For high school students interested in psychology, summer programs can be a direct way to move beyond classroom learning and explore the subject in depth. Psychology summer programs often combine lessons, discussions, and lab work to help you build an advanced skillset in areas such as neuroscience, mental health, behavioral science, and research methods. If you’re based in Texas and looking for an affordable way to explore psychology, consider a local program.
Texas is home to reputable institutions, such as UT Austin and Rice University, that open their doors to high school students each summer, giving you the chance to learn from experts while engaging with practical projects. Choosing local psychology summer programs can also help save on travel and housing costs.
Beyond academics, these programs give you a clearer sense of what pursuing psychology in college or as a career entails. Below, we have listed 13 options for psychology summer programs for high school students in Texas that range from short immersions to research internships. They also include a few virtual psychology summer programs that allow students in Texas to apply.
1. Summer High School Research Academy at UT Austin
Location: UT Austin, Austin, TX
Cost: $4,000; need-based scholarship is available
Dates: June 9 – July 16
Application Deadline: March 23
Eligibility: Rising sophomores, juniors, and seniors who are Texas residents and will be at least 15 years old by June 1
The High School Research Academy at UT Austin hosts a 5-week summer research opportunity for rising Texas high school sophomores through seniors, placing you in labs across fields like neuroscience, genetics, environmental science, and biochemistry. This program involves spending 15 to 20 hours per week with your research group, developing practical laboratory techniques while learning to analyze results and solve problems with undergraduate and faculty mentors. You also gain experience in scientific communication by attending seminars by guest speakers, collaborating with peers, and presenting a research poster at the program’s symposium. Through guided involvement in authentic research projects, you build transferable skills in critical thinking, experimental design, and data interpretation.
2. Summer Internship at University of Houston’s MohanLab
Location: MohanLab, University of Houston, TX
Cost/Stipend: Paid, amount not specified
Dates: June 2 – July 25
Application Deadline: March 28
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors with a strong academic record
The MohanLab Summer Internship at the University of Houston provides a focused introduction to biomedical and health sciences research. The initial 1-2 weeks are dedicated to foundational training, and 8 weeks to research, where you learn essential lab techniques while being guided by a graduate student or scientist. This program helps you explore how biology, engineering principles, and psychology can interact and influence health outcomes, presenting an interesting opportunity for students. You present your findings at a joint laboratory meeting, and also have the opportunity to contribute to research publications or continue your research beyond the summer session.
3. BEAT Academy at UT Health San Antonio
Location: UT Health Lozano Long Campus, San Antonio, TX
Cost: $1,000
Dates: July 14 – 18
Application Deadline: Typically by June 20, with students admitted on a rolling basis until seats are full
Eligibility: High school students interested in health sciences
The BEAT (Biomedical Excellence and Academic Training) Academy at UT Health San Antonio is a week-long program that introduces you to biomedical and medical sciences like neuroscience, physiology, and aging. As one of the 20 students admitted, you study areas such as neurodegeneration, physiology, aging, and anatomy through labs, seminars, and simulations, making this a truly informative program. It also allows you to work with the latest biomedical technology, participate in biomolecular experiments, and more. With their college-prep workshops, you also gain a better understanding of academic pathways in health sciences. The program offers an up-close look at how medicine and science intersect with behavior and brain study.
4. High School Summer Honors Program at University of Austin, Texas
Location: University of Austin, Austin, TX
Cost: None
Dates: June 27 – 29
Application Deadline: May 8 (rolling admissions after this date until spots are filled)
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors (exceptional rising sophomores can be considered) | U.S. citizens or permanent residents | At least 15 years old before the start of the program
The High School Summer Honors Program at the University of Austin is a tuition-free, 3-day seminar experience for rising juniors and seniors, with exceptional rising sophomores occasionally considered. The core offerings for the current year included ‘The Psychology of Social Status,’ where you will unpack how status influences social perception, behavior identity, group dynamics, interpersonal relationships, and decision-making, across contexts using college-level readings and guided discussions. Delivered through small seminars and structured debates, the program cultivates academic curiosity and inquiry, offering the chance to network and partake in the UATX spirit. Attendees will have to arrange their own commute and lodging in this non-residential program.
5. Psychology Academy – Summer Discovery at UT Austin
Location: University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX
Cost: $3,599 for commuter; $6,599 for residential; scholarships are available
Dates: June 14 – 26
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions; late submissions permitted until May 1 with late application fee surcharge with a 1-day expedited application review
Eligibility: All high school students with an interest in psychology
Through Summer Discovery, the Psychology Academy at UT Austin delivers a focused psychology summer program for high school students in Texas led by a seasoned licensed clinical social worker. You explore critical theories, developmental psychology, behavioral patterns, and cognition. Sessions also feature guest speakers from the field, helping you gain a clearer view of the career paths studying psychology offers. Through journaling, you gain insight into how positive thinking impacts mental health. The program also features meaningful research, which will empower you to apply your learnings in real settings. By the end, you will receive a Course Completion Certificate as well as a Letter of Recognition.
6. Positive Psychology and Mental Wellness – Summer Discovery at UT Austin
Location: University of Texas at Austin
Cost: $7,999 for residential; $4,599 for commuter; scholarships are available
Dates: June 28 – July 17
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions; late submissions permitted until May 1 with late application fee surcharge with a 1-day expedited application review
Eligibility: All high school students with an interest in psychology
This program introduces high school students to the fundamentals of positive developmental psychology and the science behind well-being. Throughout the course, you will examine key psychological concepts such as happiness, well-being, strengths and virtues, optimism, resilience, gratitude, curiosity, meaning, purpose, and the role of positive relationships in emotional and psychological health across the lifespan. The curriculum features dynamic lectures, case studies, group discussions, practical exercises, fieldwork applications, and guided research projects. You will gain skills in applying positive psychology research methods and learn to use its principles to enhance personal well-being. Additionally, upon completion of the program, you receive a Course Completion Certificate and a Letter of Recognition.
7. Foundations of Psychology – Summer Discovery at UT Austin
Location: University of Texas at Austin
Cost: Residential: $7,999 for residential; $4,599 for commuter students; scholarships are available
Dates: June 28 – July 17
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions; late submissions permitted until May 1 with late application fee surcharge with a 1-day expedited application review
Eligibility: All high school students with an interest in psychology
Foundations of Psychology is an intensive three-week summer program that offers high school students a comprehensive introduction to psychological science. By attending lectures, participating in classroom experiments, and engaging in discussions, you will explore foundational psychological theories, the connection between mind and body, and how individuals operate socially, cognitively, and emotionally. The course also enhances critical thinking by encouraging evaluation of research and hands-on learning exercises. You will develop a deeper understanding of human behavior through classical psychological concepts and their practical applications. Upon completion, you will receive a Certificate of Completion from UT Austin along with a Letter of Recognition from Summer Discovery.
8. Neuroscience: Unlocking the Brain’s Secrets – Summer Discovery at UT Austin
Location: University of Texas at Austin
Cost: Residential: $7,999 for residential; $4,599 for commuter students; scholarships are available
Dates: June 28 – July 17
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions; late submissions permitted until May 1 with late application fee surcharge with a 1-day expedited application review
Eligibility: All high school students with an interest in psychology
In this program, you will explore key topics such as brain structure and function, neural communication, sensory perception, and the biology behind behavior. Activities include hands-on lab sessions in the university’s Anatomy Lab, analyzing brain models, participating in experiments related to neural processes, and exploring real-world applications of neuroscience in health and behavior. The program is unique in offering a genuine college-level experience taught by UT Austin faculty, combined with practical learning. You will sharpen critical thinking, scientific analysis, and research skills while gaining a deeper understanding of human biology and psychology. Completing this program gives you a Course Completion Certificate and a Letter of Recognition from Summer Discovery.
9. Inspiring Careers in Mental Health – UT Southwestern
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: None
Dates: 2 weeks in June
Application Deadline: Typically early February
Eligibility: Rising 10-12 graders
The UT Southwestern internship is a 2-week virtual summer program that provides rising 10-12-grade students with direct exposure to the spectrum of mental health careers. You engage with professionals, including psychiatrists, neuropsychologists, licensed clinical social workers, and physician assistants, who lead the experience through online sessions. You also learn about the disciplines of psychotherapy, neuropsychological testing, interventional psychiatry, community psychiatry, and neuroscience. The program involves completing curated readings that range from mainstream media articles to scientific journal excerpts. You can also get experts to answer your questions about daily responsibilities, educational pathways, and career development in the field.
