Disney College Program- Education: Collegiate Course Descriptions

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Each of the Disney Collegiate Courses is focused around an area of
Walt Disney World® expertise and contains levels of academic rigor not uncommon to the classes you take at your own college or university. Participants will have required textbooks to read, papers to write and special projects to complete. The difference is that our interns will be able to apply this knowledge immediately at their work location.

These courses offer participants the possibility to gain college credit during their program. You will want to read through the course descriptions and syllabi, share it with your faculty or career services advisor as soon as possible and discuss the possibility of receiving credit through your college or university.

Disney College Program Cast Members will earn a Ducktorate by successfully completing a minimum of one of the Disney Collegiate Courses, which are recommended for credit by the American Council on Education.

Advanced Studies in Hospitality - New in 2008

The objective of this advanced-level course is to prepare students to become entry-level managers in the Hospitality Industry by exposing them to contemporary and complex operational issues and situations and equipping them with the ability to analyze problems and develop, propose, and implement strategic solutions. Topics covered included leadership, strategic planning, international tourism, organizational behavior, communication, ethics, etiquette, human resource management, hospitality security, and guest service, among others. Previous working knowledge of the Hospitality Industry gained through academic studies and practical experience is helpful. However, a list of independent reading material will be provided at the beginning of the term to help those students without this knowledge.

This course is currently under review by the American Council on Education for credit recommendation.

College Program Practicum

This course provides an in-depth look of The Walt Disney Company and covers a variety of topics including productivity, corporate culture, and diversity & inclusion. In addition, participants will learn more about our Company's concepts around innovation & technology, globalization, history & heritage, and community responsibility.

Corporate Communication- New in 2008

This course is designed to introduce the students to the purpose and significance of communication within an organization at many levels. Students will learn both the why and how of communicative technique as organizations interface with customers, employees, and the public. As a result, students should have greater understanding of and appreciation for the corporate communicative process.

This course is currently under review by the American Council on Education for credit recommendation.

Creativity & Innovation: Gaining the Edge- New in 2008

This course introduces students to the main theories of Creativity and Innovation. Students will learn various tools to promote creativity within themselves and others, processes to increase innovation, how to contribute to a creative team, how to manage creativity and how to establish a culture of creativity within an organization. As a result, students should have greater understanding of and appreciation for the creative/innovative process and be better able to harness and direct those forces for themselves and others.

This course is currently under review by the American Council on Education for credit recommendation.

Experiential Learning

The Disney Experiential Learning Course combines academic classroom education with on-site learning opportunities across theWalt Disney World® Resort property. Participants study theories of adult education, experiential learning, and the role of learning a corporation environment. Directed activities include diversity, self-directed learning, career exploration, community volunteer activities, and the exploration of education in entertainment.

Human Resource Management

This course provides an overview of fundamental human resource management in a corporate setting. The focus is on the fundamentals of Human Resource Management including: Equal Employment Opportunity, employee rights and labor relations, recruiting and the foundations of selection, employee development, performance evaluation, rewards, benefits, safety and health programs.

Marketing You

Through participation in this course students learn how to market their skills of communication, customer service, problem solving, conflict resolution, decision-making, self-management, and creative thinking. Key elements include the development of a career focus and a personal marketing plan that encompasses the creation of a cover letter, resume, and networking strategy. The students will also learn interviewing and negotiation techniques.

Organizational Leadership

This course analyzes the universal principles of leadership theory and its application within a personal and corporate environment. Instruction is designed to build repeatable and transferable leadership knowledge and skills.

ACE Recommendations

Many institutions accept the American Council on Education (ACE) credit recommendations or offer students credit for their Disney College Program experience through cooperative education programs, internship programs and/or independent study courses.

The below document contains course summaries and credit recommendations by ACE.

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