psychology research programs for high school students

• Success Stories
• AI Scholar Program
• Startup Internship Program
• Research Scholar Program
• GOALS Academic Support Program
• Test Prep Program
• Passion Project Program
• For Families
• For Schools
• For Employers
• Partnerships

Content Guides

• News And Awards
• College Admissions
• Events and Webinars

10 Psychology Research Programs for High School Students (2024)

Applications.

• Pre-Application
• Acceptance Rates
• Exams (ACT, AP, SAT)
• Extracurricular(s)
• Interviews & Networking
• Letters of Recommendation
• Research Projects
• Summer Programs
• Arts (Fine & Performing)
• Business & Economics
• Engineering
• Computer Science
• Humanities & Social Science
• Mathematics
• Hard Sciences

Grade Levels

• High School
• Undergraduate
• Middle School

Sophia Minhas

College admissions creative designer and lead admissions expert, table of contents, why psychology research programs, 1. stanford university’s clinical neuroscience immersion experience (cni-x), 2. mary s. easton center at ucla neuroscience high school scholars program.

• 3. Yale Young Global Scholars (YYGS): Biological & Biomedical Science Program
• 4. Boston University’s Research in Science & Engineering (RISE): Neuroscience
• 5. Johns Hopkins University’s Summer at Hopkins: Psychology and Brain Sciences Summer Programs & Courses

6. UC Berkeley’s Pre-College Scholars Summer Program: Psychology

7. university of michigan’s summer discovery: psychology academy, 8. georgetown university’s summer high school programs: psychology, 9. duke university’s summer college for high school students: psychology, 10. northwestern university’s college preparation program: psychology, final thoughts.

Stay up-to-date on the latest research and college admissions trends with our blog team.

Psychology is a fascinating field that explores the complexities of the human mind and behavior, offering insight into why people think, feel, and act the way they do. It also opens up various career opportunities and interests, allowing high school students to learn more about themselves and their peers and promoting critical thinking and empathy. Moreover, studying psychology broadens students’ intellectual horizons and gives them essential skills such as research methodology, statistical analysis, and scientific writing. These skills are highly valuable for their academic and professional futures, making early exposure to this field highly advantageous.

There are numerous reasons why students should explore fields like psychology in their formative years. Studying psychology and neurological sciences offers a unique opportunity to understand the intricacies of human behavior, thought processes, and emotions. By studying psychology, students gain valuable insights into how people interact with their environment, make decisions, and cope with challenges. This knowledge can be applied to various aspects of life, enhancing interpersonal relationships, communication skills, and emotional intelligence. It can also support students’ growth through their formative years into adulthood.

Additionally, pursuing psychology in high school can open doors to many career opportunities . A foundation in psychology is beneficial for fields such as mental health, education, business, law, social services, entrepreneurship, medicine, and much more! Early exposure to psychological principles and research methodologies can also help to give students a competitive edge in higher education and future job markets. Moreover, the skills and knowledge gained from studying psychology, such as understanding human behavior and motivations, are universally applicable and valuable in any career!

Interested in learning more about whether the field of psychology is for you? Explore these podcasts and videos to better understand what psychology is all about!

• https://hiddenbrain.org
• https://www.apa.org/news/podcasts/speaking-of-psychology
• https://scottbarrykaufman.com/podcast

Video: High School Psychology: Better Understand Your World

Video: Why Study Psychology?

Video: Why Study Psychology? | College Majors | College Degrees | Study Hall

You may be wondering, though, how can I begin a path in psychology? Don't worry; we’re here to help! Participating in a psychology research program can provide high school students with hands-on experience and bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application. These programs will allow students to work alongside professionals, conduct experiments, and contribute to meaningful projects. Here are 10 psychology research programs you should consider when beginning your journey into the field of psychology!

Stanford University’s Clinical Neuroscience Immersion Experience (CNI-X) is a prestigious and intensive program designed for high school students interested in exploring the field of neuroscience and its clinical applications. The program provides a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience in neuroscience research, working alongside leading experts and researchers at one of the world’s top universities. Participants engage in various activities, including laboratory experiments, lectures, and discussions, all focused on understanding the brain’s function and its impact on behavior and mental health.

During the CNI-X program, students delve into neuroscience, psychiatry, and psychology, learning how these areas contribute to our understanding of neurological and psychiatric disorders. In addition to participating in interactive lectures, students in each session will spend guided time working in small teams to apply what they have learned to social issues related to psychiatry, psychology, or neuroscience. Through this immersive experience, participants acquire valuable skills and knowledge and build a strong foundation for future studies and careers in neuroscience and related fields.

Eligibility: Sophomore, junior, or senior year high school student

Duration: 2 weeks (different date offerings, with one being virtual)

Cost: $1,495 - $2,795

The Neuroscience High School Scholars Program is an educational opportunity for high school students from underrepresented communities to learn about neuroscience, specifically Alzheimer’s disease and related dementia research, at UCLA , a top neuroscience research university! Participants engage in activities combining theoretical learning with practical application, attending lectures and seminars led by renowned neuroscientists around various topics such as neural development, brain function, and neurological disorders.

A significant part of the program connects classroom learning with real-world and hands-on practice. During this program, students will work on real-world research projects related to ADRD, highlighting health disparities and cultural sensitivities. With the guidance of experienced mentors, they’ll learn to design experiments, collect and analyze data, and interpret their findings, enhancing their practical scientific skills and gaining insight into potential neuroscience careers.

Eligibility: Juniors and Seniors (16-18 years old), students from underrepresented communities or students who wish to work in careers with underrepresented communities, students who are mature, eager, and motivated to learn, and students who are considering a career in neuroscience

Duration: Dependent on the program, ranges from monthly seminars to a six-week intensive in-person summer program

3. Yale Young Global Scholars (YYGS): Biological & Biomedical Science Program

The Yale Young Global Scholars (YYGS) Biological & Biomedical Science Program is a prestigious summer program intended to provide high school students with an immersive experience in biology and biomedical science. The program aims to foster a deeper understanding of life sciences and equip students with the necessary tools and knowledge to pursue further studies and careers in these areas. Participants are instructed by Yale faculty and researchers, who introduce them to advanced concepts and cutting-edge research in various biological and biomedical fields.

The program also includes collaborative projects and discussions on bioethics, public health, and global health challenges integrated into the curriculum, prompting students to consider how scientific advancements can be used to address pressing issues facing the world today.

Video: what is yale young global scholars?

Eligibility: Be between the ages of 16 and 18 years old by July 21, 2024, be able to participate in a rigorous academic curriculum conducted in English, be a current high school sophomore or junior (or international equivalent), be graduating in May/June 2025 or 2026 from the Northern Hemisphere, or in Nov./Dec. 2024 or 2025 from the Southern Hemisphere, and be a first-time participant in YYGS

Duration: 2 weeks per session

Cost: $6,500

4. Boston University’s Research in Science & Engineering (RISE): Neuroscience

Boston University’s Research in Science & Engineering (RISE) program offers a specialized Neuroscience track to provide high school students with a comprehensive and immersive research experience. This esteemed program aims to cultivate students' scientific skills, knowledge, and passion for neuroscience through rigorous academic and hands-on research opportunities. The RISE summer internship and practicum is a six-week program combining intensive coursework and a mentored research project. For students interested in the internship, Boston University provides 40-hour weeks of intense learning through tailored research projects designed by mentors in various fields, including astronomy, biology, biomedical engineering, chemistry, computer science, electrical and computer engineering, mechanical engineering, medical laboratory research, neuroscience, physics, psychology, and public health.

Boston University also offers a practicum track for students interested in computational neuroscience, providing structured research practices. In the practicum, students attend two-hour lectures from Boston University’s neuroscience faculty and four hours of structured research time with peers. Under the guidance of their mentors, students engage in cutting-edge research projects, gaining hands-on experience in experimental design, data collection, and analysis. Students are encouraged to think independently, formulate research questions, and develop hypotheses. Throughout the program, they present their findings in lab meetings and group discussions, culminating in a final presentation where they showcase their research to peers, mentors, and faculty.

Video: Claudia Durbin: Research in Science and Engineering Internship (RISE)

Eligibility: Be entering your senior year of high school in fall 2024 and be a US citizen or legal permanent resident

Duration: Six weeks

Cost: Between $8,990 and $9,296

5. Johns Hopkins University’s Summer at Hopkins: Psychology and Brain Sciences Summer Programs & Courses

Johns Hopkins University’s Summer at Hopkins: Psychology and Brain Sciences Summer Programs & Courses offer high school students a unique opportunity to explore the complexities of the human mind and brain at one of the world's leading research institutions. These programs are designed to provide an immersive educational experience to help students learn the complexities of the neurological scientific field. Participants can choose from various courses covering psychology, childhood disorders and treatments, behavioral neuroscience, and psychopathology. These courses, taught by Johns Hopkins faculty and researchers, introduce students to cutting-edge theories and research methods, challenging them to think critically about psychological and brain sciences.

In addition to classroom learning, the Summer at Hopkins programs emphasize experiential learning through interactive seminars and group projects. The program also includes guest lectures from leading experts in the field, providing insights into current research trends and career paths in psychology and brain sciences. By the end of the program, students gain a comprehensive understanding of the field, valuable research experience, and a clearer vision of their future academic and professional goals!

Eligibility: A cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale is required for pre-college programs or Summer Term Undergraduate Courses. For summer courses, successful completion of 9th Grade is required before the program’s start date, and for pre-college programs, successful completion of 10th Grade is required before the course’s start date. Specific course prerequisites must also be met.

Duration: Two weeks to 10 weeks, held in multiple sessions (online or in-person)

Cost: $1,950 per one-credit course

UC Berkeley's Pre-College Scholars Summer Program in Psychology offers high school students a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the world of psychology. This intensive three-week program is designed for students with a strong interest in the field who are eager to explore the subject at a deeper level. Through lectures, discussions, and hands-on activities, students are exposed to various subfields of psychology, such as developmental psychology, cognitive psychology, and social psychology.

One of the program's highlights is the chance to conduct research under the guidance of experienced faculty members both on campus or online, depending on the program. Suppose students choose the summer Residential or commuter tracks. In that case, students can spend their summer living on campus and have access to UC Berkeley's state-of-the-art research facilities to design and execute their psychology experiments. This hands-on research experience enhances students' understanding of psychology and helps them develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

Eligibility:

• For Berkeley’s summer virtual track , students must have completed the 10th or 11th grade by the start of summer classes and plan to continue their high school studies in the subsequent fall, have an overall B average (3.0, weighted or unweighted) in all of their high school coursework, and be 16 years of age by June 16, 2024.
• For Berkeley’s Summer Commuter Track : students must currently reside in the state of California, have completed 10th or 11th grade by the start of summer classes, have an overall B average (3.0, weighted or unweighted) in all of their high school course work, be 16 years of age on or before June 16, 2024, and do not require residential housing and visa/I-20 support.
• For Berkeley’s Summer Residential Track : domestic students must have completed the 10th or 11th grade by the start of summer classes and plan to continue their high school studies in the subsequent fall, have an overall B average (3.0, weighted or unweighted) in all of their high school coursework, be 16 years of age by June 16, 2024, and require residential housing.

Duration: Dependent on the program, ranges from 3 weeks to 10 weeks, held in multiple sessions (online or in-person)

Cost: Dependent on the program, ranges from $595 per unit- to $15,800 (do provide scholarships)

The University of Michigan's Summer Discovery: Psychology Academy is an enriching program for high school students interested in exploring psychology. This summer program comprehensively overviews various psychological concepts, theories, and research methods, all while students experience life at the University of Michigan! During the summer sessions, students will gain a deep understanding of the human mind and behavior through classroom lectures, hands-on activities, and group projects. Through this, students will also connect with like-minded peers for a summer of learning and fun, enjoying fun activities and clubs to help engage students throughout their experience.

Participants attending Summer Discovery will be able to engage with renowned faculty members, psychologists, and researchers, allowing them to learn from experts in the field. The program also includes field trips to psychology-related institutions and facilities, providing a real-world context for the knowledge gained in the classroom!

Video: Summer Discovery at the University of Michigan

Duration: 2 to 6 weeks

Cost: $4,399 - $15,748

Georgetown University's Summer High School Programs offer a specialized psychology track for students interested in exploring the field. This program provides a comprehensive psychology overview covering perception, memory, cognition, neuroscience, learning, motivation, emotion, personality, social behavior, development, and psychopathology. During the summer courses, students will learn and understand the fundamental principles and theories of psychology through lectures, seminars, and interactive activities. Students can choose to take the course online or in person, depending on their location and the available summer session dates.

Video: Georgetown University Summer Programs for High School Students

Eligibility: To apply to High School Sessions — Summer College, students must be current or rising high school freshmen, sophomores, juniors, or rising seniors during the academic year before their summer program and show good academic standing with at least a 3.0 GPA.

Duration: Five weeks to eight weeks, held in multiple sessions (online or in-person)

Cost:  

Tuition for one 3-credit course: $6,159 ($2,053* per credit)

Housing (optional - Secured only by Summer Programs): $2,448* per session

Pre-college fee**: $745

Duke University's Summer College for High School Students offers a rigorous and immersive program focused on psychology. Students can study various aspects of psychology and neurology, including social psychology, neural Integration, and Sensory Pathways, all while enjoying a week or two on Duke’s expansive university campus! Through lectures, discussions, and hands-on activities, students will comprehensively understand the principles and theories governing human behavior, making it a wonderful program for students to gain key knowledge and practical learning to carry forward in their psychology studies.

One of the key features of Duke's program is its emphasis on experiential learning. Students can participate in research projects and psychological experiments on campus, allowing them to apply theoretical concepts to real-world situations. Additionally, as this is an on-campus program, students will have access to Duke's state-of-the-art research facilities, giving students a unique glimpse into scientific research. 

Video: Duke Summer Session for High School Students

Eligibility: Grades 9-11

Duration: One to two weeks

Cost: Residential: $2,800 tuition + $1,900 room and meal fee

Commuter: $2,800 tuition + $250 meal fee

Northwestern University's College Preparation Program in Psychology offers high school students a unique opportunity to explore the field of psychology while experiencing college life firsthand. This program gives students an in-depth understanding of psychological theories, research methods, and real-world applications. Students will experience college-level courses taught by Northwestern faculty, covering various topics such as cognitive psychology, social psychology, developmental psychology, and neuroscience studies. 

In addition to rigorous academic coursework, the College Preparation Program emphasizes experiential learning. Students engage in hands-on activities, including laboratory experiments, group projects, and case studies, allowing them to apply theoretical knowledge to practical scenarios. The program also provides opportunities for students to attend workshops on college admissions, essay writing, and career planning, helping them prepare for their future academic and professional endeavors.

Video: Northwestern University College Prep

Eligibility: For college credit, Students must have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale, be 15 to 17 years of age at the start of the program (06/17/2024), and have completed sophomore or junior year of high school by the commencement of the program

For e-FOCUS/IN FOCUS Admission: Students must have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale, be 14 to 17 years of age at the start of the program (06/17/2024), and have completed freshman, sophomore, or junior year of high school by the commencement of the program

Duration: 2 weeks per session (e-Focus online or 3-10 weeks online or in-person )

Cost: Ranges by program - between $1,850 and $5,407

Exploring psychology through research programs can open up many possibilities for high school students. By participating in these programs, students gain valuable knowledge and skills and develop a passion for the field that can drive their future academic and career endeavors. Whether you are interested in cognitive psychology, neuroscience, or clinical psychology, these ten programs provide excellent opportunities to immerse yourself in the world of psychological sciences. A great psychology research program can set the stage for a successful future in the field.

Looking for guidance to determine if the field of psychology is the right fit for you? Look no further than Empowerly! Our admissions and subject experts team spans various fields and is ready to help you discover a major or field of study that aligns with your interests and goals. From planning your path to submitting applications for summer programs like the ones mentioned above, our dedicated counselors and admissions experts are here to support you every step. With our help, you'll have the best chance of success in gaining admission to intensive programs, college admissions, and beyond. Schedule a free consultation with our team today to get started on your journey.

Share this article:

College apps can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone. empowerly college counseling is in it with you., related articles.

