“It’s been 15 years since I’ve had any formal education and I did not realize how much I missed learning. For a year and a half, I’ve looked forward to dialing into class every week to learn and interacting with you all and the other students… All of you and the coursework you developed have helped me find and feed that creative, inquisitive person I thought had been relegated to the past. I find myself looking at the world around me and the possibilities it holds in a different light now, one I haven’t seen since the more idealistic days of my youth. You’ve given me the opportunity to see amazing parts of major theme parks and meet incredible people. I can’t thank you enough for your stories and wisdom and time.” – David Piazza, certificate graduate
Creating Memorable Worlds
Instructed by Theron Skees – Founder of Designers Creative Studio
Former Creative Executive, Walt Disney Imagineering
This course introduces students to the art and process of designing immersive, story-driven experiences. Through an exploration of themed entertainment fundamentals, collaborative creative processes, and the global experience economy, learners gain insight into how memorable environments are conceived, developed, and delivered. The course also encourages students to identify their own place within the industry and understand how storytelling, branding, and emotional connection shape successful experiences.
This course requires the purchase of Theron Skees book titled “Creating Memorable Worlds” and can be ordered HERE.
Online Certificate Program
Step into the themed entertainment field with Purdue’s Themed Entertainment Design Certificate. Whether you’re an engineer, designer or artist, this flexible program will help you create immersive experiences, larger-than-life themed attractions and unforgettable experiences in the exciting world of themed entertainment. Study online, learn from industry leaders, and launch a unique and exciting career from our industry vetted three-course series!
This is an online non-credit program that anyone can take. No college application required!
The Backside of Magic
Instructed by Ron Martin – AOA/Walt Disney Imagineering
The Backside of Magic takes learners behind the scenes of immersive experience design, revealing how storytelling, illusion, technology, and production disciplines combine to create compelling themed environments. Students explore the complete creative process—from vision casting and story development to production, technology integration, and guest experience design.
The Business of Entertainment – The Brand Franchise Approach
Instructed by Robert Marick – Founder of M2G: Marick Management Group
This course examines how entertainment brands expand into global franchises through licensing, consumer products, interactive gaming, media, and location-based entertainment. Students learn the principles of franchise development, brand management, and intellectual property strategy while exploring how successful entertainment companies scale their brands across multiple platforms and markets.
Networking & Systems in Themed Entertainment
Instructed by Dan Mastropietro – The Walt Disney Company
This course introduces students to the complex networking and systems infrastructure that powers modern themed entertainment experiences. Learners explore how data networks support attractions, show systems, ride systems, and operational technologies within entertainment venues. The course emphasizes practical understanding of networking concepts in themed environments and the specialized protocols, configurations, and troubleshooting methods used in live attractions and immersive experiences.