Summer isn’t just a time for rest and recreation. For many high school students with a keen interest in how the mind works, it’s an opportunity to delve deeper into their passion while preparing for college.
With numerous quality programs available, it can be a daunting task to find the best fit. But we’ve put in all the work, so you don’t have to. We’ve used our years of experience and rigorous standards to select the top psychology summer programs specifically tailored for you. You’ll also find helpful advice here from an admissions officer.
Brett Fuller
Academic Development Manager | Pioneer Academics
Former Associate Dean of Undergraduate Admissions, Wake Forest University
Former Senior Assistant Director of Undergraduate Admissions
Important note: The “best” program is always going to be the program that best fits your needs, goals, and interests. Check out my thoughts on things to consider when selecting a summer program here: College Application: Tips on Selecting a Summer Program Meeting Admission Officers’ Standards.
Psychology has become a popular discipline among high school students weighing potential college majors, but not all realize how important a research background can be in the field. If a psychology student has aspirations of becoming a clinical psychologist or a mental health professional, that often means an advanced degree will be required. The path to graduate studies and even a doctoral degree is often paved, at least in part, with research in your field.
Students can get an early jump on their research experience with one of the following programs. Prior to pursuing any research program or project it is important to first consider what kind of questions you hope to explore. Some programs may allow you to dig into your specific question, while others may be a bit more prescriptive within your area of interest. Research is not the only way to approach your interest in psychology, but it can be an effective stepping stone on the path.
💡Bonus tips for choosing the right academic programs:
Click here to read the in-depth investigative report and its summary on the academic programs and publications by the Pulitzer-winning journalist on ProPublica and Chronicle of Higher Ed!
Pioneer Academics
Pioneer Academics provides an unparalleled platform for global students to enhance their love for learning and exploration. This initiative stands out as the world’s only fully accredited, entirely online research program specifically designed for high school students.
Upholding stringent criteria and high standards, Pioneer engages students through a unique educational methodology that both instructs and challenges. Participants have access to extensive data and resources, enabling them to undertake independent research projects with real-world impact.
The culmination of this intensive program is the creation of comprehensive research papers on topics chosen by the students themselves. The top 3% of these research papers earn a spot in the prestigious Pioneer Research Journal.
Moreover, every student’s research experience with Pioneer is held in the same esteem as those of undergraduate students at top-tier colleges and universities. Consequently, Pioneer students can earn college credit for their work.
| Format | Online |
|---|---|
| Cost | $6,650 US dollars |
| Program Dates | June-August (Some Students May Extend to September) |
| Application Deadline(s) | April 9, 2023 |
| Format | Online |
|---|---|
| Cost | $6,650 US dollars |
| Program Dates | June-August (Some Students May Extend to September) |
| Application Deadline(s) | April 9, 2023 |
Summer at Brown – Brown University
Brown offers a diverse array of pre-college summer programs designed to stimulate the minds of high school students. With 43 courses available, participants can delve into the multifaceted world of psychological science.
Courses such as “Behavioral Game Theory: Experiments in Strategic Interaction” challenge traditional economic theory by exploring human behavior’s complexities. “Culture and Psychology” offers insights into multicultural psychology, examining cultural influences on human interaction. And the intriguing “Free Will and the Brain: Neuroscience of Decision-Making” course delves into the neuroscience behind our choices.
These summer courses provide a unique chance for students to gain exposure to cutting-edge research and explore different career paths in psychology.
| Format | In-person |
|---|---|
| Cost | $3,000-$6,000 |
| Program Dates | June to August 2023 (dependent on programs) |
| Application Deadline(s) | May 12, 2023 |
| Format | In-person |
|---|---|
| Cost | $3,000-$6,000 |
| Program Dates | June to August 2023 (dependent on programs) |
| Application Deadline(s) | May 12, 2023 |
Psychology Institute – Wake Forest University
The Summer Immersion Program Psychology Institute offers high school students an immersive introduction to the captivating world of psychology research. Participants dive into the structure of the brain with hands-on learning, such as guided sheep brain dissection and brain training exercises on neuroplasticity.