Top 49 STEM Summer Programs For High School Student

25 Best Colleges for STEM Majors in the U.S. By Region

Easiest and Hardest Science Majors (2024 Edition)

• [email protected]
• (650) 338-8226

Cupertino, CA

• Our Philosophy
• Our Results
• News, Media, and Press
• Common Application
• College Application Essay Editing
• Extracurricular Planning
• Academic Guidance
• Summer Programs
• Interview Preparation

Middle School

• Pre-High School Consultation
• Boarding School Admissions

College Admissions

• Academic and Extracurricular Profile Evaluation
• Senior Editor College Application Program
• Summer Program Applications
• Private Consulting Program
• Transfer Admissions
• UC Transfer Admissions
• Ivy League Transfer Admissions

Graduate Admissions

• Graduate School Admissions
• MBA Admissions

Private Tutoring

• SAT/ACT Tutoring
• AP Exam Tutoring
• Olympiad Training

Research Programs

• Science Research Program
• Humanities Competitions
• Passion Project Program
• Ad Hoc Consulting
• Athletic Recruitment
• National Universities Rankings
• Liberal Arts Colleges Rankings
• Public Schools Rankings

Acceptance Rates

• University Acceptance Rates
• Transfer Acceptance Rates
• Supplemental Essays
• College Admissions Data
• Chances Calculator
• GPA Calculator

National Universities

• College Acceptance Rates
• College Overall Acceptance Rates
• College Regular Acceptance Rates
• College Early Acceptance Rates
• Ivy League Acceptance Rates
• Ivy League Overall Acceptance Rates
• Ivy League Regular Acceptance Rates
• Ivy League Early Acceptance Rates

Public Schools

• Public Schools Acceptance Rates
• Public Schools Overall Acceptance Rates
• Public Schools Regular Acceptance Rates
• Public Schools Early Acceptance Rates

Liberal Arts

• Liberal Arts Colleges Acceptance Rates
• Liberal Arts Colleges Overall Acceptance Rates
• Liberal Arts Colleges Regular Acceptance Rates
• Liberal Arts Colleges Early Acceptance Rates

Top 20 Psychology Programs for High School Students 

By Eric Eng

Are you a high school student with a fascination for the human mind? Are you considering a future in psychology and seeking out top-notch programs to ignite your passion and set you on the path to success? Look no further. In this article, we’ve curated a list of the top 20 psychology programs tailored specifically for high school students eager to explore the complexities of the human psyche.

These programs offer a diverse list of opportunities, from hands-on research experiences to immersive summer camps and workshops led by esteemed psychologists and educators. Whether you’re intrigued by cognitive neuroscience, clinical psychology, or social psychology, there’s a program on this list to match your interests and help you explore the fascinating field of psychology. So, if you’re ready to embark on a journey of self-discovery and intellectual growth, read on to discover the perfect program to fuel your passion for understanding the workings of the mind.

1. Yale Young Global Scholars (YYGS) Program

• Location: Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
• Registration Fee: $6,500
• Eligibility: High schoolers (grades 10-12) interested in psychology
• Important Dates: Applications in late fall, program in summer

The Yale Young Global Scholars (YYGS) Program is a prestigious summer initiative hosted by Yale University, catering to intellectually curious high school students from around the world. With a specific focus on fostering global citizenship and leadership, YYGS offers a diverse range of academic tracks, one of which dives into the fascinating realm of psychology. Through rigorous coursework, interactive seminars, and hands-on research opportunities, participants in the psychology track of YYGS gain invaluable insights into the complexities of the human mind and behavior.

Led by renowned scholars and experts in the field, the YYGS psychology program covers a wide array of topics, including cognitive psychology, social psychology, developmental psychology, and more. Students engage in lively discussions, collaborative projects, and experiential learning activities designed to deepen their understanding of psychological principles and methodologies. Furthermore, participants have the chance to conduct original research under the guidance of faculty mentors, allowing them to explore their interests and contribute meaningfully to the field of psychology. Overall, the YYGS Program provides an enriching and transformative experience for young scholars passionate about psychology, equipping them with the knowledge, skills, and perspective to make a positive impact in their communities and beyond.

2. Stanford University High School Summer College

• Location: Stanford University
• Registration Fee: 2024, $50
• Eligibility: High school students
• Important Dates: June 22, 2024, to August 18, 2024

Stanford University High School Summer College offers an unparalleled opportunity for ambitious high school students to immerse themselves in college-level coursework and experience life on one of the world’s most prestigious campuses. This program provides a unique blend of academic rigor and intellectual exploration, allowing students to engage deeply with their chosen field of study. For those interested in psychology, Stanford’s Summer College offers a range of courses that engage into various aspects of the discipline, from cognitive psychology to social psychology and beyond.

Participants in the Stanford High School Summer College can expect to learn from distinguished faculty members who are experts in their respective fields. Through a combination of lectures, discussions, and hands-on activities, students gain a comprehensive understanding of the principles and theories that underpin psychology. Moreover, the program provides ample opportunities for students to collaborate with their peers, fostering a dynamic learning environment where ideas are exchanged, and perspectives are challenged.

3. Harvard Pre-College Program in Psychology

• Location: Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
• Registration Fee: $5,550 + $75 application fee.
• Eligibility: High school students (typically grades 10-12) interested in psychology
• Important Dates: Application opens late fall, program in summer.

The Harvard Pre-College Program in Psychology offers high school students an unparalleled opportunity to dive deep into the fascinating world of psychological science at one of the world’s most prestigious academic institutions. This program is designed for intellectually curious students who are passionate about understanding the complexities of human behavior, cognition, and emotion. Throughout the duration of the program, participants engage in a rigorous academic curriculum led by renowned faculty members and experienced researchers from Harvard’s Department of Psychology.

Students enrolled in the Harvard Pre-College Program in Psychology have the chance to explore a wide range of topics within the field, including developmental psychology, cognitive neuroscience, social psychology, and clinical psychology. Through a combination of lectures, seminars, workshops, and hands-on research projects, participants gain invaluable insights into the theories, methodologies, and applications of psychological research. Whether they’re conducting experiments in state-of-the-art laboratories, analyzing case studies, or engaging in lively discussions with their peers, students are immersed in an intellectually stimulating environment that fosters critical thinking, collaboration, and personal growth.

4. Johns Hopkins Center for Talented Youth (CTY) Psychology Program

• Location: Various locations across the U.S.
• Registration Fee: $50
• Eligibility : Grades 7-11, advanced assessment required.
• Important Dates: Summer; registration deadline May 3, 2024

The Johns Hopkins Center for Talented Youth (CTY) Psychology Program is a prestigious opportunity designed for intellectually curious high school students who have a passion for understanding the human mind and behavior. Hosted by one of the world’s leading institutions in education and psychology, this program offers participants an immersive experience in the field of psychology, providing a stimulating environment where they can explore various aspects of this dynamic discipline.

Throughout the program, students engage in a range of activities carefully crafted to enhance their understanding of psychology. They explore into topics such as cognitive psychology, developmental psychology, social psychology, and abnormal psychology, gaining insight into the fundamental theories and principles that underpin each area. Through hands-on experiments, interactive discussions, and engaging lectures led by experienced instructors, participants not only expand their theoretical knowledge but also develop critical thinking skills and research methodologies essential for success in the field.

5. Duke University Talent Identification Program (TIP) Psychology Studies

• Location: Duke University campus, Durham, North Carolina, USA
• Registration Fee:  Unspecified, however, t uition is $2,800.
• Eligibility: Students currently in grades 6-11.
• Important Dates:  Starts at Session 1 (June 16-28) & Session 3 (July 7-19)

Duke University Talent Identification Program (TIP) Psychology Studies is an enriching opportunity designed for high school students with a keen interest in exploring the depths of the human mind. As part of Duke TIP, this program offers a stimulating environment where students can engage in rigorous academic exploration under the guidance of expert faculty and psychologists. With a focus on hands-on learning and interactive coursework, participants engage on various subfields of psychology, including cognitive psychology, social psychology, developmental psychology, and more.

Through a blend of classroom instruction, research projects, and experiential learning activities, students gain a comprehensive understanding of psychological theories, methodologies, and applications. They have the chance to conduct experiments, analyze data, and present their findings, honing essential research and critical thinking skills along the way. Additionally, the program fosters a supportive community of like-minded peers, providing opportunities for collaboration, discussion, and intellectual growth.

Beyond the academic curriculum, Duke TIP Psychology Studies offers a range of extracurricular activities and events to complement students’ learning experiences. From guest lectures by renowned psychologists to field trips to psychology labs and institutions, participants immerse themselves in the vibrant world of psychology and gain valuable insights into potential career paths and academic pursuits. Overall, Duke TIP Psychology Studies empowers high school students to explore their passion for psychology, equipping them with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to excel in their future academic and professional endeavors.

6. Columbia University High School Summer Immersion: Psychology

• Location:  203 Lewisohn Hall, 2970 Broadway, MC 4119, New York, NY, 10027
• Registration Fee:  Unspecified
• Eligibility:  Rising 10th-11th grade
• Important Dates: Program duration is September 23 to December 03, Sunday, 1:00–3:00 p.m. ET, Online

Columbia University’s High School Summer Immersion Program offers a captivating opportunity for young minds eager to explore the realms of psychology. This immersive experience provides high school students with a unique chance to engage in a rigorous academic curriculum while being immersed in the vibrant culture of New York City. The psychology track within this program dives deep into the fundamental principles of human behavior, cognition, and emotion, offering students a comprehensive understanding of the field.

7. University of Pennsylvania Pre-College Program in Psychology

• Location:  3440 Market Street, Suite 450, Philadelphia, PA 19104-3335
• Eligibility:  Current 10th-11th grade students
• Important Dates:  July 2 – August 10, 2024

The University of Pennsylvania Pre-College Program in Psychology offers high school students a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the study of the human mind and behavior within one of the world’s leading Ivy League institutions. This program provides an intensive and comprehensive exploration of psychology, encompassing theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience. Under the guidance of distinguished faculty members and experienced mentors, students explore into various subfields of psychology, including cognitive psychology, developmental psychology, social psychology, and clinical psychology.

Throughout the program, participants engage in a dynamic blend of lectures, seminars, interactive workshops, and laboratory activities designed to foster critical thinking skills and deepen their understanding of psychological concepts. They have the chance to conduct experiments, analyze data, and explore real-world applications of psychological theories. Additionally, students may have the opportunity to collaborate on research projects, gaining invaluable insights into the scientific inquiry process. By the end of the program, participants emerge with a newfound appreciation for the complexities of human behavior and a solid foundation in the principles of psychology, equipping them for future academic pursuits and career aspirations in this dynamic field.

8. MIT Research Science Institute (RSI) Psychology Track

• Location:  Jones Branch Drive, Suite 700, McLean, VA 22102; (703) 448-9062
• Eligibility:  High School Students
• Important Dates:  Unspecified

The MIT Research Science Institute (RSI) Psychology Track offers high school students a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the fascinating world of psychology through an intensive summer program. Hosted by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), one of the world’s leading institutions in science and technology, RSI provides a rigorous and enriching experience for young scholars passionate about understanding the complexities of the human mind.

Participants in the Psychology Track focus on a diverse range of topics within the field, including cognitive psychology, behavioral neuroscience, social psychology, and more. Through hands-on research projects, seminars led by esteemed faculty members, and collaborative discussions with peers, students gain invaluable insights into the methodologies and theories that underpin psychological inquiry. They also have the chance to work closely with MIT professors and graduate students, gaining exposure to cutting-edge research techniques and exploring potential career paths in psychology and related fields.

9. University of California, Berkeley Pre-College Psychology Program

• Location:  University Avenue and, Oxford St, Berkeley, CA 94720, United States
• Registration Fee:  Program Application Fee: $25
• Eligibility:  Open to both domestic and international high school students who will be 16–18 years old by the start of the program.
• Important Dates:  Application opens – Thursday, February 15, 2024, 9:00 am (PST)Application deadline – Monday, June 3, 2024, 11:59 pm (PST)

The University of California, Berkeley Pre-College Psychology Program offers an exceptional opportunity for high school students to immerse themselves in the study of psychology within one of the world’s most prestigious academic institutions. This program is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of psychological concepts, theories, and methodologies while engaging in hands-on learning experiences. Participants will have the chance to explore various subfields of psychology, including cognitive, developmental, social, clinical, and neuroscience.

Throughout the program, students will benefit from a dynamic curriculum taught by experienced faculty members who are experts in their respective fields. They will engage in interactive lectures, group discussions, and laboratory activities that are designed to enhance their critical thinking skills and analytical abilities. Additionally, students will have the opportunity to collaborate with peers who share their passion for psychology, fostering a supportive and intellectually stimulating learning environment.

10. UCLA Psychology Summer Institute

• Location:  1331 Murphy Hall Los Angeles, CA 90095-1418.
• Registration Fee:  $350 registration fee
• Important Dates:  May 1, 2024, is the registration deadline for International Students.

The UCLA Psychology Summer Institute offers an immersive and enriching experience for high school students interested in exploring the dynamic field of psychology. Held at the prestigious University of California, Los Angeles campus, this program provides participants with a comprehensive introduction to various facets of psychology, from cognitive and developmental psychology to social and clinical psychology. Through engaging lectures, interactive workshops, and hands-on activities, students gain a deeper understanding of the principles and methodologies underlying psychological research and practice.

One of the highlights of the UCLA Psychology Summer Institute is the opportunity for students to work closely with renowned faculty members and experienced graduate students in the field. Participants have the chance to collaborate on research projects, conduct experiments, and analyze data under the guidance of experts, allowing them to gain invaluable insights into the research process and develop critical thinking and analytical skills. Additionally, the program offers field trips to psychology-related sites and organizations in the vibrant city of Los Angeles, providing students with real-world exposure to the applications of psychology in various settings.

11. Northwestern University College Prep Program in Psychology

• Location: Office of Summer Session and Special Programs, Northeastern University , 405 Church Street, Evanston, Illinois 60208
• Registration Fee:  $60 non-refundable.
• Eligibility:  15 to 17 years of age at the start of the program (06/17/2024)
• Important Dates: The application  deadline is April 1, 2024.

The Northwestern University College Prep Program in Psychology provides high school students with a comprehensive and immersive experience in the field of psychology. Hosted by one of the leading institutions in psychological research and education, this program offers participants a unique opportunity to explore various aspects of psychology, from cognitive processes to social behavior and beyond.

Throughout the program, students engage in a blend of lectures, seminars, hands-on activities, and research projects led by distinguished faculty members and experienced mentors. They focus on topics such as developmental psychology, abnormal psychology, experimental design, and statistical analysis, gaining both theoretical knowledge and practical skills essential for success in the field.

Moreover, participants have access to Northwestern’s state-of-the-art facilities and resources, including laboratories equipped with cutting-edge technology for conducting experiments and analyzing data. By immersing themselves in the vibrant academic community at Northwestern, students not only expand their understanding of psychology but also develop critical thinking abilities, collaboration skills, and a deeper appreciation for the complexities of human behavior. Whether aspiring to pursue psychology in higher education or simply curious about the workings of the mind, the Northwestern University College Prep Program in Psychology offers an enriching experience that prepares students for future academic and professional endeavors.

12. Brown University Pre-College Program in Psychology

• Location:  Brown University , Providence, RI 02912, USA
• Registration Fee: Unspecified.
• Eligibility:  Rising 9th and 10th Graders.
• Important Dates: Application Deadline is on Friday, May 10, 2024, 11:59 p.m. ET

The Brown University Pre-College Program in Psychology offers a stimulating and immersive experience for high school students eager to explore the intricacies of the human mind. Hosted by one of the leading institutions in the field of psychology, this program provides participants with an unparalleled opportunity to engage in academic inquiry and hands-on learning under the guidance of esteemed faculty members and experienced mentors.

Throughout the program, students explore various subfields of psychology, from cognitive psychology to social psychology, gaining a comprehensive understanding of theories, methodologies, and empirical research techniques. Through a combination of lectures, seminars, and interactive workshops, participants develop critical thinking skills, analytical reasoning abilities, and a deeper appreciation for the complexities of human behavior.

13. University of Chicago Summer Session in Psychology

• Location:  UChicago Summer Session, 5845 South Ellis Avenue, Gates-Blake 509 Chicago, IL 60637
• Registration Fee: 2024,
• Eligibility:  9th Grade, 10th Grade, and 11th Grade.
• Important Dates: Starting date is on July 10 and ends on July 26.

The University of Chicago Summer Session in Psychology provides an immersive and enriching experience for high school students interested in exploring the field of psychology. This program offers a comprehensive overview of various psychological concepts, theories, and research methods through a combination of lectures, seminars, and hands-on activities. Students will have the opportunity to engage with distinguished faculty members and researchers, gaining insights into cutting-edge developments in the field.

Throughout the program, participants will focus on a wide range of topics within psychology, including cognitive psychology, social psychology, developmental psychology, and more. Through interactive discussions and collaborative projects, students will develop critical thinking skills and analytical abilities essential for success in the field of psychology. Additionally, they will have the chance to conduct their own research projects under the guidance of experienced mentors, allowing them to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world situations.

By participating in the University of Chicago Summer Session in Psychology, high school students will not only gain a deeper understanding of the complexities of human behavior and cognition but also get a taste of college life at one of the world’s leading research universities. This program offers a unique opportunity for aspiring psychologists to connect with like-minded peers, explore their interests, and lay the groundwork for future academic and professional pursuits in the field of psychology.

