If you’re curious about how people, societies, and institutions shape the world, the social sciences can open the door to some of the most important questions you can study. Online social sciences programs for high school students give you a flexible way to explore why people behave the way they do, how governments make decisions, and what influences culture, inequality, public opinion, or economic systems.

Imagine discussing global politics with students from different countries, analysing social trends and human behaviour through case studies, or exploring topics like criminal justice, international relations, media influence, and public policy through university-style seminars. These programmes go far beyond memorising definitions: they encourage students to think critically about the world around them.

How do you choose the right online social sciences program?

Of course, not all online programs offer the same level of engagement or academic depth. Some rely mainly on prerecorded lectures, while others emphasize live discussions, collaborative projects, faculty interaction, and real-world applications that make learning far more dynamic and meaningful. Finding the right program can shape not only your understanding of social sciences, but also how you engage with current events and global issues more broadly.

Today, universities and educational organizations around the world offer exceptional online social sciences opportunities designed specifically for high school students. Whether you’re interested in human behavior, law, politics, public policy, or cultural studies, these programs can help you explore complex ideas while building a stronger academic foundation.

To help you navigate the options, we’ve compiled a list of 15 Online Social Sciences Programs for High School Students. They’ve been selected for their academic quality, interactive learning environments, and broad intellectual exploration.

For adjacent opportunities, consider the online economics course, the online history course, the online law course, and the online psychology course.

15 Online Social Sciences Programs for High School Students

1. Cornell University Pre-College Studies

Location: Online
Cost: $5,820 – $15,520, depending on credits and session length (typically, $1,940/credit) + $75 application fee; financial assistance available for students affiliated with select community-based organizations
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified; selective admissions
Dates: Summer: June 1st – July 31st (three-week and six-week sessions available) | Winter: Three-week sessions in January
Application deadline: Rolling admissions
Eligibility: Students, ages 15-19, who have completed grade 10; open to international students

Cornell’s online pre-college program is a credit-bearing option within the many online social sciences programs for high school students, offering a direct pathway into Ivy League academics. You will enrol in actual Cornell undergraduate courses and earn college credit along with an official transcript. You can explore social science subjects like international relations, sociology, or public policy.

These courses typically let you engage in discussions and assignments, like working on simulated human rights problems, a structure that mirrors university-level academics and expectations. Classes may be live or self-paced, offering you some flexibility in how you learn. You will also interact with motivated peers from around the world, which adds depth to class discussions. 

Why it stands out: It lets you enroll in real Cornell social science courses online and earn transferable college credit while still in high school.

2. Immerse Education’s Online Summer School

Location: Online
Cost: Varies; summer school scholarship available through our bursary programme
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 1:1 tutoring (selective matching process)
Dates: Flexible (year-round enrolment)
Application deadline: Rolling admissions
Eligibility: Students, ages 13-18 worldwide

The Online Research Programme offers high school students the opportunity to conduct rigorous research with tutors from Oxford, Cambridge, and Ivy League universities.You will work with your tutor to explore a subject of your choice in depth and write an academic research paper. The program is offered in 1:1 and small group formats, and you can choose to receive college credit from universities in the U.S. and the UK.

The virtual research program is offered in over 20 subjects; you can choose social science focus areas such as history, economics, and international relations. At the end of the program, you will receive a written evaluation from your tutor, an opportunity to publish your research, and an invitation to present at the Immerse Online Symposium. You can find examples of papers that previous students have worked on here. You can find more details about the application here!

Why it stands out: You get to work closely with leading academics and produce a research paper, with the option to earn UCAS points or U.S. college credit.

3. Boston University High School Honors Online 

Location: Online
Cost: $6,760 tuition for 8 credits + ~$75 online application fee; financial aid available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: ~130 students overall (numbers for online cohort not specified)
Dates: Varies by course (typically summer session)
Application deadline: May 29th for domestic students; March 14th for international students
Eligibility: Students entering grades 11 and 12; international students can apply and may take online courses without visa requirements

This Boston University program lets you take college-level social science courses along with the opportunity to earn credits while you are still in high school. You will enroll in one or two undergraduate courses and earn real college credit, studying subjects such as political science, psychology, or sociology.

