Learn the science of human nature

The Mystery and Science of Human Behavior: An Insider’s Guide to Psychology

“Go with your gut.” “Think positive.” “Follow your passion.” People use phrases like this to guide behavior. But are they effective when measured by science? This course helps you separate common sense from true psychological insight. Learn how your brain forms perceptions, and how easily it can be tricked. Delve into the hidden world of unconscious emotion. Find out if memories can be trusted and learn about psychological disorders. Whatever your career aspirations—doctor, lawyer, entrepreneur, social worker—this course will help you understand human behavior.

Apply Now

A puzzle of the human brain to illustrate the psychology and human behavior

Program Dates

Multiple 1-, 2- and 4-week sessions.

Eligibility

For students ages 13+.

Fees

$995

Unlock the secrets of the mind — what drives love, friendship, conflict and behavior:

What makes Psychology a science?

Learn how psychologists test common assumptions to determine their value.

Become a researcher

Create and conduct your own psychological survey.

Go under the hood of your brain

Study the map of the brain — see how it processes information, forms perceptions and sometimes tricks itself.

Encounter the unconscious mind

The conscious brain is only the tip of the iceberg — explore the hidden unconscious world in which our emotions and biases direct our behavior.

What happens when the mind is ill?

Take a tour of mental disorders — everything from depression and anxiety to addiction and schizophrenia.

Test your knowledge

Write a screenplay or create a video using characters to act out a psychological concept that interests you.

How You Will Benefit:

Use psychology to determine when common sense works and when it doesn’t
Spot common biases and understand where they come from
Identify abnormal behavior and emotions
Think like a scientist in your everyday life
Earn a Certificate of Completion from Wake Forest University

High school student taking Wake Forest's online psychology course on a laptop

Apply Now for the Next Available Course

May 7 - June 4

The Mystery and Science of Human Behavior: An Insider's Guide to Psychology

Length: 4 weeks

Cost: $995

Application Deadline: Sunday, April 30, 2023

Apply Now

June 11 - June 25

The Mystery and Science of Human Behavior: An Insider's Guide to Psychology

Length: 2 weeks

Cost: $995

Application Deadline: Sunday, June 4, 2023

Apply Now

June 11 - July 9

The Mystery and Science of Human Behavior: An Insider's Guide to Psychology

Length: 4 weeks

Cost: $995

Application Deadline: Sunday, June 4, 2023

Apply Now

Hear from Wake Forest

Hear from our students

"This course covers a basic understanding of the human mind in a fun and interactive way. I learned so much about the human brain that I didn't know before. I think that this course has helped me jumpstart my future career as a Psychologist!"

Tsehai, psychology student from NC

"I really enjoyed the variety of topics discussed in this course. There's truly something for everyone, no matter what area of psychology you may be interested in. The information and activities were engaging and informative."

Psychology student from NY

3 Learning Advantages Designed for You

Final Capstone Project
The course culminates in a special Capstone project that allows you to:
- Deep dive into a psychological concept you've learned in this course
- Get feedback from your mentors on your work
- Use any media you prefer: text, video, photography, PowerPoint
Mentoring
Mentors provide support and answer questions to deepen your learning experience. You can expect:
- Encouragement and direction on all assignments
- Inspiration, motivation and confidence to help you succeed
- Brainstorming and ideation help as you prepare for your final Capstone project
Flexible Learning
- 100% online, works with your schedule
- You’ll learn through engaging video— tune in anytime that works for you
- 30 hours of total instruction and course work, including engaging multimedia simulations and curated assignments for which you will receive guidance and support
- Engage with fellow students around the world any time, any place

Meet Your Online Immersion Faculty Members

Dr. Christian Waugh | Psychology Course Instructor | Wake Forest University

Christian Waugh, Ph.D., Academic Leader, Psychology Institute

Dr. Christian Waugh is an Associate Professor of Psychology at Wake Forest University and director of the Emotional Adaptation and Psychophysiology Lab. Dr. Waugh investigates the contextual utility of positive emotions during stress and the temporal dynamics of emotions. He has expertise in survey, experimental, peripheral psychophysiological, and neuroimaging methods.

Dr. Melissa Maffeo | Psychology Course Instructor | Wake Forest University

Melissa Maffeo, Ph.D., Academic Leader, Psychology Institute

Dr. Melissa Maffeo is an Assistant Teaching Professor of Psychology at Wake Forest University. She received her PhD in Neuroscience from Florida State University in 2012, and completed her postdoctoral training at the Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center. In the WFU Psychology Department, she teaches courses on behavioral neuroscience, addiction, learning, and psychopharmacology.

Meet The Mentors

Lauren | Wake Forest Psychology Course Mentor

Lauren

Graduate student in Psychology at Wake Forest. In addition to her coursework and research, Lauren works at the Alzheimer's Disease Research Center at Wake Baptist completing neuropsychological testing on older adults.

Alex | Wake Forest Psychology Course Mentor

Alex

Graduate student in the Psychology department at Wake Forest. He completed his undergraduate education in 2020 from James Madison University.

Marcus | Wake Forest Psychology Course Mentor

Marcus

Graduate student in the Experimental Psychology program and a Neuroscience researcher at Wake Forest University. Marcus previously tutored Introductory Statistics and Critical Thinking, and he's currently a teaching assistant for the Research Methods and Statistics course at Wake Forest.