14. Cornell University Summer College: Introduction to Psychology

• Location:  Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14850, USA
• Registration Fee:  Tuition is $1,750 per credit. Financial aid is available.
• Eligibility:  Rising Juniors and Seniors.
• Important Dates: The application deadline is on May 5, 2024.

Cornell University Summer College offers a comprehensive and immersive Introduction to Psychology program designed specifically for high school students eager to explore the fascinating world of human behavior and cognition. This program provides participants with a dynamic learning experience that combines academic rigor with hands-on activities and discussions led by expert faculty members. Students enrolled in this course focus on the fundamental principles of psychology, ranging from the biological bases of behavior to social psychology and everything in between.

Through engaging lectures, interactive seminars, and thought-provoking discussions, participants gain a deeper understanding of the complexities of the human mind and behavior. They explore various psychological theories and research methodologies, while also honing critical thinking and analytical skills essential for success in the field of psychology and beyond. Additionally, students have the opportunity to participate in experiential learning activities, such as group projects, case studies, and field trips, allowing them to apply theoretical concepts to real-world situations and deepen their understanding of psychology’s practical applications.

15. University of Michigan High School Psychology Program

• Location:  610 E. University Avenue, Room 1413, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-1259
• Registration Fee:  Unspecified, Financial aid available.
• Eligibility:  High School Students.
• Important Dates:  Application Deadline is in the Fall.

The University of Michigan High School Psychology Program provides an enriching and immersive experience for motivated high school students interested in delving into the fascinating world of psychology. This program offers a blend of academic rigor, hands-on learning, and exposure to cutting-edge research in various subfields of psychology. Designed to challenge and inspire students, the curriculum covers fundamental topics such as cognitive psychology, social psychology, developmental psychology, and abnormal psychology.

Participants in the University of Michigan High School Psychology Program have the unique opportunity to engage in interactive lectures, discussions, and experiential learning activities led by distinguished faculty members and experienced instructors. Through dynamic coursework and collaborative projects, students gain a deeper understanding of human behavior, mental processes, and the methods used to study them. Furthermore, the program encourages critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and effective communication, preparing students for future academic endeavors and careers in psychology or related fields.

Beyond the classroom, students also have access to the vibrant campus community of the University of Michigan, allowing them to explore additional resources, participate in extracurricular activities, and connect with like-minded peers who share their passion for psychology. Whether students aspire to become psychologists, researchers, therapists, or simply want to broaden their intellectual horizons, the University of Michigan High School Psychology Program provides a supportive and stimulating environment for personal and academic growth.

16. Carnegie Mellon University Pre-College Program in Psychology

• Location:  Carnegie Mellon University, 5000 Forbes Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, 412-268-5914
• Eligibility: Unspecified
• Important Dates: Early Decision Applications: February 1, 2024 International Applications: February 1, 2024 Scholarship Applications: March 1, 2024 AIS, CSS, and SAMS* Applications: March 1, 2024 Regular Decision Applications: March 1, 2024

The Carnegie Mellon University Pre-College Program in Psychology offers an immersive and enriching experience for high school students eager to explore the depths of human behavior and cognition. This program provides participants with a unique opportunity to engage in hands-on learning and research under the guidance of esteemed faculty members and experienced mentors. Through a combination of lectures, seminars, and practical exercises, students gain insight into various areas of psychology, including cognitive psychology, developmental psychology, and social psychology.

During the program, participants have the chance to dive into cutting-edge research projects and experiments, allowing them to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world scenarios. Whether they’re conducting experiments in the lab, analyzing data, or presenting their findings to peers and faculty members, students develop valuable research skills and critical thinking abilities. Additionally, the program fosters a supportive and collaborative learning environment, where students can exchange ideas, collaborate on projects, and form lasting connections with like-minded peers from around the globe. Overall, the Carnegie Mellon University Pre-College Program in Psychology equips high school students with the tools, knowledge, and experiences they need to excel in the field of psychology and beyond.

17. New York University (NYU) Precollege Psychology Experience

• Location:  New York University, New York, NY 10012, United States
• Registration Fee:  Unspecified, total cost for the program is $700+
• Eligibility:  Rising 11th or 12th grade high school students.
• Important Dates:  The application deadline for Summer Term (international students) is on March 15, and Summer Term (domestic students) is on June 12.

The New York University (NYU) Precollege Psychology Experience offers high school students an unparalleled opportunity to immerse themselves in the vibrant academic and cultural environment of NYU while delving into the fascinating world of psychology. This program provides participants with a comprehensive introduction to various aspects of psychology, including cognitive, social, developmental, and clinical psychology. Through engaging lectures, interactive discussions, and hands-on activities, students gain valuable insights into the complexities of the human mind and behavior.

18. Georgetown University Summer High School Programs in Psychology

• Location:  Georgetown University, 3700 O St NW, Washington, DC 20057, United States.
• Registration Fee:  Course Fee of $250.
• Important Dates: Introduction to the SAT & ACT Seminar Session I:

Wednesday, June 19 – 6:30–8:00 p.m. Thursday, June 20 – 6:30–8:00 p.m. Saturday, June 22 – 9:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.

Georgetown University’s Summer High School Programs in Psychology provide an enriching and immersive experience for students interested in exploring the fascinating realm of psychology. This program offers a blend of academic rigor and hands-on learning, allowing participants to focus on various subfields of psychology under the guidance of expert faculty members. Through a combination of lectures, discussions, and interactive activities, students gain a deeper understanding of key psychological concepts and research methods.

Participants in Georgetown’s Summer High School Programs in Psychology have the opportunity to engage in cutting-edge research projects, collaborate with peers who share their interests, and develop critical thinking and analytical skills essential for success in the field of psychology. Additionally, students benefit from access to Georgetown’s state-of-the-art facilities and resources, including laboratories and libraries, further enhancing their learning experience.

19. University of Virginia Summer Residential Governor’s School for Humanities and Medicine – Psychology Focus

• Location: 8115 Gatehouse Road, Falls Church, VA 22042
• Eligibility: 10th and 11th grade students.
• Important Dates: The application deadline is February 8, 2024.

The University of Virginia Summer Residential Governor’s School for Humanities and Medicine, with a focus on psychology, offers an unparalleled opportunity for high school students to immerse themselves in the multifaceted world of psychology. This intensive program combines academic rigor with hands-on learning experiences, providing students a comprehensive understanding of the field. Participants engage in a variety of activities, including seminars, workshops, research projects, and discussions led by distinguished faculty members and industry professionals.

20. Boston University Research in Science & Engineering (RISE) Program: Psychology Track

• Location:  Boston University , 200 Riverway, Suite 114, Boston, MA 02215
• Eligibility:  Students entering 12th grade in fall 2024 or Rising Juniors and Seniors.
• Important Dates:  Application deadline is May 24, 2024 at 5pm EDT (April 12, 2024 at 5pm EDT, for financial aid applicants and international students)

The Boston University Research in Science & Engineering (RISE) Program offers a unique and enriching opportunity for high school students interested in psychology to dive deep into the world of scientific research. With its dedicated Psychology Track Focus, RISE provides a comprehensive experience tailored specifically to students passionate about understanding the complexities of the human mind and behavior.

Moreover, the RISE Program fosters a supportive and inclusive learning environment where students can connect with like-minded peers and experts in the field. Beyond the laboratory, participants have access to seminars, workshops, and networking events designed to enhance their understanding of psychology further and expand their academic and professional horizons. Whether aspiring to pursue a career in psychology or simply eager to explore their interests in the field, the RISE Psychology Track Focus equips students with the knowledge, skills, and experiences to thrive in their academic and personal endeavors.

Understanding Top Psychology Programs for High School Students

Before we explore the top psychology programs available, it’s essential to understand what high school programs in psychology entail. These programs are designed to introduce high school students to the fascinating field of psychology. They provide an opportunity to learn about the different branches of psychology, such as cognitive, developmental, and social psychology.

High school psychology programs often incorporate a mix of classroom lectures, hands-on activities, and discussions to engage students in the subject. They aim to foster critical thinking skills, enhance problem-solving abilities, and provide a glimpse into the diverse career paths within psychology. These programs are a fantastic way to explore your passion for psychology and gain valuable insights before pursuing higher education in the field.

Furthermore, high school psychology programs may also include guest speakers from the field who share their real-world experiences and offer valuable advice to aspiring psychologists. These interactions can provide students with a deeper understanding of the practical applications of psychology and inspire them to consider various specializations within the field.

Additionally, some high school psychology programs offer opportunities for students to participate in research projects or internships with local mental health organizations. These hands-on experiences allow students to apply their theoretical knowledge in real-world settings, gaining practical skills and insights that can shape their future academic and career paths in psychology.

Preparing for Psychology Programs for High School Students

Embarking on a psychology program is an exciting and transformative journey. To ensure that you make the most out of your experience, it’s essential to prepare yourself thoroughly. Here are a few additional tips to help you get ready:

Research Potential Top Psychology Programs for High School Students

Take the time to dive deeper into the psychology programs that pique your interest. Look beyond the surface-level information and explore the unique opportunities each program offers. Consider factors such as research opportunities, internships, and study abroad options. By gaining a comprehensive understanding of each program, you can make an informed decision that aligns with your aspirations.

Develop a Study Plan for Top Psychology Programs for High School Students

Psychology programs can be intellectually stimulating and demanding. To excel in your studies, it’s crucial to develop a study plan that suits your learning style and preferences. Consider incorporating various study techniques, such as creating flashcards, participating in study groups, or utilizing online resources. Experiment with different strategies to find what works best for you.

Engage in Self-Reflection

Before immersing yourself in the world of psychology, take some time for deep self-reflection. Explore not only why you’re interested in psychology but also what specific areas within the field captivate your curiosity. Are you drawn to cognitive psychology, social psychology, or perhaps neuropsychology? Understanding your passions and interests will enable you to tailor your academic journey and seek out specialized opportunities that align with your goals.

Connect with Peers in Psychology Programs for High School Students

Building connections with like-minded individuals can be immensely beneficial throughout your psychology program. In addition to reaching out to high school students who share your passion for psychology, consider connecting with current psychology students or professionals. Attend psychology conferences or workshops, join online communities, and engage in discussions with individuals who have firsthand experience in the field. These connections can provide valuable insights, mentorship, and potential collaboration opportunities.

Remember, preparing for a psychology program is not just about ticking off a checklist. It’s about immersing yourself in the subject matter, nurturing your intellectual curiosity, and developing the skills necessary to thrive in the field. By taking the time to research, plan, reflect, and connect, you’ll lay a solid foundation for a rewarding and fulfilling journey in psychology.

With a plethora of psychology programs available for high school students, it’s easier than ever to explore your interest in psychology and gain valuable knowledge and skills. Whether you choose a summer program, an online course, or a college-prep program, each experience will undoubtedly contribute to your personal and academic growth. Take the time to research different programs, prepare yourself for the journey ahead, and remember to enjoy the learning process. Best of luck in your quest to become a future psychologist!

Want to assess your chances of admission? Take our FREE chances calculator today!

Why College Admissions Isn’t Perfect

US News Rankings

The Personal Statement: The Holy Grail of College Admissions

The Modern Day 4.0 and 1600 SAT Score Student Is No Longer Impressive

The Competitive Nature of College Admissions for Asian Americans

The College Application

Our Comprehensive Approach

Ivy League Schools

How Early Should You Prepare for College?

Featured in US News & World Report Best Colleges Publication

Congratulations to AdmissionSight Students and their Acceptances!

College Rejection

College Rankings

College Consultants Could Make A Difference

College Admissions Scandal and Higher Education

Top 10 Unique Classes at Brown University

Yale’s Hidden World: How Many Secret Societies Exist?

Discover the Best Law Schools in the US This 2024

Is Georgetown University a Good School? Insights and Tips

Fun Facts about Princeton University: Discover Why It’s One of America’s Top Universities

What Is the Best Ivy League School For You? A Quick Guide

Pros and Cons of Harvard University: All You Need to Know

How Hard Is It to Get into the University of Chicago?

A Quick Guide to the Different Colleges and Universities in the U.S.

To Bruin or Not to Bruin: Pros and Cons of Attending UCLA

The Best Robotics Engineering Schools in 2024

Is Stanford the Right Choice for You? The Pros and Cons of Stanford University

What is the University of Texas at Austin Known For? 

Here Are the 7 Best Colleges for Sports

What is the Princeton Early Action Acceptance Rate for 2024?

Graduating with Honors in High School: A Complete Guide

Does Harvard Have Sororities? All You Need to Know

Leave a comment cancel reply.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Recent Articles

Top 10 Unique Classes at...

Yale's Hidden World: How Many...

Discover the Best Law Schools...

Is Georgetown University a Good...

Fun Facts about Princeton University:...

What Is the Best Ivy...

Pros and Cons of Harvard...

How Hard Is It to...

A Quick Guide to the...

To Bruin or Not to...

The Best Robotics Engineering Schools...

Is Stanford the Right Choice...

Sign up now to receive insights on how to navigate the college admissions process..

Admissions Counseling

• Academic & Extracurricular Profile Evaluation

Copyright © AdmissionSight 2024

Privacy Policy - Terms and Conditions

Celebrating 150 years of Harvard Summer School. Learn about our history.

Study Psychology and Neuroscience at Harvard

The application for Summer 2024 is closed.

What You’ll Learn

Curious about what makes people tick? This summer, uncover the mysteries of the mind. Learn about the anatomy and function of the brain or the psychological motivations behind human behavior. You can also learn about the intersection between psychology, logic, and the law.

The 7-week Secondary School Program allows you to take two courses instead of one, so you can use your summer to focus your studies on topics you are excited about or evaluate a potential field of study in college. Explore these Psychology and Neuroscience subjects you can study at Harvard and design your own psychology and neuroscience summer program by choosing two courses.

Featured 7-Week SSP Courses

Brain science.

• Neurobiology (BIOS S-50)
• Neuroinvesting: Neuroscience and Financial Decision-Making (ECON S-1915)
• The Neuroscience of Learning (PSYC S-1609) 

Individual and Social Psychology

• Introduction to Psychology (PSYC S-1)
• The Psychology of Eating (PSYC S-1470)
• The Psychology of Close Relationships (PSYC 1503)
• Explaining Beauty: The Hidden Functions Behind Aesthetics (PSYC S-1812)

Psychology, Logic, and Law

• Deductive Logic (PHIL S-12)
• Power and Privilege in the Criminal Justice System (PSYC S-1872)

Explore More Psychology and Neuroscience Courses

Interested in finding more courses like this? Browse our course catalog to see all of our psychology and neuroscience courses.

High school students interested in taking justice, ethics, and human rights courses must first apply and be accepted into the Secondary School Program . These courses are also open to adult and college students over the summer. Adults and college students should complete these steps to register .

How long are the Psychology and Neuroscience classes?

These courses run the full length of the 7-week term. 4-credit courses are in session 2 days/week and 8-credit courses are in session 5 days/week (Monday-Friday). On class days, you will meet for 3 hours.

Do I earn college credit from these courses?

Yes. At the completion of the program, you may request a transcript listing your coursework, grades, and number of credits earned. Students participating in the 7-Week Residential program earn 8 credit hours, either taking two 4-credit courses or one 8-hour course, while SSP Online or Commuting students may choose to take either 4 or 8 credit hours during the 7-week summer session.

Are these classes online or in-person?

Some courses are available on-campus only, while others are available in a flexible format for 7-week SSP Online or Commuting students. Learn more about which courses are available depending on your program format.

Are my college credits transferable?

Harvard Summer School credits are accepted toward degrees at most colleges and universities at the discretion of the home institution. You can request a copy of your transcript after completing your courses. Because degree requirements vary among schools, you should check your home school’s transfer policies before you register.

Harvard Division of Continuing Education

The Division of Continuing Education (DCE) at Harvard University is dedicated to bringing rigorous academics and innovative teaching capabilities to those seeking to improve their lives through education. We make Harvard education accessible to lifelong learners from high school to retirement.

• Program Overview
• Course Options
• Admission, Tuition & Fees
• International Students
• Residential & Commuter Experience
• Cybersecurity
• Digital Marketing
• Entrepreneurship
• Environmental Studies
• Lifespan Development
• Media & Social Change
• Political Science
• Screenwriting

PSYCHOLOGICAL SCIENCE & SOCIETY

Why are people the way that they are? Why do they do things that they do? What can psychological science teach me about what it means to be human? What can it teach me about the world? How can I use this knowledge to construct a life worth living? And how can I use this knowledge to improve the lives of those around me?

If these questions (especially the last two) keep you up at night, you have definitely chosen the right course. In the “Psychological Science and Society” course, you will delve into the fascinating world of psychology, learn how to think like a real scientist, get your creative juices flowing, apply this new knowledge to your own life, and develop skills and strategies that will help you excel in your future goals and in your endeavors of contributing to the scientific field and to society.