Classes are taught by Boston University faculty and include lectures, assignments, and discussions. You will engage with both high school peers and college students, getting exposure to a diverse academic environment. The format requires strong time management skills, as the coursework is intensive despite being online.

Why it stands out: You will earn transferable college credit while studying in a real undergraduate academic setting from home.

4. Brown Pre-College Online

Location: Online
Cost: Varies by program; starts at $3,364. Financial aid is available.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: June 15th – July 24th (multiple sessions of varying lengths available within this window)
Application deadline: May 15th
Eligibility: Students, ages 14-18, completing grades 9-12; international students can also apply

Brown University offers a range of pre-college programs. Its online offerings introduce you to college-style learning in a flexible setting shaped by Brown’s open curriculum. You can choose from a range of subjects, including psychology, history, and other social sciences, and explore the chosen field through a mix of independent work and guided sessions.

Courses are mostly asynchronous or blended, so you will manage your time while still engaging with instructors and peers. You will spend your days reading, writing, and participating in discussions that deepen your understanding of real-world topics. Virtual office hours and workshops add another layer of support. 

Why it stands out: You will experience Brown’s open curriculum approach while learning in a flexible format that helps you build independence and time management skills.

5. Harvard Secondary School Program (SSP) 

Location: Online format available
Cost: $4,180 (four credits) | $8,160 (eight credits); financial aid is available for U.S. citizens/permanent residents
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: June 20th – August 8th
Application deadline: January 7th (early); February 11th (regular), April 1st (late)
Eligibility: High school students ages 16-18 in grades 10-12 at the time of application; international students can also apply

Harvard’s SSP lets you spend seven weeks enrolled in a college-level course to prepare for advanced academics. You can choose from over 200 courses, including subjects such as sociology, psychology, and political science, all taught at the college level.

During the program, you will attend online lectures, complete assignments, and earn actual college credit. The online format lets you study from anywhere while still interacting with a global cohort. You will also gain access to Harvard’s academic resources, including writing support and tutoring. 

Why it stands out: You will earn real college credit while studying alongside a global group in a true Ivy League academic environment.

6. Dartmouth Precollege Online Program 

Location: Online
Cost: $1,895/course; need-based scholarships available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: Year-round options; one-, two-, and four-week courses available
Application deadline: Varies by session
Eligibility: Students, ages 13 and above, worldwide

This Dartmouth program offers you a flexible way to explore social sciences, letting you learn at your own pace while still engaging with structured content. You will choose from subjects like psychology or law and complete interactive lessons designed by Dartmouth instructors. The format is largely asynchronous, so you can fit coursework around your schedule without fixed class times.

During the program, you will receive academic and general guidance from mentors who will also provide project-specific feedback to help you refine your ideas. Each course ends with a capstone project that allows you to apply what you have learned in a creative format. You will additionally earn a certificate that can support your academic profile.

Why it stands out: You get a self-paced learning experience with mentor support, making it easier to balance depth with flexibility.

7. Stanford Pre-Collegiate Summer Institutes

Location: Online
Cost: $3,200; need-based aid available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified; ~16 students/class
Dates: June 15-26 | July 6-17
Application deadline: March 13th
Eligibility: Students in grades 8-11 worldwide

Stanford’s Pre-Collegiate Summer Institutes bring a discussion-led, small-class format to online social sciences programs for high school students, offering you the opportunity to enrol in a virtual single-subject course in an area of your choice. You can choose from a wide catalogue of courses in areas like sociology, philosophy, and social justice to spend two weeks exploring the chosen topic through live, online classes.

Sessions are discussion-driven, so you will actively engage with both instructors and peers to examine a topic. Class sizes remain small, which makes it easier to ask questions and develop your ideas. You will also complete assignments and projects that push you to think critically about real-world issues. 

