Application deadline
15 May 2026
General Brown Pre-College deadline on the dedicated application page.
In-person Program
Abnormal Psychology Summer Course
Brown’s introductory psychology seminar explores mental disorders, assessment, treatment and stigma, helping students question common assumptions about mental illness.
Last verified: 9 Oct 2026Reviewed by:BSBen Stacy
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Abnormal Psychology Summer Course at a glance: cost, dates and eligibility
Current status
Upcoming
Eligibility
Completing grades 9–12
Age range / Year group
Ages 14-18
Location / Region
Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, United States
Cost
$5,786; $4,482
Duration
2 weeks
Format
In-person
PsychologySocial Sciences
Accommodation: University residence halls
Meals: Residential: three daily; commuter: one daily
Certificate / Outcome: Digital certificate; Course Performance Report
Campus experience: Workshops, activities and excursions
Tutor: Heather Schatten
Class schedule: Weekdays, 8:30–11:20 a.m. Eastern Time
Academic credit: Non-credit; no formal grades
Abnormal Psychology Summer Course summary
Brown’s Abnormal Psychology seminar examines how mental disorders are classified, assessed and treated, with attention to stigma and cultural differences.
Students practice questioning theories and popular portrayals of mental illness rather than simply memorizing diagnostic labels.
It suits students exploring psychology who want college-level discussion and an independent campus experience.
What is Abnormal Psychology Summer Course?
The Abnormal Psychology Summer Course is an introductory Brown University seminar within Summer@Brown. It explores how mental disorders are defined, classified, assessed and treated, surveying anxiety disorders, depression, substance use disorders, psychosis, eating disorders and personality disorders.
The course emphasizes critical thinking about psychological theories and treatments, including the influence of stigma and culture. The wider campus experience combines discussion, group work and independent study with workshops and activities that help students practice managing college-style academic responsibilities.
Why Succeed highlights Abnormal Psychology Summer Course
The course connects diagnostic classification with assessment and treatment, giving students a coherent introduction to the subject.
Its attention to stigma and cultural definitions encourages students to question assumptions about mental illness.
Evaluating popular portrayals and debunking myths gives the academic content a clear everyday application.
A Course Performance Report provides individual instructor commentary alongside the completion certificate.
Who is Abnormal Psychology Summer Course for?
Best for
Students curious about mental health who enjoy questioning explanations, discussing sensitive topics respectfully and managing independent study.
Not ideal if
You need college credit or want a campus experience with continuous adult supervision.
Is Abnormal Psychology Summer Course worth it?
This course can be worthwhile if you want to test your interest in psychology through structured discussion and critical analysis. Its focus on culture, stigma and treatment helps students move beyond simplified accounts of mental illness.
The financial commitment makes subject fit more important than the university name alone. It is a non-credit introduction, and Brown explicitly separates Pre-College participation from undergraduate recruitment; weigh the teaching and campus experience against less expensive ways to explore psychology.
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A practical overview of cost, accommodation, meals, dates and provider details to review before deciding.
Cost and what is included
$5,786; $4,482; includes One two-week on-campus course., Residential housing and three dining-hall meals daily., One dining-hall meal daily for commuters., Fitness, athletic and aquatics center access., Program activities and excursions., Free RIPTA access for commuters during the course., Digital certificate after successful completion., Course Performance Report..
Accommodation
University residence halls
Meals
Residential: three daily; commuter: one daily
Supervision or safety information
Trained residential staff support students, with nightly face-to-face check-ins at 10 p.m. Eastern Time and staff on call around the clock. Students are expected to manage their time independently and may travel within Rhode Island without supervision.
Provider details
Review the Brown Pre-College Programs provider page and official sources before making a final decision.
Dates and logistics
2 weeks; Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, United States.
What to check before committing
Confirm current dates, payment terms, travel arrangements, cancellation rules and what is included with the provider.
Compare this program with similar options before deciding on dates, cost, format and fit.
Compare with similar programsHow much preparation does Abnormal Psychology Summer Course need?
Effort level
High during the course.
Best started
Allow 4 to 6 weeks before a future application deadline to prepare the essay, grades and any language testing.
Main challenge
Balancing intensive study with independent campus life.
Typical preparation
Draft a personal essay explaining your academic curiosity in your own words.
Gather current and previous academic year grades and arrange any required English proficiency testing.
Practice evaluating a media claim about mental illness without relying on stereotypes.
Plan travel, daily communication and any accommodation requests well before arrival.