Emma | Wake Forest Psychology Course Mentor

Emma

Undergraduate student at Wake Forest University studying Health and Exercise Science with a minor in Biology and Chemistry. She's passionate about both mental health and women's health and is working toward a career in the medical field.

Mel | Wake Forest Psychology Course Mentor

Mel

Undergraduate student at Wake Forest University studying Politics and International Affairs. After taking an introductory Psychology course at WFU, he became intrigued with the content, specifically deconstructing the rationality and irrationality of the human mind.

How to Apply:

Student at desk

It’s easy. No transcripts or letters of recommendation are required. Our application will ask you to provide the following:

Basic contact information for you and your parent or guardian.
Why you wish to take this course. You can tell your story through writing, video, photos — any media you prefer.

NOTE: please submit all application materials in English

Begin the guided process. It should take only a few minutes of your time to answer the questions.

Begin the guided process

Want to know more?

Admissions

Our application process is easy. You can expect a prompt decision.

Apply Now

Frequently Asked Questions

How will you be graded? What are assignments like? How much time do you get to turn around a project? When do you find out if you’re accepted?

Answers to your questions here

Scholarships

We offer need-based scholarships in each cohort to students exhibiting high potential who need assistance affording the associated cost. If you would like to be considered for a scholarship but you:

Haven't applied to the program, complete your application now. The scholarship application is included.
Applied to the program and didn't fill out a scholarship request, reach out to us at support@onlineimmersion.wfu.edu for assistance.
Are unsure about whether or not you applied for a scholarship, reach out to us at support@onlineimmersion.wfu.edu for assistance.

The University reserves the right to modify the course as may become necessary.

Final Capstone Project

The course culminates in a special Capstone project that allows you to:

Deep dive into a psychological concept you've learned in this course
Get feedback from your mentors on your work
Use any media you prefer: text, video, photography, PowerPoint

Mentoring

Mentors provide support and answer questions to deepen your learning experience. You can expect:

Encouragement and direction on all assignments
Inspiration, motivation and confidence to help you succeed
Brainstorming and ideation help as you prepare for your final Capstone project

Flexible Learning

100% online, works with your schedule
You’ll learn through engaging video— tune in anytime that works for you
30 hours of total instruction and course work, including engaging multimedia simulations and curated assignments for which you will receive guidance and support
Engage with fellow students around the world any time, any place

Learn the science of human nature

The Mystery and Science of Human Behavior: An Insider’s Guide to Psychology

Apply Now

Program Dates

Multiple 1-, 2- and 4-week sessions.

Eligibility

For students ages 13+.

What makes Psychology a science?

Learn how psychologists test common assumptions to determine their value.

Become a researcher

Create and conduct your own psychological survey.

Go under the hood of your brain

Study the map of the brain — see how it processes information, forms perceptions and sometimes tricks itself.

Encounter the unconscious mind

The conscious brain is only the tip of the iceberg — explore the hidden unconscious world in which our emotions and biases direct our behavior.

What happens when the mind is ill?

Take a tour of mental disorders — everything from depression and anxiety to addiction and schizophrenia.

Test your knowledge

Write a screenplay or create a video using characters to act out a psychological concept that interests you.

Use psychology to determine when common sense works and when it doesn’t
Spot common biases and understand where they come from
Identify abnormal behavior and emotions
Think like a scientist in your everyday life
Earn a Certificate of Completion from Wake Forest University

Dr. Christian Waugh | Psychology Course Instructor | Wake Forest University

Christian Waugh, Ph.D., Academic Leader, Psychology Institute

Dr. Melissa Maffeo | Psychology Course Instructor | Wake Forest University

Melissa Maffeo, Ph.D., Academic Leader, Psychology Institute

Lauren | Wake Forest Psychology Course Mentor

Lauren

Alex | Wake Forest Psychology Course Mentor

Alex

Graduate student in the Psychology department at Wake Forest. He completed his undergraduate education in 2020 from James Madison University.

Marcus | Wake Forest Psychology Course Mentor

Marcus

Emma | Wake Forest Psychology Course Mentor

Emma

Mel | Wake Forest Psychology Course Mentor

Mel

It’s easy. No transcripts or letters of recommendation are required. Our application will ask you to provide the following:

Basic contact information for you and your parent or guardian.
Why you wish to take this course. You can tell your story through writing, video, photos — any media you prefer.

NOTE: please submit all application materials in English

Begin the guided process. It should take only a few minutes of your time to answer the questions.

Begin the guided process

Want to know more?

Admissions

Our application process is easy. You can expect a prompt decision.

Apply Now

Frequently Asked Questions

How will you be graded? What are assignments like? How much time do you get to turn around a project? When do you find out if you’re accepted?

Answers to your questions here

Scholarships

We offer need-based scholarships in each cohort to students exhibiting high potential who need assistance affording the associated cost. If you would like to be considered for a scholarship but you:

Haven't applied to the program, complete your application now. The scholarship application is included.
Applied to the program and didn't fill out a scholarship request, reach out to us at support@onlineimmersion.wfu.edu for assistance.
Are unsure about whether or not you applied for a scholarship, reach out to us at support@onlineimmersion.wfu.edu for assistance.

"This course covers a basic understanding of the human mind in a fun and interactive way. I learned so much about the human brain that I didn't know before. I think that this course has helped me jumpstart my future career as a Psychologist!"

Tsehai, psychology student from NC

"I really enjoyed the variety of topics discussed in this course. There's truly something for everyone, no matter what area of psychology you may be interested in. The information and activities were engaging and informative."

Psychology student from NY