PROGRAM DATES June 16 – July 13, 2024

PREREQUISITES None

DAILY SCHEDULE & ACTIVITIES MONDAY – FRIDAY 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Classes in session 12:00 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. Lunch 1:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. Classes in session

COURSE OVERVIEW

• Glimpse into the life of a psychological scientist by conducting your own independent research project
• Experience some of the concepts we learn firsthand by participating in daily class activities such as meditation exercises, games, and psychological tests
• Learn about different career paths and opportunities to further pursue research, psychology, clinical, and social sciences

Topic of Study

• History of psychology and research methods
• Cognition, intelligence, and learning
• Personality
• Mindsets and motivation
• The mind-body connection
• Social media and mental health
• Games and therapy
• Relationships

HEAR FROM OUR FORMER STUDENTS

The Winter cohort application deadline is November 24, 2024.  

Click here to apply.

Featured Posts

Why Networking Matters for College Applications

UChicago's Summer Language Institute — Should You Apply?

10 Summer Programs for High School Students in Vermont

8 Computer Science Competitions for Middle School Students

Top 9 Psychology Research Programs for High School Students

If you’re a high school student interested in psychology and mental health, participating in a research program can help you gain hands-on experience in the field! In psychology, research methods play a significant role in the study of the mind and behavior of living beings and help to explore the subject in detail. 

Psychology research programs, offered by universities and research centers, allow you to collaborate on projects under the guidance of experts, interact with like-minded peers, and explore potential career options in the field. Such experiences can also help boost your college applications by highlighting your proactive approach to learning, your genuine interest in psychology, and your ability to work easily in challenging environments.  

To help you get started, we’ve compiled a list of the top 10 psychology research programs for high school students that you can consider!

1. High School Summer Internship Program (HS-SIP) at the National Institutes of Health (NIH)

Location: NIH campuses : Bethesda, Baltimore and Frederick, MD; Research Triangle Park, NC; Hamilton, MT; Framingham, MA; and Phoenix, AZ

Eligibility: Juniors and seniors of high school who are at least 17 years old and live within 40 miles of their nearest NIH campus can apply. Confirm other eligibility requirements for your respective cohort program— HiSTEP  and HiSTEP 2.0 .

Application Deadline: Applications typically close in February.

Dates: Multiple start dates are available between May and June and the students can choose any one based on their preference. The program runs for 8 weeks between May/June and August.

Stipend: $2,300–$2,530 (if you are currently in high school) or $2,570–$2,840 (if you have graduated high school). Housing is not provided.

The High School Summer Internship Program (HS-SIP) at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) allows high school students to choose an institute or center where they wish to conduct research throughout the summer. The program has an acceptance rate of around 7%. This program will allow you to gain hands-on experience and will provide you with focused mentorship and a deeper understanding of psychology.

For psychology students, we recommend opting for the National Insititute of Mental Health (NIMH) , National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) , or National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) . If selected, you will work as part of a research group under the supervision of a Principal Investigator (PI), carrying out basic, translational, or clinical research. You will further attend professional development programs and educational and career advising sessions. The program will conclude with presentations on the Summer Poster Day .

2. Child Mind Institute’s Youth Mental Health Academy

Location: Child Mind Institute, San Mateo, CA + local organizations + remote sessions are available during the academic year session

Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors from structurally marginalized communities in California with a GPA of at least 2.5 can apply.

Application Deadline: Applications typically close in March.

Dates: June 2024–July 2025 (14 months)

Stipend: $2,000 (first summer) + paid internship (second summer)

The Child Mind Institute’s Youth Mental Health Academy is a long and comprehensive community-based program providing experiential learning in mental health research, practice, science, and communication. If selected, you will be matched with a mentor who will guide you throughout the period.

During your first summer, you will attend a 5-week academy featuring lectures and discussions relating to mental health disorders, career options, dissemination of information, inequities, research, and treatment.  This academy will culminate in a capstone project that includes a research paper, creative component, and display. Throughout the school year, you will get to attend workshops, fairs, and mentor meetings. The program will end with an internship at a youth-serving community or research organization during your second summer. Here, you will learn about fielding research, analyzing data, and using data for interventions.

3. Stanford University’s SHTEM Summer Internship

Location:  Virtual

Eligibility:  Current high school juniors and seniors who are at least 14 years old and community college students who are aged less than 21 can apply.

Application Deadline:  Applications usually close in February.

Dates:  June 17–August 9, 2024

Stipend:  This is an unpaid internship, but need-based financial assistance may be available in some cases.

Stanford’s Science, Humanities, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (SHTEM) Summer Internship places high school and community college students in project groups, allowing for collaboration and teamwork in building and executing a research project.  Each group will be mentored by students, faculty, and staff of the Stanford Compression Forum. You will spend most of the time conducting research from where you are located while maintaining regular communication with your mentors and group members. You can expect to work around 30–40 hours per week.

Psychology and neuroscience are some of the themes using which you can build your projects.  You can also pursue interdisciplinary projects in these fields through biology, computer science, philosophy, design, technology, engineering, and linguistics, among others. The program will culminate in presentations from each group about the projects and their findings. This program will help you develop technical skills and foster a success-oriented mindset.  Around 60 students are usually accepted into this internship.

4. Camp Psych at Gettysburg College

Location: Gettysburg College, Gettysburg, PA

Eligibility: Rising high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors can apply.

Application Deadline:  Applications are accepted on a rolling basis until all spots are filled.

Dates: July 14–July 19, 2024

Cost: $1,395. 1-2 full-tuition waivers  are available.

Camp Psych is a weeklong residential program that delves into the workings of psychological science. During the camp, you will get to work on hands-on research projects while learning about important research questions and methods. Topics include the psychology of helping others (and associated research questions) and experimental research (designing experiments, collecting and analyzing data, and making presentations).   Note that the topics may change next year.

Activities include lectures, discussions, guest speaker sessions, presentations, project work, and social events. Classes are typically small in size, with each class comprising around 20-25 students. This camp is a solid opportunity for you to gain an inside view of the psychology field and guidance in preparation for college studies.

5. Clinical Neuroscience Immersion Experience (CNI-X) at Stanford University

Location: Stanford University, Stanford, CA or Virtual

Eligibility: Current high school sophomores, juniors, or seniors can apply.

Application Deadline: Applications usually close in early March.

Virtual session : June 17–June 28, 2024

In-person sessions : July 8–July 19, 2024 | July 22–August 2, 2024

Cost: $1,495 (virtual) | $2,795 (in-person). Scholarships are available for qualified applicants and you can request financial assistance in your application.

The Clinical Neuroscience Immersion Experience (CNI-X) at Stanford University exposes students to introductory concepts in psychology, psychiatry, and neuroscience. This 2-week program will introduce you to the diverse research available in the Stanford Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences. During the program, you will get to attend seminars with professional faculty and researchers, explore professional and career possibilities, and learn self-care strategies.

The highlight of this program is the capstone research project in which you will work in groups of 8-10 to develop innovative solutions in the fields of psychology, psychiatry, and neuroscience.   You will then present this project at the final capstone event at the end of the program.  Some topics covered in the past include eating disorders, neuroimaging, mindfulness, early intervention programs, sports psychiatry, forensic psychiatry, brain stimulation, trauma, addiction, autism, and more.

6. EXPLO Psychology + Neuroscience

Location: Wellesley College, Wellesley, MA

Eligibility: High school students in grades 10–12 can apply.

Application Deadline: Applications are accepted on a rolling basis until all spots are filled.

Session 1: June 30–July 19, 2024 (residential) | July 1–July 18, 2024 (commuter) 

Session 2: July 21–August 9, 2024 (residential) | July 22–August 8, 2024 (commuter)

Cost: Residential: $7,895 | Commuter: $3,995. Financial aid  is available.

EXPLO’s Psychology + Neuroscience summer camp is an opportunity for students to dive into the disciplines of psychology and neuroscience and learn how to apply theories to the diagnosis and treatment of mental illnesses. During the program, you will get to learn about the biological bases of mental illnesses and gain exposure to the various tools used by psychologists for diagnosis, analyze nervous system anatomy and functionality through labs measuring muscle action potential, and learn about the role of psychology in the interrogation of criminal suspects.

Some activities that you can expect in this camp include dissecting a sheep’s brain, conducting an original research project, delivering presentations at the culminating Brain Summit Symposium, working in a neurochemistry lab, and receiving access to the latest neuroimaging technology. You will also get to interact with professionals and build a strong network in the field.

7. Wake Forest University’s Psychology Institute Summer Immersion Program

Location: Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem, NC

Eligibility: High school students in grades 9-12 can apply.

Application Deadline: Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.

Dates: June 9–June 14, 2024 | June 16–June 21, 2024

Cost: $3,000. Need-based scholarships  are available.

Wake Forest University’s Psychology Institute Summer Immersion Program will allow you to understand the structure of the brain through hands-on dissection and comprehend concepts like illusions, sensations, perceptions, biases, and emotions, and how we use these to interact with the world. Some activities covered include sheep brain dissection, brain training and neuroplasticity, sensory perception lab, conducting observational research, and presenting research findings.

During the program, you will be introduced to psychology design and hypothesis testing and will also get to learn about the psychology of marketing. For the observational research and presentations, you will work in teams to develop your project. Trips and tours are included in this program, several of which you will use to conduct your observational study. This institute is led by two accomplished professors at Wake Forest University, namely Dr. Christian Waugh and Dr. Melissa Maffeo.

8. University of Chicago’s Summer Immersion Program

Location: University of Chicago, Chicago, IL

Eligibility: Current high school freshmen, sophomores, and juniors who are at least 14 years old

Dates: June 17–July 5, 2024 (session 1) | July 10–July 26, 2024 (session 2)

Cost: $8,600 (residential) | $5,850 (commuter). Financial aid  and scholarships are available.

The Summer Immersion Program at the University of Chicago allows you to take undergraduate-level courses taught by faculty, researchers, and other professionals at the university. You will attend lectures, workshops, and seminars while working on research projects and participating in hands-on activities.  If you are interested in psychology, you can opt for the following courses:

Developmental Psychology (Theories and Techniques) : T his course takes you through theories in developmental psychology, changes in the mind, and the impact of biological, psychological, and sociocultural elements. You will use primary empirical sources and develop and execute research projects in small groups.

Fundamentals of Psychology (Theory & Research) : This course will introduce you to concepts and topics like emotions, memory, sensation and perception, development, and psychological disorders. You will work in small groups to conduct an experimental research project, part of which involves research lab demonstrations.

9. NSLC’s Psychology and Neuroscience High School Summer Program

Location: American University, Washington, DC | Duke University, Durham, NC | UC Berkeley, San Francisco, CA | University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 

Eligibility: High school students who are 14-18 years old and have completed at least 1 year of high school can apply (students may attend NSLC through the summer following high school graduation).

Dates:  Multiple 9-day sessions are offered at various locations . All sessions take place between June 12 and August 2, 2024.

Cost: $3,995 (residential). Scholarships  are available.

The NSLC Psychology and Neuroscience High School Summer Program will introduce you to basic concepts and activities in psychology and neuroscience, such as experiential simulations, workshops ,  and simulations in clinical diagnostics, anatomy, cognitive and developmental psychology, and more. You will learn about scans and imaging and work in a research group to create a mental health campaign that you will then present at the end of the session.

During the program, you will develop the skills and knowledge you need for a future career in psychology with experiential simulations in patient care, attending anatomy and psychology workshops, and exploring non-invasive imaging techniques. The program additionally includes classes, lectures, guest speakers, and trips and tours to give you a comprehensive understanding and practical exposure to the field.

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

One other option - the Lumiere Research Scholar Program

If you’re interested in pursuing independent research, you could also consider applying to one of the   Lumiere Research Scholar Programs , selective online high school programs for students founded with researchers at Harvard and Oxford. Last year, we had over 4000 students apply for 500 spots in the program! You can find the application form   here .

Also check out the   Lumiere Research Inclusion Foundation , a non-profit research program for talented, low-income students. Last year, we had 150 students on full need-based financial aid!

Stephen is one of the founders of Lumiere and a Harvard College graduate. He founded Lumiere as a PhD student at Harvard Business School. Lumiere is a selective research program where students work 1-1 with a research mentor to develop an independent research paper.

Image Source: Stanford University logo

Our Programs

All Programs

Medicine & Biological Sciences

Business & Leadership

Government & Law

Engineering & Computer Science

Design, Art & Media

Our Locations

Grades 9-12

Explore our programs, dates, and locations for this summer.

• Nominate Students
• Educator Scholarships
• Nominate Peers
• Letters of Recommendation

Explore our program offerings.

Apply for financial assistance.

Discover who we are.

View our summer job openings.

• International Students
• Community Fundraising

Earn College Credit

• NSLC-NHS Partnership

Request a Brochure

Alumni references.

Get your questions answered.

Can't decide? We can help.

Get an intro to what we offer.

We're here to help.

See other ways to get in touch.

What is the NSLC?

• Am I eligible to attend?

How do I enroll?

Is there a deadline to apply, how are students invited, popular searches.

• Dates & Locations
• Scholarships
• Request Brochure
• Request Alumni References
• Educator Resources
• Alumni Resources
• Summer Jobs

Common Questions

Do you have scholarships, what does tuition include, what is your refund policy, do you have payment plans, how do waitlists work, psychology & neuroscience, high school summer psychology program, discover a career in psychology..

At the NSLC on Psychology & Neuroscience, you’ll dive into the science of the mind as you compare brain scans, examine cranial anatomy, and learn to diagnose and treat psychological disorders.

• Program Details
• Trips & Tours
• Dates, Locations, & Tuition
• Sample Schedules

Explore through hands-on learning.

Develop the skills and knowledge you need for a future career in psychology with experiential simulations.

Learn from the experts.

Get real-world perspectives and insider knowledge straight from the professionals.

Go behind the scenes.

Discover the inner workings of the field through immersive trips and tours.

I made so many friends and I learned so much about psychology and neuroscience. The big takeaway though was throwing myself out there and doing something new.

Andy , Connecticut

Explore psychology

Through immersive workshops exploring methods of diagnosis, treatment strategies, and the art of compassionate patient care..

Clinical Diagnostics

Practice patient care by interviewing, testing, diagnosing, and treating patients with your clinical teams throughout a multi-day simulation.

Anatomy Workshops

Learn about internal bodily structures through dissections of eyes, brains, hearts, and spinal cords, better understanding the functions of each organ.

Psychology Workshops

Lessons in cognitive, developmental, and abnormal psychology will introduce you to the major themes and theories of each concentration.

Scans & Imaging

Explore the non-invasive imaging techniques that allow physicians to measure activity in the brain, examine soft tissue structure, and evaluate overall cognitive function.

Mental Health Campaign

Select an issue or stigma affecting a community and collaborate with your team to create a public service announcement and intervention plan.

Gain expert insights.

Interact with guest speakers from a variety of backgrounds that bring practical knowledge and real-world experiences to the Psychology & Neuroscience program.

• North Carolina Museum of Natural Science

• Gladstone Institutes

• Food and Drug Administration

The Exploratoritum

• Historic D.C. Monuments at Night

Go beyond the classroom.

Gain a new perspective on psychology through field trips that uncover how the industry works behind the scenes. A mix of educational and sightseeing tours allow you to explore the city surrounding the university.

American University Trips & Tours

Trips and tours may include:

• Uniformed Services Medical School

American Psychological Association

• American Psychiatric Association
• Capitol Hill & the Smithsonian
• Baltimore Harbor

Duke University Trips & Tours

• Duke Human Simulation & Patient Safety Center
• UNC Clinical Skills & Patient Simulation Center
• Franklin Street

University of California, Berkeley Trips & Tours

• UC Berkeley Clinical Psychology Department
• Exploratorium
• Pier 39 and Fisherman’s Wharf

University of Michigan Trips & Tours

• Department of Psychology at University of Michigan Lab Tours and Presentations
• Weinberg Institute for Cognitive Science
• Detroit Riverfront
• Museum of Science

Leadership is in our name.

Each NSLC program contains a leadership curriculum designed to teach skills that can apply to all areas of life. Workshops on personality styles, communication and listening, resilience, and empathy set the foundation for a successful future, no matter where it may lead.

Dates, Locations, & Tuition

NSLC provides an immersive pre-college experience that prepares students for life beyond high school, allowing them to study in university classrooms, learn to navigate a campus, and experience living with roommates. All students are required to reside in supervised campus dormitories and will be provided meals through campus dining services.

What does my tuition include?

