Best colleges for theme park engineering

I'm passionate about theme parks and want to study how they're designed and engineered. Any recommendations on the best colleges for theme park engineering? I'm interested in schools that offer unique engineering or design programs related to this field.

Absolutely, a great start in your passion for theme park engineering can be achieved through Mechanical Engineering or Civil Engineering degrees. However, some universities have more specific programs.

1. The University of Central Florida (UCF) sits right next to Orlando's thriving theme park industry, including Universal Orlando Resort and Walt Disney World. They offer a Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering and a Master's degree in Entertainment Engineering. Their local connections to the theme park industry could provide opportunities for internships and field experience.

2. California Institute of the Arts (CalArts) is located near Los Angeles and Disneyland. They offer Engineering and Design courses where you can tailor your learning towards theme park design. The school fosters creative talent, many of its graduates go on to work in entertainment including theme park design.

3. Purdue University offers an interdisciplinary engineering program where you can create a plan of study tailored towards your career goals in theme park engineering. This could include mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, and industrial engineering courses.

4. Carnegie Mellon University has an Entertainment Technology Center that offers a Master’s degree in Entertainment Technology, a unique blend of technical and artistic study.

5. Drexel University has a Theme Park Engineering Group part of their student organizations that work on projects related to theme parks and also arranges trips and networking opportunities with industry professionals.

Remember to also consider factors such as location, financial aid, and fit when choosing a university. Reach out to university departments and student organizations to learn more about their program and opportunities for internships and post-graduation job placement.