ENTERTAINMENT
MANAGEMENT DEGREE
OPPORTUNITIES
Prepared for Clarion University of Pennsylvania
September 2015

In the following report, Hanover Research analyzes the market
for bachelor’s and master’s degrees in entertainment
management, including outdoor recreation, food & lodging,
meeting and events, and casino management. The analysis
draws on recent degree completions trends and labor market
projections for related fields.
www.hanoverresearch.com

Hanover Research | September 2015

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Executive Summary and Key Findings ................................................................................ 3
INTRODUCTION ...........................................................................................................................3
KEY FINDINGS .............................................................................................................................3
Section I: Student Demand................................................................................................ 5
NATIONAL COMPLETIONS TRENDS ..................................................................................................6
Food & Lodging Management ...........................................................................................7
Outdoor Recreation ...........................................................................................................8
Meeting and Event Planning ..............................................................................................9
Casino Management ........................................................................................................10
PENNSYLVANIA COMPLETIONS TRENDS ..........................................................................................11
Section II: Labor Market Outlook .................................................................................... 13
EMPLOYMENT PROJECTIONS ........................................................................................................13
National Employment Projections ...................................................................................14
Pennsylvania Employment Projections ...........................................................................15
Section III: Competitor Profiles........................................................................................ 17
Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania ........................................................................17
Drexel University..............................................................................................................20
Appendix: Methodology Details ....................................................................................... 24
STUDENT DEMAND ....................................................................................................................24
Bachelor’s Degree Completions.......................................................................................25
Master’s Degree Completions .........................................................................................27
LABOR MARKET DEMAND ...........................................................................................................28

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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY AND KEY FINDINGS
INTRODUCTION
Clarion University and the borough of Clarion are currently discussing plans to develop an
“events, entertainment, and hotel complex” on university-owned property.1 The complex,
which would also contain a casino, is intended to contribute to the broader Clarion
community mission to revitalize the commercial district and contribute to local economic
development.2 Clarion University is considering developing an “all encompassing” degree
option in the entertainment and hospitality industries that could incorporate the proposed
complex into internships and other experiential learning opportunities,3 although plans for
the complex are still at the very early stages of development.4
The following report is intended to provide Clarion University with a broader picture of
student and labor market demand for bachelor’s and master’s degrees associated with
hospitality and entertainment management. Specifically, this report examines national and
state trends in Food & Lodging Management, Outdoor Recreation, Conference and Event
Planning, and Casino Management to determine whether a degree with one or more of
these concentrations could meet a need beyond the immediate Clarion community.

KEY FINDINGS





Overall, national student demand for bachelor’s and master’s programs related to
event, entertainment, and hospitality management has increased in recent years.
Demand indicators highlight that Food and Lodging Management programs in
particular have contributed to this trend from 2009 to 2013. However, at bachelor’s
level, Outdoor Recreation, Meeting and Event Planning, and Casino Management
degree completions trends reflect relatively flat growth across this time period. At
the master’s level, Conference and Event Planning and Casino Management
programs are rare. Rising completions for Outdoor Recreation programs, though,
suggest increasing levels of student interest in this degree type.
General programs in hospitality management and hotel management confer more
degrees than programs targeting specialized subfields, such as Meeting and Event
Planning or Casino Management. However, some general hospitality management
programs, such as those offered by Drexel University, incorporate specialized
training in entertainment management, event planning, outdoor recreation, or
casino management through course requirements, concentrations, or partnerships
with local employers.

1

“The Clarion Borough Blueprint: An Economic and Community Revitalization Plan.” Draft – March 10, 2014.
http://clarionboro.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/Clarion-Borough-Blueprint-3-10-15.pdf
2
Ibid.
3
Wilshire, R. “Preliminary Discussions Start on Clarion Casino, Conference Center.” Explore Clarion, October 6, 2014.
http://exploreclarion.com/2014/10/06/preliminary-discussions-start-on-clarion-conference-center-casino/
4
See: “The Clarion Borough Blueprint: An Economic and Community Revitalization Plan,” Op. cit., pp. 10-11.

