Six Flags Resort and Attraction Management
Bowling Green State University, in partnership with Six Flags Entertainment Corporation, offers the first-of-its-kind bachelor's degree in resort and attraction management in the country.
- 2 guaranteed paid co-ops
- In-person, fully online or hybrid
- Full-time or part-time
- Up to $180,000 in annual scholarships
The BGSU resort and attraction management (RAAM) degree prepares students to lead teams, manage operations, create guest experiences and oversee the business of resorts and attractions.
In-person students complete the first two years of coursework through a BGSU campus, then continue upper-level BGSU RAAM major classes at a dedicated academic facility in Sandusky, OH near Cedar Point – the “Roller Coaster Capital of the World” – and other major attractions.
To learn more, contact Dr. Swathi Ravichandran (professor and founding director) at 419-372-0733 or rswathi@bgsu.edu.
Why study resort and attraction management at BGSU in Ohio?
- Guaranteed paid co-ops. Graduate with significant professional experience through two required, paid co-ops at a Six Flags property in one of more than 20 departments. We work one-on-one with you to identify your career goals and connect you to co-ops that align with them. Students also have the flexibility to complete their co-ops at other resorts or attractions. Online students may be eligible to earn credit for the job you already have while fulfilling the program’s co-op requirements.
- Exclusive scholarships. Apply for more than $180,000 in scholarships available exclusively to RAAM students through BGSU and Six Flags. You can also apply for additional BGSU scholarships.
- Flexible formats. Choose the program that works for you – in person, 100% online or hybrid. Full-time or part-time.
- Schedule built around the industry. Four 11-week academic terms during your final two years start later and end earlier than traditional semesters. Employers and students love this unique academic calendar – six months in the field, six months in the classroom – since it creates more time for paid co-ops while parks and attractions are in operation.
- Live and learn in a premier attraction destination. In-person students are based in Sandusky for your final two years near Cedar Point – one of the nation's most acclaimed amusement parks.
- Industry-designed curriculum. Courses were developed with industry leaders to reflect the skills employers need today. You’ll be prepared with industry-relevant certifications, professional development and networking opportunities with resort and attraction industry leaders.
- Tight-knit cohort. Take classes with the same group of students and build strong professional connections.
- Study abroad opportunities. Explore iconic attractions and meet industry leaders in England and France.
- Online excellence. Study at the only university in Ohio and one of just six public universities nationwide recognized for the exceptional support it provides learners across all online programs.
- Active student organization. Get involved with Resort and Attraction Industry Leaders for opportunities to network, travel, and engage in professional development and educational experiences.
Career - what can you do with a resort and attraction management degree?
100%
Of RAAM graduates report having post-graduation plans (alumni survey data)
This one-of-a-kind partnership provides a leadership path in the resort and attraction management industry with skills guaranteed to be career-relevant. Thanks to our pioneering Six Flags partnership you will graduate with relevant professional experience, strong theoretical knowledge and practical knowledge of the resort and attraction management industry.
Where BGSU RAAM alumni work
Career paths
- 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
Quick Facts from the Bureau of Labor Statistics
Curriculum
In this innovative public-private partnership, theory and practice are integrated into a curriculum co-designed by faculty and industry leaders to deliver a program that combines teaching, research, scholarship and industry experience.
Years 1 and 2: general education courses
Years 3 and 4: RAAM-specific courses and co-ops
Sample courses
- 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
#1 public university in Ohio for career prep
The Wall Street Journal
How much does the RAAM program cost?
BGSU makes it easy to budget with our Falcon Tuition Guarantee. The tuition guarantee locks in your tuition and fees, housing, meal plan and out-of-state costs for 12 consecutive semesters. (The Falcon Tuition Guarantee applies to undergraduate first-time students, transfer students and international students who enroll in a degree-seeking program on the Bowling Green campus.)
In-person students have the flexibility to complete the general education requirements during the first two years at either the Bowling Green campus or Firelands campus in Huron, Ohio.
Transfer students
Bowling Green State University is one of the most transfer-friendly universities in Ohio. We prioritize developing clear pathways that facilitate a smooth transfer to the BGSU Six Flags resort and attraction management program.
BGSU also has transfer agreements specific to RAAM with:
Transfer agreements make it easier to earn your bachelor's degree. You know from the start that eligible credits will transfer seamlessly to BGSU. You begin your studies at one of these community colleges, complete your general education requirements and then transfer to BGSU to finish your final two years in the resort and attraction management program.
#1 university in Ohio – big or small, public or private – students would choose again
The Wall Street Journal
BGSU is one of only a handful of universities in the nation — and the only one in Ohio — to earn the Quality Matters Online Learner Support certificate for all of our online programs. This recognition reflects our commitment to providing the critical support and academic services that online students need to succeed.
Living in Sandusky
During your final two years in the resort and attraction management program, in-person students live and learn in Sandusky on the shores of Lake Erie. The city is home to Cedar Point and other world-class attractions, waterfront recreation, restaurants, shops and entertainment venues.
Living in Sandusky puts you close to industry leaders, internships and professional opportunities. You’ll be able to build valuable connections while gaining hands-on experience in one of the nation's premier tourism markets.
Many students choose to live at Falcon Point Lofts, located above the program's downtown academic space. Falcon Point Lofts occupies the four upper floors of the academic facility in downtown Sandusky, offers off-campus housing not affiliated with BGSU. Free public transportation through the Sandusky Transit System (STS) makes it easy to get around the city, with a bus stop conveniently located just outside the building.
Study abroad with RAAM
The RAAM program offers a spring study abroad experience for students interested in exploring the global resort and attractions industry. Visit leading attractions and tourism destinations in England (Stoke-on-Trent and London) and France (Paris) and gain insight into how these organizations operate and compete in an international market.
- Build industry knowledge.
- Examine real-world business challenges.
- Apply strategic thinking and problem-solving skills.
- Meet industry professionals.
- Experience different cultures and tourism environments.
News
More news:
- BGSU RAAM hosts visit day for prospective students | Sandusky Register
- $45K scholarship program for BGSU resort and attraction management students | Sandusky Register
- A more powerful RAAM: BGSU program gets ready to accept international students | The Helm
- A joyful job fair | Sandusky Register
- Careers forged for BGSU RAAM students | Funworld
Updated: 07/29/2026 04:12PM