Psychology is a fascinating field that offers significant advantages for high school students seeking future academic and career paths. Most students are normally advised to take psychology courses before entering college, to enhance their application process once in college. This way, the application stands out to admissions officers. An in-depth comprehension of human behaviour can also prepare students for various fields such as business and medicine, and build practical skills in critical thinking, research, and data analysis. With a background in psychology, a student can establish the first step in starting one's research project or even a startup that puts more emphasis on mental health, education technology, or social services.

This blog discusses 10 psychology courses designed exclusively for high school students. These courses empower students with valuable knowledge, practical experience, and the basis to build a strong portfolio for college applications.

 

1. Introduction to Psychology (PSYC-101) – University of Toronto

Cost: $250 for enrollment

Location: Toronto, Ontario, Canada (Online)

Application Deadline: There’s a rolling admission for online courses so interested students can apply anytime.

Program Dates: They have a rolling enrollment, which allows you to start at any time. Courses are self-paced and available year-round.

Eligibility:

• High school juniors and seniors interested in pursuing psychology.

• Open to international students. 

The University of Toronto's Introduction to Psychology course is available to students in an online, self-paced six-week format that allows them to finish at their speed. The weekly lectures, tests, and final projects are all part of the system that makes sure students are always thinking about the topic. Participants may obtain a certificate upon completion, which might enhance their academic record.

As one of the most esteemed universities in the world, the University of Toronto gives this course a lot of legitimacy. Positive aspects of this course include its reasonable cost, flexible schedule, and an excellent introduction to psychology at the collegiate level. By using the additional reading materials offered in the course, students can enhance their comprehension of specific themes and make the most of their study. Participating in online discussion forums is also advised because it offers chances to network and exchange ideas with other users. All things considered, this course is a great option for those who wish to strengthen their core psychology knowledge and improve their college applications by obtaining a globally recognized degree.

 

2. Psychological Science in the Public Interest (PSY-220) – Stanford Pre-Collegiate Studies

Cost: $2,000. However, financial aid is available.

Location: Stanford, California, USA (Online or In-person)

Application Deadline: Typically mid-February for summer programs (check here for specific year deadlines).

Program Dates: Summer 2024 (usually runs from mid-June to mid-August).
Example: June 24, 2024 – August 9, 2024.

Eligibility:

• All high school students worldwide, with a focus on juniors and seniors.

• Admission is competitive. 

Stanford Pre-Collegiate Studies offers an eight-week course on Psychological Science in the Public Interest that can be taken in in-person or virtually. It offers a demanding academic experience with in-depth lectures, group projects, and a capstone presentation. This course, which is part of Stanford's renowned pre-collegiate program, is extremely prominent and esteemed for its academic achievement.

Numerous advantages come with the course, such as its renown, the rigorous curriculum, and the opportunity to network with instructors and classmates who share similar interests. Looking through previous studies might give you an idea of what to expect. We make it a great option for students hoping to get into selective colleges.

 

3. Cognitive Psychology (COG-305) – Harvard Extension School

Cost: $1,500 per course.

Location: Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA (Hybrid – Online and In-person)

Application Deadline: The deadline varies by term. For summer courses in late April. Fall deadlines are typically in August.

Program Dates: Depends on the term.

• Summer Term: Starts in late June and runs until mid-August.

• Fall Term: Starts in early September and ends in December.

Eligibility

• High school seniors and juniors.

• A strong academic record is recommended.

The Harvard Extension School's 12-week course on cognitive psychology uses a hybrid format that combines online and in-person instruction. Exams, group projects, and a final research project are all part of the curriculum, which provides a comprehensive academic experience. It should come as no surprise that Harvard's esteemed reputation makes this course a standout addition to any college application.

Key benefits of the course include its reputation, its extensive coursework, and its access to Harvard's resources, particularly its vast online library. However, the course has rigorous academic requirements. To succeed, students should work in study groups and utilize Harvard's research resources. This esteemed and demanding course can greatly improve a student's academic record, even with the high expense.

