4 answers
Landon
Student
Waunakee, Wisconsin
1
Question
Asked
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I am wondering what colleges in Wisconsin or in the USA offer a college that could be specific to roller coaster designers?
I am looking and I don't know what colleges to look for a roller coaster designer specifically. #business
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4 answers
Bryce Cromer
Student Teacher
89
Answers
Fort Myers, Florida
Updated
Bryce’s Answer
Hi Landon,
Roller coaster design has not quite made it to the point where it has its own major, but that would be really cool. That being said many people interested in roller coaster designs have a background in engineering. Common majors have a focus in mechanical, structural, or civil engineering. I am not too sure how popular programs in structural engineering, but programs in mechanical and civil engineering are very popular and I would assume a lot of universities have programs. Find a school in Wisconsin that you like and research whether they have a program in mechanical engineering or civil engineering.
Roller coaster design has not quite made it to the point where it has its own major, but that would be really cool. That being said many people interested in roller coaster designs have a background in engineering. Common majors have a focus in mechanical, structural, or civil engineering. I am not too sure how popular programs in structural engineering, but programs in mechanical and civil engineering are very popular and I would assume a lot of universities have programs. Find a school in Wisconsin that you like and research whether they have a program in mechanical engineering or civil engineering.
Landon, I would definitely suggest an engineering degree of some kind. You will come out of that program ready to design your own roller coaster and other cool things like that!
Tony Frank
Desiree Paya
Product Management, B2B software
9
Answers
Portland, Oregon
Updated
Desiree’s Answer
Hi Landon,
This was a fun question to research, thank you for posting!
As others have mentioned, building roller coasters have many similarities with building complex systems, like buildings. An engineering degree will help you learn the basics, but it looks like designing roller coasters may require a combination of degrees. After completing a bachelor's degree, many folks go on to specialize in specific industries or fields. Ohio University offers a master's degree in Amusement Park and Roller Coaster engineering:
https://onlinemasters.ohio.edu/blog/amusement-park-and-roller-coaster-engineering/
This article from "Interesting Engineering" points out that the US has additional licensing requirements, since roller coaster designs need to account for things like rider safety and the environment:
https://interestingengineering.com/which-engineering-degree-do-you-need-to-design-roller-coasters
Here is an inspiring interview with a roller coaster engineer that I think you'll like - you can tell he loves his work!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0gnjYG1OoYk&feature=emb_logo
He works for a company called Dynamic Attractions (http://dynamicattractions.com/)
Best of luck Landon!
Research engineering programs at colleges in Wisconsin
Read the Interesting Engineering article on what it takes to design roller coasters https://interestingengineering.com/which-engineering-degree-do-you-need-to-design-roller-coasters
Watch the interview with Donnelly Williams https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0gnjYG1OoYk&feature=emb_logo
Explore Dynamic Attractions' website http://dynamicattractions.com/
This was a fun question to research, thank you for posting!
As others have mentioned, building roller coasters have many similarities with building complex systems, like buildings. An engineering degree will help you learn the basics, but it looks like designing roller coasters may require a combination of degrees. After completing a bachelor's degree, many folks go on to specialize in specific industries or fields. Ohio University offers a master's degree in Amusement Park and Roller Coaster engineering:
https://onlinemasters.ohio.edu/blog/amusement-park-and-roller-coaster-engineering/
This article from "Interesting Engineering" points out that the US has additional licensing requirements, since roller coaster designs need to account for things like rider safety and the environment:
https://interestingengineering.com/which-engineering-degree-do-you-need-to-design-roller-coasters
Here is an inspiring interview with a roller coaster engineer that I think you'll like - you can tell he loves his work!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0gnjYG1OoYk&feature=emb_logo
He works for a company called Dynamic Attractions (http://dynamicattractions.com/)
Best of luck Landon!
Desiree recommends the following next steps:
Gizem K.
postdoctoral researcher
37
Answers
United States
Updated
Gizem’s Answer
Hi Landon,
Although there are not any majors specific for roller coaster design, you can choose a major which would give you the necessary education/skills and then specialize on roller coaster design.
Industrial or product design is a major you can consider. The courses may mainly focus on visual arts or on engineering depending on the college/university. Also if you are more interested in improving the technology of roller coasters and less on the artistic part, you can enroll in an engineering program such as mechanical engineering.
I would search the programs on university websites and look at the courses offered to see which programs fit what you have in mind. Also before applying, you can always contact program administrators to learn more about the specific major.
Best of luck in your studies and future endeavors!
Although there are not any majors specific for roller coaster design, you can choose a major which would give you the necessary education/skills and then specialize on roller coaster design.
Industrial or product design is a major you can consider. The courses may mainly focus on visual arts or on engineering depending on the college/university. Also if you are more interested in improving the technology of roller coasters and less on the artistic part, you can enroll in an engineering program such as mechanical engineering.
I would search the programs on university websites and look at the courses offered to see which programs fit what you have in mind. Also before applying, you can always contact program administrators to learn more about the specific major.
Best of luck in your studies and future endeavors!
Jess Prom (she, her)
Sales
1
Answer
Los Angeles, California
Updated
Jess’s Answer
Hi Landon!
I want to start by echoing what the others have stated. Studying mechanical, structural or even electrical engineering could help you to secure a position designing and building roller coasters.
It will also be just as important to network with those in this field and look for jobs/internships to help you understand how theme parks and roller coasters work. Have you ever worked at a theme park? A part time or summer job could go a long way in helping you to meet the right people who can also give you guidance on your education.
This sounds like an awesome career path! Good luck!
I want to start by echoing what the others have stated. Studying mechanical, structural or even electrical engineering could help you to secure a position designing and building roller coasters.
It will also be just as important to network with those in this field and look for jobs/internships to help you understand how theme parks and roller coasters work. Have you ever worked at a theme park? A part time or summer job could go a long way in helping you to meet the right people who can also give you guidance on your education.
This sounds like an awesome career path! Good luck!