Best Psychology Summer Programs – 2026

January 27, 2026

The brain is the most fascinating, complex, and mysterious organ in our bodies. It is working 24/7, controling our sensory processing, motor function, and emotions, and has billions of neurons and trillions of connections. As such, although it has been studied for decades, much is still unknown. Additionally, fields like psychology, neuroscience, and their myriad sub-disciplines aim to understand how the brain affects who we are and why we act the way we do. These fields are also incredibly extensive and ever-evolving, with new research being conducted all the time. Although practicing psychologists, psychiatrists, and neuroscientists need years of advanced training, majoring in psychology or neuroscience can be useful in just about any career path, from marketing and business, to education and healthcare. Looking to explore the brain this summer? Kickstart your search process with the psychology summer programs for high school students featured below.

Want a full look at our searchable database of the best 2026 summer programs? Click the button below to sort summer programs by discipline and location, and view important data points such as tuition costs, deadlines, course listings, and more!

2026 Best Summer Programs

1) Rice University Precollege Program

Instruction Method: Online
Program Length: 1-week, 2-week, and 4-week sessions available
Cost: $1,795 per course
Eligibility: Ages 13+
Application Deadlines: Varies depending on the session (usually a week before the start of the class)

On the hunt for a program that you can dive into at any time during the year and complete at your own pace? Rice University’s Precollege Program, available to students aged 13 and up, is an excellent option. Given that Rice’s mission is to improve the world through unconventional thinking and doing, their psychology-focused course—Psychology In Our Everyday Lives—aims to capture that ethos.

During your course, you’ll learn through a series of dynamic videos recorded by Rice professors, and engage in a variety of different activities along the way. Prepare for approximately 20-30 total hours of instruction, simulations, and assignments. Additionally, you’ll receive support from a mentor, who will provide direction and motivation along the way. All courses wrap with a capstone project, which allows you to demonstrate all that you’ve learned throughout the course. Even in an online format, the curriculum has been curated to be engaging and hands-on. Psychology In Our Everyday Lives will teach you about foundational topics like the purpose and goals of psychological science, the mind-body connection, as well as the research & statistics methods you’ll need to dive into a capstone project.

Interested in applying? It’s a simple process—you’ll need to provide basic personal information as well as a personal statement that discusses why you’re interested in your course of choice.

2) Georgetown Pre-College Online Program

Instructional Method: Online
Program Length: 1, 2, or 4 weeks (enrichment) / 6, 8, 12 weeks (college credit)
Cost: $1,895 (enrichment course); $3,995 (college credit course)
Eligibility: Ages 13+
Application Deadline: Varies depending on the session (usually a week before the start of the class)

If you’re a high school student, the flexibility of Georgetown’s Pre-College Online Program is unmatched. Students as young as 13 can take courses year-round, exploring budding curiosities and career paths or delving deeply into subject areas they are passionate about. In particular, Georgetown offers How the Brain Influences Behavior, available as both an enrichment course and a college credit course.

All courses are delivered through a set of engaging and dynamic video lessons led by Georgetown professors, and involve at least 20-30 hours of instruction and activities (120+ hours if you’re enrolled in the college credit option). During the course itself, you’ll be assigned a mentor with expertise in the course’s field who will support you through the material and be available to answer questions. There are no live meetings required, so everything can be completed on your own schedule. The curriculum is designed for active learning. For example, you’ll learn the basics of neuroscience (as well as how it ties into real-life influences, like social media and product design), delve into topics like learning, sleep, and memory, and practice the scientific method. For your capstone, you’ll create a presentation that analyzes your own life and routines.

To apply, you’ll just need to provide basic personal information as well as a brief personal statement that discusses why you wish to enroll. Moreover, you’ll receive a Certificate of Completion for your college applications at the culmination of each course.

