10 Online Psychology Courses for High School Students
- Jessica Zhou
- Oct 20, 2023
- 7 min read
Updated: Apr 14
For individuals interested in psychology, online psychology courses offer a chance to deepen your knowledge. By enrolling in these courses, you can delve into psychology, acquire practical insights, and demonstrate your interest in the subject. Online psychology courses can enhance your academic and professional prospects by showing your dedication to academic excellence and practical knowledge. College admission committees and employers value candidates who show genuine interest in their field.
Courses from well-established institutions can carry significant weight. However, irrespective of the course's prestige, emphasizing your coursework, achievements, and the skills you've honed through online psychology courses is important to showcase your commitment to psychology.
What to consider when choosing an online psychology course:
Accreditation & Credibility: For broad recognition, you should look for courses from an institution with recognized accreditation in psychology.
Instructor Qualifications: Look for instructors with strong academic backgrounds, potentially a Ph.D., and a track record of engaging instruction.
Course Content & Structure: Assess if the curriculum aligns with your interests, is well-structured, and offers a comprehensive overview of psychology principles.
Interactivity & Support: You should prioritize courses that offer interactive elements, such as discussions, instructor support, and tech assistance.
Considering these factors, you can make a well-informed decision aligning with your educational and professional goals. Before enrolling in any course, review the course offerings and confirm their suitability for your requirements and objectives.
Here are 10 great online psychology courses for high schoolers! Note that the following information is based on the most recent program, with dates subject to change but generally similar from year to year.
Cost: $3,700 (4 credits) or $7,400 (8 credits) (financial aid available)
Eligibility: Students aged 16-18 who will graduate from high school and enter college this year, next year, or the year after that.
Application Deadline: January 10 (Early), February 14 (Regular), and April 10 (Late)
Course Dates: 7 weeks (June 22 – August 10)
Harvard Summer School's Individual and Social Psychology course delves into the core concepts of both individual and social psychology, providing a comprehensive understanding of human behavior and its interaction with the social environment. With a strong emphasis on critical thinking and empirical research, the course teaches you how to analyze and interpret psychological theories and experiments. The curriculum covers an array of topics, from cognitive processes and personality development to social influence and group dynamics. The discussion-oriented approach fosters encourages you to apply psychological principles to real-life situations and debates.
Cost: $3,050
Eligibility: Grades 8-11 at the time of application
Application Deadline: March
Course Dates: Two weeks in June and July (2 sessions available)
The Stanford Pre College Summer Institute's "Topics in Psychology'' program covers cognitive, social, and abnormal psychology, providing a well-rounded understanding of the discipline. This program is designed to challenge you, focusing on critical thinking, experimental design, and discussions. You will have the opportunity to work with Stanford faculty and researchers, gaining insights into developments in the field. Additionally, the program incorporates experiments and group projects, enabling you to apply your knowledge.
Cost: $5,250
Eligibility: Sophomores, juniors, and seniors
Application Deadline: December 4
Course Dates: January 2-19
The Cornell University School of Continuing Education (SCE) Pre College program "Introduction to Psychology" course offers an exploration of the fundamental principles of psychology. Tailored for high school students, this program covers cognitive processes, human development, and social behavior. With the guidance of instructors, you will conduct experiments, analyze data, and discuss psychological theories. This course is designed to cultivate critical thinking skills, research acumen, and an in-depth understanding of human behavior. You will have the chance to interact with peers who share your interest in psychology.
Cost: $3,700 (4 credits) or $7,400 (8 credits) (financial aid available)
Eligibility: Students aged 16-18 who will graduate from high school and enter college this year, next year, or the year after that.
Application Deadline: January 10 (Early), February 14 (Regular), and April 10 (Late)
Course Dates: 7 weeks (June 22 – August 10)
Harvard Summer School's "Psychology of Cults" course provides an exploration of the dynamics surrounding cults. This program delves into the psychological, sociological, and ethical dimensions of cults and extremist groups. The course examines how individuals become involved in such groups, the strategies used to influence them, and the psychological mechanisms at play. It encourages critical thinking and evidence-based analysis, allowing you to critically evaluate the factors that contribute to cult membership and the ethical dilemmas surrounding these groups. The program combines theory with case studies, fostering a nuanced understanding of the psychological vulnerabilities that cults exploit.
