10 Psychology Programs for High School Students in Texas
If you are a high school student interested in psychology, consider joining psychology-based programs. Psychology programs introduce you to concepts used in cognitive science, clinical psychology, and human behavior research, helping you develop foundational skills in research, observation, data analysis, and communication. They’re often designed by universities, medical centers, or specialized organizations, making them a reliable way for you to explore potential majors or careers.
Why should you participate in a program in Texas?
Texas is home to universities and healthcare institutions that offer psychology-focused programs for high school students. These programs provide a strong academic infrastructure and access to professionals working in clinical, educational, or research settings, helping you explore various careers in the field. Whether you are a local or an out-of-state student, you can find programs that help you explore your interests and develop your profile.
To simplify your search, we’ve narrowed down 10 psychology programs for high school students in Texas.
If you are looking for internships in Texas, check out our blog here.
1. Veritas AI
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies; Financial aid available
Acceptance Rate: Selective
Program Dates: Varies according to the cohort: Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter.
Application Deadline: Varies by cohort. You can apply to the program here.
Eligibility: High school students
Veritas AI focuses on providing high school students who are passionate about the field of AI with a suitable environment in which to explore their interests. The programs include collaborative learning, project development, and 1-on-1 mentorship. Students are expected to have a basic understanding of Python or are recommended to complete the AI Scholars program before pursuing the fellowship. The AI Fellowship program will allow students to pursue independent AI research projects. Students work on their research projects over 15 weeks and can opt to combine AI with any other field of interest. You can find examples of previous projects here and read about a student’s experience in the program here.
2. High School Research Academy (HSRA)
Location: UT Austin, Austin, TX
Cost: $4000; need-based financial aid available
Acceptance Rate: Selective
Dates: June 8 – July 15
Application Deadline: Opens in January
Eligibility: High school rising sophomores, juniors, or seniors who are at least 15 years old by June 1
The High School Research Academy (HSRA) at UT Austin offers a five-week, lab-based research experience with a dedicated neuroscience track. You will join a working College of Natural Sciences research group and contribute to ongoing investigations in areas such as sensory systems, cognitive modeling, or neural computation. You will learn foundational techniques, including brain tissue imaging, gene expression mapping, and basic neural data analysis. The program integrates weekly seminars led by UT faculty along with mentorship from undergraduate researchers, providing a structured introduction to scientific inquiry. You will earn academic credit through a UT Extension course as you build skills in experimental design, data interpretation, and scientific communication. The experience concludes with a formal symposium where you present your research in a professional poster session.
3. Lumiere Research Scholar Program: Psychology Track
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies; Need-based financial aid available
Acceptance Rate: Selective
Dates: Multiple cohorts year-round
Application Deadline: Varies by cohort
Eligibility: High school students with strong academic records (a 3.3+ GPA)
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 that you can explore as a high schooler. 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, biology, neuroscience, and more. You can find more details about the application here, and check out students’ reviews of the program here and here.
4. Psychology Academy
Location: UT Austin, Austin, TX
Cost: Varies by format; Optional $95 Mental Health First Aid certification fee
Acceptance Rate: Selective
Dates: June 14 – June 26
Application Deadline: August 26 – February 1
Eligibility: High school students
The Psychology Academy at UT Austin is a two-week program that introduces you to key areas of psychology, including cognition, behavioral science, and mental health. You will explore concepts through hands-on activities such as gratitude journaling, small-group discussions, and case-based problem solving. The program features lectures from UT faculty and practicing professionals across various psychology subfields, giving you exposure to academic and clinical career pathways. A structured field research component allows you to apply psychological methods to real-world questions using observational and analytical techniques. You will also complete Mental Health First Aid training, with the option to earn certification.
5. APA Internships
Location: Remote
Stipend: Paid and unpaid options available
Acceptance Rate: Highly competitive
Dates: Offered year-round
Application Deadline: Varies by position
Eligibility: High school students enrolled at least part-time and living in a state where APA is registered as an employer
The American Psychological Association (APA) provides remote internships for students interested in psychology, behavioral science, and organizational research. You will assist with projects in policy, communications, research, or operations, gaining exposure to how psychology is applied within a national professional organization. Tasks may include writing, data support, administrative coordination, or reviewing materials related to psychological science. Interns have access to APA’s professional databases, including PsycINFO and PsycARTICLES, providing early familiarity with the tools used by researchers and clinicians. The program also includes workshops, group discussions, and a one-year APA student affiliate membership.
