The Psychology Department at the University of West Florida offers small classes, personal attention from respected faculty and hands-on experience working with local organizations. We offer both undergraduate and graduate degree programs as well as certificates. The faculty’s applied psychological science specialties are varied and diverse so that multiple opportunities are available for a wide range of learning experiences.
Mission Statement |
Through innovative teaching and research, the Department of Psychology challenges and inspires undergraduate and master's students to apply psychological science to everyday life. We are also committed to service through the development of knowledge of human behavior and enhancement of quality of life, not only for our students, but also for the profession and broader communities at the local, state, regional, and global levels. |
Vision Statement |
To be recognized as an innovative leader in the application of psychological science. |
Psychology News
Psychology Major Named UWF's Female Scholar Athlete for 2008
Jessica Keroack, member of UWF's Women's Volleyball team and Psychology Major was named UWF's Female Scholar Athlete for 2008. In addition to her outstanding performance on the volleyball court and in the classroom, Jessica is contributing to both her discipline and her community. In Jessica's own research, she is investigating the role of the family in fostering children's critical thinking. Her discipline is also put into practice as she volunteers in the Big Brothers/Big Sisters Program here in Pensacola. Another way Jessica is contributing to our community is as the coach for the Pensacola Women's 14 year-old Club Volleyball Team. We are proud to have students like Jessica in The Department of Psychology, The University of West Florida, and our Pensacola community.
Congratulations Psychology Excellence Award Winners!
This year, the Department of Psychology established Psychology Excellence Awards for psychology juniors and seniors. A student must have at least a 3.50 psychology grade point average to be considered. The faculty select award winners based on academic achievements.
Congratulations to our recipients this year. They received a certificate and item of recognition. Their photos will be displayed on our Wall of Fame, Bldg. 41, first floor.
2008 Psychology Junior Excellence Award Winners: Teresa Clarke, Jennifer Cohen, Carlise Downie, Kiley Ellegard, Natoshia Gallant, Summer Hargraves, Jessica Keroack, Matthew Kuza, Melissa Lane, Beverly Mainor, Sara Senkbeil, Matthew Wingard.
2008 Psychology Senior Excellence Award Winners: Jennifer Chambers, Matilda Kirkland, Leslie McLeod, Concetta Nelson, Cindy Swan, Christina Taylor, Joann Vaughn, Valerie Wenc, Cole Yuknis.
The Impact of Volunteerism: Christina Taylor
"Journeying to India through Cross Cultural Solutions was the smartest and most fulfilling thing that I have every done. I volunteered with a small NGO called Vidya in New Delhi, India and taught English skills to three and four year old children. I was able to step outside the classroom and participate in the world in a hands-on way. Volunteering gave me the chance to experience a culture through the eyes of its less fortunate, and it is something that I recommend to anyone who has a desire to help people. This experience gave me a new outlook on life, and some great new skills that will be valuable throughout my future career."
Psychology Alumnus: Robbie Leggett
"As a UWF student majoring in psychology and public relations, I gained valuable 'real world' experience through a directed study at the Boys and Girls Club, under the instruction of Dr. Sam Mathews. I have been able to use my training from UWF over the last year in my position as a Tobacco Prevention Specialist at the Santa Rosa County Health Department. In partnership with our Regional Tobacco Coordinator, I designed a smoking prevention campaign called "Sweet Deception", aimed at empowering youth to recognize and fight back against the deceptive practices of the tobacco companies. Students at six Santa Rosa County schools are involved in the campaign, focused on eliminating youth access to tobacco. One of the campaign's major goals is to pass an ordinance banning candy-flavored tobacco products including but not limited to spit/smokeless tobacco, cigars and cigarettes. We have been invited to present the campaign at a national conference in the hope that it will become a national effort. Recently I was integrally involved in the submission and receipt of a new three-year grant for $384,000. With the new funding we plan to host two bi-annual youth leadership retreats as well as encouraging and assisting area businesses to develop smoke-free policies."
For more information about these opportunities, visit Volunteer UWF at www.uwf.edu/volunteer
The UWF Psychology Department houses the new Center for Applied Psychology. The Center is a consulting group within the Department aimed at optimizing human performance across the lifespan in education, health and workplace contexts. We work with a wide range of local, regional, national and international partners to help them develop the capacity to achieve their goals and to enhance the quality of life of their clients, employees and communites.