Useful if
You want to test your readiness for college-level psychology study.
What do students do on Abnormal Psychology Summer Course?
You study mental disorders through an introductory seminar that links classification, assessment and treatment with critical thinking. The learning goals also ask you to examine cultural assumptions, stigma and portrayals of mental illness.
Step-by-step process
- 1
Explore what abnormality means and why mental disorders are classified.
- 2
Study the clinical characteristics and assessment of major mental disorders.
- 3
Evaluate the theories that inform psychological treatments.
- 4
Consider cultural differences and the role of stigma.
- 5
Critically examine popular portrayals and identify myths about mental illness.
Abnormal Psychology Summer Course dates and deadlines
Next cycle not announced yet. These dates are from the latest verified cycle and should be used as a reference only.
Reference date
Programme dates
22 June-2 July 2026
Applications open
14 January 2026
Brown Pre-College application cycle.
Required forms
29 May 2026
Includes health and accommodation documentation; later enrollment has separate completion rules.
Check-in and orientation
21 June 2026
Check-in at Sayles Hall, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Eastern Time.
| Milestone | Date | Timezone | Status | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Application deadline | 15 May 2026 | Local | Reference date | |
Programme dates | 22 June-2 July 2026 | Local | Reference date | |
Applications open | 14 January 2026 | Local | Reference date | |
Required forms | 29 May 2026 | Local | Reference date | |
Check-in and orientation | 21 June 2026 | Local | Reference date |
Eligibility and requirements
Completing grades 9 to 12.
Ages 14 to 18 by June 14, 2026.
No course prerequisites.
Strong English proficiency for college-level study.
Accepted English test results when required for international applicants.
Brown Pre-College admission before course enrollment.
How much does Abnormal Psychology Summer Course cost?
Program fee
$5,786; $4,482 — Residential; commuter, for one two-week course.
Funding or discounts
- Application fee: $80 — Nonrefundable; eligible applicants may request a waiver.
- Enrollment deposit: $500 — Required before course enrollment; normally nonrefundable.
- Scholarships: Sibley; PPSD — Separate application and citizenship or immigration requirements apply.
- Conditional insurance fee: $80 — Required for international students and U.S. students without adequate insurance.
What's included
One two-week on-campus course., Residential housing and three dining-hall meals daily., One dining-hall meal daily for commuters., Fitness, athletic and aquatics center access., Program activities and excursions., Free RIPTA access for commuters during the course., Digital certificate after successful completion., Course Performance Report.
How to apply to Abnormal Psychology Summer Course
- 1
Create one applicant account in the Brown Pre-College Student Portal.
- 2
Complete the application form and original 250 to 500-word essay.
- 3
Upload current and previous academic year grades in English.
- 4
Pay the $80 application fee or complete the fee-waiver process.
- 5
Provide required English test results and any recommendation you choose to submit.
- 6
Monitor your portal and email for additional requests and the admission decision.
- 7
After admission, review the course catalog before paying the $500 deposit and enrolling separately.
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What does Abnormal Psychology Summer Course cover?
The program covers the following focus areas.
Definitions and classification
Examine what abnormality means and why mental disorders are classified.
Clinical characteristics and assessment
Study major mental disorders and how their clinical characteristics are assessed.
Theory and treatment
Evaluate the role of psychological theory in developing treatments.
Culture and stigma
Consider cultural definitions of abnormality and the effects of stigma.
Popular culture and myths
Critically assess portrayals of mental illness and debunk common myths.
Curriculum may be adjusted based on participant interests and current developments.
What is a typical day on Abnormal Psychology Summer Course?
A typical day during the program.
Seminar classes
Weekdays, 8:30–11:20 a.m. Eastern Time; the final week ends Thursday.
Independent study
Allow 2 to 3 hours of homework, with study timing managed independently.
Campus activities
Choose from workshops, activities and events scheduled throughout the day.
Residential check in
Check in face to face at 10 p.m. Eastern Time and remain on your floor until 6 a.m.
Who teaches on Abnormal Psychology Summer Course?
Heather Schatten is the instructor named for the course section. Summer@Brown also provides instructor office hours, where students can discuss course content, assignments and questions.
Where do students stay on Abnormal Psychology Summer Course?
Residential plan
- University residence halls: Single, double or triple rooms have college furniture, wireless internet and air conditioning.
- Three daily meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included in Brown's all-you-care-to-eat dining halls.
- Residential staff support: Trained staff provide support, nightly check-ins and an around-the-clock on-call service.
