15 Science Courses for High School Students

TL;DR

You’ll find 15 science courses here, from credit-bearing university classes in biology, chemistry, and astronomy to short lab programs in forensics, food science, and marine science. Some award college credit, such as Miami’s six-credit oceanography track, while others are non-credit courses lasting a week or two. Most suit students in grades 9 to 12, and costs range from $1,065 at FDU to over $12,000 for a residential Columbia session. Immerse Education’s Academic Insights pathway also runs two-week science courses in cities such as Oxford and Cambridge for students aged 13 to 18.

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As someone who enjoys studying science at high school, you will find that there are many other science courses, typically offered by universities, for you to explore some new and advanced topics in the subject area. Based on the course you enroll in, you could be studying about molecular biology, genetics, astronomy, chemistry, oceanography, environmental science, and any other scientific subject.

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In addition to exploring these subjects at a university level, you will often simultaneously develop laboratory, research, critical thinking, data interpretation, and scientific communication skills. This is because these courses teach you science by actually making you do it rather than simply reading from text books and attending lectures. 

How can a science course prepare you for college?

By attending such an advanced science course while you are still in high school, you are getting an early look at what you can expect when you later join college and get accustomed to the college workload. As a participant, you are attending lectures, conducting research, doing lab work, and actively engaging in discussions that allow you to experience the college academics. 

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Given that there are a wide range of science courses available across different scientific disciplines, you have the chance to explore any specific field that you would like to pursue your education and career in. Here are 15 science courses for high school students to consider.

15 Science Courses for High School Students

1. Immerse Education’s Pre-University Summer School

Location: Cambridge, London, Oxford, Singapore, Sydney, and Toronto
Cost: Varies; summer school scholarship available through our bursary programme
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; an average of 7 participants per class
Dates: 2 weeks during the summer
Application Deadline: Multiple cohorts with rolling admissions
Eligibility: Students aged 13-18; open to international students from around the world

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Immerse Education’s Academic Insights pathway gives you the opportunity to study undergraduate-level topics in your chosen subject over two weeks. You will be able to choose from science-related subjects such as biology, biotechnology, chemistry, natural sciences, physics, medicine, and veterinary studies. 

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You learn in small seminar groups led by expert tutors who hold or are working towards a doctorate, and you receive two 1:1 tutorials on your own work. Masterclasses and guest speakers round out the programme, helping you build skills such as critical thinking, collaboration, and communication. The program will end with you presenting a personal project on the final Friday and receiving a certificate of completion. You can find more details about the application here.

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Why it stands out: You’ll get an early start on university-level study through small seminars, 1:1 tutorials, and an independent project, with residential or commuter options.

2. Columbia University Pre-College Programs: Astronomy and Astrophysics

Location: Columbia University, New York, NY
Cost: Residential: $12,838/session | Commuter: $6,381/session (Summer 2027 estimates), plus a $95 application fee; need-based financial aid is available to U.S. citizens and permanent residents on the commuter option
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; cohort size not specified
Dates: Three weeks; the 2026 course ran July 21st - August 7th, and Columbia’s 2027 Summer B session runs July 20th - August 6th
Application Deadline: Applications open mid-November 2026; early registration deadline February 1st, 2027; general deadline March 1st, 2027 (residential) or April 1st, 2027 (commuter)
Eligibility: High school students, including seniors attending the summer after graduation; open to international students. One year each of high school chemistry and physics is strongly recommended.

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This course is for high school students who are curious about studying astronomy and astrophysics. As part of this course, you will learn everything from the beginnings of astronomy to some of the frequently-discussed topics in the field today, including extrasolar planetary systems, cosmology, and black holes. 

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You will gain exposure to Newton’s laws of motion and universal gravitation, Kepler’s laws, orbital dynamics, and space travel. The course will also teach you to better understand the nature of light, the nature of matter, and nuclear physics, which will simultaneously enhance your knowledge about the sun, the solar system and the galaxies.

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Why it stands out: Classes meet for about four hours each weekday, giving you a realistic sense of the pace of a college science course.

3. Lumiere Research Scholar Program

Location: Remote , you can participate in this program from anywhere in the world!
Cost: Varies depending on program type. Full financial aid available.
Application Deadline: Varies by cohort.
Program Dates: Varies by cohort: summer, fall, winter, or spring. Options range from 12 weeks to 1 year.
Eligibility: You must be currently enrolled in high school and demonstrate a high level of academic achievement.

