University of Central Florida
Select Program
Program Characteristics
No Prescreen
No Audition
Interview Required
In-Person or Virtual
University App Required
Program Highlights
PROGRAM FOCUS
•Prepares students to be the next generation of creative leaders in the themed experience industry
•Teaches creative and production skills, processes, and concepts for designing themed environments
•Environments include theme parks, zoos, aquariums, themed retail, dining, museums, virtual worlds, and exhibitions
TRAINING
•Courses in creating immersive experiences including storytelling, visualization, and hands-on studio design
•Faculty drawn from direct connections to industry leaders
•Housed in the School of Performing Arts
CAREER OUTCOMES
•Graduates qualified to work as art director, show producer, designer, production artist, or creative executive
•Employment at theme parks, specialty firms, custom rides, exhibitions, events, museum exhibits, and theatrical experiences
•Located in Orlando — global hub for themed entertainment with proximity to Walt Disney World, Universal Studios, and SeaWorld
Key Info
University AppApplication
Apply atSchool Website
Deadlines
Early ActionOct 15, 2026
Regular DecisionMay 1, 2027
Fee
$30Waiver
Program AppApplication
Apply atSchool Website
Good to Know
APPLICATION PROCESS
•Apply through UCF College of Graduate Studies online application
•For full admission requirements, refer to the UCF Themed Experience degree page
RELATED PROGRAM
•UCF also offers a Master of Science degree in Themed Experience (separate from the MFA)
What's The Process
APPLICATION REVIEW
•Portfolio and/or interview-based admission
•Apply through UCF College of Graduate Studies
•For detailed admission requirements, visit the UCF degree page
CONTACT
•Peter Weishar (Peter.Weishar@ucf.edu) — Director of Themed Experience
Scholarship Info
GRADUATE ASSISTANTSHIPS
•Teaching and research assistantship opportunities available
ADDITIONAL AID
•Adler Family Fund for Excellence — graduate students in Performing and Visual Arts eligible for scholarships up to $4,000
Program info updated 1 week ago
Academic School Information
4.16
Avg GPA (W)
40%
Admit Rate
75%
Grad Rate
59,095
Enrollment
$58,308
Earnings
10yr after
In-State Tuition
$6,368
before aid
Out-of-State Tuition
$22,467
before aid
Average Annual Cost
$10,650
after typical aid
Average annual cost is often lower than tuition because it accounts for grants and scholarships most students receive. It includes tuition, room & board, books, and supplies.
Annual Cost by Family Income
Family Income $0 - $30k$6,170
Family Income $30k - $48k$7,610
Family Income $48k - $75k$10,684
Family Income $75k - $110k$15,473
Family Income $110k+$17,821