- Recreation and activities: Fees include program activities, excursions and fitness, athletic and aquatics center access.
Non-residential plan
- Commuter campus access: Commuters attend the same in-person course and can use campus study spaces and activities.
- Daily meal and recreation: The commuter fee includes one meal daily and fitness, athletic and aquatics center access.
- Commuter transport: non-residential
Students should bring their own linens; roommate requests are not honored.
What happens after Abnormal Psychology Summer Course?
After completing this program, participants often pursue:
Earn a digital Certificate of Completion after successful completion.
Receive an instructor Course Performance Report.
Build a foundation for further study of psychological disorders.
Develop critical evaluation skills for mental health claims.
The course does not award college credit or an academic transcript.
Where does Abnormal Psychology Summer Course take place?
The course takes place on Brown University’s campus in Providence, Rhode Island. Check-in is at Sayles Hall on the Main Green, and families arrange transportation to and from campus.
Brown Pre-College does not provide transportation or coordinate travel assistance.
Abnormal Psychology Summer Course FAQs
The seminar surveys anxiety disorders, depression, substance use disorders, psychosis, eating disorders and personality disorders. Students examine classification, assessment, treatment and stigma.
No. Abnormal Psychology has no prerequisites, although students must meet Brown Pre-College admission and Summer@Brown eligibility requirements.
The section meets Monday through Friday from 8:30 to 11:20 a.m. Eastern Time, ending on Thursday in its final week. Summer@Brown students should also expect 2 to 3 hours of homework each day.
No. Summer@Brown courses are non-credit and do not award formal grades. Successful completion earns a digital Certificate of Completion, and this two-week course also qualifies for a Course Performance Report.
Yes. Summer@Brown has a commuter option with one dining-hall meal per day, campus activities and fitness facilities. Commuters do not receive overnight housing and have free RIPTA access with their Brown ID during the course.
Trained residential staff support students, with nightly face-to-face check-ins at 10 p.m. Eastern Time and staff on call around the clock. Students are expected to manage their time independently and may travel within Rhode Island without supervision.
Brown states that Pre-College is not a prospecting program for undergraduate admissions. The academic experience can help students demonstrate subject interest, but it should not be treated as an admissions advantage.
Brown's Pre-College scholarships and application fee waivers are restricted to the listed U.S. citizenship or immigration categories, with U.S. school enrollment required for undocumented or DACA applicants. Other international students are directed to seek funding through their own schools.
Alternatives to Abnormal Psychology Summer Course
Compare these options if you want a different psychology focus, an online format or a broader introduction to health sciences.
Alternatives to Abnormal Psychology Summer Course
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Best for
Students comparing psychology with neuroscience
Online Psychology Course
Upcoming
An online course focused on psychology
Psychology
03 Aug 2026
From £2895
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Online
Best for
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Medical and biological sciences with psychology coverage
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Deadline: Not announced
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Best for
Students considering several health-related disciplines
Save this program in Succeed to compare it with similar programs, dates, costs and formats in one place.
Compare with other programsContent reviewed by
Ben Stacy
Co-founder, Succeed | Former secondary teacher and educational leader
Ben works at the intersection of education, technology and school adoption, with expertise in how secondary schools evaluate data-driven tools and how education technology is used in practice.
Sources and verification
Source types reviewed
- Handbook of Pre-College Policies | Pre-College Program | Brown University
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) | Pre-College Program | Brown University
- Financial Policies and Payment Information | Pre-College Program | Brown University
- Commuter - Summer@Brown On Campus | Pre-College Program | Brown University
- Summer@Brown On Campus | Pre-College Program | Brown University
- Summer@Brown
- Application Checklist | Pre-College Program | Brown University
- Apply | Pre-College Program | Brown University
- Program Dates and Costs | Pre-College Program | Brown University
- 2026 Summer Program Fee Breakdown
- Abnormal Psychology - Pre-College Course Catalog"
Succeed uses official provider information where available, but keeps this public page focused on comparison and planning inside Succeed.
What we verified (on 9 Oct 2026)
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Eligibility requirements reviewed
Application dates compared
Residential and commuter fees checked
Class timing and workload reviewed
Housing and meals reviewed
Completion credentials checked
How Succeed uses this information
We use source material to verify core facts, then show older cycle dates as reference when a current cycle is not available. Always check current application instructions before applying.
Abnormal Psychology Summer Course
by Brown Pre-College Programs
Upcoming
May qualify for the £300 Succeed Programme Award.
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