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









Within Pennsylvania, bachelor’s degree completions have grown at a slower rate
in relevant fields in comparison to national rates. However, master’s programs in
the state have grown more quickly. At the bachelor’s level, Food and Lodging
Management degree completions have grown at an annualized rate of 7.1 percent
nationally, compared to 3.5 percent in Pennsylvania. Outdoor Recreation
completions have stayed relatively flat, with a 1.0 percent annualized growth
nationally and 2.0 percent in Pennsylvania. At the master’s level, Food and Lodging
Management programs in the state have grown at an annualized rate of 22.5
percent, compared to a national rate of 10.5 percent. Likewise, Outdoor Recreation
programs in Pennsylvania grew at an annualized rate of 18.9 percent, compared to
13.1 percent nationally. No institution in the Pennsylvania reports completions
under a standalone program in Casino Management or Meeting and Event Planning
at the bachelor’s or master’s level.
Meeting, Convention, and Event Planners and Recreation Workers are highvolume, high-growth fields nationally and within Pennsylvania. Both occupations
are projected to grow faster than the aggregate rate of growth across all
occupations through 2022. These occupations also have higher percentages of
employees with a bachelor’s or master’s degree, compared to other relevant
occupations. However, occupational projections for Food Service Managers, Lodging
Managers, and Gaming Supervisors are below aggregate rates of growth for all
occupations.
Industry analysts expect the number of casinos within Pennsylvania and
surrounding states to continue to expand through the year 2018. Pending
approval, one new casino would be located in Lawrence County, and another in
Philadelphia. The casino industry in Pennsylvania has rapidly grown but is facing
increased competition from nearby states. Experts suggest that the industry will
need to diversify its offerings to remain competitive. New casinos and diversification
would present more opportunities across Pennsylvania’s hotel, restaurant, and
entertainment industries. Furthermore, graduates of a program such as that under
consideration by Clarion University could pursue opportunities in nearby states.
The most similar programs to those under consideration at Clarion University are
typically called “Hospitality Management” or “Recreation Management” as
opposed to “Entertainment Management.” Entertainment Management degrees
generally focus on training students in the management of artists and entertainers,
which could be an important distinction when communicating with prospective
students and employers.
Other Pennsylvania hospitality management programs integrate coursework,
including in business, with work experience to help students gain industry
knowledge and apply lessons learned in the classroom. For instance, Slippery Rock
University of Pennsylvania and Drexel University both have partnerships with local
and national hospitality businesses. These include resorts, hotels, casinos, cruise
lines, visitor bureaus, and municipal recreation departments. Drexel also trains
students through a student-run restaurant and casino training lab on campus.

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SECTION I: STUDENT DEMAND
In the following section, Hanover Research examines recent undergraduate and graduate
entertainment management degree completions trends to assess the level of student
interest that Clarion University of Pennsylvania might expect from relevant entertainment
management degrees. This section relies on the five most recent years of data available
through the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES).5
The section organizes NCES-designated Classification of Instructional Program (CIP) codes
into the following four groups to assess demand for entertainment management-related
programs:

 Outdoor Recreation: Includes the CIP codes for Natural Resource Recreation and Tourism; Parks,
Recreation and Leisure Facilities Management; and Outdoor Education.

 Food & Lodging Management: Includes the CIP codes for Restaurant, Culinary, and Catering
Management; Hospitality Administration/Management; Hotel/Motel Administration/Management;
Restaurant/Food Services Management; Resort Management; and Hotel, Motel, and Restaurant
Management.

 Meeting and Event Planning: Includes the CIP code for Meeting and Event Planning.
 Casino Management: Includes the CIP code for Casino Management.

Detailed completions data for each relevant CIP codes from 2009 through 2013 are included
in the appendix, alongside a more detailed discussion of the methodology used to assess
demand.