American University

Washington, DC

$3,995 Residential

Summer 2024

Jun 13 - Jun 21

Jun 25 - Jul 3

Jul 7 - Jul 15

Jul 19 - Jul 27

Trips & Tours Sample Schedule

Duke University **

Jun 12 - Jun 20

Jun 24 - Jul 2

University of California, Berkeley

San Francisco, CA

Jun 17 - Jun 25

Jun 29 - Jul 7

Jul 12 - Jul 20

Jul 24 - Aug 1

University of Michigan

Ann Arbor, MI

Jul 13 - Jul 21

Jul 25 - Aug 2

** The NSLC is not sponsored by Duke University.

Tuition Resources

See our cancellation and refund policy

Flexible plans allow you to pay monthly – until 30 days before your program – at no additional fee. Learn more

Affordable trip insurance protects your investment in case of emergency. Learn more

NSLC awards more than $500,000 in scholarships each year. Learn more

NSLC has partnered with American University to offer an online college credit opportunity for students across all our programs and locations. AU’s faculty-taught courses are completed at home outside the dates of your program and tailored to complement your area of study.

Students interested in Psychology & Neuroscience also expressed interest in these programs.

Medicine & Health Care

Medicine Intensive

Biotechnology

Your future starts here.

Join our mailing list to get a brochure and stay in touch.

NSLC Cancellation & Refund Policy

Cancellation requests may be submitted through the Manage Registration section of your online student portal.

*The NSLC will not charge additional payments. Payment plans will automatically end at the time of cancellation.

Flexible Monthly Payments

All enrollments submitted prior to May 1, 2024 will be automatically placed on a convenient monthly payment schedule. After your program deposit, any remaining tuition costs will be divided into equal payments automatically charged to the credit card on file.

Want to remove autopay or adjust your payment dates? Contact us to easily make the changes that work best for you. Final payments are due no later than 30 days before the session begins.

Student Protection Plans

Protect your tuition payments against unexpected circumstances by adding a Student Protection Plan. Affordable insurance can be attached to your enrollment during the application process or in your student account any time before your program begins.

Review full plan details here .

Request a brochure

Request alumni references, find your program.

Tuition covers housing and on-campus meals, plus course materials, academic expenses, trips, tours, activities, and off-campus event transportation. Travel costs to and from the program itself are not included, and students are individually responsible for expenses such as spending money for souvenirs, laundry, and off-campus meals.

Tuition covers housing (if applicable) and on-campus meals, plus course materials, academic expenses, trips, tours, activities, and off-campus event transportation. Travel costs to and from the program itself are not included, and students are individually responsible for expenses such as spending money for souvenirs, laundry, and off-campus meals.

Residential Option: Residential students live in a campus dormitory supervised by NSLC staff. Students are housed with one or two roommates on a floor with students in their age range. The front desk of the dormitory is monitored 24 hours a day.

Commuter Option: After Registration Day, Commuter students will check in each morning from 7:00 AM to 7:30 AM and check out each evening from 8:00 PM to 8:30 PM. Commuter tuition includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner each day, but does not include housing accommodations. During the active program hours between check-in and check-out each day, we kindly ask that students only be signed out from activities for medical or family emergencies.

Request Recommendation Letters

Jobs notification request.

Middle school students choose a Residential or Commuter option when enrolling:

International Diplomacy Travel Details

International Diplomacy students will divide their time between two campuses, spending 6 days at Georgetown University in Washington, DC, and 3 days at Columbia University in New York, NY.

Session 1 (June 17) and Session 3 (July 12) will arrive at Georgetown University and depart from Columbia University .

Session 2 (June 29) and Session 4 (July 24) will arrive at Columbia University and depart from Georgetown University .

After you’ve been accepted into the program, please visit your student account before planning travel for more detailed information.

The National Student Leadership Conference provides an immersive pre-college experience that prepares students for life beyond middle and high school, allowing them to study in university classrooms, learn to navigate a campus, and experience living with roommates. Students are able to explore a career concentration they are interested in before going into college and declaring a major. Each NSLC program also contains a leadership curriculum designed to teach skills that can apply to all areas of life.

Am I eligible to attend NSLC?

We encourage all 6th-12th grade students who demonstrate academic excellence and leadership ability to apply to our summer programs.

For high school programs, students must be between the ages of 14-18 and have completed at least one year of high school. Students may attend NSLC through the summer following high school graduation.

For middle school programs, students must be at least 11 years of age and currently enrolled in 6th, 7th, or 8th grade.

Click here to get started! NSLC applications are completed online and require a deposit with a credit or debit card. If you would like to place your deposit with a check, please email [email protected] .

While we have suggested seasonal deadlines, NSLC will continue to accept applications if space is available in a program or on a program’s waitlist. The online enrollment application will display all current availability.

Students are selected for NSLC in a variety of ways. Teachers, counselors, and NSLC alumni nominate students from across the United States and around the world each year. Students may also be selected from one of several national talent identification surveys, including the College Board Student Search Service and the ACT EOS.

Yes! Students demonstrating financial need, academic merit, and school or community involvement are encouraged to apply for a Summer Program Scholarship to offset their summer tuition costs. Click here to learn about the process.

Yes! All enrollments submitted prior to May 1, 2024, will be automatically placed on a convenient monthly payment schedule. After your program deposit, any remaining tuition costs will be divided into equal payments automatically charged to the credit card you used to sign up.

Once a program has reached capacity, you will see a Waitlisted status appear next to the dates on our application. If you would like to join the waitlist, please complete the enrollment process and place a deposit like normal to add your name. Once a cancellation is received, we will offer the newly opened space to the next student on the list. Your deposit is fully refundable if you do not move into the program or choose to remove your name.

Keep reading our Waitlist FAQs for more information.

Program Scholarships

We understand that family circumstances may not enable all qualified students to attend our programs without financial assistance.

Students demonstrating financial need, academic merit, and school or community involvement are encouraged to apply for a scholarship to offset their summer tuition costs.

Click here to learn about the process.

Past Guest Speakers

Dr. Andrea Beckel-Mitchener

Deputy Director of the NIH Brain Initiative

National Institute of Mental Health (NIH)

Dr. Matthew Biel

Chief of the Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry

Georgetown University Medical Center

Dr. Sylvia Bunge

UC Berkeley Department of Psychology

Dr. David Elkin

Clinical Professor, Department of Psychiatry

University of California San Francisco

Dr. Arthur C. Evans, Jr.

Chief Executive Officer

Dr. Stacy Kovac

Chief of Psychology and Mental & Behavioral Health Services

Durham VAHCS

Dr. Kevin LaBar

Professor of Psychology and Neuroscience

Duke University School of Medicine

Dr. Nancy Liu

Associate Clinical Professor

UC Berkeley

SSA Tobias Long

Profiler, Behavioral Analysis Unit

Federal Bureau of Investigation

Dr. Gholam K. Motamedi

Professor and Director of the Comprehensive Epilepsy Center

MedStar Georgetown University Hospital

SSA Timothy Pappa

Psychology Research for High School Students

Psychology research can take the form of laboratory experiments, observational studies, case studies, surveys, computational methods, and more. If you find yourself intrigued by what makes people tick, psychology might be the right field for you. Other signs: you’re a good listener; you enjoy solving problems; you want to reduce stigma and advocate for people who can’t always advocate for themselves; you enjoy working with data and drawing conclusions; you’re fascinated by diversity; you want to know how people communicate and understand each other.

Psychology Research Guide

Psychology Articles

Psychology Projects

Psychology Mentors

Psychology Scholars

Types of Psychology Research and Careers

Psychological research can take various forms, many of which do not require laboratories and mice running around in mazes. Field studies, for instance, take place in real-world settings, often with minimal interruption on your part. Field study researchers collect data in “natural” environments (in the sense that they are not created by the scientists themselves; a natural environment could be your high school) to study behavior and social interactions as they would naturally occur. Content analysis is another form of research that examines written, visual, or audio materials to identify themes, patterns, and trends. It is often used to study media, communication, and textual data. Neuroimaging techniques like fMRI (functional magnetic resonance imaging) and EEG (electroencephalography) allow researchers to study brain activity and structure in relation to behavior, cognition, and emotions.

Whether you’re working in the lab, field, library, or at your computer, psychology research can lead you to a wide variety of careers in different industries. You could become a therapist and practice clinical psychology. You could work in the legal system as a forensic psychologist. You could work in the business world as a productivity or leadership expert. New fields involving psychology are constantly emerging as the human experience changes. For example, the increasing role of technology in our lives gave rise to cyberpsychology, a new branch of psychology that examines the impact of the internet, social media, virtual reality, and other digital technologies on human behavior, cognition, and mental health. 

How to Get into Psychology

Take time to explore different areas of psychology to find out which topics and aspects interest you the most. Start by reading books about the various human behaviors you’re curious about. (We list some good books to begin with below.) Get some exposure to psychology out in the real world by seeking out volunteer opportunities at local mental health clinics, hospitals, or community organizations. Take a psychology course in your high school . Do a deep dive into your subject with a summer psychology workshop or program . One of the best methods is to find a mentor who is a practicing psychologist, psychology professor, or psychology graduate student . They can provide guidance and insights into the profession. Here are more details on some actions you can take right now.

1. Take a Class in High School

The availability of psychology classes varies greatly from school to school, but most high schools offer at least a few of the types of courses listed below. You can also look for courses at your local community college or seek out online versions of these courses. 

Intro to Psychology (Psych 101): This is often the foundational course that covers the basic concepts, theories, and principles of psychology. Students learn about topics such as the history of psychology, research methods, human development, personality, and mental health.

Advanced Placement (AP) Psychology: Some high schools offer AP courses, which are more rigorous and can earn students college credit if they perform well on the AP exam. AP Psychology covers a wide range of psychology topics and is typically more in-depth than a standard introductory course.

Abnormal Psychology: This course explores mental disorders, their causes, symptoms, and treatments. Students learn about various psychological disorders and gain an understanding of how they are diagnosed and managed.

Developmental Psychology: This class focuses on the physical, cognitive, and emotional development of individuals across the lifespan, from infancy to old age.

Social Psychology: Social psychology courses delve into the study of how individuals' thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are influenced by others. Topics may include conformity, group dynamics, prejudice, and social influence.

Cognitive Psychology: Students in this class explore topics related to human cognition, such as memory, perception, problem-solving, and decision-making.

Biological Psychology: This course examines the biological and neurological factors that influence behavior, including the brain, hormones, genetics, and the nervous system.

Forensic Psychology: High schools that offer advanced psychology courses might include a class on forensic psychology, which focuses on the intersection of psychology and the criminal justice system.

Health Psychology: This course explores the relationship between psychology and physical health, including topics like stress, coping mechanisms, and behavior change.

Sports Psychology: High schools with specialized programs may offer sports psychology classes that examine the psychological aspects of sports performance, motivation, and teamwork.

2. Read a Book

Students of psychology can benefit from reading a combination of classic works that have shaped the field and more recent books that challenge or correct older theories. Here are some foundational texts and some more recent books that can provide a well-rounded understanding of psychology:

Foundational books:

"The Interpretation of Dreams" by Sigmund Freud - This book introduced many foundational concepts in psychoanalysis, even though some of Freud's ideas have been criticized and revised over time.

"The Principles of Psychology" by William James - Often considered one of the most important books in the history of psychology, it laid the groundwork for many areas of the field.

"Behaviorism" by John B. Watson - Watson helped establish behaviorism as a dominant paradigm in psychology during the early 20th century.

"The Social Animal" by Elliot Aronson - This book offers a comprehensive overview of social psychology, helping students understand the power of social influences on behavior.

"The Nature of Prejudice" by Gordon Allport - A classic work on the psychology of prejudice and discrimination, which remains relevant in today's world.

More recent psychology books that challenge old beliefs:

"The Righteous Mind: Why Good People Are Divided by Politics and Religion" by Jonathan Haidt - Explores moral psychology and challenges conventional views on moral reasoning.

"Thinking, Fast and Slow" by Daniel Kahneman - Challenges traditional views of human rationality and decision-making by introducing the concept of two thinking systems: fast and intuitive vs. slow and deliberate.

"The Power of Habit: Why We Do What We Do in Life and Business" by Charles Duhigg - Discusses how habits are formed and how they can be changed, challenging older ideas about behavior change.

"The Undoing Project: A Friendship That Changed Our Minds" by Michael Lewis - Explores the work of psychologists Amos Tversky and Daniel Kahneman and their groundbreaking research on cognitive biases and decision-making.

"The Blank Slate: The Modern Denial of Human Nature" by Steven Pinker - Challenges the notion that human behavior is entirely a product of culture and argues for a more nuanced view of human nature.

"The Paradox of Choice: Why More Is Less" by Barry Schwartz - Challenges the idea that more choices lead to greater happiness and explores the psychology of decision-making.

" The Psychology of Climate Change" edited by Susan Clayton and Christie Manning - Addresses the psychological factors underlying climate change denial and offers insights into how to motivate action on climate issues.

Books are a great start, but as in all sciences, practitioners of psychology are constantly making new breakthroughs. Keep up with new developments through reputable websites, journals, and organizations like the American Psychological Association (APA).

3. Extracurricular Study

Remember that quality is often more important than quantity when it comes to extracurricular activities. Choose activities that genuinely interest you.

Psychology Club: If your school has a psychology club, join it. It's a great way to connect with like-minded students and engage in discussions and activities related to psychology.

Psychology-Adjacent Clubs: If your school doesn’t have a specific club devoted to psychology (and you don’t want to start your own), join clubs such as the debate club, sociology club, or philosophy club, which can complement your understanding of psychology and still provide opportunities for discussing psychological topics. Science or research clubs also often include psychology-related projects or activities.

Volunteer at Mental Health Organizations: Look for volunteer opportunities at local mental health clinics, crisis hotlines, or nonprofit organizations that focus on mental health and well-being. This experience can give you exposure to real-world issues in psychology.

Peer Counseling: Consider becoming a peer counselor or peer listener at your school. This role involves helping fellow students with personal or emotional concerns, which can provide you with valuable interpersonal and counseling skills.

Internships: Seek internships or shadowing opportunities with practicing psychologists, counselors, or therapists. This firsthand experience can give you insight into the day-to-day work of professionals in the field.

Independent Research Projects: Undertake independent research projects in psychology. You can investigate topics of interest and present your findings at school or local science fairs .

TEDx Talks or Public Speaking: Develop your public speaking skills by giving presentations or talks on psychology-related topics. Consider participating in events like TEDx Youth or school assemblies. Related to that, you could start or join initiatives to raise awareness about mental health issues. Organize events, workshops, or campaigns to reduce stigma and promote mental health in your school community. If your school has peer education programs related to substance abuse or well-being, consider becoming a peer educator. 

Writing for School Publications: If getting up and talking in front of people is not your thing, you can contribute articles or essays to your school newspaper or magazine on psychology-related subjects. This can help you develop your writing skills and share your passion for the field.

Create a Psychology Blog or Podcast: Start a blog or podcast where you discuss psychology topics, share book reviews, or interview professionals in the field. This can showcase your interest and communication skills.

If you could use some help developing your own psychology research project, our Pathfinders program gives you access to psychology mentors who can listen to your ideas and provide valuable feedback.

Psychology Research Opportunities 

As a high school student, you have many options for conducting psychology research. There are pre-college programs you can attend in the summer , local community college, internship, or virtual programs you could attend after school or as a homeschooling student, or independent research with a professor or mentor. If you want to conduct your own experiments, we highly advise that you have a qualified adult advisor you can consult. Conducting ethical experiments and properly documenting your work are essential for any research project, and a mentor can help you navigate the trickier parameters of psychology research. Also, networking with professionals in the field and seeking guidance from experienced mentors can be incredibly helpful for your future studies and career.

Find research programs close to home

We’ll go into summer psychology programs in more depth in the next section, but if you want to find all types of established psychology research opportunities close to home, our High School Student Research Opportunities Database is an excellent resource. Click on your state, then search based on your location, institution, event type (in-person or virtual), and tuition (paid or free). 

Work with a professor

If you have a clear idea of your passions, you can reach out to professors in your field to see if they are open to collaborating with you. Refer to our Guide to Cold-Emailing Professors (written by Polygence literature research mentor Daniel Hazard , a Ph.D. candidate at Princeton University).

Engage in your own research project

Students with initiative and focus can opt to tackle research independently. Carly Taylor , a Stanford University senior who has completed several research projects this way, outlined a guide about how to write a self-guided research paper . By reading it, you’ll get a better understanding of what to expect when taking on this type of project.

Enter a competition

The requirements and deadlines that competitions require you to meet provide a very helpful structure to keep your psychology research moving forward. For some ideas, check out our Top Psychology and Neuroscience Competitions for High School and Middle School Students . Another benefit to attending a competition is that you will meet other students, teachers, and even experts in the field you love most. 

For out top picks, read our " Best Psychology Research Opportunities for High School Students " article.

Summer Programs in Psychology

Here are some top picks for summer psychology research programs. We chose them based on a combination of their affordability, name recognition, social opportunities, and academic rigor.

