Themed Entertainment Certificate

We are joining Purdue University!

We are joining Purdue on July 1, 2024. To learn more about our programs please contact Dr. Christian Rogers at rogerscb@iu.edu.

Certificate in Themed Entertainment Design

Take yourself a whole new direction!

Would you love a job creating and designing themed attractions and experiences that will bring stories to life? What if you could create for the likes of Walt Disney Imagineering, Universal Studios Creative, the Smithsonian, or another themed destination such as a theme park, zoo, aquarium, trade show or museum? Whether you are a mechanical engineer, audio engineer, interior designer, media arts specialist or any one of the over 140 disciplines that work in the themed entertainment industry, take your skills to the next level and apply your major or career experience to creating and designing for themed attractions and experiences.

Interested?

Join Us

Learn what we have to offer . . .

Description of the video:

The Themed Attractions and Entertainment Concentration, Certificate and Minor provide you a leg up in the amazing world of themed experiences and venues. You will learn about the process of creating all kinds of themed experiences such as museum exhibits, restaurant theming, theme park and ride design and trade show design. You’ll start by learning about the history of the industry from Walt Disney, to Knots Berry farm and everything in between and hear from some of the top local and national industry professionals that are in the business. You will learn how you can get connected to companies from local museums to Walt Disney Imagineering and Universal Creative. You will also have the opportunity to join us as at IAAPA, the top attractions conference in the world. After taking our focused themed attraction classes you will have the opportunity to specialize in one of multiple areas. We are only one of a small handful of themed entertainment programs in the country which allows us to connect with a tight group of industry professionals and organizations all to help give you get connected as you start your career in themed entertainment. So, what are you waiting for? Join us for the ride of a lifetime!

Follow a flexible pathway

We provide you with a flexible experience that prepares you for a variety of careers in the exciting and growing themed attraction & experience industry. You will learn the history and current resources of the industry. You will also get to try your hand at creating all kinds of experiences in our dedicated themed attraction courses. Then move on to one course in one area of your choosing along with a dedicated internship experience. 

Get connected to the industry

As you move along your learning journey you will be guided by our dedicated faculty and our wealth of industry connections (think of Disney, Sea World, Universal Studios, the Childrens Museum of Indianapolis, the Indianapolis Zoom and more). You will also have the opportunity to get connected to some of the largest industry organizations out there including an opportunity to attend IAAPA, the largest attractions conference in the world.

Careers in Themed Attraction Design

Animation Specialists

Digital Animators

Graphic Design

Special Effects Specialist

Prototype Specialist

Audio Designer Show Designer

Show Producer

Set Designer

Prop Designer

Structural Designers

Lighting Designer

Technical Directors

Show Writers

Scenic Designers

Script Writers

“IUPUI does an excellent job of introducing students to the industry of themed attraction design and theme parks. From initial idea conception to complex layout plans and digital models, you will walk through the entire process of designing an attraction step by step. Weekly meetings with the professors and interviews with local themed attraction designers provided invaluable information as well as an inside perspective on the industry."

 - Rachel Carter, Student