5

See: “IPEDS Data Center.” National Center for Education Statistics. https://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/datacenter/

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NATIONAL COMPLETIONS TRENDS
Figure 1.1 illustrates national bachelor’s degree conferrals across the four CIP groups
analyzed. By far, Food & Lodging Management programs conferred the largest number of
completions across the examined time period, followed by Outdoor Recreation. Far fewer
institutions reported bachelor’s degree conferrals in the more specialized fields of Meeting
& Event Planning and Casino Management. The number of bachelor’s degrees awarded in
Food & Lodging Management increased the most substantially, indicating growing
undergraduate demand in these areas of study. However, all subject groups experienced
steady or positive growth during the past five years.
Figure 1.1: National Bachelor’s Degree Completions Trends
14,000
12,000
Food & Lodging
Management

10,000

Outdoor Recreation

8,000

Meeting & Event
Planning

6,000

Casino Management

4,000
2,000
0

GROUP
Food & Lodging Management
Outdoor Recreation
Meeting & Event Planning
Casino Management
Total

2009

2010

2011

2012

2009
8,872
2,991
11,863

2010
9,451
3,072
287
1
12,811

2011
10,266
2,994
314
2
13,576

2012
11,176
3,098
337
2
14,613

2013
2013
11,657
3,117
390
6
15,170

Source: IPEDS

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At the master’s degree level, no higher education institution reported completions in
Meeting and Event Planning or Casino Management from 2009 to 2013. Likewise, programs
in Food & Lodging Management and Outdoor Recreation are far more common at the
bachelor’s than at the master’s level, illustrated by the higher number of degree
completions in these areas at the bachelor’s level. However, the number of master’s
degrees awarded in both Outdoor Recreation and Food & Lodging Management has
increased over the past five years, as shown below in Figure 1.2.
Figure 1.2: National Master’s Degree Completions Trends
700

600
500
Food & Lodging
Management

400

Outdoor Recreation

300
200
100
0

GROUP
Food & Lodging Management
Outdoor Recreation
Total

2009

2010

2009
400
287
687

2010
459
301
760

2011
2011
531
407
938

2012
2012
538
455
993

2013
2013
597
470
1,067

Source: IPEDS

The following subsections discuss national completions trends by individual CIP grouping in
further detail.

FOOD & LODGING MANAGEMENT
Undergraduate and graduate programs in Food & Lodging Management have seen modest
growth over the past five years, as shown in Figure 1.3 on the following page. Again,
bachelor’s degrees are far more common than master’s degrees in this field. However, the
number of master’s degrees awarded has increased at a slightly faster rate (10.5 percent
per year) than the number of bachelor’s degrees awarded (7.1 percent per year) between
2009 and 2013.

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Hospitality Administration/Management and Hotel/Motel Administration/Management
programs are most popular at the undergraduate level, awarding about 84 percent of
bachelor’s degrees for relevant Food & Lodging Management categories in 2013. However,
these fields have experienced only slight growth in recent years. By contrast, relevant fields
that award a smaller volume of completions, including Restaurant, Culinary, and Catering
Management and Resort Management, grew rapidly between 2009 and 2013. Bachelor’s
level completions for both these fields grew at an annualized rate of over 20 percent during
this period.
The majority of completions at the master’s level were also in the general Hospitality
Administration/Management category, which grew at an annualized rate of nearly 14
percent. On the other hand, master’s degrees classified as Hotel/Motel
Administration/Management remained fairly steady. Master’s programs specializing in the
more niche areas of restaurant or resort management are uncommon.
Figure 1.3: National Food & Lodging Management Degree Completions, 2009-2013
14,000
12,000

11,657

11,176

10,000

10,266
9,451

8,000

8,872
Bachelor's Degrees

6,000

Master's Degrees

4,000
2,000

459

400

531

538

597

0
2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

Source: IPEDS

OUTDOOR RECREATION
Figure 1.4 shows completions trends in Outdoor Recreation over the 2009 to 2013 period.
Though bachelor’s degrees are far more common in this field – IPEDS reports over six times
as many bachelor’s completions as master’s completions in 2013 – bachelor’s degree
conferrals have stayed relatively flat, while master’s degrees have grown at a faster rate.
The growth in master’s degree conferrals is driven primarily by completions in Parks,
Recreation and Leisure Facilities Management, which have increased at an annualized rate
of almost 11 percent. The vast majority of bachelor’s conferrals have also been in Parks,

