12 Psychology Programs for High School Students in New Jersey
If you are curious about how people think, behave, and make decisions, psychology programs can be a great way to explore these questions while still in high school. These programs introduce you to areas such as behavior, cognition, neuroscience, and mental health. Along the way, you'll build practical skills such as research design, data analysis, and critical thinking. Many programs also include projects, mentorship from experts, and opportunities to collaborate with other students who share your interests. Through lectures, workshops, and practical applications, you can deepen your understanding of psychology and see how it connects to potential career paths in fields such as clinical psychology, neuroscience, and behavioral research.
Why should you attend a program in New Jersey?
New Jersey is home to several universities and organizations that offer structured psychology programs for high school students. From research internships and pre-college courses to interdisciplinary programs that combine psychology with neuroscience and behavioral science, you’ll find many ways to explore the field in depth. These opportunities are a great option if you live or study in New Jersey or even if you’re an out-of-state student looking to learn at a reputable institution.
To help you get started, we’ve compiled a list of 12 psychology programs for high school students in New Jersey.
If you’re looking for programs in New Jersey, check out our blog here.
1. Princeton Laboratory Learning Program - AI Methods for Understanding Animal Behavior (LSI-04)
Location: Princeton University, Princeton, NJ
Cost: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective
Dates: June 29 - August 7
Application Deadline: March 15
Eligibility: High school students applying to the Princeton Laboratory Learning Program (students should have experience with programming, particularly Python)
The AI Methods for Understanding Animal Behavior project is a hands-on research opportunity offered through the Princeton Laboratory Learning Program at the Lewis-Sigler Institute for Integrative Genomics. In this program, you’ll work on analyzing movement data from animals such as mice, fruit flies, and zebrafish to uncover patterns in behavior using machine learning techniques. You’ll develop and apply programming skills, primarily in Python, to process datasets and conduct computational analysis. You’ll collaborate in a shared research office environment and attend weekly meetings with mentors to discuss your progress and findings. The internship runs during weekday lab hours and provides hands-on exposure to interdisciplinary research combining biology, artificial intelligence, and data science. By the end of the program, you'll have a clear understanding of how computational tools are used in modern science, and what it's like to work on cutting-edge research at the intersection of biological systems and animal behavior.
2. Veritas AI – AI Fellowship with Publication & Showcase
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies depending on program type. Full financial aid available.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: Multiple 15-week cohorts throughout the year, including Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter (dates vary by cohort)
Application Deadline: Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), and Winter (November). You can apply to the program here.
Eligibility: High school students worldwide who have completed the AI Scholars program or have prior experience with Python or AI concepts
The Veritas AI Fellowship with Publication & Showcase is a virtual research fellowship for students interested in exploring artificial intelligence. The program provides a structured environment where you’ll explore AI through collaborative learning, project development, and one-on-one mentorship. Over 15 weeks, you’ll design and complete an independent AI research project that integrates AI with another field of interest, whether that's healthcare, finance, education, or something else. Throughout the program, you'll work closely with experienced mentors from leading universities while developing both your technical and research skills. The fellowship also includes support from an in-house publication team that helps you prepare your research for submission to high school research journals. At the end of the program, you’ll present your projects in a final showcase, highlighting your work and findings.
3. Psychology: The Human Mind Unlocked
Location: Montclair State University, Montclair, NJ
Cost: $1,900 (includes tuition, housing, meals, and field trips)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: Session II: July 26 - August 1
Application Deadline: Not specified (applications reviewed on a rolling basis)
Eligibility: High school students entering grades 10-12 in September
Psychology: The Human Mind Unlocked is a one-week residential pre-college program at Montclair State University that gives you a real-world introduction to psychology. During the program, you’ll explore key areas such as neuroscience, cognitive psychology, developmental psychology, social psychology, and clinical psychology. The course combines lectures with hands-on activities, allowing you to apply psychological theories through experiential learning. You’ll design and conduct a group research project during a field trip to the Liberty Science Center, where you'll observe, analyze, and present your findings, just like real researchers. You'll also hear from guest speakers working in different areas of psychology, who'll share insights about the field and potential academic paths. By the end of the program, you’ll gain a foundational understanding of human behavior and the diverse opportunities available to psychology majors.
4. Lumiere Research Scholar Program
Location: Remote
Cost: Varies depending on program type. Full financial aid available.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: Multiple 12-week cohorts throughout the year, including Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter
Application Deadline: Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), and Winter (November)
Eligibility: You must be currently enrolled in high school and demonstrate a high level of academic achievement.
