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BGSU and Cedar Fair Partnership
Cedar Fair Resort and Attraction Management
BGSU offers the only resort and attraction management degree embedded in a theme park. BGSU is partnering with Cedar Fair to offer a Bachelor of Science in resort and attraction management (RAAM). This innovative partnership provides graduates with leadership opportunities in the resort and attraction management industry.
Junior and senior classes are taught at an academic facility near Cedar Point amusement park in Sandusky, Ohio. The RAAM program can also be completed fully online.
Why study Resort and Attraction Management at BGSU in Ohio?
- Get ready for hands-on learning with guaranteed, paid and customizable co-ops in more than 20 different departments at Cedar Fair parks.
- Take advantage of nearly $170,000 in annual scholarships exclusively for RAAM students from BGSU and Cedar Fair.
- Your dream degree, your way, study in-person or online, and enjoy the flexibility to balance your academic and professional commitments.
- Immerse yourself in a unique academic calendar that allows you to spend six months in the field and six months in the classroom.
- Join a close-knit cohort of like-minded students and enjoy pre-scheduled course offerings that help you build a strong peer network.
- Prepare for your future with extensive certification, professional development and networking opportunities with resort and attraction industry leaders.
- Take your studies overseas with a study abroad program in England and France, where you will explore iconic attractions, meet industry leaders and broaden your horizons
- With the BGSU RAAM program, this is your chance to make memories that will last a lifetime!
The business of fun
The Cedar Fair resort and attraction management program includes four, 10-week semesters of classroom instruction in amusement park management and two full-time guaranteed, paid co-op experiences at one of Cedar Fair’s themed parks in North America or a similar establishment.
Coursework focuses on preparing students for management careers in the resort and attraction management industry. Whatever your interest in theme park management, you will have a chance to learn from leading industry professionals and put your learning to use at Cedar Point.
Students are required to complete two paid customizable co-ops at one of the Cedar Fair parks or another similar establishment, a key element in developing career-ready graduates. These co-ops can be completed in various areas of amusement park management, including park operations, resort management, food and beverage management, merchandising, safety, security and product development. Support functions including marketing, finance, information technology and human resources may also be incorporated into the experience.
This pioneering partnership prepares students to graduate with relevant professional experience, strong theoretical knowledge and practical knowledge of the resort and attraction management industry.
Enroll in courses like
- 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
We are excited to announce that the RAAM program is now available fully online in addition to our in-person offering, giving students the freedom and flexibility to design their educational experience.
Whether you are place-bound for personal or professional reasons and are interested in pursuing a degree in resort and attraction management, the online RAAM degree is for you! The fully online RAAM program is designed for those who have worked or are currently working in the resort or attraction (or related) industry. All courses required for the RAAM program can be completed fully online, regardless of where you are. The online program adopts BGSU’s distance learning tuition and fee structure making the RAAM program not just accessible but also affordable.
For more information on tuition and fees associated with completing the program fully online, please refer to the distance learning tuition and fees.
Bowling Green State University is one of the most transfer-friendly universities in Ohio.
The BGSU Cedar Fair resort and attraction management program continually seeks aspiring leaders, with transfer students being an integral part of our campus community. If you have 12 or more credit hours from a two- or four-year college or university, we encourage you to begin your application for admission to this unique amusement park-based degree program and discover what credits will transfer.
BGSU is committed to helping you every step of the way through the transfer process. We prioritize developing clear pathways that facilitate a smooth transfer to the BGSU Cedar Fair resort and attraction management.
We also have academic program partnerships that will provide additional transfer options:
GSU's transfer credit agreements with Lorain County Community College, Tri-C Community College and Columbus State Community College provide you with a map to your future.
Imagine the academic program partnership agreements as your GPS. They provide you with the fastest and best route to reach the end of your educational destination. No detours, obstacles or delays, just smooth sailing, taking only the courses that satisfy the Cedar Fair resort and attraction management degree requirements from beginning to end.
Current Transfer Agreements for the BGSU Resort and Attraction Management program
Begin your Bachelor’s of Science in resort and attraction management at any one of the following schools and know your credits will transfer. Review the transfer agreements for Lorain County Community College, Tri-C Community College and Columbus State Community College.
Scholarships
Let us help finance the ride of your life! Students enrolling in the RAAM program can earn a full-tuition, two-year scholarship (general fees and nonresident fees excluded) with a 2.5 college GPA.
The Falcon Tuition Guarantee for the In-Person Degree
No Tuition Increases!
