M.S. in Aerospace Engineering
The M.S. in Aerospace Engineering at UCF is a 30-credit hour program, typically complet...
M.S. in Themed Experiences
Orlando, Florida
INTAKE: August
Program Overview
UCF's M.S. in Themed Experiences is a 33-credit hour graduate degree, distinguished as the first stand-alone program of its kind at a public university. It's tailored for a diverse cohort, including working professionals, returning students, artists, producers, designers, and writers, all looking to build a strong creative portfolio in themed entertainment. The program emphasizes hands-on experience, allowing students to learn by creating spaces where guests interact with environments designed to convey narratives. It offers two distinct concentrations: the "Design Concentration," focusing on visual design, narrative environments, and world-building; and the "Producing Concentration," which introduces courses in project management, creative production, and budgeting for themed attractions. This dual-track approach ensures graduates are equipped to bridge the gap between creative vision and operational execution.
Curriculum: The curriculum is a transdisciplinary blend, drawing from design, theatre, and other visual and performing arts, while also offering collaborative opportunities with STEM disciplines like engineering, hospitality, and game design. Core studio classes are central to the program, including "Themed Experience Seminar," "Small Project Studio," "Immersive Experience Studio," and "Collaborative Project Studio." Students learn to design space, guest flow, timing, and themed interaction, cultivating skills needed to thrive as designers, production artists, art directors, and writers. Courses like "Visualizing Themed Environments" delve into 3D software and virtual reality tools for virtual placemaking. The Producing Concentration includes courses such as "Topics in Themed Experience Producing," "Creative Production for Themed Experiences and Attractions," and "Themed Entertainment Budgeting and Project Management," equipping students with the tools for seamless collaboration with various specialists.
Research Focus: While the M.S. in Themed Experiences is highly practice-oriented, it is deeply rooted in fostering innovation and exploration within the industry. The program encourages students to engage in research through their creative projects, often exploring new applications of themed experiences beyond traditional theme parks. Research interests can include: the psychology of immersive environments, interactive storytelling techniques, the integration of new technologies (like AR/VR, large-scale 3D printing) in themed design, guest flow optimization, sustainable practices in themed entertainment, and the development of compelling narratives for diverse themed spaces. The program fosters a spirit of experimentation and critical inquiry into what makes a themed experience successful and impactful.
Industry Engagement: UCF's M.S. in Themed Experiences benefits immensely from its strategic location in Orlando, Florida, widely recognized as the international hub of the themed entertainment industry. This proximity provides unparalleled opportunities for internships, direct collaboration, and networking with industry leaders. The program has established strong relationships with major players such as Walt Disney Imagineering, Universal Creative, Falcon's Creative Group, Christie (for projection mapping technology), and others. An industry advisory council actively provides input on the curriculum, ensuring its relevance to current industry needs. Students regularly engage with accomplished industry professionals through guest lectures, co-taught classes, and direct feedback on their portfolios, providing invaluable real-world experience and direct pathways to employment.
Global Perspective: The M.S. in Themed Experiences inherently possesses a strong global perspective, recognizing that the themed entertainment industry is a global phenomenon with attractions, resorts, and immersive experiences being developed and enjoyed worldwide. The program prepares graduates to understand and contribute to this international landscape. Discussions often encompass global trends in themed design, cultural considerations in storytelling, and the challenges of producing experiences for diverse international audiences. UCF's diverse student body and faculty further enrich this global outlook, fostering a multicultural learning environment that reflects the international nature of the industry and prepares graduates to work on projects that transcend geographical boundaries.
Location
Orlando, Florida
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
USD 21603
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Application Fee: $31
Academic Qualifications: Applicants for postgraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 70% or above in their bachelor's degree.
English Language Proficiency:
- IELTS: Overall band score of 6.5 or 7.0 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component.
- TOEFL: Overall score of 80 or higher.
- DET (Duolingo English Test): Minimum score of 120.
