The University of Central Florida (UCF) is offering a new Master of Science degree in Themed Experiences. As part of the curriculum, students will learn about show writing, set design, bringing stories to life, modeling and simulation, producing, and more.
The degree is being offered because of the wide array of venues now targeting themed experiences including virtual reality, immersive hotels, museums, theme parks, zoos, and restaurants.
“This new degree builds upon the strength and diversity of UCF with its world-class programs in engineering, art, theatre and hospitality management,” says Peter Weishar, professor and director of themed experience at UCF. “It’s all here in Orlando, the perfect location for a program of this kind. We expect great things from our master’s students who will be uniquely qualified to have a profound and positive impact on the field.”
UCF’s themed experiences programs have been designed to use students strengths to compliment other student talents in order to create a realistic team working environment for projects.
Students will gain experience from creating something as small as a kiosk to something as large as a theme park.
The central Florida area alone has more than 11,000 themed experiences jobs.
The program is offered through UCF’s College of Arts and Humanities and students should be able to complete it in two years. For those who live in Florida, the cost is $369.65 per credit hour. For those out of state, the cost is $1,194.05 per credit hour. The degree requires 21 credit hours in required courses.
A few of the many courses offered include:
> Careers in Themed Experience
> Immersive Experience Studio
> Themed Experience Seminar
> Visualizing Themed Environments
> Colloquium in 20th Century Tourism
> Design Theory and Methods
> Theory and Practice of Interactive Storytelling
> Creativity and Entrepreneurship
> Experimental Cinema
> Advanced theme Park and Attraction Management
The Master of Science program in Themed Experiences is the only one being offered at a public university. Because UCF is located in Orlando, Florida, it makes the perfect location for such a program. There are more than 10 theme parks in Orlando.
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Feature photo and article photo: (courtesy of University of Central Florida)