 

4. Understanding the Teenage Brain (PSYC-213) – University of Michigan

Cost: $300

Location: Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA (Online)

Application Deadline: Rolling admissions for online courses, apply anytime.

Program Dates: Rolling enrollment. This is an online, self-paced course, so students can start anytime.

Eligibility:

• High school juniors and seniors, especially those interested in adolescent psychology.

The University of Michigan offers a 5-week, fully online course about Understanding the Teenage Brain. A certificate of completion is offered upon completion, and it consists of weekly talks, quizzes, and a final reflection essay. This course is well-respected and provides a focused look into teenage development, especially considering how highly renowned Michigan's psychology department is.

The course covers a small amount of general psychology material and has a short timetable, despite being reasonably priced and offering unique insights into adolescent psychology. Students should think about utilizing the course as a basis for research projects on teenage behaviour to get the most out of it. They should also actively participate in online conversations to network with other students. All things considered, this course is great for anyone who is very interested in teenage psychology because it offers insightful information at an affordable price.

5. Psychology of Learning and Behavior (PSYB-204) – Duke University Summer College

Cost: $3,200 (scholarships available)

Location: Durham, North Carolina, USA (Online)

Application Deadline: Early Action deadline is in mid-December; Regular Decision is in late January.

Program Dates: Summer 2024

• Session 1: June 16, 2024 – July 5, 2024

• Session 2: July 7, 2024 – July 26, 2024

Eligibility

• High school juniors and seniors with strong academic records.

 

The eight-week Psychology of Learning and Behavior course at Duke University consists of research papers, discussion boards, and online lectures. The program is well-known for its prestige and provides access to the most recent findings in the behavioural and learning sciences.

To assist with the expenses, students may think about contacting Duke faculty members for guidance on how to best use the course for upcoming research opportunities. Look into scholarships as soon as possible. All things considered, this degree is a great option for those who are serious about psychology and want to concentrate on research while developing a good academic portfolio.

 

6. Introduction to Neuroscience (NEURO-101) – Coursera (offered by Johns Hopkins University)

Cost: Free access to the course, with an optional certificate for $49.

Location: Baltimore, Maryland, USA (Offered via Coursera – Online)

Application Deadline: Self-paced course, so no specific deadline. Enrollment is open year-round.

Program Dates: Self-paced, available year-round. Students can start and finish at any time.

Eligibility

• High school students; no prerequisites required. 

This six-week, self-paced course on Introduction to Neuroscience from Johns Hopkins University is available on Coursera. It includes video lectures, quizzes, and an optional final project. It has the advantage of Johns Hopkins' solid neuroscience reputation.

A wide range of people can access the course because it is flexible and free. For optimal learning outcomes, students ought to augment the course material with readings from neuroscience textbooks and contemplate subscribing to a premium version to obtain a certificate that will strengthen their academic record. It offers flexibility and the prestige of a prestigious university, making it an excellent choice for anyone interested in neuroscience.

 

7. Abnormal Psychology (PSYC-315) – Yale Young Global Scholars

Cost: $6,300. However, financial aid is available

Location: New Haven, Connecticut, USA (In-person)

Application Deadline: Early Action in November; Regular Decision in mid-January.

Program Dates: Summer 2024 (usually 2-week sessions).
Example:

• Session 1: June 23, 2024 – July 6, 2024

• Session 2: July 9, 2024 – July 22, 2024

• Session 3: July 25, 2024 – August 7, 2024

Eligibility

• High school juniors and seniors. 

The two-week, in-person Yale Young Global Scholars course in abnormal psychology is taught in person. A final presentation, seminars, and group discussions are all part of the curriculum. Top-tier students find the course appealing because it provides an intensive learning environment and unmatched access to Yale's instructors and resources.