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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. 

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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.

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Why it stands out: You get 1-1 mentorship with a Ph.D. mentor and produce an independent research project by the end.

4. Yale Summer Session: Neurobiology

Location: Yale University, New Haven, CT
Cost: Tuition of $5,480 for this 1-credit course in 2026, plus other fees; financial assistance available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; applications are reviewed holistically
Dates: Session A: May 25th - June 26th, 2026; 2027 dates not yet posted
Application Deadline: Admissions run in Priority, Regular, and Rolling rounds; 2027 deadlines not yet posted
Eligibility: Current high school juniors or seniors who will be at least 16 by the program start date and have scored a 4 or 5 on AP Biology or a 6 or 7 on IB Biology; open to international students

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This neurobiology course offered during Yale’s Summer Session provides you a fundamental understanding of neuroscience. The course curriculum covers cellular neurophysiology, systems neurobiology, and neural development and plasticity. As part of cellular neurophysiology, you will study interesting neuron properties and synapse functions. 

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The systems neurobiology portion will help you understand the role of neural circuits in the nervous system with a focus on each system separately. You will also learn about the cellular and molecular mechanisms that drive neural development and plasticity along with the formation of memory. If you plan to live on campus, you’ll need to take two courses in the same session.

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Why it stands out: You will be held to the same academic standards as undergraduates at Yale University.

5. WashU High School Summer Scholars Program: Biology of the Brain

Location: WashU Danforth Campus, St. Louis, MO
Cost: A non-refundable application fee of $50 and a 2026 program cost of $4,075 (Commuter) and $8,385 (Residential) for one 3-credit course; 2027 fees to be announced; need-based scholarships available
Dates: June 13th - July 17th, 2027
Application Deadline: Applications open December 1st, 2026; early deadline March 1st, 2027; regular deadline April 1st, 2027
Eligibility: Current high school juniors (graduating in 2028) who have taken high school biology; open to international students

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This particular course explores the biology of the nervous system while ensuring that you form an understanding of the scientific process behind how the brain works. For this purpose, the course will teach you about the anatomy and cellular composition of the brain. You will go on to study brain development and how it heals after an injury. You will also learn about the way experiences turn into memories. 

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Additionally, the course will touch on some nervous system problems such as addiction, Alzheimer’s disease, and Parkinson’s disease. Learning will primarily occur in the form of lectures, discussions and analyzing research. Course offerings rotate each summer and the 2027 list is posted in December, so check that this course runs again. For more options in this field, explore these neuroscience summer programs for high schoolers.

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Why it stands out: The course sticks to a rigorous pace to ensure that about 16 weeks of syllabus is covered within the summer so you can expect to do two hours of homework for every one hour of coursework.

6. Pre-College @ UMass Amherst: Everyday Magic: Chemistry and Its Environmental Impact

Location: University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA
Cost: A non-refundable application fee of $45 and a 2026 program fee of $2,337 (Commuter) and $4,119 (Residential); scholarships available
Dates: Two weeks; the 2026 course ran July 26th - August 8th, and 2027 dates are not yet posted
Application Deadline: For 2026, applications for courses starting July 26th closed May 31st, with rolling admissions until programs filled
Eligibility: Rising 10th through 12th graders; open to international students, who provide English proficiency scores and a U.S.-based emergency contact

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In this lab-based course, you will study some of the fundamental concepts across general and organic chemistry and earn 2 credits. These include but are not limited to stoichiometry, chemical bonding, acid-base reaction, gas-forming reaction, ester hydrolysis, thermochemistry, intermolecular forces, and molecular polarity. You will also examine the physical and chemical behavior of matter. 

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The course will also give you a practical understanding of the different chemical principles associated with solar energy, making soap, food science, environmental chemistry, and more by immersing you in activities where you make bath bombs, soap bars, and a solar cell, plus determine the calories in chips. Campus trips and guest speakers, including a workshop on building buckyballs, add to the experience. You can find more options like this among these chemistry summer schools for high school students.

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Why it stands out: This two-week course helps you gain knowledge in advanced lab techniques while enhancing your analytical reasoning, problem-solving, logical argument, and scientific communication skills.

