Are you a high school student looking to broaden your understanding of physics in an accessible format? In that case, online courses can provide a structured way of exploring advanced concepts and developing problem-solving skills without a hefty fee. Engaging in the courses in the list below can strengthen your academic foundation and enhance future higher education and research opportunities, all without being too logistically demanding.
Colleges and employers recognize the value of rigorous coursework, and courses can help showcase your interest and advanced skillset in physics. Below is a list of 15 online physics courses designed for high school students.
1. High School Summer Internship, Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory
Location: Varies according to the internship but mostly online
Cost: No cost
Application Deadline: March 1
Program Dates: To be announced
Eligibility: Applicants must be at least 16 years of age and a graduating senior in high school when the internship begins along with being authorized to work in the United States at the time of application
The High School Internship Program at Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory (PPPL) provides an opportunity to work on experimental or computational projects in plasma physics under the guidance of research and engineering staff. Offered by PPPL’s Science Education Department, this full-time summer program allows you to gain hands-on experience in scientific research, data analysis, and engineering applications.
You will develop skills in coding (Python, Java) and computer-aided design (SolidWorks, AutoCAD) while applying concepts from physics, chemistry, advanced mathematics, and engineering to real-world problems in plasma science.
2. Classical Mechanics, Physics, MIT OpenCourseWare
Location: Virtual
Cost: No cost
Application Deadline: Not mentioned
Program Dates: Not mentioned. Flexible dates
Eligibility: No eligibility criteria mentioned, but an interest in science and physics is recommended
MIT OpenCourseWare’s Undergraduate Classical Mechanics course introduces the fundamental principles of classical physics, covering key concepts such as force, momentum, energy conservation, and rotational motion. You will develop a theoretical understanding of Newtonian mechanics while exploring experimental verification of physical laws.
Through topics like kinematics, collision theory, and angular momentum, you will learn to analyze and predict motion using both force-based and conservation law approaches. The course also includes practical applications of physics principles, helping you build problem-solving skills essential for advanced studies in physics and engineering.
3. Statistical Thermodynamics Specialization, University of Colorado Boulder
Location: Online
Cost: Free of cost
Application Deadline: No deadline mentioned
Program Dates: 1-month duration, self-paced course
Eligibility: This is an advanced level course, so some experience in physics and high school science is required
Statistical Thermodynamics Specialization, offered by the University of Colorado Boulder, is a five-course online program designed for those with a strong foundation in undergraduate engineering thermodynamics. Covering both macroscopic and microscopic thermodynamics, the course explores entropy, temperature, quantum mechanics, kinetic theory, and chemical kinetics, making it relevant for fields like high-temperature gas dynamics, combustion, and materials processing.
Using a postulatory approach, the program provides a structured way to analyze thermodynamic systems while integrating advanced experimental diagnostic techniques. Through problem sets, peer-reviewed assignments, and discussion-based problem-solving, you will develop analytical skills essential for research in thermodynamics and related disciplines.
4. Mechanics: Motion, Forces, Energy and Gravity, from Particles to Planets, University of New South Wales
Location: Virtual
Cost: Free of cost
Application Deadline: No deadline mentioned
Program Dates: Self-paced course
Eligibility: No eligibility criteria are mentioned, this is a beginner-level course
Mechanics: Motion, Forces, Energy, and Gravity, offered by the University of New South Wales Sydney, explores the fundamental principles of mechanics, from describing motion to analyzing forces, energy, and momentum.
Through multimedia tutorials, hands-on experiments, and problem-solving exercises, you will learn to quantify motion using kinematics, apply Newton’s laws to explain real-world phenomena and understand concepts like projectile motion, circular motion, collisions, and gravity. The course also introduces problem-solving techniques used in physics research, helping to develop analytical skills applicable to engineering, astrophysics, and technology. Basic knowledge of algebra and trigonometry is required, but calculus is not necessary.
5. SPINWIP | Physics Department, Stanford
Location: Virtual
Cost: Free
Application Deadline: May 1
Program Dates: July 7 to July 25
Eligibility: Applicants must be High school students between 9th to 11th grade at the time of application and students from countries outside the US are welcome to apply. Preference will be given to students from under-resourced backgrounds.
The Stanford Program for Inspiring the Next Generation of Women in Physics (SPINWIP), offered by the Stanford Physics Department and the Kavli Institute for Particle Astrophysics and Cosmology, is a free, three-week virtual program designed to introduce key concepts in quantum physics, quantum computing, astrophysics, and cosmology.
