
Here is a list of 12 psychology pre-college programs for high school students!
1. Harvard Secondary School Program: Introduction to Psychology
Subject Areas: Psychology, Neuroscience, Learning & Motivation, Emotion, Development, Personality, Clinical Psychology, Research Methodology
Location: Harvard University, Cambridge, MA and Virtual
Cost: $3,850
Application Deadline: June 17
Program Dates: June 23 – August 8
Eligibility: High school students who will turn 16 before the program start date and will not turn 19 before July 31
The Introduction to Psychology course through Harvard’s SSP offers high school students a foundation in psychological principles and research methods. The program enrolls about 80 students each summer and combines online learning with on-campus sessions. You will explore topics including learning and motivation, emotion, development, personality, and clinical psychology. The curriculum also covers current research trends and the neurological underpinnings of psychological phenomena. This course is designed to help you develop analytical skills and a better understanding of the field.
2. Harvard Secondary School Program: Neuroscience of Learning
Subject Areas: Cognitive Neuroscience, Health & Education Science, Epigenetics, Neuroplasticity, Cognitive Functions, Comparative Cultural Studies
Location: Harvard University, Cambridge, MA and Virtual
Cost: $3,850
Application Deadline: June 17
Program Dates: June 23 – August 8
Eligibility: High school students who will turn 16 before the program start date and will not turn 19 before July 31
This course introduces high school students to the neuroscience behind learning by exploring the intersection of psychology, cognitive neuroscience, health, and education science. You will examine how biological, psychological, social, and environmental factors influence learning, with a focus on concepts such as epigenetics, sensitive periods, and neuroplasticity. The curriculum covers key cognitive constructs—language, attention, memory, executive functions, and emotions—while addressing how cultural differences affect neurocognitive processes. A research component allows you to investigate a topic of interest through a transdisciplinary project.
3. Johns Hopkins University Psychology Pre-College Programs
Subject Areas: Psychology, Behavioral Psychology, Neuropsychology, Psychological Assessment, Neurobiology, Forensic Psychology
Location: Virtual.
Cost: $1,950 with scholarships available
Program Dates: These programs typically run for 2 weeks each between June, July, and August.
Application Deadline: TBA
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors who have a minimum GPA of 3.0
Johns Hopkins’ Online Pre-College Program gives high school students the chance to take psychology courses while working closely with faculty members. You will delve into areas such as behavioral psychology, neuropsychology, and psychological assessment, applying research techniques to real-world topics. The neurobiology course will teach fundamental lab skills that will be useful for future research. Additionally, the “Psychological Profiling” course explores the psychological makeup of individuals with atypical behaviors, like repeat offenders. These programs offer a structured introduction to psychology, preparing you for advanced study in the field.
4. New York University—Exploring Psychology: Building an Understanding of Human Behavior
Subject Areas: Theoretical Principles of Psychology, Human Behavior
Location: New York University, Washington Square, New York, NY
Cost: $850
Program Dates: The program will run on Saturdays, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., between March 1 and April 5
Application Deadline: February 14
Eligibility: High school students in grades 10, 11, and 12
The NYU School of Professional Studies High School Academy offers the “Exploring Psychology” workshop for high school students interested in the field. Through this weekend program, you will explore key psychological principles, starting with the biological basis of behavior. You’ll engage in problem-based learning, hands-on activities, and guest lectures that illustrate how psychology is applied in real-world situations. The course focuses on current research and its relevance to various professions, helping you develop skills such as problem-solving, teamwork, and socio-emotional awareness.
5. University of Southern California—The Brain: Introduction to Neuroscience Summer Program
Subject Areas: Spectrum of Neuroscience, Memory and Learning, Normal and Abnormal Function, Lifespan Development and Aging, Brain Structure and Function, Neurologic Dysfunction, Neuroethics, Psychology, Behavioural Science
Location: University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA
Cost: $11,347 (residential), $7,812 (commuter), or $11,945 (international)
Program Dates: June 15 – July 12
Application Deadline: May 2 for domestic students and March 14 for international students.
Eligibility: High school students who have completed at least the 9th grade. International students must meet the additional requirements listed here.
The University of Southern California’s four-week summer program offers high school students the opportunity to explore college-level coursework in subjects like healthcare, psychology, and neuroscience. In the “The Brain: Introduction to Neuroscience” course, you will study brain function, including brain development and neurological disorders, and gain a deeper understanding of how these conditions affect human behavior. The program includes hands-on lab activities that help you understand cognitive processes such as thinking and learning. Additionally, you will gain proficiency in MS Excel for data analysis and create a final project to demonstrate your findings and insights.
6. Brown University: Psychology Across Species: Animal Cognition and Behavior
Subject Areas: Comparative Cognition, Animal Behavior, Cognitive Science, Evolutionary Psychology, Neuroscience, Experimental Psychology
Location: Brown University, Providence, RI
Cost: $5,534 (residential), $4,286 (commuter)
Program Dates: June 30 – July 11
Application Deadline: May 9 is the general deadline.
Eligibility: High school students aged 14-18
The “Psychology Across Species: Animal Cognition and Behavior” course introduces high school students to comparative cognition, focusing on understanding cognitive mechanisms such as learning, memory, and attention shared across species like primates, canines, and rodents. You’ll engage in discussions about evolved cognitive traits, conditioning, spatial and abstract cognition, and theories on human uniqueness. You’ll develop the skills to analyze animal psychology studies through peer discussions, behavioral videos, and possibly guest lectures or research tours at Brown University. By the end of the course, you’ll be able to interpret scientific experiments, critique media claims about animal behavior, and compare intelligence across species. This course provides a foundational understanding of comparative cognition, preparing you for more advanced study in the field.