The program provides a deep understanding of how emotions, illusions, and biases impact human behavior and perception. Students also conduct their own observational research projects, enabling them to analyze and present their findings.
From investigating the disordered mind and sensation perception to exploring the psychology of addiction, students gain invaluable practical skills and knowledge in the psychology field.
| Format | In-person |
|---|---|
| Cost | $3,000 |
| Program Dates | July 23rd -28th, 2023 |
| Application Deadline(s) | Rolling Admission |
| Format | In-person |
|---|---|
| Cost | $3,000 |
| Program Dates | July 23rd -28th, 2023 |
| Application Deadline(s) | Rolling Admission |
PSYCH 1101 Introduction to Psychology: The Frontiers of Psychological Inquiry – Cornell University
Cornell’s summer program offers high school students a comprehensive introduction to the science of psychology delves into a multitude of intriguing topics such as superstitions, intelligence, morality, sexuality, mental illness, and even the complexities of human attraction.
Students learn about the history and significant developments in the field, along with the latest research findings. The program also educates them on various investigative tools psychologists use to study the mind, including observational methods, brain activity measurements, and experimental manipulation.
| Format | In-person |
|---|---|
| Cost | $5,040 |
| Program Dates | June 20th-July 28th, 2023 |
| Application Deadline(s) | Rolling Admission |
| Format | In-person |
|---|---|
| Cost | $5,040 |
| Program Dates | June 20th-July 28th, 2023 |
| Application Deadline(s) | Rolling Admission |
Psychology in Everyday Life – Illinois Institute of Technology
The “Psychology in Everyday Life” summer program at the Illinois Institute of Technology provides a comprehensive introduction to psychology. Designed for high school students, this pre-college class offers a glimpse into the collegiate-level study of psychology, including the opportunity for students to conduct their own research project.
The curriculum is divided into five themes: introduction day, multicultural psychology day, psychology research and technology day, psychotherapy day, and careers and admissions day.
The program blends science and research with hands-on experiences. Students also get the chance to roleplay a counseling session as either the client or counselor.
| Format | In-person |
|---|---|
| Cost | $595-$1,395 |
| Program Dates | July 9th–15th 2023 |
| Application Deadline(s) | Rolling Admission (Further applications will be placed in the Waiting List) |
| Format | In-person |
|---|---|
| Cost | $595-$1,395 |
| Program Dates | July 9th–15th 2023 |
| Application Deadline(s) | Rolling Admission (Further applications will be placed in the Waiting List) |
Bethel College Summer Science Institute – Bethel College
Bethel College offers a unique and comprehensive blend of in-person and online research education opportunities for high school students in various fields, including psychology.
The summer programs encourage close interaction with faculty, enabling students to experience real research processes, such as data collection and hypothesis testing. Specialized research groups led by distinguished faculty offer unique perspectives.
These research groups provide students with an in-depth understanding of the different dimensions of psychological science.
Early registration is recommended to secure a place in a preferred research group.
| Format | In-person |
|---|---|
| Cost | $50 - Registration Fee |
| Program Dates | May 30th to June 3rd, 2023 |
| Application Deadline(s) | April 17th, 2023 |
| Format | In-person |
|---|---|
| Cost | $50 - Registration Fee |
| Program Dates | May 30th to June 3rd, 2023 |
| Application Deadline(s) | April 17th, 2023 |
Clinical Neuroscience Immersion Experience – Stanford University
The Clinical Neuroscience Immersion Experience (CNI-X) is a robust two-week psychology summer program for high school students, offering comprehensive exposure to a variety of topics in neuroscience, psychiatry, and psychology.
This immersive study takes students through a journey of research found in Stanford’s Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, offering interactive seminars with esteemed faculty and researchers.
The campus summer program covers a wide spectrum of themes including neuroscience principles, psychiatric epidemiology, behavioral and social sciences, and even professional and career opportunities in medicine.
The hands-on learning approach allows students to work in small teams, tackling social issues related to the field, and presenting their innovative solutions at a final capstone session.
