Sociology helps students understand how societies function, how social issues shape communities, and how human behavior is influenced by cultural and structural factors. For high school students, online sociology programs provide a flexible way to explore these topics while building critical thinking and analytical skills.
These programs cover areas like social justice, cultural dynamics, and human behavior, offering insights that go beyond traditional classroom learning. Many are free or low-cost, making them accessible to you if you’re interested in exploring sociology without paying a ton.
To help get you started, here are 7 online sociology programs for high school students.
1. Horizon Academic Research Program (HARP) – Sociology
The Horizon Academic Research Program (HARP) in Sociology provides high school students with a unique opportunity to explore advanced topics in sociology under the mentorship of a university professor. This trimester-long online program enables students to examine critical social issues such as inequality, cultural dynamics, or societal change through in-depth research. Participants follow a structured process that includes selecting a research topic, developing a proposal, and producing a 20-page academic manuscript.
The program emphasizes hands-on learning, with students analyzing case studies, conducting literature reviews, and applying sociological theories to real-world problems. Alongside enhancing research and analytical skills, students refine their academic writing and learn to effectively communicate complex social phenomena. HARP also offers personalized feedback, guidance on external recognition for completed projects, and a recommendation letter, making it an excellent option for students aiming to bolster their college applications and academic portfolios.
Cost: $2,990 (financial aid available)
Location: Virtual
Application Deadline: Varies depending on cohort. Deadline for Spring is February 16
Program Dates: The start date is March 3 (flexible start dates available for Labs).
Eligibility: High-achieving high school students with a strong interest in sociology and academic research.
2. Lumiere Research Scholar Program – Sociology Track
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program in Sociology offers high school students the opportunity to conduct independent, in-depth research on social issues under the mentorship of top PhD candidates from leading universities. Participants engage in a 1-on-1 research experience where they explore complex sociological topics such as social inequality, cultural identity, globalization, or social movements.
The program follows a structured process that begins with selecting a research topic in collaboration with a mentor. Students then formulate a research question, conduct a literature review, and develop a comprehensive research paper with personalized guidance. The program culminates with revisions, submission of the final paper, and a presentation at the Lumiere Research Symposium.
By conducting an independent study, you’ll develop critical thinking skills essential for examining social structures, group behaviors, and cultural patterns. The program also strengthens your academic writing and qualitative research abilities, preparing you for university-level research in sociology, public policy, anthropology, or related fields.
Cost:
- Individual Research Program: $2,990 (12 weeks)
- Premium Research & Publication Program: $5,900 (16–20 weeks)
- Research Fellowship: $8,900 (6–12 months)
Location: Remote
Application Deadline: February 9 (for the upcoming Spring Cohort)
Program Dates: Varies depending on program
Eligibility: High-achieving high school students passionate about sociology and academic research
3. Berkeley Pre-College Scholars: Summer Virtual Track – Sociology
The Berkeley Pre-College Scholars: Summer Virtual Track offers high school students the chance to explore college-level courses in a variety of fields, including sociology. This fully online program allows students to earn college credit while engaging with UC Berkeley faculty, staff, and peers from around the world. As a participant, you can deepen their understanding of social structures, cultural dynamics, and global issues through rigorous academic courses.
Students can select from a wide range of courses to challenge themselves beyond high school offerings, explore potential college majors, or study topics of personal interest. You can find the list of programs here, which also includes an Introduction to Sociology course. The program fosters an interactive learning environment where students can build critical thinking skills and expand their academic horizons.
Cost:
- Domestic Visitor: $615 per unit + $550 registration fee + $71 document management fee
Location: Virtual
Application Deadline: June 2
Program Dates: Varies depending on course
Eligibility:
- Must have completed 10th or 11th grade by the start of summer classes and continue high school in the fall
- Must have a minimum 3.0 GPA (weighted or unweighted)
- Must be at least 16 years old by June 22
4. Summer@Brown Online
Summer@Brown Online offers high school students the opportunity to explore college-level sociology courses through engaging and rigorous online learning experiences. With more than 50 courses reflecting Brown University’s Open Curriculum, students can delve into topics like social inequality, cultural dynamics, and globalization while developing critical thinking and analytical skills. Courses are designed to inspire curiosity and discovery, allowing students to engage with complex social issues in a flexible learning environment.
Depending on the course, students can choose between asynchronous, mostly asynchronous, or blended formats, making it easier to balance studies with other summer commitments. Some of the courses are War and Society, Crafting Culture, Gender and Race, etc. Beyond coursework, participants can connect with peers worldwide through interactive activities and workshops, enriching their academic and social experience.
Cost: $3,218 to $6,238
Location: Online
Program Dates: Various dates from June 16 — July 25
Application Deadline: May 9
Eligibility: Students completing grades 9 to 12, ages 14 to 18 by June 15
5. Harvard Secondary School Program
The Harvard Secondary School Program offers high school students the chance to experience college life by taking college-level courses for 4 or 7 weeks. With over 200 courses available during the 7-week session, students interested in sociology can explore topics such as social behavior, cultural norms, and global social issues while earning college credit. Taught by Harvard faculty and scholars, these courses challenge students to think critically and engage deeply with sociological concepts. Some of them are Introduction to Sociology, Money and Power, Humanitarian Activism, etc. You can find the full list here.
In addition to academics, students can participate in workshops, college preparation activities, and social events that foster a vibrant learning community.
Cost: $4,050–$14,950 + $75 application fee (varies by course load and program format)
Location: Residential, Online, or Commuter
Program Dates: June 21 – August 9 (7-week session)
Application Deadline: February 12
Eligibility: Rising high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors.
6. Classical Sociological Theory – University of Amsterdam
While not a full program, the Classical Sociological Theory course from the University of Amsterdam is a comprehensive online option for high school students interested in exploring foundational sociological theories. This self-paced Massive Open Online Course explores the influential works of prominent sociologists like Karl Marx, Max Weber, and Émile Durkheim. Through 9 modules, students will analyze key texts and examine how classical sociological ideas continue to shape modern social science.
The course combines video lectures with recommended readings and interactive quizzes to reinforce learning and deepen understanding of complex sociological concepts. This program is a good option for students interested in exploring how society functions and understanding the origins of sociological thought.
Cost: Free (with optional paid certificate)
Location: Online
Program Dates: Self-paced; 3 weeks at 4 hours per week (12 hours total)
Application Deadline: Open enrollment
Eligibility: Open to high school students and lifelong learners interested in sociology
7. Feminism and Social Justice – University of California, Santa Cruz
While not a structured program, the Feminism and Social Justice course from the University of California, Santa Cruz offers an introduction to key concepts in feminist theory and its intersection with social justice movements. This self-paced online course explores the evolution of feminism through the lens of three pivotal historical events: the Empire Zinc strike (1951), the trial of Angela Davis (1971–1972), and the contemporary #MeToo Movement.
Designed for beginners, the course aims to encourage critical thinking about gender, race, and activism. Through video lectures and discussions, students gain a foundational understanding of how feminist movements have shaped — and continue to influence — social justice efforts worldwide.
Cost: Free (with an optional paid certificate)
Location: Online
Program Dates: Self-paced; approximately 8 hours to complete
Application Deadline: Open enrollment
Eligibility: Open to all learners; no prior experience required
Image source – UC Berkeley logo