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Recreation and Leisure Facilities Management, but conferrals have remained steady for the
past five years. Though IPEDS reports few completions in Natural Resource Recreation and
Tourism, the field most closely aligned to ecotourism, the number of bachelor’s degrees
awarded in this category has increased from 33 in 2009 to 62 in 2013. IPEDS reports only
seven master’s degree completions in Natural Resource Recreation and Tourism for the year
2013, indicating that this degree type is not common at the master’s level.
Figure 1.4: National Outdoor Recreation Degree Completions, 2009-2013
3,500
3,117

3,000
2,991

3,072

3,098

2,994

2,500
Bachelor's Degrees

2,000

Master's Degrees

1,500
1,000
500

287

301

407

455

470

0
2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

Source: IPEDS

MEETING AND EVENT PLANNING
As shown in Figure 1.5 on the following page, the number of bachelor’s degree conferrals in
Meeting & Event Planning has increased between 2010 and 2013, growing by more than
100 completions from 2010 to 2013.6 IPEDS reports no master’s degree completions in
Meeting & Event Planning.
As discussed in Section III, meeting and event planning is more often incorporated into
generalized hospitality management degrees. However, several institutions do report
growing completions of “at least one but less than two academic years” and “less than one
academic year.” Therefore, Clarion may wish to further explore programming related to
conference and event planning at the bachelor’s degree or undergraduate certificate level.

6

Because IPEDS introduced the CIP code for Meeting & Event Planning in 2010, institutions did not report
completions under this category in 2009. (CAGR, AAC, and STDEV are not calculated for CIP codes with less than
five years of data.) See: “Detail for CIP Code 52.0907: Meeting and Event Planning.” CIP 2010. Integrated
Postsecondary Education Data System. https://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/cipcode/cipdetail.aspx?y=55&cipid=89319

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Figure 1.5: National Meeting & Event Planning Bachelor’s Degree Completions, 2010-2013
450
400

390

350
300
287

250

337

314

200
150
100
50
0
2010

2011

2012

2013

Source: IPEDS

CASINO MANAGEMENT
Casino Management is a relatively new CIP category, introduced to IPEDS in 2010. As such,
there are few reported bachelor’s degree conferrals in this field – a total of six for 2013
reported by Central Michigan University and National University. A few institutions report
offering associate’s degrees and “awards of less than one academic year” in Casino
Management. However, overall completions are low and fluctuate from year to year,
making it difficult to assess student demand specific to casino management.
No institutions report offering master’s degrees in the field. However, some hospitality
master’s programs, such as Drexel University’s MS in Hospitality Management (profiled in
Section III), include Casino Management as a concentration area.
Figure 1.6: National Casino Management Bachelor’s Degree Completions, 2010-2013
7
6

6

5
4
3
2

2
1
0

1

0
2010

2

2011

2012

2013

Source: IPEDS

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PENNSYLVANIA COMPLETIONS TRENDS
Figure 1.7 shows state-level completions trends in Food & Lodging Management. Again,
bachelor’s degrees far outnumber master’s degrees. The only institutions to report master’s
completions for Hospitality Administration/Management, General, and Hotel/Motel
Administration/Management are Temple University, Widener University, and Drexel
University. These programs appear to be small – each reporting between zero and 11
completions per year between 2009 and 2013.
At the bachelor’s level, degree conferrals have grown most significantly in Restaurant,
Culinary, and Catering Management; Hotel/Motel Administration/Management; and
Restaurant/Food Services Management, though all of these fields are also low volume ones.
Institutions in Pennsylvania reported slight declines in bachelor’s degrees awarded in
Hospitality Administration/Management between 2012 and 2013. However, these programs
also tend to enroll more students. The average number of bachelor’s degrees awarded in
Hospitality Administration/Management in 2013 was 28 and the median was 22. Temple
University, Indiana University of Pennsylvania, and East Stroudsburg University of
Pennsylvania have the largest programs, based on reported completions through IPEDS.
Figure 1.7: Pennsylvania Food & Lodging Management Degree Completions
500

