Our education program is designed to give
participants a comprehensive experiential-learning opportunity that will
provide them an unparalleled enhancement to their academic and professional
career. Participants in the Disney College Program will have a custom-designed
curriculum called the Individualized Learning
Plan. This plan will help shape their Disney College Program experience
into an opportunity that specifically suits your student's needs and interests.
Building this custom curriculum is what makes the
Disney College Program more than just a work opportunity. While on the Disney
College Program, participants can choose from multiple educational
opportunities to incorporate into their Individualized Learning Plan that have
been designed specifically for them.
As part of their Individualized Learning Plan,
participants may elect to take Disney Education
Courses recommended for credit by the American Council on Education. Each
of the Disney College Program courses is focused around an area of
Disneyland® 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 participants will be able to apply
this knowledge immediately at their work location.
Available to you on this Web site are the
course descriptions and syllabi; so you may
discuss the possibility of awarding credit for their participation in the
Disney College Program with your students.
There are many other ways to learn at the
Disneyland® Resort. One of these opportunities is the
Leadership Speaker Series. This
series is a student's inside track to network with Disney leaders from various
areas of the Disneyland Resort and gain valuable insight and advice
about career management, Disney Heritage and Traditions, and setting
professional goals.
Our Professional Development Study,
"The Business of Show Business", is another educational opportunity that
participants may incorporate into their Individualized Learning Plan. In this
eight-week course, participants will have the opportunity to explore how
specific organizational units are managed and "world-class" Guest service
provides magical memories.
Participants may also utilize resources in one of
three Disney Learning Centers
including using books, videos and computer-led learning activites to enhance
their Individualized Learning Plan.
There are so many possibilities, and depending on
the educational track participants choose to build for their Individualized
Learning Plan, they will be eligible to earn a Ducktorate degree for the
educational component of their Disney College Program internship.
Ducktorate Degree
Disney College Program
Cast Members will earn a Ducktorate Degree by successfully completing 50 hours
of course work in their Individualized Learning Plan.
Service and community are cornerstones of the Disney
philosophy, and as a part of the Disney College Program internship,
participants will have the opportunity to work with the Disney VoluntEARS team
and their program peers to elect a service project to sponsor. Work on this
service project may be elected for credit toward earning their Ducktorate
Degree.
Who Teaches the Disney College Program Education
Curriculum?
Disney College Program Education instructors are
Cast Members who are industry and content-area experts with years of practical
experience in their field. All of our instructors hold one or more advanced
degrees. Feedback from the participants about our instructors is extremely
positive, with survey data indicating that subject-matter knowledge among the
faculty is outstanding. Similar to faculty on a college campus, our instructors
are expected to stay current in their field, engage in continuing education and
be involved in Cast Member activities.
