Program at a Glance
- Program
- Bachelor
- College(s)
- Rosen College of Hospitality Management
- Department(s)
- Tourism, Events and Attraction
From Concept to Coaster: Turn Your Passion for Theme Parks Into a Thrilling Career
UCF’s Theme Park and Attraction Management degree prepares you to lead in one of the most dynamic industries on the planet. From operations and guest experience to innovation and strategy, you’ll build the business and leadership skills top employers are looking for. Our courses focus on the real-world management side of the industry, developing your ability to make data-driven decisions, lead teams, and create unforgettable guest experiences at scale.
Our location in Orlando, the theme park capital of the world, means you’ll have access to exclusive internships, connections with major employers, and real-world learning experiences that can’t be found anywhere else.
With over 75 million visitors in 2024, Orlando is the most visited destination in the United States, and Rosen College puts you right in the heart of it all. Our campus is just minutes from the world’s top theme parks and attractions, with Universal Epic Universe located directly across the street. This proximity gives you an unmatched opportunity to learn, work, and launch your career where the industry is actively evolving around you.
If you’re serious about turning your passion for theme parks into a profession, this is where it starts.
Why Choose Theme Park and Attraction Management at UCF?
The #1 Hospitality College on the Planet
UCF’s Rosen College of Hospitality Management is ranked No. 1 in the world by CEOWORLD magazine, reflecting our excellence in academic reputation, job placement rate, global brand influence, and employer satisfaction, key indicators of a degree that delivers real results.
Learn Where the Industry Lives
Study just minutes from Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando Resort (including Epic Universe, right across the street), SeaWorld, and top hotels, restaurants, and entertainment venues. Internships and hands-on learning are built into your experience, helping 97% of our students land full-time jobs after graduation.
Go Beyond the Classroom
From Orlando to international destinations, our students work alongside global industry leaders, gaining real-world experience, building their professional network, and developing the skills to lead in a fast-paced, ever-evolving industry.
Program Highlights:
Courses Designed for the Industry
Explore the full spectrum of theme park and attraction management with courses in park operations, guest experience design, leadership, marketing, innovation, and global attraction strategies. You’ll learn how the world’s top parks create unforgettable experiences—and how to lead the teams that make it happen.
Internships That Launch Careers
With three required internships, you’ll gain hands-on experience and insider access to major parks and attractions. And where better to do that than Orlando, the theme park capital of the world? You’ll also have opportunities to intern with leading employers nationwide and around the globe, giving you the flexibility to launch your career anywhere the industry thrives.
Industry Access That Opens Doors
Our students gain real-world experience and land roles with the biggest names in the business, including The Walt Disney Company, Universal Destinations & Experiences, SeaWorld, Hershey Entertainment & Resorts, Herschend Family Entertainment, Dollywood, ICON Park, Merlin Entertainments, and Six Flags.
If it’s a name you know, chances are, our students are there, as Rosen College of Hospitality Management has 100+ hospitality industry partners.
Highlights
Undergraduate Application Deadlines
- Fall
- May 1
- Spring
- November 1
- Summer
- March 1
- Fall
- July 1
- Spring
- November 1
- Summer
- March 1
- Fall
- March 1
- Spring
- September 1
- Summer
- January 1
Ready to get started?
Course Overview
Introduction to Theme Parks and Attractions
An overview of the theme park and attractions industry and its history, structure, impacts and forms.
Operational Issues in the Theme Park and Attraction Industry
Tackle real-world case studies to understand the challenges and problem-solving that keep attractions running smoothly.
Culinary Experiences in Theme Parks and Attractions
Step into the kitchen and create themed dishes firsthand while learning the secrets behind food and beverage experiences that define a park visit.
Project Management in the Theme Park and Attraction Industry
Apply project management skills to take an attraction from concept to completion, learning how ideas become reality.
Theme Park and Attraction Management Skills You’ll Gain
- Build essential leadership, communication, and team management skills to thrive in high-energy, guest-focused environments, skills that top employers demand.
- Through courses in innovation, marketing, and global attraction strategy, learn how to design world-class guest experiences and develop smart, scalable plans for theme park success.
- With three required internships and hands-on projects built into the curriculum, you’ll graduate with real-world experience, industry connections, and the confidence to step straight into your career.
Career Opportunities
- Attraction Development Specialist
- Attraction Operations Manager
- Creative Director (Themed Entertainment)
- Entertainment Production Manager
- Guest Experience Manager
- Project Manager – Attractions or Park Development
- Revenue Strategy Analyst
- Safety & Risk Management Coordinator
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