446

450
400
350

401

383

350
349

300
250

Bachelor's Degrees

200

Master's Degrees

150
100
50

8

0

2009

12
2010

11
2011

28
18
2012

2013

Source: IPEDS

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Figure 1.8 shows five-year bachelor’s and master’s degree completions trends in Outdoor
Recreation for the state of Pennsylvania. Following national trends, Outdoor Recreation
programs are far more common at the bachelor’s level than at the master’s level. All
completions are reported under the CIP code for Parks, Recreation and Leisure Facilities
Management, General. Though completions have decreased from 2012 and 2013, total
conferrals have risen slightly between 2009 and 2013.
The majority of bachelor’s degree completions are reported by Pennsylvania State
University – Main Campus, Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania, Lock Haven University,
and East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania. The majority of master’s degree
completions for 2013 are reported by Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania.
Figure 1.8: Pennsylvania Outdoor Recreation Degree Completions, 2009-2013
450
400

391

350

319

300

299

324

310

250

Bachelor's Degrees

200

Master's Degrees

150

100
45

50

16

0
2009

51

18
2010

2011

2012

32
2013

Source: IPEDS

No higher education institutions in Pennsylvania reported conferrals in Meeting & Event
Planning or Casino Management at the bachelor’s or master’s level between 2009 and 2013.
Westmoreland County Community College in Youngwood, Pennsylvania, reported one
“award of less than one academic year” in Casino Management in 2010 but zero awards in
subsequent years.

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SECTION II: LABOR MARKET OUTLOOK
This section begins with an overview of the labor market outlook for occupations related to
entertainment management and concludes with a brief summary of trends within the
Pennsylvania casino and tourism industries.

EMPLOYMENT PROJECTIONS
Using data provided by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ (BLS) Standard Occupational
Classification System (SOC), Hanover identified seven occupations that align with
entertainment management degree programs.7 These include Meeting, Convention, and
Event Planners; Recreation Workers; Travel Guides; Lodging Managers; Gaming Supervisors;
Food Service Managers; and Gaming Mangers. 8 Figure 2.1 shows the educational
attainment for workers 25 years of age and older employed in these fields, based on
national data provided for the years 2010 to 2011.
Figure 2.1: Educational Attainment for Employees in Relevant Fields (Age 25 and Older)
49.1%

Meeting, Convention, and Event Planners

10.0%
35.0%

Recreation Workers

8.6%
33.7%

Travel Guides

9.3%
30.4%

Lodging Managers

Gaming Supervisors

Food Service Managers

Gaming Managers
0.0%
Source: BLS

8.8%
26.1%
5.7%
20.9%
3.3%

Bachelor's Degree
Master's Degree

14.9%
1.8%
10.0%

20.0%

30.0%

40.0%

50.0%

60.0%

9

7

“2010 SOC System.” U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. http://www.bls.gov/soc/#classification
For a more detailed discussion of the methodology used to select these occupations, please see the Appendix.
9
Only bachelor’s and master’s degree attainment are shown. Some of these fields also have moderate to substantial
portions workers age 25 and older with less than a bachelor’s degree. See: “Table 1.11 Educational Attainment for
Workers 25 Years and Older by Detailed Occupation, 2010-11” in “BLS Labor Market Projections (2012-2022).”
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. http://www.bls.gov/emp/
8

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Entertainment, hospitality, and recreation workers have a range of educational
backgrounds, but the bachelor’s degree is the most common level of attainment for
Meeting, Convention, and Event Planners; Recreation Workers; Travel Guides; and
Lodging Managers. However, education below the bachelor’s level is also fairly common in
these industries, particularly for Gaming Managers, Food Service Managers, and Gaming
Supervisors. Clarion University may therefore want to focus the proposed programs on
fields where bachelor’s or master’s level training is more prevalent for related occupations.