7. Tulane Science Scholars Program: Introduction to the Solar System

Location: Tulane’s School of Science and Engineering, New Orleans, LA
Cost: $2,595 (Commuter) and $6,595 (Residential) for 2026 credit-bearing courses; no application fee; financial aid available
Dates: July 13-24, 2026; 2027 dates not yet posted
Application Deadline: For 2026, applications opened December 5th, 2025, with a February 27th priority and international deadline, an April 3rd regular deadline, and an April 24th extended deadline
Eligibility: Rising 11th and 12th graders for credit-bearing courses; you must be at least 14 years old for the residential experience; open to international students

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Tulane’s School of Science and Engineering welcomes high school juniors and seniors with a high aptitude for science, math and engineering to participate in TSSP. As part of the program, you get to complete a college-level course and earn credits for it. 

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One such course is the Introduction to the Solar System, which takes advantage of the university’s observatory so that you can take a closer look at the Moon and some planets with a 16-inch telescope. You will simultaneously study how the sun and other stars, the eight planets, some major moons, and dwarf planets and asteroids were formed and each of their properties.

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Why it stands out: To further cement your understanding of the field, the course will also cover the history and the development of astronomy.

8. Eckerd College Pre-College: Animal Studies

Location: Eckerd College, St. Petersburg, FL
Cost: $1,975, including lodging, meals, activities, and field trips
Dates: June 14-19, 2026; 2027 dates not yet posted
Application Deadline: Registration-based; you submit a written statement about your interest in animal studies when you register
Eligibility: Students entering 10th through 12th grade; international eligibility not specified

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This course is designed for high schoolers who wish to explore animal studies as a potential major, and it is modeled after Eckerd’s undergraduate curriculum. You will primarily get an outlook on studying animal studies at Eckerd College, understanding how its curriculum touches on topics across natural sciences, social sciences and humanities. 

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Core topics include animal behavior and training, rescue and rehabilitation, wildlife conservation, and the role of zoos and aquaria. In addition to enhancing your knowledge about animals, you will have also developed your quantitative & critical thinking, communication, and research skills.

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Why it stands out: The course uses Eckerd’s waterfront campus on the Gulf of Mexico and engages you in citizen science wildlife surveys and visits to local aquaria, zoos, or shelters.

9. USC Pre-College Program: The Science of Food, Nutrition and the Biological World

Location: University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA
Cost: A non-refundable application fee of $85 and an estimated 2027 program cost of $8,371 (Commuter) and $11,946 (Residential) for domestic students; international students pay an estimated $12,602
Dates: Four weeks beginning Monday, June 21st, 2027; it is mandatory to attend from the first day
Application Deadline: March 12th, 2027 (International Students) and May 7th, 2027 (Domestic Students)
Eligibility: Students from anywhere in the world who have completed 9th grade, are pursuing a rigorous high school curriculum, and have earned a B or above in one year of high school biology

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By signing up for this USC pre-college course, you will have the opportunity to learn about the biology behind the food you consume and earn three units of college credit. You will particularly study how eating food is important for the body to function properly. In the process, you will learn about different macronutrients and how they are converted into energy and used in your body for various functions. 

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Moreover, you will also gain exposure to the impact that different cooking methods have on the nutrient level of a food, making the course also suitable for students interested in culinary science. You will also engage in discussions regarding the environmental impact of food production and genetically modified foods, while extracting DNA and performing PCR in the lab.

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Why it stands out: You will study topics across molecular biology, biochemistry, microbiology and nutrition, with field trips to a farm and a cooking school.

10. Quinnipiac University Pre-College Summer Program: Forensic Science: Crime Scene Investigation

Location: Quinnipiac University, Hamden, CT
Cost: $2,700 (Commuter) and $3,700 (Residential); discounts and partial financial support available
Dates: Two weeks in the summer; 2027 dates will be posted when registration opens
Application Deadline: Registration for 2027 opens in October 2026; deadlines not yet posted
Eligibility: Current high school students, typically aged 15 to 18; international eligibility not specified

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This forensic science course is suitable for high school students who have always been curious about how forensic scientists investigate a crime scene. The course will immerse you in a mock crime scene investigation through which you will learn the techniques, such as crime scene analysis, victim profiling and more, used by forensic professionals. 

