Introduction to Psychology: Understanding Mind and Behavior
Program Description:
Have you ever wondered why people think, feel, and behave the way they do? This dynamic pre-college psychology course gives ambitious high school students (ages 14–17) a powerful head start on their academic journey and their college applications.
Through this immersive, university-style experience, you'll explore the full landscape of modern psychology, from its fascinating history and cutting-edge research methods to memory, child development, clinical psychology, social behavior, and beyond. You won't just read about psychology, you'll do psychology, designing and conducting your own supervised research study alongside peers from around the world.
What makes this course truly unique? You'll learn to see psychology everywhere. You’ll analyze the characters in your favorite movies and TV shows, unpack the stories making headlines, and apply real psychological frameworks to the world around you.
Your journey into the human mind starts here. Are you ready?
Dates: July 6 - 17, 2026
Times: 10:00am - 4:00pm Monday through Friday
Format: In-person at Teachers College
Price: $3,995
For more information, questions or to register: Email tcacademy@tc.columbia.edu
Instructors
Treasure A. Tannock
Treasure A. Tannock, holds a Master's degree in Drama Therapy from New York University and is currently pursuing a doctoral degree in Clinical Psychology at Teachers College, Columbia University. Treasure has also earned a BA from Spelman College, with additional certificates in; multiculturalism, philosophy, and theatre of the oppressed from the Danish Institute and Carnegie Mellon University.
Treasure works at the intersection of individual, cultural, and sociopolitical spheres, investigating intersectionality, substance use, and the social determinants of health that impact marginalized and carceral populations. Employing a holistic, integrative, and trauma-informed approach, Treasure has drawn on her clinical, artistic, and philanthropic experiences at communal and political levels, and her time as a volunteer firefighter to inform her clinical and research practice. Treasure looks forward to obtaining a doctoral degree in order to expand her work in public, private, academic, and legislative spheres.
Caroline Lovett
Caroline is a third-year doctoral student in the Clinical Psychology PhD program at Teachers College, Columbia University, and a member of the Global Mental Health Lab. She graduated from Georgetown University in 2020 with a BA in Psychology and a minor in Business Administration and Spanish. In 2023, she completed an MA in Clinical Psychology at Teachers College.
In the Global Mental Health Lab, Caroline has worked in varying capacities on projects relating to distress in post-partum women and refugee populations. In the future, Caroline hopes to continue studying maternal mental health and become more involved in suicide prevention and management research.
Learning Objectives
By the end of this course, you will:
- Master core psychological concepts and apply them to real-world situations
- Navigate the major fields of psychology, from neuroscience to behavioral and clinical practice
- Explore landmark studies that have shaped our understanding of the human mind
- Distinguish between normal and abnormal psychological processes with confidence
- Evaluate research methodology and think critically like a scientist
- Develop and present your own psychology topic through a major theoretical framework
Who Should Attend
TC Pre-College courses are open to students ages 14-17. All courses are conducted in English and learners should have sufficient fluency to participate.
This course is perfect for high school students who are curious about majoring in psychology, neuroscience, social work, medicine, or any people-focused field. All sessions are taught in English, and students should have sufficient fluency to engage actively in discussions and coursework.
Upon Completion
Participants who successfully complete this program will earn a verified Certificate of Participation and an official Digital Badge—valuable credentials that can be shared on LinkedIn or digital portfolios.
View our sample program badge and certificate below:
