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.
Unlock the secrets of the mind — what drives love, friendship, conflict and behavior:
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
Apply Now for the Next Available Course
Hear from our students
Tsehai, psychology student from NC"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!"
Psychology student from NY"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."
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
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.
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
Alex
MA from Psychology department at Wake Forest. He completed his undergraduate education in 2020 from James Madison University and is currently pursuing a PhD in clinical psychology from the University of New Mexico.
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
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
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:
It’s easy. No transcripts or letters of recommendation are required. Just provide some basic information and tell us why you wish to take this program.
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 processWant to know more?
Sign up for more information and we’ll be in touch.
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 hereScholarships
We offer need-based scholarships for participating students who exhibit high potential and an inability to pay the full tuition.
- If you haven’t applied to the program, apply here. After submitting your application, click “Apply for a need-based scholarship” on the confirmation page to request a scholarship.
- If you’ve already applied to the program, sign in to your profile to check your scholarship status. If we don’t have a scholarship request on file, click “Apply for a need-based scholarship” to request a scholarship.
The University reserves the right to modify the course as may become necessary.