With the Falcon Tuition Guarantee, you know from the start how much your education will cost. Your tuition rate will stay the same from your first year to graduation.*
We know paying for college is a big investment. That is why BGSU is offering tuition protection with the Falcon Tuition Guarantee. It’s just another way we’re keeping costs down and quality high so you’ll have access to a life-changing education.
*Maximum four-academic year period is guaranteed.
More Scholarship Opportunities
While housed near Cedar Point, America's Roller Coast, in Sandusky, Ohio, the RAAM program is a degree program of the BGSU Main Campus with Firelands College as its academic home. Tuition and fees are therefore based on Main Campus rates. Students have the flexibility to complete the general education requirements during the first two years at either the main or Huron campus. Please visit the Bursar’s website for information about tuition and fees for the RAAM program, for both the in-person and distance learning options.
Guaranteed Paid Internships
As a key part of the BGSU Cedar Fair resort and attraction management degree program, students will be required to complete two guaranteed paid co-ops at one of the Cedar Fair amusement and theme parks across the U.S. and abroad or another similar establishment.
- California’s Great America, Santa Clara, California
- Canada’s Wonderland, Vaughan, Ontario
- Carowinds, Charlotte, North Carolina
- Cedar Point, Sandusky, Ohio
- Dorney Park, Allentown, Pennsylvania
- Kings Dominion, Doswell, Virgnia
- Kings Island, Cincinnati, Ohio
- Knott’s Berry Farm, Buena Park, California
- Michigan’s Adventure, Muskegon, Michigan
- Valleyfair, Shakopee, Minnesota
- Worlds of Fun/Oceans of Fun, Kansas City, Missouri
Resort and Attraction Industry Leaders
The mission of RAIL is to enrich the learning experience and lives of students through travel, professional development, networking and educational experiences for those interested in theme park, resort and attraction management.
President, Connor Zebrowski
czebrow@bgsu.edu
Co-Faculty Advisors:
Jared Hillman, Jhillma@bgsu.edu
Mary Wisnom, mwisnom@bgsu.edu
Career - what can you do with a resort and attraction management degree?
Exploring the exciting possibilities of your future career is a thrilling and rewarding adventure. As a BGSU RAAM alumnus, you have access to a vast network of successful professionals who are making a difference in the world. It's inspiring to know that many of our alumni are working for top-tier companies, using their skills and knowledge to excel in a variety of exciting roles.
You will find BGSU RAAM alumni working at companies such as:
Sample jobs
| 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
View Average Salaries
Photo by Joey Cassel via New Departure Films
Living in Sandusky
While Falcon Point Lofts occupies the four upper floors of the academic facility, these apartments are considered off-campus housing and are not affiliated with BGSU. To speak with the leasing manager at Falcon Point Lofts, call 419-366-1316.
Housing options in the Sandusky area can be found on sites like Walkscore, Apartments.com, Airbnb, ForRent and Zillow or through realtors like Vacationland Realty: 419-627-1111 and Strayer Group Property Management: 419-625-8218.
Downtown Sandusky offers a variety of entertainment and recreation venues along the shores of Lake Erie. Whether you’re interested in lake activities, sporting events, fine dining or shopping, Sandusky has it all. The City of Sandusky Transit System (STS) is free for students and there is a bus stop right outside the academic space in downtown Sandusky
Study Abroad with RAAM
The RAAM program offers a spring study abroad opportunity for all BGSU undergraduate majors who want to analyze global, real-world business challenges and opportunities of resort and attraction venues. Students can immerse themselves in cultural experiences throughout England (Birmingham and London) and France (Paris).
This exciting experience will involve evaluating the complex interrelationships and functional areas of operating resort and attraction enterprises. Students will apply strategic thinking and problem-solving skills while developing industry expertise in the context of the global arena.
To find out more or to express interest, visit bgsu.edu/raamabroad
Annual visitation numbers for theme parks in America are expected to rise by 2.2 percent yearly through 2024.
Source: International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions
News
BGSU and Cedar Fair Partnership
Bowling Green State University is your classroom and Cedar Fair Amusement Parks are your laboratory. Guaranteed paid and customizable co-op opportunities are included in this degree. Cedar Fair – the parent company of Cedar Point – is widely recognized as an industry leader in a sector set for rapid growth. Cedar Fair runs 11 attractions across Ohio, the midwest and the rest of the U.S. and even Canada.
This one-of-a-kind partnership provides a leadership path in the resort and attraction management industry with skills guaranteed to be career-relevant. 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.
Follow our Instagram @bgsuraam
The Bachelor of Science in Resort and Attraction Management is offered both in-person and fully online.