Themed Experience at UCF prepares creative minds to be the next generation of leaders in the themed experience industry.
Pulling from the strength of UCF’s diverse and expansive academic disciplines, and from the direct connection to leaders in the field, this unique program takes advantage of the university’s ideal location in Orlando, the international hub of the themed entertainment industry.
UCF’s Themed Experience graduate programs are designed to teach the unique creative skills, processes and concepts utilized to design and produce themed environments such as theme parks, zoos, aquariums, themed retail, dining, museums, virtual worlds and exhibitions. Throughout their coursework, students gain first-hand experience in creating a space where guests interact with an environment designed to convey a narrative. Students of themed experience work on projects running from single kiosks to complex, multi-narrative theme parks where they develop an understanding of planning, production, story, design and concept development.
Themed Experience graduates will be qualified to work as an art director, show producer, designer, production artist, or creative executive for the production of themed experiences. Many graduates may work directly for theme parks, but others will find employment in exciting and innovative specialty firms producing industry-related items like custom rides, exhibitions, retail, theatrical experiences, effects, events and museum exhibits, as well as for companies that provide support and services for the themed experience industry.
Programs
Themed Experience M.S.
UCF’s Master of Science in Themed Experience is the first and only stand-alone degree program of its kind at a public university. As a two-year, 33-credit graduate degree, this program is designed for working professionals, returning students, artists, producers, designers and writers looking to build a strong themed experience creative portfolio.
There are two options for students in the M.S. program:
Themed Experience Design Concentration
Themed Experience Producing Concentration
The Producing Concentration introduces a trio of courses tailored to aspiring producers and project managers:
- Topics in Themed Experience Producing
- Creative Production for Themed Experiences and Attractions
- Themed Entertainment Budgeting and Project Management
This specialized track equips students with the tools to bridge the gap between creative vision and operational execution, ensuring seamless collaboration with designers, engineers, builders and other specialists. Graduates will emerge as the vital leaders who bring ambitious projects from concept to completion.
Theatre MFA – Themed Experience Track
The MFA Theatre track in Themed Experience is a three-year, 61-credit program that focuses both on theatrical design as well as the creation of narrative environments. The program culminates in a thesis project where candidates will express their own, unique artistic and academic voice. There are also extensive internship credit opportunities that will help students connect with the themed entertainment industry.
Faculty
Themed Experience Advisory Council
Students at UCF gain first-hand experience with leaders from the Walt Disney Company, Universal, Falcon’s Creative Group, Orlando Magic, Herschend Family Entertainment, Feld Entertainment and others
View the Themed Experience Advisory Council
Featured Stories
UCF and AOA Launch New Scholars Program to Train the Next Generation of Themed Experience Talent
February 09, 2026 The collaboration aims to address a long-standing gap in how students enter one of Florida’s fastest-growing creative industries. Florida has long been a global center for themed entertainment, but for many students hoping to enter the industry, the path can feel unclear. Spanning storytelling, architecture, engineering, media, operations, and production,...
Disney, SeaWorld, Legoland unveil 2026 attractions as Orlando theme park evolution continues
February 03, 2026 Now retired and teaching at the University of Central Florida, David Hoffman spent 35 years across numerous roles with Walt Disney Imagineering Florida, the creative design arm for The Walt Disney Co. “At one point during my career at Imagineering, Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster was right outside of my office,” Hoffman...
UCF alum, theme park expert returns to enhance themed experience education
December 02, 2025 A UCF alum and themed experience expert shares five key insights every student should know about storytelling.
Dave Hoffman joins UCF’s themed experience faculty
November 19, 2025 Following a 35-year career with Walt Disney Imagineering, David Hoffman will join University of Central Florida’s Themed Experience graduate program as a full time instructor.
Talking Story: How Stories Become Legends
November 17, 2025 Panelists discussed how stories shape traditions, inspire communities, and even influence large-scale projects such as multi-billion-dollar theme parks.