Psychology Pre-College Camp

This immersive experience is designed for students who have a passion for psychological science and are eager to explore the many subfields psychology has to offer.

The Camp is on the Manhattan University campus, conveniently located in New York City. Campers have complete access to Manhattan University, including our classrooms, labs, dance floor, and library.

The camp serves students who are currently in 10th or 11th or 12th grade.

Our program offers a unique blend of interactive lectures and fun-filled activities with tangible outcomes that will ignite participants’ curiosity and deepen their understanding of the discipline of psychology. Participants will have the opportunity to delve into a variety of subfields, from clinical and developmental to social and neuroscience, all under the guidance of our experienced faculty. Participants will get a special opportunity to learn about unique subfields such as forensic psychology and sports and performance psychology.

Activity Descriptions:

Activities are subject to changes. 

• Psychology and You: This introduction to the program will guide you through an overview of the world of psychology and a discussion of the relevance of psychology in everyday life.
  
  
• Social Psychology: Social psychology studies the influence people have on each other. We will explore topics such as persuasion, attraction, and conformity.
  
  
• Clinical Psychology/Psychological Disorders: Clinical psychology studies how personality variables, genetics, neurobiology, upbringing, behavioral patterns, and the social environment shape the mental, emotional, and behavioral functioning of individuals. Clinical psychologists then directly apply this scientific knowledge to diagnose and treat troubling psychological disorders and to build resilience and high-level human functioning.
  
  
• Sport and Performance Psychology: Sport and performance psychology is a specialty area that integrates psychological variables, motor learning, group dynamics, personality characteristics, and one’s psychosocial experience into its scientific study to better understand the unique demands of athletes and other performers. Sport and performance psychologists then work with athletes and other performers to reach and maintain optimal performance states, minimize psychological concerns, and promote their overall psychological well-being.
  
  
• Animal Behavior and Cognition: Do you think animals can think? In this session, we will explore the functions of animal behavior and investigate the ways in which animals “think.” We will learn about different mental processes and discuss the methodology used to measure them. We will also discuss various challenges that influence how we view animals and their thinking abilities compared to humans.
  
  
• Cognitive Neuroscience: Cognitive neuroscience seeks to use observations from the study of the brain to examine the connections between the mind, brain, and behavior. In this session, we will explore the basics of the anatomy and functions of the brain and learn about the methods used to study how the brain supports cognition and behavior. We will discuss how we can sense and perceive the world, act in it, remember it, feel about it, make decisions, and think about others.
  
  
• Forensic Psychology: Forensic psychology studies how psychology interacts with the legal system. In this session, we will cover Antisocial personality disorder (psychopathy), theories of criminal behavior, lie detection, the insanity defense, jury decision-making, eyewitnesses, and risk assessment. 
  
  
• Wrap-Up: As we wrap up the program, we will reflect on what we learned and think about ways to apply psychology to our lives. 

Program Dates in 2025 to be announced soon

Schedule
Schedules are subject to changes. Schedules are subject to change without notice.

Tuition Fees

Tuition: $TBD

Registration fee: a $100 non-refundable fee must be paid when registration is submitted.

Includes:

• Certificate of completion
• Classes
• Class materials
• Manhattan University gift
  
  

Lunch

Participants provide their lunch unless they are registered to the residential add-on option.

Residential Add-On

If you plan to stay at our dorms, have full meals at our cafeterias, visit iconic NYC places, and have a campus experience, check out our weekly residential add-on here.

Contact Information

If you have any questions or need more information, please don't hesitate to contact us. We're here to help you every step of the way. Email us at infonc@manhattan.edu.