7. Brown University- Introduction to Clinical Psychology
Subject Areas: Clinical Psychology, Psychotherapy, Mental Health, Research Methods, Psychological Assessments, Evidence-Based Treatment, Therapy Approaches.
Location: Brown University, Providence, RI
Cost: $8,006 (residential), $6,134 (commuter)
Program Dates: July 17 – July 25
Application Deadline: May 9 is the general deadline.
Eligibility: High school students aged 14-18
The Introduction to Clinical Psychology program, offered by Brown University, offers high school students an overview of the field, exploring its scientific and practical aspects. You’ll learn about clinical psychology’s foundations, research techniques, and assessment methods while reviewing various psychotherapy approaches, both historical (e.g., psychoanalysis) and contemporary (e.g., CBT, ACT). Through lectures, class activities, and discussions, you’ll understand how clinical psychology addresses mental health and its connection with other disciplines like medicine and social work.
8. Brown University- Abnormal Psychology
Subject Areas: Abnormal Psychology, Mental Health Disorders, Anxiety Disorders, Depression, Psychosis, Eating Disorders, Substance Use Disorders, Psychological Assessment, Treatment Theories, Cultural Perspectives, Stigma, Media Representation
Location: Brown University, Providence, RI
Cost: $5,534 (residential), $4,286 (commuter)
Program Dates: June 30 – July 11
Application Deadline: May 9 is the general deadline.
Eligibility: High school students aged 14-18
Abnormal Psychology is an introductory course designed to help you understand what constitutes abnormality and how mental disorders are classified and treated. You will examine a range of conditions such as anxiety, depression, substance use, psychosis, eating disorders, and personality disorders. Rather than focusing solely on facts, the course emphasizes the development of critical thinking skills to evaluate theories, assessments, and treatment methods. You will also consider how cultural factors and stigma shape our understanding of mental illness.
9. Columbia University- Exploring Sociology: How Human Interaction Shapes Our World
Subject Areas: Sociology, Social Interaction, Social Change, Inequality, Urbanization, Cultural Phenomena, Social Institutions, Human Behavior, Social Theory
Location: TDA
Cohort Size: 24 (maximum)
Cost: $12,454 per session (residential), $6,300 per session (commuter)
Program Dates: Summer A June 30 to July 18 | Summer B July 22 to August 8
Application Deadline: TBA
Eligibility: High school students are eligible to apply.
Colombia University’s Exploring Sociology: How Human Interaction Shapes Our World is an introduction to the study of human behavior and social structures. You will examine foundational concepts in sociology, such as socialization, cultural phenomena, social inequality, urbanization, and the role of major institutions like the family and government. The course emphasizes understanding social change and theories that influence our society. Through this exploration, you will develop critical thinking skills applicable to analyzing modern social issues. By the end of the course, you will have an appreciation for human interaction and gain tools to promote social change.
10. Coursera—University of Chicago’s Understanding the Brain
Subject Areas: Neuroscience, Cognitive Psychology, Brain Anatomy, Neural Communication, Behavioral Neuroscience, Cognitive Functions
Location: Online (Self-paced)
Cost: Free to audit (optional certificate available for a fee)
Application Deadline: None (Self-paced)
Program Dates: Flexible (Self-paced)
Eligibility: Open to all high school students
This online course from the University of Chicago on Coursera is a self-paced program that provides an introduction to neuroscience and cognitive psychology. You will engage with video lectures, curated readings, quizzes, and interactive assignments exploring brain anatomy, neural communication, cognitive functions, and behavioral neuroscience. The curriculum is structured to explain how the brain influences behavior through a combination of theoretical concepts and practical assessments. While you can audit the course at no cost, there is an option to purchase a certificate upon completion.
11. Lumiere Research Scholar Program—Psychology Track
Subject Areas: Psychology
Location: Virtual
Cost: Some need-based scholarships are available
Program Dates: Each program has a Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter session
Application Deadline: Varies according to cohort. The Summer cohort deadline is March 9.
Eligibility: High school students
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program provides high school students with an opportunity to conduct original research under the guidance of top-tier PhD mentors. You will work one-on-one with your mentor, developing an independent research project and contributing to scholarly work in your chosen field. The program allows for a deep dive into research methodologies, fostering critical thinking and intellectual growth along the way. If you’re interested in psychology, you can select the specialized track that focuses on psychological research.
12. Horizon—Psychology Track
Subject Areas: Psychology, Medical Sociology, Behavioral Economics, Organizational Behavior, and Psychology and Emotion Regulation (only available during spring and summer terms)
Location: Virtual
Cost: You can request for information on cost here
Program Dates:
- Spring seminar: March 3 onwards
- Lab dates are flexible, but you must apply 4 weeks in advance
Application Deadline: The deadline for the summer cohort is March 23.
Eligibility: High school students with good academic standing (>3.67/4.0 GPA) are eligible to apply. Most accepted students are 10th/11th graders! Only a few tracks require formal prerequisites, more details of which can be found here.
Horizon offers a trimester-long research program for high school students that covers a range of subject areas and allows you to choose between quantitative and qualitative research approaches. Once you select your subject track and research type, you will be paired with a professor or PhD scholar from a top university who will mentor you throughout the process. For those interested in psychology, the program provides 72 subtopics spanning clinical, social, developmental, and cognitive psychology. You will work to produce a 20-page, university-level research paper that you can submit to journals. Additionally, the program provides a letter of recommendation and detailed feedback to support your future research and college applications.
Image source: Columbia University