1. EXPLO Psychology + Neuroscience

Hosting institution: Wellesley College

Cost: $7,550

Format: In-person (Norwood, MA)

Application deadline: Ongoing

This EXPLO Pre-College Career Concentrations program gives high school students interested in psychology the chance to deep dive into highly specific topics. For the neuroscience concentration, participants will dissect a brain, diagnose mental illness in patients, and analyze neurochemical reactions to connect how brain structures and biology deeply impact the way that humans think and behave. Key benefits for participants include the chances to learn from industry experts, such as Dr. Lisa Feldman Barrett – one of the most-cited scientists in the world for her psychology and neuroscience research – who was a guest instructor in 2023; and earn credits at Sarah Lawrence College, Hampshire College, or Wheaton College . Check the site for the most current application information.

2. Summer@Brown 

Hosting institution: Brown University

Cost: $3,000-$6,000

Format: Online or In-person (Providence, RI)

Application deadline: Mid-May

You have a lot of options here. Courses range from 1-7 weeks, and you can take them online or in person. Offerings include a variety of study areas, from "Radical Social Movements of the Late 20th Century" to "Food, Identity, and Place", to "Reading Psychoanalysis in American Film & Fiction", and more. If you’re staying on campus, you’ll have the opportunity to participate in additional workshops, activities, and group events. Check the site for the most current application information.

3. Summer Scholars Program 

Hosting institution: University of Notre Dame

Cost: $4,475

Format: In-person (Notre Dame, IN)

Application deadline: Mid-March

This 2-week residential program gives you a taste of what taking a psychology course in college will be like. You'll attend a mix of lectures and discussion seminars, and your reading list will include works on social psychology and philosophical tools. Students can earn one transferable college credit upon the completion of their program. Check the site for the most current application information.

For all 20 of our summer psychology program picks, check out this entire post on the subject.

If you’re searching for a virtual psychology research opportunity, consider doing a project through Polygence with one of our psychology mentors .

Psychology Internships for High School Students

A few of the summer programs we found were either paid or unpaid internships.

1. SHTEM: Summer Internships for High Schoolers

Hosting institution: Stanford

Cost: Unpaid internship

Format: Online or in-person (Stanford, CA) 

In this 8-week internship, you work on interdisciplinary projects directly with Stanford faculty and graduate students. Past multifaceted projects have incorporated themes from psychology, neuroscience, design, linguistics, technology, and more. This is an unpaid internship, and you will be expected to work anywhere from 30 to 40 hours per week. You will work directly with a mentor once you have been assigned a project. Check the site for the most current application information.

2. Recruitment & Training for Under-Represented Populations (RTURP) Program 

Hosting institution: Johns Hopkins Bayview Campus

Cost: Full-time, paid position

Format: In-person (Baltimore, MD)

Application deadline: Early February

This program specializes in the psychology of addiction. And not only is this an immersive 10-week learning experience. It is also a paid summer full-time job. In this highly competitive psychology program, participants will work side-by-side with some of the leading scientists in the world at the National Institute of Drug Abuse (NIDA), the primary source of scientific knowledge concerning addiction for nearly 60 years. Students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds are encouraged to apply. Check the site for the most current application information.

3. Internships at APA

Hosting Institution: American Psychological Association

Cost: No cost, some internships are paid

Location: Remote or Washington, DC

Application Deadline: Rolling admissions

Interning at the prestigious American Psychological Association helps you explore the science of psychology at the top levels of policy making. It is also a great way to meet psychologists who practice nationwide. Admission is competitive. Check the site for the most current application information.

For more internship opportunities be sure to read our article Psychology Internships for High School Students .

Polygence Scholars Are Also Passionate About

Psychology project ideas and how to brainstorm your own.

There are many different types of psychology research and ways to pursue your project. Experiments allow psychologists to determine causation and usually use a control group for comparison. Survey-based research involves analyzing word-based information, such as what participants express in interviews and open-ended response questions, or numerical information. A literature review is a written summary of key work that has been conducted about a psychological topic over several years. Other psychology projects involve analyzing large amounts of data in spreadsheets using statistical analysis. Here are three project ideas. You could use experiments, surveys, literature reviews, or data-based analysis to tackle these subjects.

1. Does meditation improve the mental health of people who feel lonely?

Make sure to standardize the way that participants meditate each day (e.g., duration, any apps that they use). What would be a good control condition for this experiment?

Idea by psychology research mentor Kristen

2. How do members of your family, community, peers, or a specific population think about mental health counseling?

What do they think of people who utilize therapy? After understanding these perceptions of therapy, you can come up with interventions that can challenge stigma around going to therapy. Reducing stigma can encourage people to go to therapy and thus improve mental health outcomes!

Idea by mentor psychology research mentor Nat

3. Media analysis

When portrayed in the media, mental illness is typically exaggerated. Because it is shown to be unpredictable and dangerous, many individuals do not have a good understanding of what mental illness even is. Do a deep analysis of how movies and/or TV shows portray mental illness. Consider the best way to disseminate your findings and discuss what the media gets right and wrong about mental illness. 

Idea by psychology research mentor Urveesha

Check out even more project ideas on the Psychology Research and Passion Project Ideas for High School Students post, which groups ideas into experimental, data-based, survey-based, literature review, and more. 

You can also brainstorm your own project ideas based on what human behaviors, motivations, or trends interest you. If you want support, the Pathfinders program gives you the chance to meet with three different mentors who specialize in your field of interest. You can discuss your project ideas with them, and they can help you grow your idea, discover new research techniques, and point the way to great resources and alternative options. 

Psychology Projects from Polygence Scholars

For a sense of how varied the subjects and methods for psychology projects can be, take a look at topics covered by some of our Polygence Scholars.

1. The Effect of K-Pop on Eating Disorders and Body Image in Teenagers

Abigail conducted an experiment with two randomly selected groups: one shown classical music and the other shown a K-pop music video. Her data backed up her hypothesis that Asians who were shown the K-pop music video would show more of an increase in negative body image than the Caucasians who participated in the experiment, due to differing Asian and Western beauty standards. Her paper was published in the Open Journal of Social Sciences .

2. Overcoming Academic Procrastination: A Behavioral-Cognitive Approach

Joshua used the framework of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to uncover how academic procrastination occurs and then used operant conditioning as a tool to unlearn those behaviors You can download his research here .  

3. The neglected mental health crisis: How the COVID-19 pandemic impacted minority groups and youth in the United States

Valeria researched factors such as strict lockdown measures, homelife stresses, fear, media, and lack of resources and how they contributed to the mental health of minority groups in the U.S. She also proposed some possible solutions that could help mitigate these dangers in the future. Her paper was published in the Curieux Academic Journal .

To more psychology projects done by Polygence Scholars . 

Writing a Psychology Research Paper

Writing a psychology research paper requires some special considerations that other fields such as historical or mathematical research usually doesn’t. Because psychology is specifically a study of humans, you have to make your research as experimentally and ethically sound as possible. Our introductory guide takes you through some of the best practices, resources, and checklists for recruiting participants, ensuring compliance with the Institutional Review Board (IRB) , and designing a valid psychology study. 

Another essential step is outlining your research paper . Your psychology paper will usually have six sections: Materials , Methods , Data , Discussion , and Conclusion . You’ll also need to write an Introduction that opens with the problem you’re trying to solve, any existing research, and an overview of your research—all of which is best written about after you’ve finished conducting all your experiments and/or research. Another important piece to your paper is your thesis statement . You can always come up with a preliminary or working thesis and then refine it or completely revise it as you learn more. You also may need to write an abstract . At its core, an abstract is a standalone piece of writing that offers a snapshot of the problem, methodology, findings, and conclusions. If you need more general guidance overall, here’s a great article on how to write a good research paper . 

When it comes to the data you collect, you’ll need to figure out how you’re going to set up your experiment and what data types you’re going to collect. This article dives into specific strategies for data collection, defines different types, and gives you some resources and tools you can use in your experiment. Making sure you collect the “right” kind of data can make your work a lot easier in the long run. 

If running your own experiment proves too complicated or beyond your financial means (many participants want to be compensated for their participation), you can always choose to analyze a free, publicly available dataset about your topic. Some health organizations, such as the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), conduct national surveys and publish their numbers. Just make sure that the dataset you use is coming from a trusted source. If you are reading articles to support your thesis, you should skim their introduction and conclusion first to make sure they’re worth reading all the way through.

Another alternative is to write a literature review (sometimes shortened to “lit review”), which is a written summary of key work that has been conducted about a psychological topic over several years. It’s a type of secondary research that describes how different studies relate to each other and how the field has developed over time.

Finally, to get a sense of the length and organization of a student psychology research paper, you can check out Polygence student Luke’s research on nepotism and poverty , published on the open science platform Frontiers. Or check out Polygence student Sanjana‘s research on the connection between sleep and mental health , published in the UCI xGATI Science Journal. 

If you have some ideas and want to conduct psychology research with the guidance of a mentor, apply to be a part of our flagship mentorship program . 

Quick links:

How to do psychology research

Data collection in psychology

The IRB approval process

Journals in Psychology

Once you’ve researched, written, and perfected your research paper, it’s time to introduce it to the world. You could enter it into a competition , as mentioned earlier in this post, create a podcast, do a YouTube video about it, or publish it in a journal. Publishing your research in a peer-reviewed journal can take the great work you’ve already done and add credibility to it. It also makes a stronger impression than unpublished research. The process of having your work reviewed by advanced degree researchers can be a valuable experience in itself. You can receive feedback from experts and learn how to improve upon the work you’ve already done. 

Here are some publications you could look into. 

1. Whitman Journal of Psychology

The WWJOP is a publication run entirely by students, where research and literature reviews in the field of psychology are recognized. The journal is run out of a high school with a teacher supervisor and student staff.

The WWJOP uniquely also accepts podcast submissions, so if that’s your preferred format for showcasing your work, then this could be the journal for you!

Deadline: Rolling

Type of research: Original research, podcasts

2. The Journal of Emerging Investigators (JEI)

JEI is an online, peer-reviewed journal that publishes research by middle and high school students in various scientific disciplines, including psychology. Please note that JEI requires that a teacher, mentor, or Principal Investigator of a lab submit your research on your behalf. 

Type of research: Original research in the biological and physical sciences that is written by middle and high school students. 

3. Journal of High School Science

Although this online journal is not specifically focused on psychology, The Journal of High School Science is a peer-reviewed quarterly publication showcasing high school student research in the realm of science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics.

Type of research:   STEAM-based research or innovations by high school students.

Regarding getting your project accepted and published at these or any other peer-reviewed journal: “Be prepared for the possibility of rejection or revisions. Scientific publishing is a competitive process, so maintain a positive attitude and be persistent in your efforts to improve and disseminate your research.” (Quote from The Journal of High School Science website)

For. more detailed list of publish opportunities, read our Top Psychology Journals for High School Students article .

From the Polygence Knowledge Hub

RESEARCH OPPORTUNITIES

7 minute read

Discover Free Online Psychology Courses for High School Students

Aug 20, 2024

8 minute read

Mentorship in Psychology: How Polygence Projects are Shaping the Future of Work in Psychology

Jul 16, 2024

EDUCATION AND COLLEGE ADMISSIONS

3 minute read

What to do in High School to Become a Psychiatrist

Jun 25, 2024

Navigating Social Science Internships: Opportunities and Insights

Jun 2, 2024

5 minute read

May 31, 2024

10 Criminology Research Ideas for High School Students

May 30, 2024

Is HiStep Right For You? A Comprehensive Guide to the HiStep Program

May 19, 2024

What Can I Do With a Psychology Degree?

May 8, 2024

2 minute read

Top 10 Psychology Research Opportunities for High Schoolers

4 minute read

Best Schools for Psychology in the US

Apr 10, 2024

6 minute read

Best Schools for Criminology in the US

Mar 14, 2024

Is Psychology a Good Career Path?

Mar 6, 2024

Top 3 Psychology Journals for High School Students to Publish In

Jan 12, 2024

Mastering Self-Learning: Guidelines for Highly-Motivated Middle and High School Students

Sep 13, 2023

12 Leadership Passion Project Ideas for High School Students

Aug 28, 2023

ABOUT POLYGENCE

The Impact of Social Media on the Mental Health of Middle and High School Students

Aug 25, 2023

How to Do Psychology Research: An Introductory Guide

Aug 9, 2023

STUDENT SPOTLIGHTS

Psychology and Mental Health Research Projects at the 8th Symposium of Rising Scholars

Apr 13, 2023

Data Collection in Psychology: The Ultimate Guide

Mar 13, 2023

9 minute read

Finding Purpose and Passion in Life: A Conversation with Sheila Akbar, COO of Signet Education

Feb 17, 2023

Top Psychology Competitions For High School and Middle School Students

Feb 10, 2023

Psychology projects

Deriving the Ideal Learning Environment For Communal Intermediate Educational Institutions

The Effects of Social Media on Teens

Why We Need a Shift in the Social and Medical Model of Our Approach to Autism

The Psychological Impact of Incarceration

Community Psychology: Dive into the fundamentals of psychology's impact on communities and social justice

Gray Chameleons on the Rise: Mental Illness in the LGBTQ+ CommunityWhat biological and environmental factors influence increased rates of suicide and depression in the LGBTIQ community?

The Unfiltered Lens: Social Media as a Threat to Democracy

Ready to start your own project?

Work 1 on 1 with an expert mentor on a project built around your passions.

What are some significant factors that affect the prejudice between East Asian countries, China, Japan, and Korea specifically?

Is Love Universal? A Review on Experiences of Love in Close Relationships Across Cultures.

Does fear explain the attraction of women towards male serial killers?

Development and Initial Validation of a Psychometric Scale for Immigration Stress Caused by Backlog in the Green-Card Application Process for Visa Holders

Effects of Excessive Screen Use on the Development of Emotional Temperament and Inattention in Children Below Ages 7

The Effect of Dance and DMT on Mental Health

Environmental and Biological Factors Contributing to Schizophrenia

Resilience: Its Importance and Relationship with Cortisol

What are the roles of genetics, environmental factors, and psychology in athletic performance-related traits?

Mindful scroll: A podcast exploring social media and its effects on teen mental health

How important are the social benefits of laughter for patients in palliative care?

What are the environmental factors that can contribute to Alzheimer's and how can treatments be designed to address them?

Effects of Social Support on Adolescent Identity Development

Psychology mentors

Columbia University

PhD candidate

University of Virginia, Charlottesville

Industry expert

Oxford University

University of Southern California (USC)

University of Alabama at Birmingham

University of California Berkeley (UC Berkeley)

Duke University

University of Georgia

Cambridge University

Emory University

Ohio State University, Columbus

Temple University

Shenandoah University

University of Virginia

University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill (UNC Chapel Hill)

Psychology scholars

Project: “A review on the role of traumatic events in the development and treatment of internalizing disorders“

Project: “The whys of climate change inaction.“

Project: “To what extent does active recall impact the brain in heutagogic activity? How can active recall assist in memory and learning among students? In what ways does active recall stimulate the brain to improve memory and learning among students?“

Project: “The Effects of Parent and Coach Behaviors on Burnout in Youth Sports“

Project: “The Mechanism of Sleep and how it impacts your livelihood“

Project: “What is the link between mental health issues and school shootings, and does mental health play a role in the sentencing these shooters get in court?“

Project: “What are the environmental factors that can contribute to Alzheimer's and how can treatments be designed to address them?“

Project: “Human Perception of the Sentience of ChatGPT and Artificial Intelligence“

Project: “The Positive and Negative Relationship Between Sports and Anxiety“

Project: “Improving Mental Health Services for Filipino-American Adolescents in the Bay Area: Addressing Disparities“

Project: “Factors Impacting The Development Of Schizophrenia And Bipolar Disorder: A Literature Review“

Project: “Overcoming Academic Procrastination: A Behavioral-Cognitive Approach“

Project: “Destress & Refresh: Creating an Interactive Mental Health Support Site for Teenagers“

Project: “Early Childhood: Key Factors in Brain Development & Adjustment“

Project: “Exploring shared neurobiological mechanisms across Bipolar Disorder, schizophrenia, and Autism Spectrum Disorder“

What are your chances of acceptance?

Calculate for all schools, your chance of acceptance.

Your chancing factors

Extracurriculars.

31 Research Opportunities + Internships for High Schoolers in 2024

What’s covered:.

• Research Opportunities and Internships for High School Students
• How to Find Research Opportunities in High School
• How Will Doing Research Impact Your College Chances?

Research drives innovation across every field of study, from natural sciences to health to history. Pursuing curiosity can impact industries, drive policy, and help us to better understand the world around us. Without curiosity and research, our society would surely stagnate. 

Contrary to popular belief, however, you don’t have to be a seasoned professional to conduct meaningful research. There are plenty of opportunities for high school students to get a head start on their future careers and contribute to substantial change. Keep reading to learn about 30 great opportunities for students looking for early chances to conduct research! 