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You will ultimately become knowledgeable in gathering evidence and using it to solve crimes. Additionally, the course will enhance your critical thinking, investigative, observational and other skills.

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Why it stands out: As part of investigating the mock crime scene, the course will give you the opportunity to work next to industry professionals.

11. Fairleigh Dickinson University Early College Summer: Genetics and Society

Location: Fairleigh Dickinson University’s Metropolitan Campus, Teaneck, NJ
Cost: $1,065 (2026)
Dates: June 30th - July 21st, 2026; 2027 dates not yet posted
Application Deadline: Not specified; the 2026 course filled before it began, so register early once 2027 courses are posted
Eligibility: Rising high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors; international eligibility not specified

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In this course, you will explore the field of genetics while particularly focusing on some of the newest discoveries in genetic technology and their impact on individuals and society. During your time in the course, you will explore how genes pass down through family members, the role of genetic counseling in reproductive decisions and the methods used to diagnose and treat genetically inherited diseases. 

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Moreover, you will also be exposed to some of the actively researched topics in the field today, including cloning, stem cell research and genetically modified foods. The course meets in person Monday to Thursday and is open only to high school students.

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Why it stands out: In addition to gaining exposure to the college-level syllabus, you also earn 4 credits upon completing the course.

12. Emory Pre-College Program: Foundations of Modern Biology I

Location: Emory University, Atlanta, GA
Cost: A non-refundable application fee of $70 and a 2026 course fee of $6,485 (commuter) for 3 credits; need-based financial aid available for U.S. citizens and permanent residents
Dates: May 15th - June 26th, 2026; 2027 dates not yet posted
Application Deadline: 2027 deadlines not yet posted; the 2026 financial aid deadline was May 1st
Eligibility: High school students who have completed their sophomore or junior year and taken high school biology; the in-person lab requires you to be local to Atlanta, and international students need an F-1 visa for on-campus classes

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Emory University lets high school students who have completed their sophomore or junior year take its undergraduate-level courses and earn credits for them through its nonresidential Summer College program. There are a range of courses offered, with one example being the Foundations of Modern Biology I. 

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This particular course’s syllabus includes topics such as biomolecules, cell structure and function, energy metabolism, and cell reproduction. Lectures run online twice a week and address important issues in human biology, medicine, evolution, and ecology, with an on-campus lab on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

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Why it stands out: The course will enhance the basic knowledge and critical thinking skills that you will need to conduct research in the field of modern biology.

13. Brown Pre-College Program: Infectious and Epidemic Disease

Location: Brown University, Providence, RI
Cost: 2026 program cost for three-week on-campus courses was $6,416 (Commuter) and $8,372 (Residential)
Dates: Three weeks during the summer; 2027 dates not yet posted
Application Deadline: 2027 deadlines not yet posted
Eligibility: High school students; international eligibility not specified

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This Brown pre-college course on infectious and epidemic disease will explore some of the deadly pathogens in history, including Black Plague and Smallpox, while addressing some of the pathogens that are still prevalent. The course will then go on to teach you how diseases are treated to control outbreaks.

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This will in turn give you an understanding of the molecular mechanisms of different diseases, vaccine development, epidemic and pandemic pathogens, diagnostic laboratory techniques, and basic microbiological sciences. You will learn by participating in lectures, discussions, and group projects.

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Why it stands out: You will strengthen your lab skills by conducting experiments, including those used by scientists to clinically diagnose diseases.

14. University of Miami Summer Scholars: Oceanography and Marine Environments

Location: University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL
Cost: This track is open to residential students only; see the Summer Scholars tuition page for 2027 rates; limited scholarships available
Dates: June 26th - July 16th, 2027
Application Deadline: 2027 deadlines not yet posted
Eligibility: Students completing grades 10 or 11 who have taken biology and one other lab science; international eligibility not specified

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Through this course, you will immerse yourself in the study of the ocean, learning the geological, physical, chemical, and biological aspects of it. The course will also focus on the role of humanity in oceans while addressing fisheries, pollution, and ocean management in the process. 

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In addition to the three-credit theoretical class, you will also take a three-credit lab course. This lab course will give you practical experience with the topics covered in the theory class while ensuring that you learn some of the field and lab techniques used by professional marine scientists.

