Two new educational opportunities have launched to prepare students for the field of Themed Entertainment. The Computer Graphics Technology program in the Department of Computer Information and Graphics Technology at IUPUI has launched both an 18-credit certificate and a 15-credit minor in Themed Entertainment Design.
Marc Dittmer, faculty member and veteran executive with Sea World and Universal Studios stated “With getting a certificate or minor in Themed Entertainment you can take your true passion no matter what it is from drawing, design, engineering, audio, etc., and get a leg up when applying for a job in the industry.”
The Themed Entertainment industry is highly diverse with multiple disciplines involved in creating all kinds of experiences. “Themed Entertainment, as an Industry, encompasses one of the widest ranges of professions of any industry globally. Nearly every subject matter category is required and there are myriad specialties, all collaboratively aligning with the art of storytelling. Whether technical or non-technical; in the create, design or build disciplines or as a part of the operational team, the career opportunities are almost as limitless as the types of experiences represented” says advisory board member Theron Skees (Veteran Disney Imagineer and Founder, The Designers Creative Studio).
Students from multiple disciplines and majors will have the opportunity to learn and engage with the field. “The Themed Entertainment industry is comprised of many diverse groups of talented people with unique skills ranging from visual artists, writers, management and hospitality professionals, electronics technicians, mechanical engineers, IT experts, architects, and many more. This eclectic group collaborates with one another to create unique, fun, and sometimes thrilling experiences at venues such as theme parks, museums, aquariums, science centers, and theaters” says advisory board member Bill Kivi (Designer & Art Director, Bold Move).
This new certificate and minor builds on the current strengths of the Computer Graphics Technology program which holds concentrations in animation, interactive multimedia, themed attraction design and motion graphics design.
Alongside their coursework, students will have the opportunity to engage with the Themed Entertainment Engineering and Design Club and have the opportunity to travel to Orlando for behind-the-scenes tours and attend IAAPA, the The Global Association for the Attractions Industry. Students will also have the opportunity to intern in any number of different places.
Students in either program will take three primary courses in themed entertainment and then choose a class from any number of different elective courses from the fields of audio design, museum studies, networking/IT, art, video and special effects, architecture, interior design, theatre or game design.
Applications are currently being accepted and interested students may contact Christian Rogers at rogerscb@iupui.edu. You may also visit their website at cgt.iupui.edu
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