Research Opportunities and Internships for High School Students 

1. memorial sloan kettering human oncology and pathogenesis program.

Application Deadline: February 9

Location: New York, NY

Duration: Eight weeks (June 27 – August 22)

Memorial Sloan Kettering (MSK) is one of the most well-known cancer centers in the world. The Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program (HOPP) at MSK hosts a Summer Student Program for students to conduct independent research projects while participating in extracurricular activities, training, and other opportunities.  

During the eight-week program, participants work with a mentor who will act as a supervisor to help them develop their research skills. Additionally, students have the opportunity to complete an independent research project that aligns with their mentor’s work. All participants will present their projects at a poster session at the end of the summer.

To participate, you must have completed at least 9th grade by June 2024, be at least 14 years old by June 27, have a 3.5 GPA in science subjects, and submit two letters of recommendation. This is a paid opportunity—participants will receive a stipend. 

2. Rockefeller University Summer Science Research Program  

Application Deadline: January 5 

Duration: Seven weeks (June 24 – August 8) 

The Rockefeller University Summer Science Research Program allows high school students to conduct real, innovative research over seven weeks through the renowned Rockefeller University, under the guidance of leading scientists. 

SSRP scholars will be able to design and conduct their own research project as part of a themed research track, which is modeled after a Rockefeller research topic and/or technique, with the help of scientist mentors from the Rockefeller community. Most of the research will be conducted in the RockEDU Laboratory—a 3,000-square-foot research space specifically dedicated to developing biomedical research skills.

Students must be at least 16 years old by the start of the program to participate.  

3. Lumiere Research Scholar Program

Application Deadline : Varies by cohort. Main summer deadlines are March 15, April 15, and May 15

Location:  Remote — you can participate in this program from anywhere in the world!

Duration: Options range from 12 weeks to 1 year

Founded by Harvard & Oxford researchers, the Lumiere Research Scholar Program is a rigorous research program tailored for high school students. 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 written an independent research paper! You can choose research topics from subjects such as medicine, computer science, psychology, physics, economics, data science, business, engineering, biology, and international relations.

This program is designed to accommodate your schedule—you can participate in the summer, fall, winter, or spring, and the program is also conducted fully remotely. While you must be currently enrolled in high school and demonstrate high academic achievement (most students have an unweighted GPA of 3.3), no previous knowledge of your field of interest is required. The cost of the program ranges from $2,800 to $8,900, but financial aid is available.

Note that this is a selective program. Last year, over 4000 students applied for 500 spots in the program. You can find more details about the application here .

4. Research Science Institute (RSI)

Application Deadline: December 13 

Location: Cambridge, MA

Duration: Five weeks (June 23 – August 3) 

The prestigious RSI, which takes place at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) annually, brings together 100 of the world’s top high school students. The free program blends on-campus coursework with off-campus science and technology research. 

Participants complete individual research projects while receiving mentorship from experienced scientists and researchers, and present their findings through oral and written reports in a conference-style setting at the end of the program. 

5. NYU Tandon – Applied Research Innovations in Science and Engineering (ARISE)

Application Deadline: March 6

Duration: 10  weeks (June 3 – August 9)

Open to New York City high school students who will complete 10th or 11th grade in June 2024, the ARISE program provides access to college-level workshops and lab research across fields like bio, molecular, and chemical engineering, robotics, computer science, and AI.

Over the course of 10 weeks—four virtual and six in person—participants will receive guidance from graduate or postdoctoral students at the NYU Tandon School of Engineering. 

6. Simons Summer Research Program

Application Deadline: February 7

Location: Stony Brook, NY

Duration: Five weeks (July 1 – August 9) 

During Stony Brook ’s Simons Summer Research Program, high school students conduct hands-on research in areas like science, math, and engineering while working with faculty mentors. Simons Fellows have the opportunity to join real research teams and learn about laboratory equipment and techniques. They also attend weekly faculty research talks and participate in special workshops, tours, and events. 

At the closing poster symposium, students will receive a stipend for their participation. To apply, you must be at least 16 years old by the start of the program and currently be in your junior year. 

7. SPARK Summer Mentorship Program

Application Deadline: N/A

Location: Greater Seattle area

Duration: 8-10 weeks 

SPARK is a summer mentorship program that pairs high-achieving and highly motivated high schoolers with industry experts, university professors, and mentors to conduct research on customers and financial markets. The program is only open to U.S. citizens and permanent residents.  

8. MDI Biological Laboratory – Biomedical Bootcamp 2024

Application Deadline: March 18 

Location: Bar Harbor, ME

Duration: One week (July 15 – 19) 

In this bootcamp, students will receive a hands-on introduction to biomedical research at MDI Biological Laboratory. Participants will learn essential scientific skills such as experimental design and hypothesis testing, cutting-edge laboratory techniques, data analysis, bioinformatics, and scientific communication. 

During the program, scientists and bioentrepreneurs at the lab will help participants explore scientific ethics at large, as well as career paths in biomedicine, research, and entrepreneurship in Maine and beyond.

Participants must be at least 16 years old by the start of the program and must be entering their junior or senior year in September 2024, or graduating in June 2024. 

9. Boston University – Research in Science & Engineering (RISE) Internship  

Application Deadline: February 14  

Location: Boston, MA

Duration: Six weeks (June 30 – August 9)  

RISE is a six-week program for rising seniors with an interest in pursuing a major and/or career in STEM. There are a multitude of tracks available, in areas such as astronomy, biology, chemistry, computer science, environmental science, and neuroscience. In each track, students conduct research under the mentorship of Boston University faculty, postdoctoral fellows, or graduate students. They will also attend weekly workshops with their peers. 

10. The Wistar Institute – High School Program in Biomedical Research

Application Deadline: March 31 

Location: Philadelphia, PA

Duration: Four weeks (July 15 – August 8) 

A leading biomedical research organization, The Wistar Institute is an ideal setting for students to learn research skills. Participants will complete their own research project while being trained in a principal investigator’s laboratory. They’ll also attend seminars, receive mentorship, and deliver a final presentation about their work.

Students are expected to participate Monday through Thursday from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm. Absences of more than two consecutive days cannot be accommodated. Students will receive a stipend of $1,000 upon completion of the program, to compensate for commuting costs or other personal expenses accrued during the program. 

11. California Academy of Sciences – Careers in Science (CiS) Intern Program

Application Deadline: April 1, 2024

Location: San Francisco, CA

Duration: Multi-year, year-round participation (after school and on weekends)

This long term program gives San Francisco students from communities that are underrepresented in STEM the opportunity to learn about the world of science and sustainability. Students receive mentorship, develop career skills, and more—all while getting paid for their work. Students also attend workshops and conferences throughout the course of the program. 

12. NASA OSTEM Internship

Application Deadline: February 2

Location: Varies

Duration: Varies

NASA offers a variety of internships for high school students across its numerous campuses. Interns gain real-world work experience by working side by side with research scientists and engineers, which will strengthen their resume and help prepare them for their eventual careers. All participants must be at least 16 years old and enrolled in high school full time.

13. New-York Historical Society Student Historian Internship Program

Application Deadline: April 7

Duration: July 9 – August 15

Not all research is conducted in STEM subjects! Developed for students interested in history, the New-York Historical Society’s Student Historian Program gives participants the opportunity to conduct research on a history topic—2024’s theme is Our Composite Nation: Frederick Douglass’ America . During the program, participants will work with historian mentors, visit history archives around New York City, lead gallery tours, and develop their historical thinking, communication, and digital media skills.

Applicants must be entering grades 10, 11, or 12, and live in the New York City metro area. This opportunity is unpaid for most participants, but some interns with demonstrated financial need can potentially receive a stipend.

14. Adler Planetarium Summer High School Internship  

Application Deadline: March 1

Location: Chicago, IL

Duration: Six weeks (July 8 – August 14)

During this summer internship program, students will learn about the Adler Planetarium and the career opportunities within it and planetariums and museums in general, in areas ranging from Visitor Experience and Learning to Research. Students will also get the chance to see how research gets translated into a museum experience. 

15. Zuckerman Institute Brain Research Apprenticeships in New York at Columbia University (BRAINYAC)

Application Deadline: TBA for 2025 program

Duration: Eight weeks  

BRAINYAC participants receive the rare opportunity to work on research in a lab at Columbia University , one of the most prestigious institutions in the world, as high school students, which results in a stronger, more comprehensive understanding of how scientific discovery happens. They connect with real scientists, acquire essential research and laboratory skills, and learn about advances in neuroscience research. 

In order to apply, you must be in 10th or 11th grade and must be nominated by one of the program’s partners—S-PREP, Lang Youth Medical, Double Discovery Center, Columbia Secondary School, or BioBus.  

16. Brookfield Zoo King Conservation Science Scholars Program

Application Deadline: Rolling admission 

Location: Brookfield, IL

Duration: N/A

Interactive workshops, fun activities, research, and community-based projects are at the core of this exciting internship. It’s an excellent opportunity for students who love animals and also want to gain research skills in the domains of zoology, environmental science, and conservation. 

As a King Scholar, you’ll learn about different topics through Foundation Courses, such as Diversity Awareness and Introduction to Conservation, all while networking with others and preparing for college and an eventual career in a related field. After one year of participation, you’ll be invited to apply for scholarships and paid positions at the zoo. 

17. The Science Research Mentoring Program (SRMP) at the American Museum of Natural History  

Application Deadline: March 8

Duration: One year (August to June) 

The American Museum of Natural History is one of the most iconic and fascinating places in New York City. Its Science Research Mentoring Program is an amazing opportunity for NYC high school students to conduct a yearlong research project with Museum scientists. 

Students in SRMP get paid to learn how scientific research is conducted. Depending on their topic of study, students can learn a variety of different research skills, like working with DNA in the lab, analyzing data from space-based telescopes, reading scientific articles, and learning to code and analyze data in Python, R, and other programming languages. 

18. Anson L. Clark Scholars Program

Application Deadline:   February 15

Location: Lubbock, TX

Duration: Seven weeks (June 16 – August 1) 

Through the Anson L. Clark Scholar Program, an intensive seven-week summer research program for twelve highly qualified high school juniors and seniors, students will gain hands-on experience with practical research alongside experienced and knowledgeable faculty at Texas Tech University .

Students can choose to participate in research in one field from a broad variety of options, including cell and molecular biology, chemistry, computer science, economics, engineering, history, and more! 

To apply, students must complete an online application that includes short essays, high school transcripts, test scores (at least a PSAT if no others are available), three recommendations (at least two from teachers), and a list of the student’s top five activities.

19. UChicago Data Science Institute Summer Lab Program  

Application Deadline: January 16 

Duration: Eight weeks (June 10 – August 2)

The Data Science Institute Summer Lab Program is an immersive eight-week paid summer research program at the University of Chicago . During the program, high school and undergraduate students are paired with a data science mentor, whose expertise could be in computer science, data science, social science, climate and energy policy, public policy, materials science, biomedical research, or another related field.

Participants will hone their research methodology, research practice, and teamwork skills. No prior research experience is required to apply. All participants will receive access to applied data science research, which they will use to craft a research project. The project findings will be presented in a video that will be shown at an end-of-summer symposium.

20. UT Austin College of Natural Sciences High School Research Academy

Application Deadline: March 24

Location: Austin, TX

Duration: Five weeks (June 10 – July 17) 

Through UT Austin ’s HSRA, high school students participate in interdisciplinary research projects being conducted by active College of Natural Sciences laboratories in fields such as biochemistry, biology, environmental science, genetics, neuroscience, genome engineering, data analytics, ecology, and more. 

There is a scholarship fund for underserved groups, so some stipends and free tuition scholarships may be available to students with demonstrated financial need. 

21. Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience – Summer Research Internship

Location: Jupiter, FL

Duration: Six weeks (June 17 – July 26) 

The MPFI Summer Research Internship offers rising juniors and seniors an immersive laboratory experience where they can learn from seasoned researchers. The program is designed specifically for students with an interest in brain structure, function and development, and the advanced imaging techniques and technologies used in neuroscience. 

Program participants will participate in research projects alongside MPFI scientists, prepare a written scientific abstract based on their research project, and deliver a short presentation at the end of the summer. Research tracks include neuroscience, scientific computer programming, and mechanical engineering as it relates to neuroscience.

Applicants must be entering their junior or senior years in a Palm Beach or Martin County high school, be residents of one of those two counties, and be at least 16 by the beginning of the internship. Interns will be paid at a rate of $12.50 per hour.

22. Lincoln Park Zoo Malott Family Zoo Intern Program

Application Deadline: March 11 

Duration: Seven weeks (June 24 – August 9) 

During this paid seven-week program, high school students learn how to educate others about animal and conservation sciences while crafting digital messages to engage audiences. The program culminates in a final project. Throughout the internship, students meet with researchers and the Animal Care staff to explore careers in the animal science and conservation fields. 

Applicants must be Chicago residents between the ages of 15-18, and must be entering grades 10-12 or their freshman year of college by the start of the internship.

23. The Scripps Research High School Internship Program  

Application Deadline: April 19

Location: La Jolla, CA

Duration: Seven weeks  

The Scripps Research Institute’s La Jolla, California headquarters is proud to offer a seven-week hands-on research experience for San Diego County high schoolers. The program is specially designed to expose students to careers in the biological and chemical sciences, to provide hands-on laboratory experience, and to motivate and prepare students for continuing education in STEM. 

Because Scripps is committed to increasing the number of students from underrepresented communities in STEM college programs, a special emphasis is placed on identifying and recruiting students who are from groups that are historically underrepresented in the sciences. All students will receive a $4,760 stipend.

24. QuarkNet Summer Research Program  

Application Deadline: January 31

Location: DuPage County, IL

Duration: Seven weeks (June 17 – August 2) 

High school sophomores, juniors, and seniors with a strong interest in STEM have a unique opportunity to work with scientists on research projects during this paid seven-week program at the prestigious Fermilab, located just outside of Chicago near Batavia, IL.

Interns are encouraged to indicate areas in which they have a particular interest, although research projects vary yearly based on the work ongoing at the lab. Broadly speaking, Fermilab’s focus is on particle physics.

Required application materials include a questionnaire, a letter of recommendation, and an essay. To apply, students must have U.S. citizenship or permanent resident status and must provide evidence of identity and eligibility to work in the United States. Participants will be paid at a rate of $17.20 per hour.

25. RISE Environmentor Internship

Location: Far Rockaway, NY

Duration: Six weeks (July 1 – August 15)

The Environmentor Internship offers a great opportunity for 9th through 11th graders who live or attend school near the Rockaway Peninsula to gain firsthand research experience. Participants are mentored by scientists from local universities and research institutions as they work on projects focused on the Rockaway shoreline. Past research topics have included sea turtle strandings, octopus behavior, mussel denitrification, and dolphin fin morphology.

Students will also take part in water safety courses, receive CPR training, and explore on-water activities like kayaking and surfing. Students receive up to a $1,200 stipend, as well as community service hours for their participation in the program.

26. Stanford Institutes of Medicine Summer Research Program (SIMR)

Application Deadline: February 24

Location: Stanford, CA

Duration: Eight weeks (June 10 – August 1)

Students in this summer program are given the chance to perform research on a medically oriented project and work side by side with Stanford University students, researchers, and faculty. Students can choose from eight areas of research, including topics like immunology, cancer biology, and bioinformatics, which are all designed to increase their interest in the biological sciences and provide a deeper understanding of how scientific research is conducted.

The program is open to current high school juniors and seniors. Students will receive a minimum $500 stipend for their participation in the program.

27. Secondary Student Training Program

Application Deadline: February 16

Location: Iowa City, IA

Duration: June 19 – July 26

High schoolers in grades 10 and 11 can take part in an immersive research experience, which will allow them to explore their interests, enhance their academic skills, and build relationships with their peers during this research-focused summer program.

Participants can choose from a multitude of research areas, ranging from biology to industrial and systems engineering to religious studies. The program culminates with students creating and presenting a poster of their findings. All participants will live on the University of Iowa ‘s campus for the duration of the program, and have access to all of the university’s libraries, study areas, and computer facilities.

Although this program is quite expensive, with a fee of $7,500, financial aid is available to cover up to 95% of the cost.

28. Young Scholars Summer STEMM Research Program

Location: Urbana, IL

Duration: Six weeks (June 20 – August 2)

This program, offered by the prestigious Grainger College of Engineering at University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) , allows students to gain hands-on research experience in fields such as cancer immunology, AI, physics, quantum mechanics, and electrical engineering. They will also build valuable general life skills by participating in seminars on topics ranging from the college admission process to how to communicate scientifically.

The program is open to rising 10th through 12th graders from Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Missouri, Iowa, and Wisconsin.

