Succeed
    Psychological Science and Society
    In-person Program

    Psychological Science and Society

    by USC Pre-College

    USC’s psychology summer course combines hands-on labs, group research and field trips to explore how people think, feel and act.

    Last verified: 5 Oct 2026Reviewed by:BSBen Stacy

    Get the full picture before you decide

    Request your Program Guide. We'll email it within 24 hours.

    or let us know if .

    • What Succeed checks

      We review public program details such as eligibility, age range, cost, duration, location, format, accommodation, meals and application timing.

    • What Last verified means

      Last verified is the latest date Succeed checked the public details shown on this page. Program dates, prices and availability can still change.

    • How official sources are used

      Succeed uses official provider information where available, then rewrites it into a student-facing summary for comparison and planning.

    • Why some dates are reference dates

      If the current cycle is not available, Succeed may show the latest verified cycle dates so you can understand typical timing.

    • Succeed is independent from this provider unless a partnership is clearly stated.

    Psychological Science and Society at a glance: cost, dates and eligibility

    Current status

    Upcoming

    Eligibility

    High school students; completed ninth grade

    Age range / Year group

    Ages 15-18

    Location / Region

    University of Southern California, University Park Campus, Los Angeles, United States

    Cost

    $8,130; $11,570; $12,208

    Duration

    4 weeks

    Format

    In-person

    Next session

    21 June-15 July 2027

    Save program
    PsychologyNeuroscienceSocial Sciences
    Accommodation: Shared university residence-hall room
    Meals: Residential: three dining-hall meals daily
    College credit: 3 units of university elective credit
    Tutors / faculty: USC faculty and experienced professionals
    Daily classes: 9 a.m.–3:30 p.m., including breaks
    Main output: Final group research presentation
    Campus experience: Labs, libraries and supervised social activities

    Psychological Science and Society summary

    Psychological Science and Society is a USC course exploring the mind, behavior and psychology’s role in individual and societal well-being.

    Students move from selecting a group research topic to developing methods, collecting data and presenting findings, alongside labs, researcher talks and field trips.

    It suits students who want to test their interest in psychology through active research and collaboration rather than lectures alone.

    What is Psychological Science and Society?

    Psychological Science and Society is a college-level psychology course offered by USC Pre-College. It introduces classic and contemporary theories of mind and behavior, connecting research to everyday experiences and social issues. Students explore areas including cognition, personality, social psychology and mental illness.

    The campus experience combines lab activities, discussions, guest researchers and academic field trips. A group research project develops across the course, from topic selection and methods to data collection and a final presentation. Successful completion earns university elective credit.

    Why Succeed highlights Psychological Science and Society

    • The group project follows a meaningful research sequence from question selection to data collection and presentation.

    • USC psychology lab visits and researcher guest lectures connect classroom ideas with active scientific work.

    • The curriculum spans cognitive, social and clinical psychology, helping students compare different directions within the subject.

    • Three units of elective credit give successful completion a concrete academic outcome.

    • Residential advisors, campus security and published attendance policies give families clear expectations for campus life.

    Who is Psychological Science and Society for?

    Best for

    Students curious about psychology who enjoy discussion, teamwork and testing ideas through research.

    Not ideal if

    You want flexible attendance, a purely clinical course or guaranteed help with undergraduate admission.

    Is Psychological Science and Society worth it?

    This course offers a useful way to test whether psychology interests you beyond popular accounts of personality and behavior. The strongest feature is the combination of research methods, group data collection and a final presentation, supported by access to a university academic environment.

    The financial commitment is substantial, and USC Summer Programs does not offer financial aid. Credit transfer depends on the receiving institution, and participation does not guarantee USC admission. Judge the value by the learning and campus experience you want, alongside your family’s budget.

    Sean, founder of Succeed

    Sean

    Founder, Succeed

    Talk it through with Sean

    Want to talk it through?

    “I can help you compare the programmes you're considering, think through the practicalities and work out what makes sense for you.”

    20 minutes · No obligation to enrol

    A practical overview of cost, accommodation, meals, dates and provider details to review before deciding.

    Cost and what is included

    $8,130; $11,570; $12,208; includes Classes and three units of elective credit upon successful completion., Textbooks, course materials and academic field trips., On-campus social activities and off-campus recreational trips., Access to the University Park Student Health Center., Residential option: shared residence-hall room and dining plan., Residential option: academic field-trip meals and two meals before Saturday recreational trips..

    Accommodation

    Shared university residence-hall room

    Meals

    Residential: three dining-hall meals daily

    Supervision or safety information

    Residential advisors live in the halls and are available at all times. USC provides 24/7 public-safety patrols, USCard-controlled residence access and emergency alerts; residents must return to their hall by 10 p.m., with lights out at 11:30 p.m.

