Program Information: Associates Degree in Resort and Casino Management
Majors Overview June 16, 2013Resort and casino management is part of the hospitality field, and are sometimes grouped together into one associate degree program for students who are interested gaining management skills needed at the institutions. Popular degree available at the associate degree level in this field is an Associate of Science (A.S.) in Casino and Hotel Management.
A.S. in Casino and Hotel Management
Hotel and casino management associate degree program are designed for students who are interested in managing gaming institutions or full-service and luxury resorts. Typically, large-scale casinos will be found within luxury hotels, making a combined associate degree program more appropriate.
Students who are enrolled in an associate degree program in resort and casino management will learn how to service the needs of guests at a luxury hotel by offering stellar facilities management services, hotel security, and front desk service. They also learn the key business and management skills needed to keep large-scale operations running properly, including hospitality accounting skills, dealing card games, surveillance, human resources training, and hospitality management. Most colleges and universities offering such programs require or suggest that students complete an internship program at a casino or resort before graduation.
Education Requirements
Admission criteria for enrollment in a two-year associate’s degree program in casino and hotel management usually require submission of a high school grade transcript and application to the technical institution or community college that offers the program by applicants. Those seeking admission is expected to have an in-depth understanding of the English language, high school math and basic computer applications.
Program Course Topics
Most casino and hotel management associate degree program courses cover specific skills related to the gaming and resort industries, as well as basic management principles. Students will take the following classes in the associate degree program:
•Sports games operations
•Casino surveillance
•Human resources and training
•Sanitation and safety regulations
•Accounting and hospitality finances
•Hospitality management
•Front desk operations
Career Information and Employment Outlook
In 2008, there were about 59,800 individuals employed as resort and hotel managers in the nation that earned an average annual salary of $45,800, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS – www.bls.gov). The BLS also stated at the time, there were about 178,700 gaming service workers in the United States, with nearly 6,200 of them employed as gaming managers at casinos and earning an average annual salary of 68,290.
Continuing Education Information
The American Hotel and Lodging Educational Institute (AHLEI – www.ahlei.org) offers voluntary national certification for those who successfully complete an associate’s degree program in casino and resort management and qualify to take an exam for such certification offered in hospitality accounting and front desk operations. Gaming service workers employed by casinos may have to acquire licensure issued by a state regulatory committee or agency.