29. Summer Science Program (SSP)

Duration: Varies depending on location and field of focus

Students in the SSP get the chance to work in small teams on a real research project and gain firsthand experience taking and analyzing data. Research opportunities are offered in three fields—astrophysics, biochemistry, and genomics—and are held at a variety of institutions, including University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill , Georgetown University , Purdue University , and New Mexico State University .

The program is open to high school juniors, although a small number of exceptional sophomores have attended the program. You must be between 15-19 to participate, and have completed prerequisite coursework, which varies by field. Financial aid is available for this program.

30. The Jackson Laboratory Summer Student Program

Application Deadline: January 29

Location: Bar Harbor, ME, and Farmington, CT

Duration: 10 weeks (June 1 – August 10)

Students immerse themselves in genetics and genomics research while learning about laboratory discovery and scientific communication, as well as building professional skills. Over the course of the 10-week program, students work with a mentor to develop a research project, implement their plan, analyze their data, and report their results.

This prestigious program is competitive. Just 40 students are selected to participate annually. Participants receive a $6,500 stipend and have their room, board, and travel expenses covered.

31. Fred Hutch Summer High School Internship Program

Application Deadline: March 31

Location: Seattle, WA

Duration: Eight weeks (June 24 – August 16) 

This full-time, paid internship opportunity offers students a chance to immerse themselves in activities at the Fred Hutch Cancer Center, one of the top cancer research centers in the world. The program begins with two weeks of laboratory training and is followed by six weeks of mentored activities, research seminars, workshops focused on college and careers, and social activities.

The program is open to high schoolers entering their senior year with a strong interest in science and high academic achievement, and is specifically aimed at students from backgrounds underrepresented in biomedical science. Interns receive a stipend upon successful completion of the program.

How to Find Research Opportunities in High School 

Define your area of interest .

Before you start looking for opportunities, narrow your area of interest a bit, whether it’s cancer, engineering, computer science, neuroscience, or something else entirely. Also bear in mind that while there may be more STEM opportunities available for high school students, research isn’t limited to these fields—research is also a key component of the social sciences, humanities, and other non-STEM fields. 

While you should be somewhat specific about what you’re hoping to research, don’t narrow your scope so much that it’s impossible to find a valuable opportunity, especially since opportunities for high schoolers in general are more limited than they are for students who have completed at least some college.

Talk to People in Your Immediate Circle 

Teachers, neighbors, your family, parents of friends, friends of your parents—any of these people could know about a research opportunity for you, or at least know someone else who does. Throughout your life, you will find that networking is often the key to finding career opportunities. 

Leveraging your network can help you uncover unique opportunities crowdsourced by the people who know you best—the best opportunities aren’t always hosted by large universities or programs. 

Reach Out to Local Institutions and Laboratories 

In addition to networking with your immediate circle, reach out to local facilities, such as labs, hospitals, clinics, and universities that conduct research. Even if opportunities aren’t publicized, these institutions and laboratories may be willing to make room for you. Remember: when pitching your idea, don’t make it too niche—this will make it more difficult to find a fit and market your skills to labs. 

Cast a Wide Net 

Research opportunities are hard to secure, especially when you’re a young student, so you need to be persistent. You may need to write a hundred emails, but if you put in the effort and cast a wide net, you’ll vastly improve your chances of landing a great opportunity. 

Try not to be too picky, either. Of course, you shouldn’t just accept any offer , especially if it doesn’t appeal to you. But even if the opportunity doesn’t align perfectly with your skills and interests, it can still be a great chance to gain experience and make you a better candidate for future experiences.

How Will Doing Research Impact Your College Chances? 

How much participating in research enhances your college admissions profile depends on many factors, including the scope of the project, the prestige of the program or institution, your individual role and performance, the institution’s connections to or sponsorships by certain colleges, and even how much weight a college places on extracurricular activities in general. 

Generally speaking, there are four tiers of extracurricular activities that colleges think about when reviewing applicants’ activities. Selective, competitive, and prestigious activities are often found in the top tiers, Tier 1 and Tier 2. Tier 1 includes things such as being a highly recruited basketball player or an award-winning national science fair competitor. 

Tier 2 is similar, but is usually reserved for activities that are less exceptional than those in Tier 1. Tiers 3 and 4 are reserved for more common extracurricular achievements, such as holding school leadership positions or being a member of a debate team.

Research usually falls into Tier 2, and some particularly prestigious opportunities could even be Tier 1. That’s because it’s somewhat unusual for high school students to conduct research in professional and collegiate settings, so it’s more likely to impress colleges than other kinds of extracurricular activities.

Do you want to find out the impact research and other extracurricular activities might have on your chances of admission to top colleges and universities? Try using CollegeVine’s free chancing calculator ! 

Our tool evaluates your admissions profile, by accounting for factors like your grades,standardized test scores, and extracurriculars (including research!) to show you how you stack up against other applicants and how likely you are to get into hundreds of different colleges and universities. You’ll also receive tips on how to improve your profile and your odds—all for free.

Disclaimer: This post includes content sponsored by Lumiere Education.

Related CollegeVine Blog Posts

Calculate for all schools

Your chance of acceptance, your chancing factors, extracurriculars, psychology summer programs for high school students.

Hey everyone! So, I'm really interested in psychology and I'm looking for summer programs for high school students that focus on psychology. Any recommendations or experiences to share?

Hey there! It's wonderful to hear about your interest in psychology. There are some great summer programs for high school students that focus on psychology, and I'm happy to provide you with a few suggestions.

1. Boston University: Introduction to Experimental Psychology — This pre-college program at BU offers an introduction to the field of psychology through hands-on experience in conducting research and participating in laboratory experiments.

2. Yale University: Yale Young Global Scholars — This selective program at Yale offers a two-week session that covers psychology and neuroscience topics, allowing you to explore various aspects of cognitive and social psychology.

3. UPenn: Neuroscience Research Academy - This rigorous program, held at the University of Pennsylvania, is a three-week college credit course that covers the biological foundations of behavior and mental processes with a focus on the role of neuroscience.

4. Stanford University: High School Summer College — While not dedicated exclusively to psychology, Stanford's Summer College offers a variety of psychology courses that high school students can enroll in for college credit during the summer session.

5. Duke University: Summer Pre-College — Similar to Stanford, Duke allows high school students to choose from a variety of for-credit psychology courses during the summer session.

Remember that the best program for you depends on your specific interests and goals. I'd recommend researching these programs further to find the one that will best suit your needs and preferences. Good luck, and enjoy your summer exploring the fascinating world of psychology!

About CollegeVine’s Expert FAQ

CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.

Contact Education

Apa teachers of psychology in secondary schools.

The voice of high school psychology teachers within the APA, TOPSS promotes excellence in the teaching of psychological science at the high school level. 

New resources on broadening diversity

Resources on racialized identity, disability, and neurodiversity now available

Call for updated pacing calendars

TOPSS invites new pacing calendars for website

2024 TOPSS Committee Elections

Vote by September 30

Teaching resources

Value of the course for students (video) Discover how taking a psychology course in high school can teach you how to be a better student, prepare you for any career, and help you better understand your world.

Unit lesson plans Five- to seven-day units that include a procedural timeline, content outline, suggested resources, activities, and references

Teaching psychology: Where can I find help? This resource provides the psychology teacher with a quick reference for needs and questions that arise while preparing to teach a course

For new teachers Resource manual to help new high school psychology teachers get started, plan lessons and activities, and more

Resource vetting rubric (PDF, 80KB) The document should be used when vetting resources to use in the high school psychology classroom. Revised in October 2023 

Teaching resources for high school psychology teachers on skills Materials on metacognitive, transferable, and well-being skills

TOPSS high school psychology resources available in Canvas This resource set, available in Canvas, provides teachers with resources, videos, and test banks to use in class. The collection, developed for teachers by teachers, is meant to be customized

More teaching resources

High school psychology is science

Get involved

Learn about TOPSS Become a high school teacher affiliate and enjoy many great benefits

Videos Use these recorded conference sessions in your classroom or to expand your own knowledge

Professional development conferences, workshops, and regional networks for psychology teachers A listing of national and regional groups or conferences (workshops) for high school psychology teachers

TOPSS listserv Join the mailing list to receive periodic news and updates

Online psychology laboratory Offers students opportunities to participate in studies and engage in data analysis

Read about us in the Monitor

APA high school summit

• TOPSS Committee elections All current paid TOPSS members can vote for new committee members. Deadline: September 30, 2024.
• APF High School Psychology Outreach Grants Apply by November 1, 2024
• New lesson plan: Stress and Health (PDF, 453KB) New six-lesson unit plan now available
• New lesson plan: Gender (PDF, 345KB) A new four-lesson unit plan is now available
• Considering Diversity: A Self-Reflection Tool for Psychology Teachers This resource aims to boost interpersonal and cultural sensitivity in both students and teachers
• Activities database for teachers Quickly search over 100 activities from our TOPSS unit lesson plans and an STP ebook

Psychology Teacher Network newsletter

For your students

Join APA as a student affiliate

Academic Achievement in Psychology Awards TOPSS members can recognize their outstanding students. The 2024 certificate is now available

Science fairs, clubs, and student research

TOPSS Competition for High School Psychology Students Annual competition for students currently enrolled or have been previously enrolled in a psychology course

Get involved, find careers

• Assessment Guide for Psychology Teachers (PDF, 425KB) This guide was developed to help teachers continue to build confidence in their assessment skills in order to provide useful feedback to students about their intellectual progress
• High school assessment exemplars Search for the “high school” topic area to find these templates 

Governance and policies

Committee of Teachers of Psychology in Secondary Schools

National Standards for High School Psychology Curricula

Advocacy Toolkit for the National Standards for High School Psychology Curricula

Advocacy Toolkit for the Psychology Teaching Credential

This guide encourages teachers to advocate for the psychology teaching credential in each state.

Universal Navigation

Universal navigation2.

• Employment Opportunities
• First-Year Students
• Guidance For Undergraduate Students in Psychology
• Scholarships & Awards
• Alumni-Student Mentorship Program
• Psychology Students' Association
• Undergraduate Email Listserv
• Useful Links
• Research Opportunities
• Psychology Undergraduate Research Community
• Contacts and Advising
• In Memoriam
• Events Submission Form
• Past Events
• Find Support

Search form

• News & Events
• Event Series

University of Toronto Summer Psychology Research Initiative (SPRINT)

The University of Toronto Summer Psychology Research Initiative (SPRINT) is a free summer program for high school students in Ontario to learn about a broad range of psychology topics and gain research experience. The program has two streams: Lecture and Research. Lecture Stream participants will be introduced to psychology as a scientific research discipline, whereas Research Stream participants will build upon the knowledge and develop a group research proposal under the guidance of undergraduate and graduate student mentors in various fields of psychology.

In 2021, SPRINT was launched as an anti-racist initiative to support Black, Indigenous, and People of Color students, with a focus on countering anti-Black racism and colonialism. Students from these racialized groups have historically been underrepresented in psychology research, especially as they progress through increasing levels of higher education. It is duly important to represent racialized persons in psychology, as it produces tools, trainees, clinicians, and research that can better serve the needs of its communities beyond the academic setting. Therefore, students from these racialized groups have been prioritized in the application selection process since the first iteration.

In 2024, SPRINT also began prioritizing other historically underrepresented groups, such as gender-minority and first-generation students, to more comprehensively address the issues of equity, diversity, and inclusivity in Canada.

Over the past few years, SPRINT has been fortunate to receive support from the Department of Psychology, Graduate Education Innovation Fund, and Pedagogical Innovation and Experimentation Fund. SPRINT has also been showcased at the Society for Teaching Psychology’s Annual Conference on Teaching.

QUICK SPRINT RUNDOWN

How long is the program? SPRINT is an intensive 10-day program. Attendance is required, so please be mindful of the time commitment of the program. Exceptions will be made for excused absences. When is the program? SPRINT typically runs in the last 2 weeks of July, Mondays to Fridays. Where is the program?  SPRINT is held in person at the University of Toronto St. George campus . Virtual accommodations can be made available in certain circumstances. Does the program cost anything? No, SPRINT is free for all interested students. However, there may be expenses outside of the program (e.g., commute, food). If these expenses pose a barrier to your participation, we may be able to offer partial financial assistance.

Why should you participate in SPRINT?

Students who participate in SPRINT will have the opportunity to learn about a wide range of topics in psychology through typical lectures, interactive panels, live demonstrations, and hands-on activities, similar to students pursuing an undergraduate degree. Students will also have the opportunity to meet current researchers in the field, learn about new ground-breaking studies, and gain hands-on experience by creating a research project proposal. As well, students will connect with current undergraduates who can answer questions about university life. Finally, students will meet other high school students from Ontario who all have a shared common interest in psychology. It's a great way to make new connections!

Here's what past SPRINT participants had to say about the program:

I really enjoyed the in-depth lectures and all the information that was very well taught. I learned many useful concepts and skills .

I liked being able to work with people who were interested in the same topics. I also liked the relationship with the mentors, being able to talk and ask questions .

Everyone was so enthusiastic and this positive environment simply increased my motivation to learn more about areas in psychology .

Who is eligible for SPRINT?

All high school students studying in Ontario are eligible to apply and participate, as long as your application is complete, meets the word count, and demonstrates your strong interest in psychology and research. We typically receive more applications than we can accommodate and have developed a stratified lottery system for those who meet the application criteria.

Applicants who identify as Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour and/or members of other historically underrepresented social groups (e.g., first-generation students) will be prioritized in the selection process. In addition, SPRINT prioritizes upper-year high school students (i.e., entering grades 11 and 12), recent high school graduates, and former SPRINT applicants who were not previously selected.

Please visit https://sprint.psych.utoronto.ca for full details on our selection criteria and priority groups.

Interested in volunteering for SPRINT?

SPRINT is always in need of volunteers with various levels of expertise, including undergraduate students, graduate students, and post-doctoral researchers. Core logistics team members meet weekly during the academic year to plan and organize SPRINT. New members are welcome to join at any time! Closer to the end of the Winter term and the start of the Summer term, we seek volunteers to serve as instructors, panelists, and mentors to help deliver content to SPRINT students.

If you wish to join the team, please apply during our recruitment period or contact us at [email protected] !

For More Information and Application Details

Visit our website at https://sprint.psych.utoronto.ca and follow us on social media for the latest updates! Instagram: @uoftpsycomm & Twitter/X: @uoftpsycomm

Note: If https://sprint.psych.utoronto.ca does not work on your browser, please try https://sites.google.com/view/uoftsprint/ .

• Ebbinghaus Empire
• Behavioral Neuroscience
• Department Colloquia
• Summer Psychology Research Initiative (SPRINT)
• Teaching & Learning Community of Practice
• Request new password

• Tomsk Tourism
• Tomsk Hotels
• Tomsk Bed and Breakfast
• Flights to Tomsk
• Tomsk Restaurants
• Things to Do in Tomsk
• Tomsk Travel Forum
• Tomsk Photos
• All Tomsk Hotels
• Tomsk Hotel Deals

student life - Tomsk Forum

• Europe    
• Russia    
• Siberian District    
• Tomsk Oblast    
• Tomsk    

student life

• United States Forums
• Europe Forums
• Canada Forums
• Asia Forums
• Central America Forums
• Africa Forums
• Caribbean Forums
• Mexico Forums
• South Pacific Forums
• South America Forums
• Middle East Forums
• Honeymoons and Romance
• Business Travel
• Train Travel
• Traveling With Disabilities
• Tripadvisor Support
• Solo Travel
• Bargain Travel
• Timeshares / Vacation Rentals
• Tomsk Oblast forums
• Tomsk forum

Good day sir,am planning on traveling to study medicine in Tomsk. I also need a student job that could assist me in my monthly living expenses and payment of my student loan.I have taught in basic school for over 2 years and can speak English language.Please sir,can you assist me with information or directions on what to do to get over with this issue.Thank you

http://www.sibmed.ru/ru/admissions/entry_requirements/

All information about international students department and contact details are there.

• Student life and job in Tomsk for foreign national May 13, 2024
• Student life and job in Tomsk for foreign national Aug 25, 2021
• Things to do in Tomsk? Jul 27, 2020
• Nicest neighborhood? Nov 22, 2018
• student life Aug 07, 2018
• Bus/Taxi from Novosibirsk to Tomsk and back again Aug 08, 2017
• Visa Registration, Need help :) Jan 18, 2016
• Tour guides in tomsk Dec 12, 2015
• Time differences Jun 10, 2015
• Buses between Tayga and Tomsk Dec 31, 2014
• busses from novosibirsk to Tomsk and back Dec 25, 2014
• Niznevartovsk to Tomsk Jul 11, 2012
• Tomsk Oblast Jan 02, 2011
• Niznevartovsk to Tomsk 4 replies
• Tomsk Oblast 4 replies

Tomsk Hotels and Places to Stay

• GreenLeaders