Why it stands out: It offers an intensive, discussion-based learning experience in various disciplines and the opportunity to interact with instructors and a diverse cohort of peers within small classes.

8. UCLA Summer Precollege Focus Series: World Politics

Location: Online
Cost: $2,631; need-based scholarships are available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: July 13-31
Application deadline: June 12th; enrollment deadline is July 10th
Eligibility: Students currently in grades 9-12 who are at least 15 years old by June 23rd and have a cumulative GPA of 3.2 or higher. International students are eligible and must submit their complete secondary academic record in place of a U.S. transcript

This three-week virtual program run by UCLA’s Department of Political Science lets you study international relations and foreign policy at the college level. In the mornings, you will attend lectures on topics like the causes of war, terrorism, international trade, human rights, and the global environment. In the afternoon, you will engage in expert-led discussions where you will practice professional skills like citing sources and managing group debates.

You will also work on a group project where you research a real foreign policy problem, write a report, and present your findings to a public audience at a capstone event. The course is taught by UCLA Political Science Ph.D. students using the same materials from the department’s undergraduate program. If you complete the program, you earn five units of UCLA college credit that can count toward your high school or future college degree.

Why it stands out: You will earn five transferable UCLA college units through coursework drawn directly from the university’s undergraduate Political Science curriculum and delivered online.

9. UC Berkeley Pre-College Scholars Virtual Track 

Location: Online
Cost: $25 application fee + $635/unit fee + $585 registration fee + $73 document management fee
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: June-August (multiple summer sessions; exact dates vary by course)
Application deadline: June 1st
Eligibility: Students who have completed grades 10 or 11, are at least 16 by program start, and have a minimum B average; open to international students with English proficiency

This program allows you to explore UC Berkeley academics and different majors while earning college credit. You will enroll in real undergraduate courses and learn alongside college students and peers from around the world. Subjects span multiple disciplines, including social sciences, allowing you to explore topics that go beyond your school curriculum.

Classes may be synchronous or asynchronous, giving you some control over how you manage your time. Throughout the program, you will also participate in virtual workshops, mentoring sessions, and college-prep activities. 

Why it stands out: You will study alongside actual UC Berkeley students and earn transferable credit in a globally diverse virtual classroom.

10. Syracuse University Summer College Online

Location: Online
Cost: Noncredit: $1,995 | Three credits: $3,165 | Four credits: $3,905; financial aid available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified; small classes with 9:1 student-faculty ratio
Dates: July 6th – July 24th | July 27th – August 14th | July 6th – August 14th
Application deadline: May 1st
Eligibility: Students, ages 15 and up, who are rising sophomores, juniors, seniors, or recent graduates and hold a GPA of 3.0 or higher; open to international students

This program lets you join a cohort of peers from diverse backgrounds and explore social sciences through live instruction with independent work. You can choose from courses like international relations or urban geography to dive into social science theory through a mix of lectures, discussions, and projects.

Classes often include real-time sessions, which means you will actively interact with instructors and classmates rather than learning in isolation. Outside of class, you will complete readings and assignments that mirror college expectations. You will also join virtual activities that help you connect with peers beyond academics. 

Why it stands out: You get a balance of live classes and flexible learning, along with the option to earn college credit.

11. American Psychological Association (APA) Internships 

Location: Online opportunities available
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified; typically, competitive selection
Dates: Year-round internships; summer and academic year opportunities available
Application deadline: Rolling; varies by position
Eligibility: High school students who are authorized to work in the U.S. and live in a state where APA is currently registered as an employer

APA’s internship program introduces you to how psychology is applied in professional and policy settings. Depending on the role, you will contribute to research, assist with educational initiatives, or support projects related to mental health and public awareness. Many internships are remote, which lets you gain real work experience without relocating.

