10 Online Summer Psychology Programs for High School Students
- Stephen Turban
- 1 day ago
- 6 min read
If you’re a high school student looking for an accessible way to explore psychology in your summer break, consider an online program!Â
Online psychology summer programs can help you explore topics like cognitive science, mental health, and behavioral research under expert mentorship!Â
They’re also a great way for you to explore college-level coursework, gain practical skills, and connect with experts in the field—without the high costs of traditional programs. These programs provide a structured yet flexible learning environment, allowing you to dive into topics like cognitive science, behavioral research, and mental health while balancing other commitments during the summer.
To help you find the best fit, we’ve curated a list of 10 online summer psychology programs. Our selection is based on factors such as program rigor, networking opportunities, competitive admissions, full funding availability, and affiliation with prestigious institutions.
Cost:Â $2,990. Full financial aid is available!
Location:Â Virtual
Application Deadline:Â March 9
Duration: 12 weeks – 1 year
Eligibility: High school students
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program is a rigorous research program tailored for high school students. The program pairs high-school students with Ph.D. mentors to work 1-on-1 on an independent research project. At the end of the 12-week program, you’ll have developed an independent research paper!Â
You can choose research topics related to psychology or other disciplines like physics, economics, data science, computer science, engineering, chemistry, international relations, and more. You can find more details about the application here.
Cost: Starting at $2,490 (financial aid available)
Location:Â Virtual
Application deadline:Â March 9
Duration: 8 weeks
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors
Ladder Internships is a selective start-up internship program for ambitious high school students founded by Harvard alumni. The program connects high school students with startups and nonprofits across the world for a virtual internship experience. Students interested in psychology internships can opt for the Mental Health track while applying.Â
Ladder interns work closely with their managers and a Ladder Coach on real-world projects before presenting their work to the company. You will be expected to put in 5 – 10 hours of work a week, following a structured timeline. The program also offers one-on-one skills training and group training sessions with fellow interns. Interns can apply to work with various organizations, including those focused on mental health services, life coaching, corporate consulting and training, and companies that specialize in objective assessment of emotional disorders.
Once you successfully complete the internship, you will receive a letter of completion from the company. You can find the application form here.Â
Cost: 3,080 (financial aid available)
Location:Â Virtual
Application deadline:Â March 20
Duration: 2 weeks
Eligibility: High school sophomores, juniors, and seniors
Stanford Pre-Collegiate Summer Institutes offers an online psychology course where students engage in an in-depth study of key psychological concepts. The program explores methodological and theoretical aspects of psychology, along with small research projects that introduce real-world research tools.
Course topics may include social and cognitive development, perception, memory, psychological disorders, and major psychological theories. Students will also examine the limitations of psychological research and its applications in daily life.
Live online classes run for two hours each weekday, with an additional 2-3 hours of independent work on assignments and projects. The program provides opportunities for collaboration and discussion, helping students refine their analytical and research skills.
Cost: $4,050 (4 credits) or $7,900 (8 credits). Financial aid is available
Location:Â Both virtual and on-campusÂ
Application deadline:Â The late application deadline is April 9
Duration: 7 weeks
Eligibility: High school sophomores, juniors, and seniors
The 7-week Secondary School Program (SSP)Â offers a range of online psychology courses, allowing students to tailor their summer learning experience. Participants can select two courses based on their interests, covering topics such as brain science, individual and social psychology, and the connection between psychology, logic, and law.
This program provides an opportunity to engage with college-level coursework while developing critical thinking and analytical skills. Students will participate in discussions, complete assignments, and explore real-world applications of psychological concepts.
Upon completion, participants can request a transcript detailing coursework, grades, and earned credits, which may be transferable to colleges and universities.
Cost: $1,840 per credit (financial assistance available to first-generation and/or low-income high school students)
Location:Â Virtual
Application deadline:Â Varies based on the session
Duration: 3- and 6-weeks
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors
Cornell’s Precollege Studies program allows high school students to explore college-level academics under Ivy League instructors. The program offers courses in psychology and related fields such as cognitive science and human development.
Courses are typically condensed into a three-week format, requiring students to keep up with a fast-paced schedule. Participants can earn between 3 to 12 credits while engaging in discussions, completing assignments, and collaborating with peers.
Students also have access to one-on-one admissions counseling, providing guidance on college applications and academic planning.
Cost: Varies (financial aid available)
Location:Â Virtual
Application deadline:Â May 20
Duration: 3 weeks
Eligibility: High school students
Johns Hopkins Center for Talented Youth (CTY) offers programs designed for academically advanced high school students. Depending on individual preferences, students can choose from session-based, live, or self-paced courses.
The Psychology of Memory course explores the neurobiology of remembering, different types and phases of memory, and cognitive tools used to assess memory. Topics also include forgetting, false memories, and disorders such as anterograde and retrograde amnesia.
Students should expect to dedicate 12–15 hours per week to coursework, with most of the time spent on independent study and assignments.
Cost: Varies (scholarships available)
Location:Â Virtual
Application deadline:Â May 9
Duration: Varies depending on course
Eligibility: High school students
Summer@Brown Online offers multiple psychology courses for high school students, with flexible learning formats—fully asynchronous, mostly asynchronous, or blended. Students can select sessions lasting 2, 3, 4, or 6 weeks based on their schedules and learning preferences.
The program includes virtual activities, workshops, and personalized instructor feedback. Students who complete a course receive a Digital Certificate of Completion, while those enrolled in courses lasting 3 weeks or longer also receive a Course Performance Report.
Cost: $2,810 (1-week program), $3,960 (2-week program)
Location:Â Virtual
Application deadline:Â April 2
Duration: 1 – 2 weeks
Eligibility: High school students
The Columbia University Online Summer Program offers 1-week and 2-week psychology courses for high school students. Those in the 2-week session can enroll in multiple courses. Classes run Monday through Friday and include discussions, debates, simulations, group projects, and Student Life workshops.
Students who complete the course receive a Columbia University Certification of Participation and an evaluation letter, which can be used for college applications.
Cost: Free (certificate available for a fee)
Location:Â Virtual
Application deadline:Â None (self-paced)
Duration: Flexible (Self-paced)
Eligibility: High school students
This online course consists of seven modules, offering a broad introduction to psychology. The curriculum includes video lectures, curated readings, interactive assignments, and quizzes covering topics like cognitive processes, emotional development, personality, perception, communication, learning, and decision-making. It also explores how these psychological functions develop in children, vary across individuals, connect to brain structures, and are affected by illness or injury.
Course materials are free, with an optional certificate available for a fee. Additional psychology courses are also available for students interested in exploring further.
Cost: Free (certificate available for a fee)
Location:Â Virtual
Application deadline:Â None (self-paced)
Duration: Flexible (Self-paced)
Eligibility: High school students
MIT OpenCourseWare offers a broad selection of psychology courses, allowing students to explore topics such as cognitive psychology, social psychology, and developmental psychology at their own pace. The platform provides access to lecture notes, reading materials, assignments, exams, and multimedia content.
While it is a valuable resource for self-directed learning, it does not include formal mentorship programs or direct interaction with MIT faculty. Instead, it serves as an open-access repository for high-quality academic materials.
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.
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