You will develop coding skills in Python and apply them to physics-based projects while engaging in discussions with Stanford professors and researchers. Small group work, led by Stanford undergraduates, provides hands-on experience in problem-solving and scientific inquiry. The program also includes college planning and career development workshops, offering insights into academic pathways and research opportunities in physics.
6. EPFLx: Introduction to Astrophysics
Location: Virtual
Cost: Free without a certificate (the certificate costs $180)
Application Deadline: No deadline mentioned, rolling basis
Program Dates: 7 weeks, self-paced course
Eligibility: No eligibility criteria mentioned
Introduction to Astrophysics, offered by EPFL through edX, explores how light is used to study celestial objects, from planets and stars to galaxy clusters. You will learn about the role of gravity in shaping the universe, including gravitational lensing, as well as how matter interacts with radiation.
The course connects theoretical models with real astronomical observations, providing insight into star formation, cosmology, and the evolution of celestial bodies. Complex mathematical concepts are presented in an accessible way, allowing you to develop both conceptual understanding and problem-solving skills in astrophysics.
7. Particle Physics: an Introduction, University of Geneva
Location: Virtual
Cost: Free of cost
Application Deadline: No deadline mentioned
Program Dates: Self-paced course; 40 hours to complete OR 3 weeks at 13 hours a week
Eligibility: No eligibility criteria mentioned
Particle Physics: An Introduction, offered by the University of Geneva, explores the fundamental principles of subatomic physics, covering nuclear properties, particle interactions, and high-energy collisions. You will learn how accelerators and detectors function, analyze particle decays, and understand electromagnetic, strong, and weak interactions within the framework of the Standard Model.
The course also examines the role of the Higgs boson, searches for new physics beyond known models, and connections between particle physics and astrophysics, including dark matter and dark energy. Structured across eight modules, the program builds problem-solving and analytical skills essential for research in theoretical and experimental physics.
8. Exploring Quantum Physics, University of Maryland
Location: Virtual
Cost: Free of cost
Application Deadline: No deadline mentioned
Program Dates: Begins March 22
Duration: 34 hours to complete OR 3 weeks at 11 hours a week
Eligibility: No eligibility criteria are mentioned, this is a beginner-level course
Exploring Quantum Physics, offered by the University of Maryland, introduces key concepts in quantum mechanics, focusing on foundational principles and their applications in modern research. You will learn about quantum wells, Cooper pairs, oscillators, atomic structures, rotational spin, quantum gases, and time-dependent systems.
Through problem-solving exercises and conceptual discussions, the course builds analytical skills necessary for understanding quantum behaviour at microscopic scales. The program also provides insights into contemporary research areas, preparing you to explore advanced topics in theoretical and experimental physics.
9. Intro to Engineering Mechanics: Forces, Moments & Static Equilibrium Analysis
Location: Virtual
Cost: Free of cost
Application Deadline: No deadline mentioned
Program Dates: Self-paced course.
Eligibility: No eligibility criteria are mentioned, this is a beginner-level course
Introduction to Engineering Mechanics, offered by the Georgia Institute of Technology, focuses on the fundamental principles needed to solve engineering mechanics problems. You will learn to apply concepts from mathematics and physics to model and analyze static equilibrium scenarios, with an emphasis on real-world engineering applications.
The course covers topics such as particle equilibrium, force analysis, and static equilibrium equations, building problem-solving skills for engineering and physics research. Through structured problem sets and applied learning, you will develop a deeper understanding of mechanical systems and their practical implications.
10. Lumiere Research Scholar Program
Location: Remote — you can participate in this program from anywhere in the world!
Cost: Full financial aid is available!
Application Deadline: Varying deadlines based on cohort. Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September) and Winter (November).
Duration: Options range from 12 weeks to 1 year.
Program Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year, including summer (June – August), Fall (September – December), Winter (December – February), and Spring (March – June)
Eligibility: High school students who demonstrate a high level of academic achievement (Note: accepted students have an unweighted GPA of 3.3 out of 4). No previous knowledge of your field of interest is required!
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program is a rigorous research program tailored for high school students. The program offers extensive 1-on-1 research opportunities across a broad range of subject areas that you can explore.
The program pairs you with Ph.D. 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 subjects such as physics, engineering and more. You can find more details about the application here.
