The Center for Applied Psychology is committed to the growth of students into future scholars and leaders through experiential learning. Under the guidance of faculty and research professionals affiliated with the center, students practice the professional skills they need to become contributing members of their professions and communities. We encourage professional development through active participation in research, internship and service learning opportunities, and center-sponsored lectures and workshops.

CAP’s faculty is actively involved in providing a variety of learning opportunities and experiences in an effort to expand the horizons of the students at the University of West Florida. A few ways in which CAP effects development of students include:  

Developing and Enhancing Leadership Through Assessment

Developing and Enhancing Leadership Through Assessment (DELTA) is the leadership developmental assessment center initiated and advanced by students for the Center for Applied Psychology. Students who participate in DELTA are introduced to exercises commonly used in assessment centers (e.g., oral presentation, group discussion) and act as assessors after receiving formal training. DELTA is designed to be used as a feedback mechanism to assist in the improvement of various dimensions of behavior (e.g., oral communication, problem solving) which contribute to leadership. Developmental assessment centers like DELTA have gained in popularity in the workplace, and provide participants the opportunity to be observed in different work-like situations. Students from several courses have contributed to the project over the past four years, and DELTA will continue to be refined as future generations of students are involved.

Projects Related to Course Work

In collaboration with many of the graduate courses at the University of West Florida's School of Psychological and Behavioral Sciences, students have worked with several local organizations on faculty-guided consultation projects. Students delivered products to various types of organizations involving (among others) personnel selection and appraisal, training and development, and organizational change and development. The resulting relationship is a mutual exchange, as students are permitted a platform with which they may use their skills and gain valuable experience, and local organizations are provided specialized assistance (often free of charge). One such project conducted by student groups was the establishment and advancement of the Center for Applied Psychology's developmental assessment center. Faculty members are continuously searching for opportunities in which students can become involved.

Lectures and Workshops

Students are encouraged to attend and participate in the lectures and workshops offered by the Center for Applied Psychology. Their presence at these events serve to extend their knowledge of the fields in which they will be entering. In addition, their attendance ensures they will meet and interact with professionals working at the forefront of the fields in which they are interested.