Cost: $1,950
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors
Application Deadline: Rolling basis (final deadline in May)
Course Dates: 2 weeks, self paced: June 26 - July 7 and July 24 - August 4
Johns Hopkins University's "Psychopathology and its Development" program explores the complexities of mental health and the mechanisms behind psychological disorders. This course provides an understanding of psychopathology by examining various aspects of mental health, such as the origins, progression, and treatment of psychological disorders. You will gain insights into the latest research, diagnostic tools, and therapeutic approaches. The program encourages critical thinking and analytical skills through discussions and projects, enabling you to grasp the subject.
Free Online Psychology Course Options
Cost: Free
Eligibility: Everyone is eligible to enroll in this course.
Application Deadline: Rolling basis
Course Dates: Self-paced
MIT OpenCourseWare's "Introduction to Psychology" is an outstanding resource for anyone looking to gain a deep understanding of the foundational principles of psychology. This free course covers a range of psychological topics, from cognitive processes and social behavior to developmental and clinical psychology. You will have access to high-quality lecture materials, readings, and assignments from MIT's faculty. The course's flexibility makes it accessible to learners of all backgrounds. It provides valuable insights into the workings of the human mind.
Cost: Free without certificate and $672.30 with certificate (financial aid available)
Eligibility: Everyone is eligible to enroll in this course.
Application Deadline: Rolling basis
Course Dates: Self-paced
HarvardX's "Fundamentals of Neuroscience" is a solid online course that offers a deep dive into neuroscience. Designed to provide a comprehensive introduction to this field, the course covers the structure and function of the nervous system, neural communication, sensory and motor systems, and higher-order cognitive functions. This course, offered by Harvard University through edX, is an excellent choice for those interested in understanding the biological underpinnings of the human brain and how they relate to behavior, cognition, and neurological disorders. You will benefit from the expertise of Harvard's faculty and access to learning materials, including video lectures, quizzes, and assignments.
Cost: Free
Eligibility: Everyone is eligible to take this course
Application Deadline: Rolling basis
Course Dates: 14 hours
The "Introduction to Psychology" course, available on Coursera and developed by Yale University, offers an exploration of the core concepts of psychology. With a strong emphasis on scientific rigor and critical thinking, the course covers the history of psychology, research methods, neurological processes, social interactions, and psychological disorders. You will benefit from Yale's faculty and gain access to video lectures, quizzes, and peer-graded assignments. The flexibility of online learning allows you to progress at your own pace, making the course suitable for both beginners and those looking to expand their knowledge.
Cost: Free without certificate and $348.30 for 3 courses
Eligibility: Everyone is eligible
Application Deadline: Rolling basis
Course Dates: Self-paced
This course package explores psychology's practical applications. This package consists of three distinct courses: "Psychology of Everyday Life," "Positive Psychology," and "Clinical Psychology." It is designed to offer a well-rounded perspective on psychology, from understanding human behavior in daily life to examining the principles of positive psychology and delving into clinical psychology concepts. Each course features expert insights and practical knowledge that allows you to apply psychological principles to real-world situations. With a focus on research-based approaches and evidence-based practices, the APA-endorsed courses provide valuable insights for those interested in psychology.
Cost: Free
Eligibility: Everyone is eligible to enroll in this course.
Application Deadline: Rolling basis
Course Dates: Self-paced
The "Introduction to Abnormal Psychology" course on Coursera, offered by Wesleyan University, is for those interested in psychological disorders and mental health. This course focuses on the understanding, diagnosis, and treatment of various mental health conditions. You will explore topics like anxiety disorders, mood disorders, psychotic disorders, and personality disorders, gaining insights into the spectrum of psychological conditions. Wesleyan's faculty will guide you through video lectures, quizzes, and assignments. By the course's conclusion, you will have a nuanced understanding of the real-world implications of abnormal psychology for individuals and society. It's an excellent choice for those considering a career in psychology or mental health.
One other option - Lumiere Research Scholar Program
If you would like to further explore the field of psychology and play a more direct role in research, you should also consider applying to the Lumiere Research Scholar Program, a selective online high school program 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.
Jessica attends Harvard University where she studies Neuroscience and Computer Science as a Coca-Cola, Elks, and Albert Shankar Scholar. She is passionate about educational equity and hopes to one day combine this with her academic interests via social entrepreneurship. Outside of academics, she enjoys taking walks, listening to music, and running her jewelry business!
Image Source: Harvard University seal