    Provider details

    Review the USC Pre-College provider page and official sources before making a final decision.

    Dates and logistics

    4 weeks; University of Southern California, University Park Campus, Los Angeles, 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 programs

    How much preparation does Psychological Science and Society need?

    Effort level

    High, with full class days and collaborative research.

    Best started

    Gather application documents four to six weeks before the anticipated November application-information update.

    Main challenge

    Managing sustained attendance while contributing reliably to a group project.

    Typical preparation

    • Prepare an original essay explaining your interest in psychology.

    • Ask a teacher, counselor or mentor about a recommendation and arrange a school-uploaded transcript.

    • Review basic research methods and prepare questions about behavior you would like to investigate.

    • International families should allow additional time for English-proficiency documents, immigration requirements and travel planning.

    Useful if

    You want to explore psychology through scientific inquiry and university-style study.

    What do students do on Psychological Science and Society?

    You study psychological theories through practical activities, discussions and visits beyond the classroom. Your group research project develops throughout the course and culminates in a presentation of your findings.

    Step-by-step process

    1. 1

      Explore psychology’s history and research methods, then choose a group research topic.

    2. 2

      Participate in lab demonstrations and prepare presentations on psychology research articles.

    3. 3

      Visit USC psychology labs, hear from researchers and develop your group’s methods.

    4. 4

      Collect project data while studying personality, development, stress and mental health.

    5. 5

      Use field trips and discussions to connect psychology with societal issues.

    6. 6

      Deliver your final group research presentation.

    Psychological Science and Society dates and deadlines

    Psychological Science and Society — Summer 2026 domestic application deadline

    8 May 2026

    Past

    Psychological Science and Society — Summer 2026 international application deadline

    13 March 2026

    Past

    Psychological Science and Society — Summer 2026 domestic

    22 June-17 July 2026

    Application deadline; session: 22 June–17 July 2026.

    Past

    Psychological Science and Society — Summer 2026 international

    22 June-17 July 2026

    Application deadline; session: 22 June–17 July 2026.

    Past

    Psychological Science and Society — Summer 2027

    21 June-15 July 2027

    USC Summer Programs schedule; application information coming in November.

    Upcoming

    Eligibility and requirements

    • Domestic or international high school student.

    • Completed at least ninth grade before the program starts.

    • Pursuing a rigorous high school curriculum.

    • Able to attend every class meeting.

    • International applicants must demonstrate English proficiency through accepted tests or waiver.

    • Commuters live with a parent or guardian in Los Angeles or Orange County.

    • International participants and domestic participants living abroad must reside on campus.

    • Bring your own laptop.

    How much does Psychological Science and Society cost?

    Application fee

    $85 — Nonrefundable; cannot be waived.

    Funding or discounts

    • Domestic commuter: $8,130 — 2026 estimated program total.
    • Domestic residential: $11,570 — 2026 estimate including room and board.
    • International residential: $12,208 — 2026 estimate; government fees are additional.
    • Deposit: $1,000 — Nonrefundable; credited toward the total program cost.
    • Financial aid: Not offered

    What's included

    Classes and three units of elective credit upon successful completion., Textbooks, course materials and academic field trips., On-campus social activities and off-campus recreational trips., Access to the University Park Student Health Center., Residential option: shared residence-hall room and dining plan., Residential option: academic field-trip meals and two meals before Saturday recreational trips.

    How to apply to Psychological Science and Society

    1. 1

      Create an account or log in to the official USC Summer Programs application portal.

    2. 2

      Choose Psychological Science and Society among your course preferences; you can list the same course for all three choices.

    3. 3

      Write the required 300–500-word essay independently.

    4. 4

      Request an online recommendation from a teacher, counselor or mentor.

    5. 5

      Ask a school administrator to upload your PDF high school transcript.

    6. 6

      International applicants must provide an accepted English-proficiency result or waiver.

    7. 7

      Pay the $85 application fee, complete every task, then review and submit.

    Next step with Succeed

    Interested in this programme?

    or let us know if .

    Succeed replies first, usually within a working day

    What does Psychological Science and Society cover?

    The program covers the following focus areas.

    Week 1: History and research methods

    Explore psychology’s history, perception, memory, attention and problem solving while selecting a group research topic.

    Week 2: The brain and cognition

    Study neuroscience, nature versus nurture, lifespan development and socialization while visiting labs and developing research methods.

    Week 3: Development and personality

    Investigate emotions, stress, mental illness, treatments and consciousness through personality measures, case studies and project data collection.

    Week 4: Social and clinical applications

    Explore learning, language, conformity, prejudice and group dynamics before presenting your group research findings.

    Curriculum may be adjusted based on participant interests and current developments.

    What is a typical day on Psychological Science and Society?

    A typical day during the program.

