The program uses fieldwork and research as primary sources of teaching psychology, research, and writing. The nature of DDIP ensures constant contact and interaction with program faculty and staff. Students learn how to do research by working with existing projects conducted by UCLA faculty and professionals at their field sties. The research activities help students integrate their classroom knowledge and actually make contributions to the field of developmental disabilities. DDIP students publish research articles annually in the Pacific State Archives, a publication of the Developmental Disabilities Immersion Program.
All students meet on campus at least two days a week for coursesand seminars.
Lectures and discussions explore biological, psychological, and social questions concerning causes and treatment of developmental disabilities. Also covered is an analysis of programs for the care and training of individuals with developmental disabilities. Students are involved in all aspects of the research process including the design of a project, literature review, gathering data, and analyzing results. The final student research papers are published in the Pacific State Archives, the program's annual journal. Some papers are also submitted for publication in other scholarly journals.