3) The Summer Liberal Arts Institute – Carleton College

Instructional Method: In-person (residential)
Location: Northfield, MN
Program Length: 3 weeks
Cost: $5,300 (domestic) / $5,700 (international)
Eligibility: Rising 11th and 12th graders
Application Deadline: Feb. 2 (first round) / March 2 (final deadline)

Live and learn like a college student this summer at Carleton College’s Summer Liberal Arts Institute (SLAI). In this selective 3-week residential program, students can earn college credit while taking a course and completing guided research with Carleton College faculty at a top-ranked liberal arts college. Choose from 6 programs, with topics in: History & Literature, Storytelling, Sociology, STEM, Computer Science, Neuroscience, and more. Carlton also offers a 1-week option for rising 10th and 11th graders.

Thinking About Feelings: The Science of Emotion: This course will introduce students to the compelling body of work surrounding emotions. The three week program introduces students to three fields that study emotions: neuroscience, cultural studies, and theater. Students will analyze how emotions are represented in literature, music and film, then they will investigate the cognitive causes and effects of emotions, learn about their biological processes and functions, and finally they will reflect on how we can manufacture emotions on stage.

4) Dartmouth Precollege Online Program

Instructional Method: Online
Program Length: 1-, 2-, & 4-week sessions
Cost: $1,895
Eligibility: Ages 13 and older
Application Deadline: Rolling (depending on the session dates)

This course concludes with a final capstone project and students will earn a Certificate of Completion from Dartmouth. The following psychology course can be taken in the summer or at any time during the school year.

Psychology: Explore the Mind & Mental Wellness: Interested in the complexities of the mind and mental well-being? This course unlocks the core principles of psychology, exploring everything from diagnosis and treatment to the therapeutic relationship. Discover how clinical psychologists approach cases, combat mental health stigma, and empower patients. Embark on a journey of discovery and learn how to make a positive impact on the lives of others.

5)Northwestern Pre-College Online Program

Instructional Method: Online
Program Length: 1-, 2- and 4-week sessions
Cost: $1,895
Eligibility: Ages 13 and up
Application Deadline: Rolling (depending on the session dates)

Northwestern University now offers a pre-college online course covering the world of psychology, with a focus on the clinical side. Students will have the opportunity to create a final capstone project and earn a certificate of completion from Northwestern, both of which can be included on college applications or a resume. Let’s dive in and take a deeper look at the psychology course offered through this elite institution:

Psychology: Inside Diagnosis and Treatment: Did you know that psychology degrees are extremely marketable because they enable you to develop valuable and transferable skills like writing, communicating, investigating, and understanding behavior? Here’s your chance to start your journey through the world of psychology. Learn the major theories of how mental health disorders develop, and evaluate the significant science, techniques, and approaches to therapy. Explore the assessment and treatment of mental health issues, and hear from experts in the field.

6) Clinical Neuroscience Immersion Experience @ Stanford University

Instructional Method: Online / in-person (non-residential)
Location: Palo Alto, CA
Program Length: 2 weeks
Cost: $3,325 (in-person) / $1,725 (online)
Eligibility: Rising juniors, seniors, and college freshmen
Application Deadline: March 1

For those hoping to explore a wide variety of topics within neuroscience, psychiatry, and psychology, Stanford’s Clinical Neuroscience Immersion Experience (CNI-X) could be an excellent fit. Overall, this psychology summer program is fast-paced, rigorous, and highly collaborative.

The topics change yearly but provide a well-rounded overview of the field; past areas of discussion have included circadian rhythms, autism spectrum disorders, and psychotic disorders. No matter the topic, the program teaches students how to interrogate various questions and issues via interactive seminars. That said, sensitive issues like sexual assault, child abuse, and suicide may be discussed. (Students who prefer to avoid such topics are cautioned against applying.) Foundational principles of neuroscience research, clinical neuropsychiatry, and psychiatry epidemiology, among others, will be covered, along with self-care strategies. Finally, all students complete a capstone project that entails working in a small group to create & present a creative solution to a mental health-related issue.

The program runs from 9 am-4 pm five days a week; non-local students must secure supervised housing and transportation. Alternatively, there is an online option available where students participate in synchronous sessions for approximately four hours per day.