Catering to students with diverse academic backgrounds and career aspirations, CNI-X provides a fast-paced, challenging, and enriching experience, making it one of the top summer programs for budding psychologists.
| Format | In-person and Online |
|---|---|
| Cost | Session 1 (In-person): $2,590 Session 2 (Virtual): $1,295 |
| Program Dates | In Person :July 10th, 2023 - July 21st, 2023 Online: July 24th-August 4th, 2023 |
| Application Deadline(s) | March 1st, 2023 |
| Format | In-person and Online |
|---|---|
| Cost | Session 1 (In-person): $2,590 Session 2 (Virtual): $1,295 |
| Program Dates | In Person :July 10th, 2023 - July 21st, 2023 Online: July 24th-August 4th, 2023 |
| Application Deadline(s) | March 1st, 2023 |
High School Scientific Training and Enrichment Program (HiSTEP)
The High School Scientific Training and Enrichment Program (HiSTEP) by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) is a summer education program aimed at fostering interest in biomedical and healthcare careers, particularly among students from financially-disadvantaged backgrounds.
HiSTEP provides a comprehensive educational experience encompassing various STEM-M fields. The program, located at NIH’s main campus, lets students explore the breadth of scientific enterprise, biomedical research, and an array of STEM-M careers.
Participants will engage in hands-on experiments, delve into current health topics, develop basic laboratory skills, and take part in career readiness and leadership development workshops.
Furthermore, HiSTEP offers resources and guidance on college applications, scholarships, and professionalism to prepare students for future academic and career pursuits.
| Format | In-person and Online |
|---|---|
| Cost | Free |
| Program Dates | June 12 - August 4th, 2023 |
| Application Deadline(s) | February 1st, 2023 |
| Format | In-person and Online |
|---|---|
| Cost | Free |
| Program Dates | June 12 - August 4th, 2023 |
| Application Deadline(s) | February 1st, 2023 |
Gender and Society – University of Pennsylvania School of Arts & Sciences
The University of Pennsylvania School of Arts & Sciences offers a pre-college online course, “Gender and Society”, during Summer Session II from June 29 to August 4, 2023.
The course explores the multifaceted ways sex, gender, and sexuality impact our bodies, self-perceptions, family and work life, and broader economic interactions both locally and transnationally.
It also investigates how sex, gender, and sexuality intersect with other social markers like race, age, nationality, and ability, further shaping opportunities and freedoms.
This course allows students to delve into an extensive exploration of these important societal constructs, providing them with a deeper understanding of the complex dynamics at play.
| Format | In-person and Online |
|---|---|
| Cost | $8,000 |
| Program Dates | June 29th – August 4th, 2023 |
| Application Deadline(s) | January 31st, 2023 |
| Format | In-person and Online |
|---|---|
| Cost | $8,000 |
| Program Dates | June 29th – August 4th, 2023 |
| Application Deadline(s) | January 31st, 2023 |
Summer College – Georgetown University
Georgetown offers summer programs on psychology that are designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of the field.
The introductory class provides a survey of major areas in psychology, including perception, memory, cognition, learning, motivation, emotion, personality, and psychopathology. This course is a prerequisite for all other psychology courses at Georgetown.
A class titled “Information in the Brain,” which views the mind as an information processing system is also offered. The pre-college program covers a range of topics for students, including philosophy and methodology, perception, attention, cognitive and motor control, knowledge and learning, and problem-solving and reasoning.
It seeks to integrate evidence from various areas including neuroscience, computing, and psychology. These courses provide students with a solid foundation in psychology and its associated fields.
| Format | In-person and Online |
|---|---|
| Cost | $1,910 per credit |
| Program Dates | In Person: June 4th–July 7th, 2023 July 9th–August 11th, 2023 Online: June 4th–July 28th, 2023 |
| Application Deadline(s) | May 15th, 2023 |
| Format | In-person and Online |
|---|---|
| Cost | $1,910 per credit |
| Program Dates | In Person: June 4th–July 7th, 2023 July 9th–August 11th, 2023 Online: June 4th–July 28th, 2023 |
| Application Deadline(s) | May 15th, 2023 |
💡Bonus tips in choosing the right academic programs:
Click here to read the in-depth investigative report and its summary on the academic programs and publications by the Pulitzer-winning journalist on ProPublica and Chronicle of Higher Ed!
Doing research is commonplace.