NATIONAL EMPLOYMENT PROJECTIONS
Figure 2.2 presents 10-year national employment projections for the seven occupations
identified above. As a whole, these fields are projected to grow at rates consistent with the
national average across all occupations (10.4 percent for selected SOC codes compared to
10.8 percent for all occupations). However, there is a large amount of variance among
individual occupations.
By far, the fastest-growing occupation is Meeting, Convention, and Event Planners, which
the BLS projects will grow at a rate of over 33 percent in the coming decade. Compared to
the other entertainment management fields analyzed, Meeting, Convention, and Event
Planners are also expected to have a large number of job openings (4,400 per year on
average). Recreation Workers is another high growth, high volume occupation. The BLS
projects employment in this field to grow at an above average rate of roughly 14 percent
over the next 10 years, adding 9,000 jobs per year on average.
On the other hand, the BLS expects Food Service Managers and Lodging Managers to grow
at below average rates (under two percent) through 2022. Projections for travel guides are
likewise unfavorable at 3.6 percent. The BLS expects occupations associated with casino
management (Gaming Managers and Gaming Supervisors) to grow at rates slightly below
average (between seven and eight percent).
Figure 2.2: National Entertainment Management Employment Projections, 2012-2022
(numbers in thousands)
EMPLOYMENT
OCCUPATION
Total, All Occupations (U.S.)
11.9051 Food Service Managers
11.9071 Gaming Managers
11.9081 Lodging Managers
13.1121 Meeting, Convention,
and Event Planners
39.1011 Gaming Supervisors
39.7012 Travel Guides
39.9032 Recreation Workers
Total, All Relevant Occupations

2012

2022

NUMBER
CHANGE

145,355.8
321.4
4.8
50.4

160,983.7
326.5
5.2
51.1

15,628.0
5.0
0.4
0.7

10.8%
1.6%
7.5%
1.4%

AVERAGE
ANNUAL
OPENINGS
5,055.7
6.2
0.1
1.6

94.2

125.4

31.3

33.2%

4.4

38.5
5.7
345.4
860.4

41.6
5.9
394.4
950.1

3.1
0.2
49.0
89.7

8.2%
3.6%
14.2%
10.4%

1.1
0.3
9.0
22.7

PERCENT
CHANGE

Source: BLS

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PENNSYLVANIA EMPLOYMENT PROJECTIONS
State-level occupational projections provided by the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and
Industry are shown in Figure 2.3. Labor market trends for Pennsylvania largely reflect those
observed at the national level. Meeting, Convention, and Event Planners are expected to
see the strongest growth through 2022, with an average of 121 new job openings per year.
Recreation workers are also expected to see above average growth through the 10-year
period for which projections are available.
However, employment growth for Food Service Managers and Lodging Managers is slower
at the state level than nationally, with no expected growth in the state between 2012 and
2022 for these occupations. Gaming Supervisors are also expected to grow at a rate below
the aggregate rate of growth across all occupations in the state, adding only 15 job openings
per year. However, current state occupational projections do not take into account the new
jobs that would be created if the new conference centers or casinos, such as that proposed
to be built in Clarion, Pennsylvania. The following subsection discusses general trends in
Pennsylvania’s casino industry to provide a more nuanced picture of potential local
employment opportunities.
Figure 2.3: Pennsylvania Entertainment Management Employment Projections, 2012-2022
EMPLOYMENT
SOC CODE*
Total, All Occupations (PA)
11.9051 Food Service Managers
11.9081 Lodging Managers
13.1121 Meeting, Convention, and
Event Planners
39.1011 Gaming Supervisors
39.7012 Travel Guides
39.9032 Recreation Workers
Total, All Relevant Occupations

2012

2022

NUMBER
CHANGE

6,046,560
8,150
1,260

6,514,500
8,210
1,260

467,940
60
0

7.7%
0.7%
0.0%

AVERAGE
ANNUAL
OPENINGS
193,368
152
39

2,840

3,660

820

28.9%

121

650
200
12,010
25,110

670
200
13,490
27,490

20
0
1,480
2,380

3.1%
0.0%
12.3%
9.5%

15
10
290
627

PERCENT
CHANGE

Source: Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry10
*Pennsylvania does not publish occupational projections for Gaming Managers.

