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Program at a Glance

Program
Master
College(s)
College of Arts and Humanities
Department(s)
Dean's Office CAH
2
Years
U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges - Most Innovative 2025

The Master of Science in Themed Experience is 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.

Total Credit Hours Required: 33 Credit Hours Minimum beyond the Bachelor's Degree

Example of a themed experience environment

Highlights

Two concentrations allow students to customize their education
Learn from leaders in the themed entertainment industry.
Study in the international hub of the themed entertainment industry.
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.

Application Deadlines

Fall
April 1

Application deadlines subject to change, see the Graduate Studies website for up-to-date deadlines.

Ready to get started?

Course Overview

Immersive Experience Studio

Learn about mid-sized themed experiences designed to engage guests for 1-4 hours. Students will design space, guest flow, timing and themed interaction.

Work on the development of professional goals, knowledge, marketing materials and skills for the active themed experience industry professional.

Work collaboratively on a large scale themed experience concept and design. Coursework will emulate a professional production environment.

This new degree builds upon the strength of UCF with its world-class programs in engineering, art, theatre and hospitality management. All here in Orlando, the perfect location for a program of this kind. We have already enjoyed great success with our popular Theatre MFA track in Themed Experience. We expect great things from our master’s students in themed experience who will be uniquely qualified to have a profound and positive impact on the field.”

— Peter Weishar, Director of Themed Experience, UCF

Themed Experience Skills You'll Learn

  • Gain a deeper understanding of the design and creative process for themed entertainment.
  • Learn and apply skills such as concept development, rendering, show writing, show set design, project management, creative direction and guest experience.
  • Collaborate with themed entertainment industry professionals to learn how to create viable and innovative creative work.

Career Opportunities

  • Show Set Designer
  • Show Writer
  • Creative Director for Themed Entertainment
  • Art Director
  • Production Management for Themed Entertainment
  • Producer

Admission Requirements

The admissions process for the MS in Themed Experience degree at UCF begins with the receipt of the general UCF graduate application requirements. From there, you will need to provide the various program application requirements.

Please note that all requested materials must be submitted by the application deadline.

In addition to the general UCF graduate application requirements, you must provide:

  • Official transcripts
  • A statement of interest
  • Three letters of recommendation from former professors and/or professional individuals
  • Resume
  • Portfolio comprised of visual art and design or creative written work

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