Themed Experience

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 MS

UCF’s master’s of science degree 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 student in the MS:

Themed Experience Design Concentration

Continuing the legacy of our existing curriculum, the Design Concentration offers courses in design, creating narrative environments and world building for themed experiences. Students will cultivate the skills needed to thrive in the industry as designers, production artists, art directors and writers, crafting the stories and environments that define world-class themed experiences.

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.