The Digital Research Entertainment Arts Media Sciences (D.R.E.A.M.S.) Program
Welcome to the Future of Entertainment- Where Stories Unfold Around Us
The D.R.E.A.M.S. (Digital Research Entertainment Arts Media Sciences) program at FIU is where Miami’s creative pulse meets next-generation storytelling. Shaped by global industry demand and rooted in South Florida’s vibrant culture, our program prepares communicators, strategists, and visionaries for groundbreaking careers in Location-Based Entertainment (LBE).
What is Location-Based Entertainment? Picture this: a city where sports meet spectacle, music meets immersion, and storytelling comes to life at every corner. From Pitbull stadium to Formula 1 racing on our streets, Art Basel lighting up galleries, and immersive activations at Miami Film Festival. It’s Themed Entertainment anytime anyplace, but yet- so much more behind the scenes.
FIU’s D.R.E.A.M.S. students sit at the center of it all. Training the next generation of communicators to navigate the next generation of stories on location. Physical and Digital.
Our courses are designed for students of communication, journalism, broadcasting, hospitality, public relations, marketing, and immersive media who want to lead in the world of immersive storytelling, digital activations, and fan-first experiences.
The world is shifting from screens to scenes. From passive to interactive. From imagination to innovation. Let FIU show you how to navigate not just the LBE industry, but leadership, management, tech, sport and music from within this growing sector.
What Is Location-Based Entertainment (LBE)?
Location-Based Entertainment (LBE) refers to immersive, interactive experiences designed for physical and digital venues where audiences engage with entertainment in real-world and virtual environments. From theme parks and spatial realities to live events and immersive theaters, LBE blends cutting-edge technology, digital media, and physical/digital spaces to create unforgettable experiences that go beyond traditional entertainment.
The D.R.E.A.M.S. Program will allow students to explore the full spectrum of LBE, with a focus on its evolution, innovation, and business potential. It will dive into key areas such as interactive storytelling, experiential design, virtual production, gaming, simulation, and the integration of digital and physical worlds.
Examples of LBE:
- Theme Parks & Attractions (Disney, Universal, Six Flags)
- Immersive Experiences & AR/VR Installations (Meow Wolf, The Sphere, Dreamscape)
- Interactive Museums & Exhibits (Smithsonian, Museum of Ice Cream, Van Gogh Experience)
- Gaming & Esports Venues (LAN Centers, Virtual Reality Arenas)
- Concerts, Events & Festivals (Coachella, SXSW, Live Nation Productions)
- Smart Cities & Experiential Spaces (Interactive Retail, AI-Powered Experiences)
Global LBE Map
Explore what’s happening in South Florida and the world.
From Art Basel, F1 Miami, Inter Miami games, Miami Open, and Ultra Music Festival to UK’s ABBA Voyage, Vegas’ Sphere, and Dubai’s Expo experiences.
Students will research and publish updates on major immersive attractions and events in real time.
Potential Career Opportunities
With an education in LBE, you can become a pioneer in immersive entertainment with career paths such as:
- LBE Experience Designer (theme parks, interactive installations)
- Immersive Media Producer (virtual reality, mixed reality experiences)
- Game & Interactive Content Creator (Esports, AR/VR, Metaverse)
- Themed Entertainment & Attractions Developer
- Event & Live Production Manager
- LBE Business & Operations Executive (venue management, marketing, monetization)
- Architectural & Experiential Space Designer
- Digital Human & AI Experience Developer
- Experiential Marketing Strategist