Admission to CNI-X is selective; about 16% of applicants are accepted. The selection committee looks for students who are highly motivated to participate in the experience. Accordingly, as part of the application process, students must submit a short essay about their interest in the program.

7) Duke University Pre-College Program

Instructional Method: In-person (residential or commuter)
Location: Durham, NC
Program Length: 10 days
Cost: $6,050 (residential) / $3,950 (commuter – middle school only)
Eligibility: 6th-12th graders
Application Deadline: April; application opens in December

Fascinated by social psychology? You’re in luck. In the summer of 2026, Duke will offer five courses dealing with psychology and neuroscience.

Duke University’s Pre-College High School psychology courses provide motivated students with a rigorous, college-level introduction to psychology and neuroscience. First, Developmental Psychology examines cognitive, emotional, and social growth across childhood and adolescence. Next, Behavioral Psychology focuses on learning, conditioning, and behavior change. Meanwhile, Social Psychology explores identity, relationships, group dynamics, and social influence. Finally, Law & Social Psychology analyzes bias, persuasion, and judgment within legal systems. Overall, these summer psychology programs emphasize research skills, critical thinking, and real-world applications, making them ideal for students interested in psychology, neuroscience, and pre-med pathways.

To apply to these psychology summer programs, students will need to submit a transcript, formal resume, and one-page personal statement.

8) Wake Forest University Psychology Institute

Instructional Method: In-person (residential)
Location: Winston-Salem, NC
Program Length: 1 week (two sessions available)
Cost: $3,500
Eligibility: 9th-12th graders
Application Deadline: Rolling

Wake Forest’s Psychology Institute seeks to provide students who are interested in pursuing a major or career in the psychological sciences with a hands-on introduction to the field. As such, they’ll explore the brain, emotions, and senses while completing an observational study.

Students spend approximately four to five hours per day in class covering topics like the psychology of addiction, neuroscience, and the disordered brain. They’ll then spend another few hours per day engaging in hands-on activities like dissecting a sheep’s brain, working in a sensory perception lab, and conducting research. Moreover, students network with professionals and receive mentorship.

Outside of academics, students participate in evening social programming and are fully immersed in life on campus. Although applications are accepted on a rolling basis, students would be wise to apply early—these psychology summer programs fill quickly. Furthermore, application components include two essays and a teacher recommendation.

Is neuroscience more your jam? Check out Wake Forest’s Neuroscience Institute, which has a similar format and goals.

9) Johns Hopkins Psychology & Brain Sciences Summer Programs

Instructional Method: Online
Program Length: 2 weeks
Cost: $1,950
Eligibility: Rising sophomores, juniors, and seniors
Application Deadline: Rolling

Fun fact: Johns Hopkins founded America’s first psychological laboratory. So, if you’re hunting for a stellar remote option, look no further than Johns Hopkins’ pre-college psychology summer programs. Four different courses are available, and all run for two weeks.

Students can explore several specialized topics: Neurobiology: Cellular and Systems, Neuroscience and Human Behavior, Psychological Profiling, or Psychopathology and Its Development. While all courses are delivered asynchronously, they also have optional synchronous components. These include office hours, group discussions, and additional lectures.

All applicants must have a GPA of at least 3.0 and submit a transcript along with their application. Lastly, if they are accepted—and successfully complete the program—they’ll earn one college credit.

Final Thoughts – Psychology Summer Programs for High School Students

In conclusion, psychologists and neuroscientists need a diverse set of skills to be successful – communication, active listening, problem-solving, and research – to name a few. Given that these skills take years to develop, psychology summer programs are an excellent way for high school students to begin building the foundation they need to be successful. Further, if they ultimately change their minds, the competencies and knowledge they’ve acquired about the brain and how it works will be an asset in any career they choose.

Looking for psychology summer programs in your area? Consider checking out the following:

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Dave Bergman

Dave has over a decade of professional experience that includes work as a teacher, high school administrator, college professor, and independent educational consultant. He is a co-author of the books The Enlightened College Applicant (Rowman & Littlefield, 2016) and Colleges Worth Your Money (Rowman & Littlefield, 2020).