Themed Experience at UCF prepares creative minds to be the next generation of leaders in the themed experience industry.
Pulling from the strength and diversity of UCF’s College of Arts and Humanities, established programs in the UCF Rosen College of Hospitality Management and College of Engineering and Computer Sciences, 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 track 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.
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
LIFE at UCF Members Learn about Themed Experience Track
September 23, 2024 UCF Themed Experience professor and director Peter Weishar spoke to LIFE at UCF members about the Themed Experience master’s track.
Why My Journey as a Theme Park Professional Led Me to Academia
September 13, 2024 New UCF-themed Experience Program visiting instructor, Chaz Moneypenny, reflects on his journey as a theme park professional and what led him to academia.
Welcoming New Faculty Members to the College of Arts and Humanities
August 07, 2024 The UCF College of Arts and Humanities welcomes new faculty members joining our college in fall 2024.
Industry and Academia Collaborate to Empower Themed Experience Students
March 04, 2024 Peter Weishar, Professor of Themed Experience; Program Director, Themed Experience MS Degree and MFA Track speaks on the UCF Universal Creative Lab
InPark Magazine: Education Front feature
November 14, 2023 Themed Experience Program Director Peter Weishar interviewed several members of his Advisory Council for InPark Magazine.
Themed Experience students create concepts for Alterface’s The Wander
September 13, 2023 Five students in UCF’s Themed Experience program gained hands-on industry experience by collaborating with Alterface’s new interactive technology, The Wander.