Master of Science (MS) in Themed Experience

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

Degree Requirements

Core

• Complete the following:
  • THE5910 - Research Methods in Theatre (3)
  • TPA6437 - Careers in Themed Experience (3)

Themed Experience Concentration

• Complete the following:
  • TPA6158 - Small Project Studio (3)
  • TPA6186 - Immersive Experience Studio (3)
  • TPA6187 - Themed Experience Seminar (3)
  • TPA6188 - Visualizing Themed Environments (3)
  • TPA6921 - Collaborative Project Studio (3)

Elective/Internship Courses

• Complete all of the following
  Electives outside the department
  • Complete all of the following
    • Earn at least 3 credits from the following types of courses: One graduate course from the College of Engineering and Computer Science.
    • Earn at least 3 credits from the following types of courses: One graduate course from the Rosen College of Hospitality Management.
  Internship or Additional Electives
  • Complete 1 of the following
    • Earn at least 6 credits from the following:
      • THE6946 - Internship (1 - 99)
      • THE6948 - Professional Internship (4)
    • Students may substitute graduate elective credit hours for internship credit hours with permission of the program director.

Critique and Evaluation

• A final critique and evaluation of student work is administered to all MS graduate students at the end of their course work. Students are permitted two attempts to successfully complete the final critique and evaluation.

Independent Learning

• Both the capstone course, TPA 6437 Careers in Themed Experience, and the internship provide independent learning experiences. The capstone course provides development of professional goals, knowledge, marketing materials, and skills for the active themed experience industry professional. The internship allows students to work with industry partners.

Grand Total Credits: 33

Application Requirements

For information on general UCF graduate admissions requirements that apply to all prospective students, please visit the Admissions section of the Graduate Catalog. Applicants must apply online. All requested materials must be submitted by the established deadline.

In addition to the general UCF graduate application requirements, applicants to this program must provide:

• One official transcript (in a sealed envelope) from each college/university attended.
• The GRE is not required for admission to this program.
• 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.
• Applicants applying to this program who have attended a college/university outside the United States must provide a course-by-course credential evaluation with GPA calculation. Credential evaluations are accepted from World Education Services (WES) or Josef Silny and Associates, Inc. only.

Application Deadlines

*Applicants who plan to enroll full time in a degree program and who wish to be considered for university fellowships or assistantships should apply by the Fall Priority date.

Financial Information

Graduate students may receive financial assistance through fellowships, assistantships, tuition support, or loans. For more information, see the College of Graduate Studies Funding website, which describes the types of financial assistance available at UCF and provides general guidance in planning your graduate finances. The Financial Information section of the Graduate Catalog is another key resource.

Fellowship Information

Fellowships are awarded based on academic merit to highly qualified students. They are paid to students through the Office of Student Financial Assistance, based on instructions provided by the College of Graduate Studies. Fellowships are given to support a student's graduate study and do not have a work obligation. For more information, see UCF Graduate Fellowships, which includes descriptions of university fellowships and what you should do to be considered for a fellowship.

Course Schedule
Year 1
Fall - 9 Credit Hours

• THE 5910 - Research Methods in Theatre 3 Credit Hours
• TPA 6158 - Small Project Studio 3 Credit Hours
• TPA 6187 - Themed Experience Seminar 3 Credit Hours

Spring - 9 Credit Hours

• TPA 6186 - Immersive Experience Studio 3 Credit Hours
• TPA 6188 - Visualizing Themed Environments 3 Credit Hours
• Restricted Elective/Internship (see list) 3 Credit Hours

Year 2
Fall - 9 Credit hours

• TPA 6921 - Collaborative Project Studio 3 Credit Hours
• Restricted Elective/Internship (see list) 3 Credit Hours
• Restricted Elective/Internship (see list) 3 Credit Hours

Spring - 6 Credit Hours

• TPA 6437 - Careers in Themed Experience 3 Credit Hours
• Restricted Elective/Internship (see list) 3 Credit Hours