    Classes and academic activities

    Five to six instructional hours daily, with breaks for lunch or field trips.

    Residential social activities

    Residential advisors and staff supervise activities such as game nights, movies and field games.

    Recreational excursions

    Program trips may visit beaches, theme parks or sports events; residential participants must attend organized activities.

    Residential return

    Residents must return to their assigned hall every night and be in their rooms for lights out.

    Who teaches on Psychological Science and Society?

    USC Summer Programs courses are taught by USC faculty and experienced professionals from the university’s academic community. This course also includes guest lectures from psychology researchers and visits to USC psychology labs.

    Where do students stay on Psychological Science and Society?

    Residential plan

    • Shared residence-hall room: Participants share university housing with gender-specific roommate and floormate assignments.
    • Dining plan: Room and board includes three daily dining-hall meals, academic-trip meals and two meals before Saturday recreational trips.
    • Residential support: Residential advisors live in the halls and are available at all times, alongside 24/7 campus public-safety patrols.
    • Campus activities: Supervised evening activities and weekend excursions complement access to libraries and computer labs.

    Non-residential plan

    • Local commuter option: Participants live with a parent or guardian in Los Angeles or Orange County and attend all academic sessions.
    • Activities and trip transport: Commuters can join evening activities with permission and weekend excursions, using program transportation for field trips.
    • Commuter dining: Meals are purchased separately; dining halls do not accept cash.

    Roommate requests cannot be accommodated; international participants and domestic participants living abroad must reside on campus.

    What happens after Psychological Science and Society?

    After completing this program, participants often pursue:

    Complete a group psychology research project and final presentation.

    Earn three units of university elective credit upon successful completion.

    Request an official graded transcript through USC’s registrar.

    Develop research, communication and teamwork skills for further psychology study.

    Build relationships with faculty and staff that may lead to recommendation letters.

    Credit transfer is decided by the receiving institution, and recommendation letters are not guaranteed.

    Where does Psychological Science and Society take place?

    The course takes place at USC’s University Park Campus in Los Angeles, with access to campus libraries, computer labs and the student health center. Academic activities include USC psychology lab visits and field trips such as the California Science Center.

    International participants arrange their own travel; early-arrival and late-departure accommodation is not offered.

    Psychological Science and Society FAQs

    The course covers research methods, the brain, perception, learning and memory, personality, social psychology, positive psychology, and clinical psychology. Activities connect these topics with everyday behavior and societal issues.

    Yes. Groups select a topic, develop methods, collect data and deliver a final research presentation. Students also prepare presentations on psychology research articles.

    Successful completion earns three units of university elective credit. Other colleges and universities decide whether to accept those units.

    Eligible local students can commute while living with a parent or guardian in Los Angeles or Orange County. International participants and domestic participants living abroad must reside on campus.

    Residential advisors live in the halls and are available at all times. USC provides 24/7 public-safety patrols, USCard-controlled residence access and emergency alerts; residents must return to their hall by 10 p.m., with lights out at 11:30 p.m.

    USC Summer Programs does not offer financial aid or assistance. The application fee cannot be waived.

    No. Students must apply separately for undergraduate admission, and attending USC Summer Programs does not guarantee acceptance.

    Students must bring their own laptops. Campus computer labs, printing facilities and USC’s secured wireless network are available.

    Alternatives to Psychological Science and Society

    Compare these psychology options if delivery format, location or subject emphasis matters most to your shortlist.

    Alternatives to Psychological Science and Society

    Online Psychology Course
    Upcoming

    Psychology study through an online course

    Psychology
    03 Aug 2026
    From £2895
    13-24
    Online
    Online

    Best for

    Students seeking an online psychology option

    View details

    Save this program in Succeed to compare it with similar programs, dates, costs and formats in one place.

    Compare with other programs
    Ben Stacy

    Content 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.

    View author page

    Sources & verification

    Source types reviewed

    • Summer Programs Application Management
    • USC Summer Programs Transcripts | USC Pre-College
    • USC Summer Programs Policies | USC Pre-College
    • USC Summer Programs FAQs | USC Pre-College
    • USC Summer Programs International Application | USC Pre-College
    • USC Summer Residential and Commuter Experience | USC Pre-College
    • USC Summer Programs Overview | USC Pre-College
    • USC Summer Programs Application and Admission | USC Pre-College
    • USC Summer Programs | USC Pre-College
    • Psychological Summer Program | USC Pre-College

    Succeed uses official provider information where available, but keeps this public page focused on comparison and planning inside Succeed.

    What we verified (on 5 Oct 2026)

    • Course curriculum reviewed

    • Application requirements checked

    • Cycle dates distinguished

    • Fee options compared

    • College credit verified

    • Residential policies reviewed

    • International guidance 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.