MS in Themed Experience

Program Overview

The Master of Science in Themed Experience is a 33-credit graduate program that teaches students the design and production of immersive and engaging themed environments. The program features a core curriculum, themed experience concentration, and elective/internship options. Graduates are prepared for creative roles in the themed entertainment industry, including show design, writing, directing, and production management. The program is located in Orlando, Florida, the hub of the themed entertainment industry, providing students with unparalleled access to industry professionals and internships.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

The Master of Science (MS) in Themed Experience is a two-year, 33-credit graduate degree program designed to teach the unique creative skills, processes and concepts utilized to design and produce themed environments. The program is designed for working professionals, returning students, artists, producers, designers and writers looking to build a strong themed experience creative portfolio. The program is located in Orlando, Florida, the international hub of the themed entertainment industry, providing students with unprecedented opportunities for internships and collaboration with industry professionals.

Outline:

The program is structured around a core curriculum, a themed experience concentration, and elective/internship courses.

Core Courses:

• THE5910 - Research Methods in Theatre (3 credits): This course explores research methods relevant to the field of theatre.
• TPA6437 - Careers in Themed Experience (3 credits): This capstone course focuses on developing professional goals, knowledge, marketing materials, and skills for the active themed experience industry professional.

Themed Experience Concentration:

• TPA6158 - Small Project Studio (3 credits): This course focuses on the design and development of smaller-scale themed experiences.
• TPA6186 - Immersive Experience Studio (3 credits): This course explores the design and development of mid-sized themed experiences designed to engage guests for 1-4 hours.
• TPA6187 - Themed Experience Seminar (3 credits): This seminar course delves into various aspects of the themed experience industry.
• TPA6188 - Visualizing Themed Environments (3 credits): This course focuses on the visual aspects of themed environment design.
• TPA6921 - Collaborative Project Studio (3 credits): This course involves collaborative work on a large-scale themed experience concept and design, emulating a professional production environment.

Elective/Internship Courses:

• THE6946 - Internship (1 - 99 credits): This course provides students with practical experience in the themed experience industry.
• THE6948 - Professional Internship (4 credits): This course offers a structured internship experience.
• Graduate Elective Courses: Students can choose from a variety of graduate elective courses, including those offered by the College of Engineering and Computer Science and the Rosen College of Hospitality Management.

Teaching:

The program is taught by leaders in the themed entertainment industry. The program emphasizes hands-on learning and collaboration, with students working on projects ranging from single kiosks to complex, multi-narrative theme parks.

Careers:

Upon completion of the program, graduates are well-prepared to enter the themed experience and entertainment industry in creative roles such as:

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

Other:

The program builds upon the strength and diversity of UCF with its world-class programs in engineering, art, theatre and hospitality management. The program is located in Orlando, Florida, the perfect location for a program of this kind. The program has already enjoyed great success with its popular Theatre MFA track in Themed Experience.