Choosing the right career path is a significant decision, and understanding the investment required is a crucial part of that process. If you’re passionate about the dynamic world of resorts and attractions, you might be wondering, “How Much Does The Career Attraction Program Cost?”. Bowling Green State University (BGSU), in partnership with Six Flags Entertainment Corporation, offers a unique Bachelor of Science in Resort and Attraction Management (RAAM) designed to launch you into this exciting industry. This program provides unparalleled hands-on experience and career opportunities, making it a valuable investment in your future. Let’s delve into what makes the BGSU RAAM program a worthwhile educational investment and how to understand the associated costs.
Investing in Your Future: The BGSU Resort and Attraction Management Program
The BGSU RAAM program isn’t just a degree; it’s a career accelerator. It’s the only Bachelor of Science in resort and attraction management partnered with Six Flags, a leader in the entertainment industry. This collaboration ensures that the curriculum is relevant, industry-focused, and provides graduates with a distinct advantage in the job market. The program is designed to equip you with the leadership skills and practical experience needed to thrive in the fast-paced world of resorts and attractions.
Hands-On Learning and Real-World Experience
One of the standout features of the RAAM program is its commitment to hands-on learning. Junior and senior classes are conveniently located near Cedar Point amusement park, offering an immersive learning environment. This proximity allows for direct engagement with the industry, turning the classroom into a living laboratory. Furthermore, the program mandates guaranteed, paid co-op experiences at Six Flags parks, providing invaluable practical skills and industry connections. These co-ops aren’t just internships; they are customizable, paid positions across more than 20 departments within Six Flags, offering diverse experiences and career exploration opportunities.
Flexible Learning Options: In-Person and Online
Understanding that students have diverse needs and circumstances, BGSU offers the RAAM program in both in-person and fully online formats. This flexibility ensures that whether you prefer a traditional classroom setting or need the convenience of online learning, you can pursue your passion for resort and attraction management. The online option is particularly beneficial for students who are currently working in the industry or have geographical constraints, making career advancement accessible and convenient.
Scholarship Opportunities: Making Education Affordable
Addressing the question of “how much does the career attraction program cost?”, BGSU and Six Flags are committed to making this high-quality education affordable. The RAAM program boasts nearly $170,000 in annual scholarships exclusively for its students. These scholarships significantly reduce the financial burden and make this exceptional program accessible to talented individuals.
Six Flags Entertainment Corporation Scholarships
Six Flags Entertainment Corporation provides dedicated scholarships for RAAM students, totaling $45,000 annually. These scholarships, each valued at $1,500, are administered by The Erie County Community Foundation. Preference is given to students with recent work experience at Six Flags parks, recognizing and rewarding industry engagement.
Resort and Attraction Management Scholarship
BGSU also offers a two-year scholarship specifically for full-time, in-person RAAM program students. This scholarship, which excludes general and non-resident fees, is available to students maintaining a 2.5 GPA, highlighting academic achievement.
Understanding the Cost of Attendance
To get precise figures on “how much does the career attraction program cost”, it’s essential to refer to the official BGSU Bursar’s website. Tuition and fees for the RAAM program are based on Main Campus rates, regardless of whether you choose the in-person or online option. The Bursar’s website provides detailed breakdowns of tuition, fees, and payment schedules, ensuring transparency and helping you plan your finances effectively.
Please visit the Bursar’s website for detailed tuition and fees information for the RAAM program.
The Falcon Tuition Guarantee
For students opting for the in-person degree, BGSU’s Falcon Tuition Guarantee provides financial predictability. This guarantee ensures your tuition rate remains consistent from your first year through graduation (for a maximum of four academic years), shielding you from potential tuition increases and allowing for better financial planning.
Curriculum and Career-Focused Courses
The RAAM program curriculum is meticulously designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of the resort and attraction industry. You’ll enroll in courses such as:
- Lodging Operations for Resorts and Attractions
- Marketing, Advertising, and Social Media
- Merchandise and Gaming Management
- Entertainment and Event Management
- Leadership and Strategic Management
- Human Resources Management
- Risk Management and Safety
These courses are not just theoretical; they are infused with industry insights and practical applications, preparing you for the diverse challenges and opportunities within the sector.
Career Pathways and Earning Potential
Investing in the RAAM program opens doors to a wide array of exciting career paths. Graduates are well-prepared for leadership roles in:
- Theme park leadership
- Resort management
- Food and beverage management
- Guest service management
- Human resources management
- Marketing and social media
- Event management and group sales
- Safety and security management
- Theme park and rides maintenance
- Live entertainment and attractions technology
BGSU RAAM alumni are employed by leading companies in the industry, including Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando Resort, Marriott, and Six Flags, demonstrating the program’s strong industry recognition and career placement success.
View Average Salaries in the amusement and recreation industries from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Fully Online Program: Accessibility and Affordability
The fully online RAAM program expands accessibility and can impact the overall “career attraction program cost” by offering distance learning tuition and fee structures, which can sometimes be more affordable than in-person programs. This option is ideal for individuals already working in the industry seeking to advance their careers without disrupting their professional lives.
Co-op Experiences: Paid Practical Training
A cornerstone of the RAAM program is the two guaranteed, paid co-op experiences. These 10-week semesters of practical training are integrated into the curriculum, providing you with real-world experience at Six Flags parks or similar establishments. These co-ops are not only paid, helping to offset the program cost, but also invaluable for career development, networking, and gaining a competitive edge in the job market.
BGSU and Six Flags Partnership: A Unique Advantage
The partnership between BGSU and Six Flags is a unique strength of this program. It combines BGSU’s academic excellence with Six Flags’ industry leadership, creating a dynamic learning environment. This collaboration ensures that the curriculum remains cutting-edge, reflecting the evolving needs of the resort and attraction industry.
Study Abroad Opportunities: Global Perspective
For students seeking a global perspective, the RAAM program offers study abroad opportunities in England and France. This experience allows you to explore international attractions, meet industry leaders from around the world, and broaden your understanding of the global resort and attraction landscape. While there are additional costs associated with study abroad programs, the experience offers significant personal and professional growth.
Transfer-Friendly Institution
BGSU is recognized as a transfer-friendly university, making the RAAM program accessible to students from other institutions. Clear transfer pathways and agreements with community colleges like Lorain County Community College, Tri-C Community College, and Columbus State Community College streamline the transfer process, ensuring a smooth transition and maximizing previously earned credits.
Student Organizations and Networking
Engaging with student organizations like Resort and Attraction Industry Leaders (RAIL) enhances your learning experience and provides valuable networking opportunities. RAIL enriches student lives through travel, professional development, and networking events, connecting you with industry professionals and like-minded peers.
Conclusion: Investing in Your Dream Career
So, “how much does the career attraction program cost?” The answer is multifaceted. While the specific tuition and fees are available on the BGSU Bursar’s website, the true cost is an investment in a program designed for career success. The BGSU RAAM program offers a unique blend of academic rigor, hands-on experience, industry partnerships, and financial aid opportunities that make it a valuable and worthwhile investment for aspiring leaders in the resort and attraction industry. By choosing BGSU RAAM, you’re not just paying for a degree; you’re investing in a future filled with exciting career possibilities and the chance to turn your passion for fun into a rewarding profession.
