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

Eligible Universal Destinations & Experiences team members can use tuition assistance benefits to enroll in Bowling Green's 100% online Resort and Attraction Management program

Through a recent partnership expansion, eligible Universal Destinations & Experiences team members can use their tuition assistance benefits to enroll in Bowling Green State University's innovative Resort and Attraction Management program, the first and one of the only programs of its kind in the nation.

The flexible, fully online career-focused program allows Universal Destinations & Experiences team members to maintain their current positions while learning the knowledge and skills needed to transition into supervisory and managerial roles. There is no upfront cost for eligible team members interested in enrolling.

“We are excited to partner with Universal Destinations & Experiences to empower its team members to earn a quality, convenient education from BGSU that advances their careers and professional goals, and we are thrilled with the strong interest in the program,” said Swathi Ravichandran, Ph.D., 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 and a broad range of industry knowledge that prepare 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 in addition to a multitude of courses representing operational areas of the industry such as lodging, food and beverage, and event and entertainment.

Eligible team members at Universal Destinations & Experiences can also use their current roles to fulfill the program's co-op requirements.

RAAM graduates report earning starting salaries of more than $50,000, with some students earning as much as $80,000 within three years of graduation, Ravichandran said.

More than two dozen BGSU RAAM alumni work at Universal Orlando Resort, 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 in the top 8% nationwide, 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 Destinations & Experiences team members can use their tuition benefits, visit BGSU.edu/universal.