10 Psychology Research Programs for High School Students (2026)

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

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

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

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.

• 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.