11. Horizon Academic Research Program (HARP)
Location: Virtual
Cost: Financial aid is available
Application Deadline: Multiple deadlines throughout the year for the Spring, Summer and Fall cohorts.
Program Dates: The spring and fall cohorts run 15 weeks, while the summer cohort runs 10 weeks (June-September).
Eligibility: High school students with good academic standing (>3.67/4.0 GPA) can apply. Most accepted students are 10th/11th graders! Only a couple of tracks require formal prerequisites, more details of which can be found here.
Horizon offers trimester-long research programs for high school students across subject areas such as data science, machine learning, political theory, and more! Horizon is one of the few research programs for high school students that offers you the choice to engage in either quantitative or qualitative research.
Once you select a particular subject track, Horizon pairs you with a professor/PhD scholar who acts as a mentor throughout your research journey. As a participant, you will be expected to develop a 20-page research paper that you can send to journals for publication as a high school student. The program also provides a letter of recommendation for each student and detailed project feedback that you can use to work on future projects.
12. Quantum Mechanics for Scientists and Engineers, Stanford Online
Location: Virtual
Cost: Free trial and then paid
Application Deadline: No deadline mentioned
Program Dates: Self-paced course
Eligibility: No eligibility criteria mentioned
Quantum Mechanics for Scientists and Engineers, offered by Stanford School of Engineering through edX, provides an introduction to quantum mechanics for those with a background in physical science or engineering. You will learn fundamental concepts such as Schrödinger’s wave equation, quantum behaviour, and measurement principles.
You will also study its applications in modern technology, including nanotechnology, photonics, and electronic devices. The course covers mathematical methods for solving quantum problems, the uncertainty principle, and atomic structure, offering a structured approach to understanding quantum mechanics in both theoretical and practical contexts.
13. Understanding Einstein: The Special Theory of Relativity, Stanford Online
Location: Virtual
Cost: Free trial and then paid
Application Deadline: No deadline mentioned
Program Dates: Self-paced course
Eligibility: No eligibility criteria mentioned
Understanding Einstein: The Special Theory of Relativity, offered by Stanford School of Medicine through Coursera, explores Einstein’s groundbreaking 1905 theory beyond popularized accounts, examining its conceptual foundations and real-world implications. You will learn how Einstein formulated his ideas, the significance of relativity, and the meaning of time as the fourth dimension.
The course covers core concepts such as time dilation, length contraction, and the speed of light limit while addressing questions about time travel and experimental evidence supporting relativity. A basic understanding of algebra is helpful, but the focus remains on developing a deep, conceptual grasp of Einstein’s work.
14. The Yale Summer Program in Astrophysics
Location: Online and On-Campus
Cost: $8,000 but financial aid is also available
Application Deadline: March 8
Program Dates: June 23 – July 4 online program followed by a 4-week on-campus program
Eligibility: Applicants must be above 15.5 years old at the start of the program, you must be a rising senior or equivalent in your school system, and you must be proficient in English
The Yale Summer Program in Astrophysics (YSPA), hosted by the Leitner Family Observatory and Planetarium at Yale University, is a research program designed to develop skills in astrophysics, data analysis, and scientific computing. Through a structured two-week online study followed by a four-week residential experience, you will learn how to design and conduct research, use telescopes to collect observational data, and apply programming and statistical methods to analyze complex datasets.
The program offers hands-on experience in coding, modeling, and scientific writing, culminating in a research paper and presentation. Engaging with peers who share a deep interest in astrophysics, you will gain exposure to collaborative problem-solving and independent inquiry, preparing you for future academic and research opportunities in science.
15. Habitable Worlds: Possible Places for Life in the Solar System and Beyond, Brown University
Location: Virtual
Cost: $3,218
Application Deadline: May 9
Program Dates: June 23 – July 03
Eligibility: All applicants must be rising high school students and must have studied Algebra I and had at least a year of high school science
Habitable Worlds: Possible Places for Life in the Solar System and Beyond is an interdisciplinary online course that explores the conditions necessary for habitability on planets and moons, offered by Brown University. You will examine the habitable zone around stars, study extreme environments on Earth as analogs for extraterrestrial life, and analyze exoplanetary discoveries using current astronomical techniques.
The course integrates planetary science, astrobiology, astronomy, and physics while incorporating hands-on assignments such as orbital simulations, scientific communication exercises, and critical evaluations of research papers. By the end, you will be able to assess the habitability of various celestial bodies and develop independent research skills in planetary science.
Image source: Brown University