10. Psychology in Our Everyday Lives by Rice University
Location: Virtual
Cost: $1,795
Dates: Multiple options throughout the year (2-4 weeks); For summer, multiple one, two and four week sessions with varying dates between June and August
Application Deadline: Varies by cohort between June and August; always one week before the program start date
Eligibility: High school students aged at least 13 years
Rice University’s ‘Psychology in Our Everyday Lives’ is an online, asynchronous pre-college course that introduces high school students to foundational psychological concepts, like cognitive and health psychology. The curriculum emphasizes how research methods and statistics underpin insights into behavior, and also focuses on emerging intersections (AI and social media) and fast-growing subdisciplines (human factors and organizational psychology). Your learning will be reinforced through curated assignments and simulations that encourage analytical engagement, all while being guided by mentors. The course involves a capstone project: a 3-minute news-style video where you articulate a real-world problem using psychological frameworks and present a solution with clear reasoning.
11. American Psychological Association Internship
Location: Virtual
Stipend: Both paid and academic credit only options
Dates: Year-round options; summer internships are available
Application Deadline: Varies by cohort; rolling admissions
Eligibility: Students who are eligible to work in the U.S. and reside in a state where APA is a registered employer | Enrolled at least part-time in an academic institution
The American Psychological Association (APA) Internship Program aims to provide high school students with a comprehensive understanding of how psychology is applied in real-world settings. You may assist with tasks such as publishing, research, policy, literature reviews, outreach efforts, administrative work, or web-based tasks, and more, which help you gain insight into the impact of psychology beyond the clinic. Depending on placement, you attend workshops, participate in group projects, and network with senior psychologists. The program also allows you to dive deep into topics relevant to young professionals and presents the opportunity to hone your writing and organizational skills.
12. Introduction to Psychology by Cornell
Location: Virtual
Cost: $5,820 ($1,940 per credit; this is a three-credit course)
Dates: June 23 – August 1
Application Deadline: May 19
Eligibility: High school sophomore, junior, or senior
Cornell’s ‘Introduction to Psychology’ is a synchronized online course offered through its Precollege Studies program, covering everything from the field’s history to some of the latest advances. It focuses on major topics, including morality, social behavior, religion, and cognitive creativity. You also learn the scientific methods psychologists use, such as developmental observation, cross-cultural comparisons, and even basic brain activity measurement techniques. Through lectures and discussions, you sharpen skills in critical thinking, experimental design, and applying psychological theories to real-life questions, like why we blush or how reliable memories are. Coursework is delivered through daily live sessions, allowing real-time engagement with faculty and coursemates.
13. Psychology and Brain Sciences Summer Programs by Johns Hopkins
Location: Virtual
Cost: $1,950 per credit with a $85 application fee; financial aid is available
Dates: 2 weeks in the summer between June 23 and August 1
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Eligibility: 10-12 graders who have a 3.0 GPA or higher
Johns Hopkins provides multiple 2-week, online pre-college courses in psychology and brain sciences. Topics include Psychological Profiling, Psychopathology and Its Development, Neuroscience and Human Behavior, and Neurobiology: Cellular and Systems. You build foundational knowledge of the topic, get insight into lab work and research methods, learn to critically examine complex topics, and study evidence-based treatments, among many more opportunities. Coursework is delivered asynchronously, with some options offering live group discussions or office hours. By completing any of the offered courses, you earn one college credit, a concrete academic credential to include in future applications.
One more option – Horizon Academic Research Program
If you’re looking for a competitive mentored research program in subjects like data science, machine learning, political theory, biology, and chemistry, consider applying to Horizon’s Research Seminars and Labs! This is a selective virtual research program that lets you engage in advanced research and develop a research paper on a subject of your choosing. Horizon has worked with 1000+ high school students so far and offers 600+ research specializations for you to choose from. You can find the application link here!
Image source – University of Texas at Austin