6. UT Southwestern: Inspiring Careers in Mental Health
Location: Virtual
Cost: None
Acceptance Rate: Selective
Dates: June 1 – 5 and June 8 – 12
Application Deadline: February 2
Eligibility: Rising 9th-12th graders
Inspiring Careers in Mental Health is a two-week virtual internship designed to introduce you to clinical and research-oriented careers in psychology and mental health. You will attend live sessions led by practicing psychiatrists, neuropsychologists, physician assistants, and licensed clinical social workers. The curriculum includes discussions on psychotherapy, neuropsychological testing, and interventional psychiatry, along with practical insights into the training required for each field. Assigned readings, ranging from journal articles to case studies, prepare you for interactive sessions and deepen your understanding of mental health concepts. You will learn how psychological principles are applied in real-world clinical contexts. This program also offers mentorship opportunities that help you explore potential pathways in mental health professions.
7. Rice University Pre-College Program: Psychology In Our Everyday Lives
Location: Virtual
Cost: $1,795; need-based scholarships available
Acceptance Rate: Not specified
Dates: Multiple sessions in a year
Application Deadline: Rolling; Varies by session
Eligibility: High school students
Rice University’s “Psychology In Our Everyday Lives” pre-college course introduces you to foundational areas of the field through a combination of lecture-based instruction and applied learning. You will explore cognition, perception, human development, and abnormal psychology while reviewing case studies and contemporary behavioral research. You will also practice reading scientific literature and writing in an academic format, developing skills essential for future coursework in psychology. The program emphasizes ethical considerations in psychological research and applied practice.
8. Dartmouth Precollege Online Program: Psychology: Explore the Mind & Mental Wellness
Location: Remote
Cost: $1,895; Financial aid available
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Dates: 1-week, 2-week, or 4-week sessions offered year-round
Application Deadline: Varies by session
Eligibility: Students aged 13 and above
Dartmouth’s online Psychology: Explore the Mind & Mental Wellness course offers you an introduction to clinical psychology, focusing on diagnosis, treatment, and emotional well-being. You will learn how mental health professionals evaluate disorders, apply therapeutic frameworks, and consider social factors that influence psychological health. Coursework blends pre-recorded lectures, guided reflections, and mentorship to support your learning throughout the program. You will complete a series of applied case studies and build toward a capstone project that connects psychological theory to real-world scenarios. The program encourages analytical thinking and clear communication, both essential skills in psychology. You will earn a Certificate of Completion upon completing the course.
9. Georgetown University Pre-College Online Program: Psychology: How the Brain Influences Behavior
Location: Remote
Cost: $1,795 (enrichment course); $3,995 (credit-bearing version)
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Dates: Multiple sessions in a year
Application Deadline: Varies by session
Eligibility: Students aged 13 and above
The Psychology: How the Brain Influences Behavior course explores how neuroscience and psychology intersect to influence human behavior. You will examine topics such as memory, learning, sleep, emotion, and attention, while also considering real-world applications in technology, social media, and design. Coursework consists of video lectures, structured readings, and case-based assignments that connect biological mechanisms to behavior. You will receive individualized mentorship to help guide your understanding and support progress on the final capstone assignment. The capstone requires you to apply the scientific method to analyze a daily routine or behavioral pattern and present your findings. A college-credit option is available for students seeking formal academic credit.
10. Johns Hopkins Psychology & Brain Sciences Summer Programs
Location: Remote
Cost: $1,950 per session; Need-based financial aid available
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Dates: Multiple sessions in the summer
Application Deadline: Rolling until sessions fill
Eligibility: High school students
Johns Hopkins offers a series of online pre-college courses in psychology and brain sciences that introduce you to core topics such as neurobiology, abnormal psychology, and behavioral analysis. Each course uses a blend of asynchronous video lectures, structured assignments, and optional live discussions to guide students through scientific and clinical concepts. You will learn foundational research methods, explore case studies, and examine emerging findings in neuroscience and psychology. The curriculum emphasizes analytical reasoning and applied interpretation of behavioral data. Students can also participate in co-curricular clubs, guest lectures, and community forums to enhance their academic experience. These programs provide a flexible way to explore the foundations of psychological and brain science through a reputable university.
Image source - RICE University