This Florida University is Offering a Degree in Theme Park Management

Source: Universal Studios Orlando
If you’ve ever dreamed of working in the theme park management sector, the University of Central Florida has a new degree just for you!
To best prepare students for the expansion of the tourism industry both locally and globally, UCF is launching a new management degree that will give students unparalleled experience in the world’s tourism capital.
Beginning in Fall 2023, the UCF Rosen College of Hospitality Management will offer a bachelor’s in theme park and attraction management, which will give students a specialized understanding of the complex, global tourism industry, says Carissa Baker, assistant professor and coordinator of the new degree program. UCF will be the only institution in Florida to offer a management-focused, undergraduate degree of its kind. It will be taught in a hybrid modality with a mix of in-person and online coursework.
“It will be distinguished by its interdisciplinary nature and its phenomenal location,” says Baker. “Several of the world’s most visited theme parks are right next door.”
Rosen College is just a few miles away from Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando Resort, SeaWorld Orlando, FunSpot America, the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA) headquarters, dozens of smaller attractions and industry suppliers. Their demand for more workers continues to grow, with Universal Orlando alone expecting to hire an additional 14,000 employees to support its new development, Universal’s Epic Universe, that’s slated to open in 2025, says Baker.
“Those who want to specialize in theme parks will find that this curriculum is more focused on the current industry and will allow them to gain the breadth of knowledge necessary to be informed and innovative leaders,” says Baker. “It reflects current industry realities, but also looks to the future and considers the industry’s constant goal of innovating and improving the guest experience.”