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Why it stands out: You will explore the tropical marine environments of South Florida, with field excursions that can include the Rosenstiel School on Virginia Key, shark tagging, and snorkeling in Key Largo.

15. Loyola Marymount University Pre-College Summer Program: Environmental Science: The Living City

Location: Loyola Marymount University, Los Angeles, CA
Cost: Not specified on the course page; check LMU Summer Programs for 2027 rates
Dates: Two weeks, residential; the 2026 session ran July 5-17, and 2027 dates are not yet posted
Application Deadline: 2026 applications have closed; 2027 deadlines not yet posted
Eligibility: High school students; open to international students

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This course explores the ways urban ecologists use their knowledge in biology, chemistry, botany, ecology, social science, animal science and engineering to solve pressing environmental and social issues. 

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For this purpose, you will be exposed to research connected to the university’s Center for Urban Resilience (CURes), covering topics such as urban birds, wetlands ecology, and the human-animal bond. You’ll also create a painted hummingbird cast as part of the course. If this field interests you, explore these environmental science summer schools for high school students.

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Why it stands out: By the end of the program, you will have the confidence to come up with sustainable solutions while having enhanced your research and data interpretation skills.

Frequently asked questions: Science Courses for High School Students

What science courses should high school students take in the summer?

Pick a course that matches the field you’re most curious about, then check whether it builds on what you’ve already studied. If you’re drawn to the brain, WashU’s Biology of the Brain and Yale’s Neurobiology go deep into the nervous system, while UMass’s Everyday Magic suits future chemists. Immerse Education’s Academic Insights pathway lets you study biology, chemistry, physics, or natural sciences for two weeks in seminars averaging 7 participants. Prerequisites vary, so review each course page before you apply.

Can high school students earn college credit from summer science courses?

Yes, several courses on this list award college credit. Miami’s Oceanography and Marine Environments track carries six credits, FDU’s Genetics and Society carries four, and Emory’s Foundations of Modern Biology I and USC’s food science course each carry three. Yale’s Neurobiology earns one Yale credit, while UMass awards two. Columbia’s pre-college courses are non-credit and end with a certificate and evaluation letter, so check each page before you apply.

How much do science courses for high school students cost?

Costs vary widely depending on length, credit, and whether you live on campus. FDU’s four-credit Genetics and Society cost $1,065 in 2026, and Eckerd’s week-long Animal Studies program was $1,975 including lodging and meals. Residential courses cost much more, with Columbia’s three-week session estimated at $12,838 and USC’s at $11,946 for domestic students. Many programs, including Tulane, WashU, and Quinnipiac, offer need-based aid, so ask about scholarships early.

Are there online science courses for high school students?

Yes, though most courses on this list are in person. Emory’s Foundations of Modern Biology I runs its lectures online, with an on-campus lab for students local to Atlanta, and WashU also offers online credit courses alongside its in-person options. Online formats work well if you can’t travel, but lab-heavy subjects often require you to be on campus. For more flexible options, explore these online science programs for high school students.

When should you apply for summer science courses?

Plan to apply in winter, since many 2027 applications open between November and January. WashU opens applications on December 1st, 2026, with an early deadline of March 1st, 2027, and Columbia’s early registration deadline is February 1st, 2027. USC’s international deadline is March 12th, 2027, while its domestic deadline is May 7th, 2027. Popular courses fill on a rolling basis, so apply as soon as applications open.

Do summer science courses help with college applications?

They can, especially if the course connects to the major you plan to pursue. Credit-bearing courses give you an official record, as with WashU, where your grades become part of a WashU transcript you can send to colleges. Non-credit courses still give you material to discuss, such as Tulane’s observatory sessions or Quinnipiac’s mock crime scene. What matters most is showing sustained curiosity and explaining what you learned.

Take your first step toward a science major

Science looks different once you leave the textbook behind, and a summer course lets you test that difference in a university classroom or lab.

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Among the science courses for high school students listed here, some award college credit while others simply help you discover which field excites you most.

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Compare prerequisites, residency rules, and costs early, since popular courses fill quickly and several 2027 deadlines arrive as soon as February or March.

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When you’re ready to plan the next stage of your academic journey, explore our University Preparation blogs for practical advice on applying.