As places fill up rapidly, apply as soon as possible. Do proper homework on Yale's psychology faculty to prepare insightful networking questions. The program is a great option for students looking for a top-notch education because of its prestige and the chance to interact with distinguished faculty members personally.

 

8. Social Psychology (SPYC-101) – Udemy

Cost: $50

Location: Udemy platform (Online)

Application Deadline: There’s no application deadline, as it is a self-paced course available anytime on Udemy.

Program Dates: Self-paced, available year-round. Enrollment is open at any time.

Eligibility

• Open to all high school students. 

The self-paced Social Psychology course on Udemy spans over ten hours of material. It offers a reasonably priced, foundational introduction to social psychology. Due to its affordability and flexibility, the course is open to a diverse group of students.

To increase the course's worth and establish greater credibility in the field of psychology, think about combining it with extra readings or psychology courses. In all, Udemy's course is a fantastic choice for individuals looking for a flexible and reasonably priced introduction to social psychology, even with its lesser reputation.

 

9. Developmental Psychology (PSY-150) – Brown University Pre-College Programs

Cost: Cost: $4,000.

Location: Providence, Rhode Island, USA (Online or In-person)

Application Deadline: Early deadlines in March, final deadline in May for summer courses.

Program Dates: Summer 2024

• Dates vary depending on the course length (typically 1–4 weeks).

• Session 1: June 19, 2024 – June 30, 2024

• Session 2: July 3, 2024 – July 17, 2024

• Session 3: July 20, 2024 – August 3, 2024

Eligibility

• High school juniors and seniors, international students welcome.

The four-week Developmental Psychology course at Brown University is provided both online and in-person. The curriculum offers a thorough learning experience including group work, a midterm, and a final project. This highly rated course, which is a component of Brown's esteemed pre-college programs, places a significant emphasis on developmental psychology.

Students who want to get the most out of the program should utilize the final project to investigate a particular area of developmental psychology that interests them. This could also help lay the groundwork for additional research in the future. For those who are very interested in developmental psychology, this course is a great option because it offers both academic reputation and challenging coursework.

 

10. Behavioral Neuroscience (NEURO-215) – Columbia University Summer Program

Cost: $3,500. Scholarships are also available

Location: New York City, New York, USA (Hybrid – Online and In-person)

Application Deadline: Early Action in early March; Regular Decision in late April.

Program Dates: Summer 2024

• Session 1: July 1, 2024 – July 19, 2024

• Session 2: July 22, 2024 – August 9, 2024

Eligibility

• Open to high school juniors and seniors. 

A final exam, weekly quizzes, and research assignments are all part of Columbia University's hybrid 6-week Behavioral Neuroscience course. Renowned for its elevated status and fierce competition, this summer program provides exceptional chances for networking and access to state-of-the-art research.

For students who are serious about the field, the course offers a substantial benefit. To get the most out of the course and see it as a springboard for future undergraduate research possibilities, students should interact with Columbia instructors. For committed students, the course offers a distinguished and thorough introduction to behavioural neuroscience, making it an investment well worth making.

 

There are several excellent options available to high school students who are interested in psychology, ranging from more flexible, reasonably priced online courses to extremely prestigious programs at Ivy League universities. Students who enrol in one or more of these psychological courses might gain research experience, boost their college applications, and possibly even set the foundation for future initiatives or businesses. Students can use their interest in psychology as a valuable tool for their academic and professional futures by selecting the curriculum that best suits their goals.

Check out Veritas AI if you're keen to expand your psychology knowledge and take on original research projects! These classes, provided by prestigious universities like Harvard, Stanford, and Duke, offer remarkable experiential education opportunities. You will gain individualised guidance from professionals and practical assignments that will deepen your comprehension of psychology. Many students used these programs last year to gain a competitive advantage and create attractive academic profiles. Use our guide to discover the best course to improve your college application and expand your knowledge of psychology. To start your psychological adventure, apply now!

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