You will also gain exposure to how a large professional organization operates and communicates research to the public. Your tasks can include writing, data analysis, or program support, depending on your placement. 

Why it stands out: You get a behind-the-scenes look at how psychology shapes policy, education, and public outreach at a global organization

12. University of Pennsylvania Pre-College Program

Location: Online
Cost: $8,692 for one course unit | $14,300 for two course units
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: Session 1: May 26th – July 1st | July 2nd – August 7th
Application deadline: May 1st (Session 1) | June 1st (Session 2)
Eligibility: Current 10th and 11th-grade students; international students are eligible

This program places you directly into virtual settings modeled after Penn’s undergraduate classes. You will enroll in credit-bearing courses such as economics, international relations, or philosophy, and follow the same academic standards as college students. Classes will meet multiple times a week.

During the program, you will complete assignments that include research papers, exams, and discussions. The pace can be demanding, so you will learn quickly how to manage time and expectations. You will also work with a diverse group of peers, learning how to collaborate and connect in post-secondary settings.

Why it stands out: You will study alongside actual UPenn undergraduates and earn Ivy League credit while exploring a field of interest.

13. NYU Precollege Program

Location: Online or New York University, New York, NY
Cost: $700 – $16,016, depending on the number of credits; financial aid available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: July 1st – August 12th; fall and spring options also available
Application deadline: June 15th (summer)
Eligibility: Rising 11th – 12th graders with a GPA of 3.0 or higher; international students are also eligible

The NYU Precollege Program allows you to take undergraduate-level courses across disciplines while still in high school and earn college credit. You will study alongside NYU students and gain exposure to rigorous social science coursework. The program also includes college readiness workshops covering admissions, study skills, and financial planning.

Classes will follow a university-level format, so you will engage in readings, assignments, and discussions that mirror undergraduate expectations. You will also interact with peers from across the world, which adds a broader perspective to classroom conversations. 

Why it stands out: It lets you earn up to eight college credits while studying in a globally diverse academic environment.

14. CUNY College Now

Location: Online, hybrid, and in-person (CUNY colleges, New York, NY) options
Cost: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: Fall, Spring, and Summer sessions
Application deadline: Varies by session
Eligibility: NYC public high school students in grades 10-12

CUNY’s College Now program offers you an accessible way to begin college-level study while you are still in high school. You can enroll in introductory social science courses, such as psychology, sociology, or political science, available in online formats. Classes are led by college faculty and follow real undergraduate curricula, which means you get to experience the pace and expectations early on.

Over the course of the program, you will also build skills in academic writing, discussion, and critical reading. As courses are offered across different semesters, you can choose options that fit into your existing schedule. 

Why it stands out: It lets you explore a social science track of choice, earn college credit, and learn from college faculty at no cost!

15. University of Chicago’s Summer Online

Location: Online
Cost: $4,980; financial aid available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: Three- to five-week summer sessions; dates vary by course and program
Application deadline: Priority: February 11th; Regular: March 12th
Eligibility: High school students, including international students 

The University of Chicago offers a range of rigorous online courses designed to mirror the university’s discussion-based learning style. You can choose from courses in economics, law, culture studies, and politics, depending on your interests.

The program focuses on critical thinking, debate, and analytical writing, helping you explore complex ideas. You will interact with UChicago instructors and peers who share strong academic interests. On completing the course, you will earn college credits.

Why it stands out: It lets you engage in advanced academics and earn credit through intensive, live online classes that closely reflect the real undergraduate experience.

From Critical Thinking to Confident Applications

Studying society, politics, psychology, economics, or culture online can help you ask sharper questions about how people and institutions shape the world.

Online social sciences programs for high school students can turn that curiosity into stronger academic habits, from analysing evidence to joining thoughtful discussions.

The value comes from learning how to explain complex ideas clearly, connect current issues to theory, and build confidence for university-level study.

Ready to shape those insights into a stronger application? Visit our University Preparation blogs for personal statement, interview, academic writing, and supercurricular guidance.