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program is a rigorous research program tailored for high school students. The program offers extensive 1-on-1 research opportunities for high school students across a broad range of subject areas. 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! You can choose research topics from subjects such as psychology, physics, economics, data science, computer science, engineering, chemistry, international relations, and more. You can find more details about the application here, and check out students’ reviews of the program here and here.
5. General Psychology
Location: Rutgers University–New Brunswick (online, hybrid, or in-person depending on the course)
Cost: Cost information not publicly available (Typically 3 college credits)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Dates: Session 1: May 26 - July 2; Session 2: July 6 - August 12
Application Deadline: No information available
Eligibility: High school students who are at least 16 years old by the course start date and who have not yet graduated from high school
The Rutgers Summer Scholars Program at Rutgers University gives you the opportunity to take real college courses while still in high school. During the summer, you can choose from more than 60 subjects and learn directly from Rutgers faculty and doctoral instructors. You’ll study alongside undergraduate students, which means you'll get a genuine feel of the college learning environment while earning official Rutgers College credit. If you're interested in Psychology, you can take courses such as General Psychology, where you'll explore major areas of modern psychological science. You'll also see how research is actually conducted, including the basics of research design and the statistical analysis used in psychological studies. The courses may be offered online, in a hybrid format, or in person, giving you flexibility in how you participate. By the end of the program, you’ll explore potential majors, build academic skills, and experience what college coursework is like before graduating from high school.
6. Psychology - The Peddie School
Location: The Peddie School, Hightstown, NJ
Cost: Not mentioned publicly
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: Year-long academic course (term structure within the school year)
Application Deadline: January 15 (as part of The Peddie School admission process)
Eligibility: High school juniors, seniors, and postgraduate students enrolled at The Peddie School
Psychology at The Peddie School is a year-long course that helps you explore how psychology connects to your everyday life. Throughout the course, you'll dive into topics such as the psychology of leadership, positive psychology, key ideas from social psychology, and broader principles of human behavior and decision-making. Designed as a project-based course, it encourages you to investigate psychological concepts that connect to your personal interests and everyday experiences. Rather than preparing you for the AP Psychology exam, the course emphasizes a practical understanding of psychological frameworks to help you navigate relationships, leadership, and personal growth. Through discussions and independent projects, you’ll develop skills in reflection, analysis, and real-world application of psychological ideas. The course is particularly well-suited if you don't necessarily plan to pursue science in college but want to explore the role psychology plays in human behavior.
7. Quantitative Methods in Psychology
Location: Rutgers University–New Brunswick (online, hybrid, or in-person depending on the course)
Cost: Cost information not publicly available (Typically 4 college credits)
Acceptance rate/cohort size:
Dates: Session 1: May 26 - July 2; Session 2: July 6 - August 12
Application Deadline: No information available
Eligibility: High school students who are at least 16 years old by the course start date and who have not yet graduated from high school
Quantitative Methods in Psychology is a college-level course offered through the Rutgers Summer Scholars Program that introduces students to the research and analytical methods used in psychological science. The course introduces you to how psychologists design studies, collect data, and apply statistical techniques to interpret behavioral and cognitive research. You’ll explore key concepts in human cognition, including perception, learning, memory, thinking, problem-solving, psycholinguistics, and development, and connect these topics to real-world methods. Through lectures, assignments, and data analysis exercises, you’ll learn how empirical research is conducted and how evidence is used to understand human behavior. The course is taught by Rutgers instructors and provides an authentic university learning experience, allowing you to earn college credit while studying in the same academic environment as undergraduate students.
8. Topics in Women’s Healthcare
Location: Seton Hall University, South Orange Campus, NJ
Cost: $500 program fee (or $200 deposit to reserve a seat)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: July 20 - 24
Application Deadline: Drop/transfer deadline: July 13
Eligibility: High school students interested in healthcare and women’s health topics
Topics in Women’s Healthcare is a summer pre-college program at Seton Hall University that introduces you to key issues and emerging research in women’s health. Through workshops, hands-on learning experiences, and expert-led discussions, you’ll explore subjects such as mental well-being, reproductive health and pregnancy, migraines, nutrition, and oncology related to women’s health, and fitness. The program also gives you a glimpse of different healthcare specialties and career pathways while offering mentorship opportunities with medical professionals and university faculty. By combining academic exploration with practical discussions about real-world health challenges, you'll gain foundational knowledge about women’s health issues.
