BGSU and Universal Orlando partner to expand educational opportunities, advance careers in growing resort and attraction industry

Through a new relationship with BGSU, Universal Orlando is offering its employees tuition assistance benefits to enroll in the University’s innovative Resort and Attraction Management program

As the only university in the nation offering a bachelor’s degree in resort and attraction management, Bowling Green State University has formed a relationship with one of the world’s leading theme parks to expand educational opportunities to its employees.

Universal Orlando, drawn to BGSU for its industry-regarded Resort and Attraction Management program and strong alumni network across the industry, employs about 32,000 people, who can now use their tuition assistance benefits to enroll in the innovative BGSU program.

The flexible, fully online career-focused program allows Universal Orlando employees to maintain their current positions while learning the knowledge and skills needed to transition into supervisory and managerial roles. 

“We are excited to partner with Universal Orlando to empower its employees to earn a quality, convenient education from BGSU that advances their careers and professional goals,” said Dr. Swathi Ravichandran, professor and founding director of the BGSU RAAM program. “Since its inception, the BGSU Resort and Attraction Management program has provided students with relevant, hands-on learning experiences and opportunities in an ever-growing profession, and industry partners like these further bolster our commitment to supporting and meeting workforce demands in Ohio and beyond."

The one-of-a-kind resort and attraction management program, with its signature partner Six Flags Entertainment Corporation, prepares students for meaningful careers in the expanding resort and attraction industry, including theme and amusement park operations, resort management, retail, marketing, finance and more. The global theme park market is valued at more than $71 billion and is expected to reach $119 billion over the next decade.

Within the program, students develop crucial leadership skills in addition to a broad range of industry knowledge that prepares them for leadership positions. They can enroll in courses such as leadership and strategic management, human resources management, risk management and safety, marketing, advertising and social media.

Their current roles at Universal Orlando can be used to fulfill the program's co-op requirements.

The average annual starting salary for RAAM graduates is more than $50,000, with some students earning as much as $80,000 within a year of graduation, Ravichandran said.

More than two dozen BGSU RAAM alumni work at Universal Orlando, including many who have advanced into leadership and specialized roles within the company, further reinforcing the value of a RAAM degree.

Through BGSU Online, students earn a quality, comprehensive education in a flexible format taught by the same world-class faculty in the University's in-person programs. BGSU online bachelor’s degrees are ranked No. 3 in Ohio and in the top 25% nationally, demonstrating the University’s commitment to providing a comprehensive and accessible education to all learners.

For more information about the BGSU RAAM program and how Universal Orlando employees can use their tuition benefits, visit BGSU.edu/universal.