The University of Central Florida (UCF) offers a variety of scholarship opportunities specifically designed to support international students in achieving their academic goals. These scholarships aim to ease the financial burden and recognize the outstanding achievements and potential of students from around the world.
Merit-Based Scholarships: UCF provides merit-based scholarships for international students who demonstrate exceptional academic performance, leadership qualities, and extracurricular involvement. These scholarships are highly competitive and can significantly reduce tuition costs. Some notable merit scholarships include the Global Knight Scholarship, which is awarded to high-achieving international freshmen based on GPA and standardized test scores.
Need-Based Financial Aid: While need-based financial aid is more limited for international students at UCF compared to domestic students, some resources may be available through external scholarship programs or private organizations. UCF encourages international students to explore scholarships offered by their home countries or international foundations.
College-Specific Scholarships: Several colleges within UCF offer scholarships tailored to students pursuing specific fields of study. For example, the College of Engineering and Computer Science and the College of Business Administration have dedicated scholarships that international students can apply for based on merit, research potential, or career interests.
Graduate Scholarships and Assistantships: International graduate students at UCF have access to various funding options, including research assistantships, teaching assistantships, and graduate fellowships. These positions often provide tuition waivers and stipends, allowing students to gain valuable professional experience while funding their education.
A Master of Science (M.S.) in Themed Experiences from the University of Central Florida (UCF) is a unique and highly specialized degree that prepares graduates for creative and leadership roles in the burgeoning immersive entertainment industry. This program, which is the first of its kind at a public university, focuses on developing the skills needed to design, produce, and manage compelling themed environments, extending beyond traditional theme parks to encompass a wide array of engaging spaces. Graduates are equipped to transform ideas into tangible, immersive experiences, leveraging their blend of artistic vision and practical production knowledge.
Show Set Designer: These professionals are responsible for the visual design of physical environments within themed attractions, museums, or exhibitions. They translate creative concepts into tangible sets, props, and scenic elements, working closely with art directors and production teams.
Show Writer: Crafting the narrative and story for themed experiences, show writers develop scripts, character dialogues, plotlines, and overall thematic content. They ensure a cohesive and engaging storyline that integrates with the physical environment and technological elements.
Creative Director for Themed Entertainment: A senior leadership role, responsible for overseeing the artistic and creative vision of an entire themed project or attraction. They guide design teams, ensure thematic consistency, and balance creative aspirations with budget and feasibility.
Art Director (Themed Experiences): Working under a Creative Director, an Art Director manages the visual style and images for a themed project. They oversee the work of designers, illustrators, and other artists, ensuring the visual elements align with the overall creative vision and narrative.
Producer (Themed Experiences/Attractions): These are the vital leaders who bridge the gap between creative vision and operational execution. Producers manage all aspects of a themed project, including budgeting, scheduling, resource allocation, vendor management, and coordinating multidisciplinary teams (designers, engineers, builders) from concept to completion.
Immersive Experience Designer: This role extends beyond theme parks to include interactive exhibits, escape rooms, brand activations, and virtual reality experiences. These designers focus on creating environments that deeply engage audiences through sensory elements, interactivity, and compelling narratives.
Attraction Designer: Specifically focused on the design and development of rides, shows, and interactive experiences within theme parks and amusement venues. This involves conceptualizing ride systems, guest flow, queue lines, and integrating technological effects.
Exhibit Designer (Museum/Science Centers): Creating engaging and educational exhibits for museums, science centers, and cultural institutions. This involves designing interactive displays, spatial layouts, and narrative flows to inform and entertain visitors.
Experiential Marketing Designer/Producer: Applying themed experience principles to create immersive brand activations, pop-up events, and marketing campaigns that allow consumers to physically interact with a brand or product in a memorable way.
Virtual Worlds/Metaverse Designer: As virtual and augmented realities become more sophisticated, graduates can apply their skills in world-building, narrative design, and immersive environment creation to develop compelling virtual themed experiences within the metaverse or other digital platforms.
