The training model in the M. A. program represents a blend of two models. A single faculty member does generally not accept students to the program. Once accepted to the program students have the opportunity to interact with the entire core faculty by way of coursework or a combination of coursework and supervised field experience.
During the first year in the program, students generally identify a topic of interest for their capstone project and it is at this time that a more traditional mentoring model begins. In conjunction with a core group of faculty and supervisors, students work closely with one faculty mentor or clinical supervisor to design and conduct their capstone project.
Students receive explicit training in ethical and legal matters in both structured classroom instruction and during the conduct of their capstone project. During this period, students are viewed as junior colleagues and collaborators with an emphasis on faculty-student interaction and cooperation.