9. The Psychology of Eating (PSYC S-1470)
Location: Online (Live Attendance Web Conference), offered through Harvard Summer School
Cost: $3,980 (4 credits at $995 per credit)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Maximum enrollment of 45 students
Dates: June 22 - August 7
Application Deadline: June 15
Eligibility: Open to students enrolled in Harvard Summer School programs, including high school students in the Secondary School Program, as well as college and adult learners
The Psychology of Eating explores the complex biological, psychological, and social factors that influence human eating behavior. You’ll examine how your sensory systems shape food experiences, how your body regulates hunger, and how your social environment, stress, and cultural influences shape your food choices and consumption patterns. The course also dives into important topics, including the relationship between eating behaviors and health outcomes, as well as patterns of maladaptive eating behaviors. Through live discussions, individual assignments, and group projects, you’ll engage with contemporary research and real-world applications in both psychology and nutrition. The program runs twice weekly through live online sessions, and you'll earn 4 academic credits upon completion.
10. Social Psychology: Understanding Human Behavior
Location: Columbia University (in-person on campus or online)
Cost: Tuition varies by session and format
Acceptance rate/cohort size: N/A
Dates: Summer AA (In-person): June 22 - 26; Summer C (In-person): August 3 - 7; Summer AA (Online): June 22 - 26; Summer A (Online): July 6 - 17; Summer B (Online): July 20 - 31
Application Deadline: Rolling admission; decisions typically released 3–5 weeks after submission of materials
Eligibility: High school students demonstrating strong academic ability and interest in the subject; applicants must show readiness for rigorous coursework and submit a teacher recommendation
Social Psychology: Understanding Human Behavior is a pre-college course offered through Columbia University’s Pre-College Programs that helps you explore why people think and act the way they do in social situations. You’ll dive into topics such as empathy, prejudice, conformity, bullying, compliance, and personality development, examining why people cooperate, help others, or sometimes act in harmful ways. Through discussions, case studies, and analytical assignments, you’ll learn to critically evaluate assumptions about human behavior and apply psychological concepts to real-world social issues. You'll also learn how complex human behaviors are measured and interpreted through empirical research. The program encourages collaborative learning and active participation, helping you develop analytical and research skills relevant to psychology and other social sciences. Upon completion of the course, you’ll receive a Certification of Participation from Columbia University and a written evaluation from your instructor.
11. Psychology: How the Brain Influences Behavior
Location: Online (offered by Georgetown University)
Cost: Enrichment Course: $1,895; College Credit Course: $3,995; Need-based scholarships may be available Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: Multiple sessions throughout the year (courses offered in 1–12 week formats depending on track)
Application Deadline: Varies by session (e.g., March 22 for the March 29 - April 26 enrichment session)
Eligibility: Students age 13 and older; no transcripts or recommendation letters required
Psychology: How the Brain Influences Behavior is an online pre-college course from Georgetown University that introduces you to the scientific study of psychology and neuroscience. You’ll explore how the brain influences behavior, emotion, and decision-making through topics such as social media and mental health, anxiety and depression, learning disabilities, drug effects on the brain, and brain injuries. The course teaches you how psychologists apply the scientific method to investigate human behavior and encourages you to design your own psychological experiment, giving you hands-on insights into how research works. You’ll also examine how perception and cognition shape product design, media environments, and everyday decision-making. The program culminates in a final multimedia capstone project titled “My Psychological Life,” where you’ll apply psychological concepts to real-world experiences. You’ll receive mentorship and academic support throughout the course and earn either a certificate of completion or official college credit from Georgetown University, depending on the program track you choose.
12. The Mystery and Science of Human Behavior: An Insider’s Guide to Psychology
Location: Online (offered by Wake Forest University)
Cost: $1,595; Need-based scholarships may be available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: Multiple sessions available in 1, 2, and 4 week formats throughout the year (e.g., May 17 - June 14; May 31 - June 14)
Application Deadline: Varies by session (for example, May 10 for the May 17 session)
Eligibility: High school students ages 13 and older. No transcripts or letters of recommendation are required
The Mystery and Science of Human Behavior: An Insider’s Guide to Psychology is an online pre-college course from Wake Forest University that introduces you to the scientific study of human behavior and mental processes. You’ll explore how the brain forms perceptions, how emotions and unconscious biases shape behavior, and how psychological disorders such as depression, anxiety, addiction, and schizophrenia develop over time. You’ll learn how psychologists test common assumptions about human behavior through scientific methods and research techniques. The program also explores topics such as memory reliability, emotional processes, and cognitive biases. You'll be introduced to research methods and scientific techniques that are used to study behavior, and you'll even design your own psychological survey or experiment. The course ends with a capstone project where you'll analyze a psychological concept using a format such as video, writing, or presentations. You’ll receive mentorship and feedback throughout the program and earn a Certificate of Completion from Wake Forest University at the end of the course.