CASINOS
Pennsylvania currently operates 10 stand-alone and racetrack casinos as well as two resort
casinos, which employ a combined total of 17,768 workers.11 Over 2,500 of these workers
are Executive/Management/Professional staff, the majority (62 percent) of which is male.12
Industry analysts expect the number of casinos within Pennsylvania, as well as in New York,
Ohio, and Maryland, to continue to expand through 2018.13 If approved, two of these
10

“Long-Term Occupational Employment Projections.” Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry.
http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt?open=514&objID=814813&mode=2
11
“2013-2014 Annual Report.” Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board, p. 5.
http://gamingcontrolboard.pa.gov/files/communications/2013-2014_PGCB_Annual_Report.pdf
12
Ibid.
13
“The Current Condition and Future Viability of Casino Gaming in Pennsylvania.” Econsultant Solutions, May 2014. p.
7. http://www.econsultsolutions.com/wp-content/uploads/PA-Gaming-Report-from-ESI_May-6.pdf

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casinos would be located in Lawrence County (casino and racetrack) and Philadelphia
(casino, hotel, and restaurants), with a third casino slot authorized for licensure by the
Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board in 2017.14
Pennsylvania’s casino industry has seen strong growth in recent years. In 2012, Pennsylvania
generated more revenue in casino sales than any other state except for Nevada.15 However,
industry analysts also note that this growth has “declined slightly” since 2013, primarily due
to increased competition from surrounding states.16 New casinos in Ohio, for instance, have
taken market share from casinos located in the Pittsburgh area.
Analysts say the industry is now “stable” within Pennsylvania but that to compete in an
increasingly saturated market, casinos should look to incorporate lodging, residential, and
retail development. 17 The Meadows Racetrack & Casino, located in Washington,
Pennsylvania, recently built a 155-room luxury hotel on its property, for instance. William
Thompson, an academic who studies the casino industry, emphasizes that Pennsylvania will
need to diversify its casinos by offering “entertainment options outside of gambling.”18
Gambling accounts for only 45 percent of casino revenue in Las Vegas, compared to roughly
90 percent in Pennsylvania.19 If new and existing casinos diversify, this could present more
opportunities for Pennsylvania’s hotel, restaurant, and entertainment industries as well.
Figure 2.4 shows trends in gaming revenue between July 2014 and July 2015 for the 12
casinos operating in Pennsylvania.
Figure 2.4: Gaming Revenue Trends for Pennsylvania Casinos, July 2014-2015
CASINO

COUNTY (PA)

Sands Casino Resort Bethlehem
Lady Luck Casino Nemacolin
Parx Casino
Valley Forge Casino Resort
Mount Airy Casino Resort
Hollywood Casino at Penn National
The Meadows Casino
Mohegan Sun Pocono
SugarHouse Casino
Harrah’s Philadelphia
The Rivers Casino
Presque Isle Downs and Casino

Northampton
Fayette
Bucks
Montgomery
Monroe
Dauphin
Washington
Luzeme
Philadelphia
Delaware
Allegheny
Erie

TOTAL GAMING REVENUE
JULY 2014
JULY 2015
$38,847,080
$46,113,151
$3,068,708
$3,408,883
$41,441,293
$45,944,253
$9,066,579
$9,998,585
$16,399,197
$17,764,290
$20,788,392
$21,980,434
$22,261,079
$23,048,773
$22,966,826
$23,635,916
$21,521,161
$22,055,185
$23,872,939
$24,008,068
$29,944,479
$30,045,582
$12,347,942
$12,173,654

% CHANGE
18.7%
11.1%
10.9%
10.3%
8.3%
5.7%
3.5%
2.9%
2.5%
0.6%
0.3%
-1.4%

Source: Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board20

14

Ibid., pp. 14-15.
Cato, J. “Once novelty, casinos throughout Pennsylvania ‘surrounded by gators.’” Trib Live News, July 11, 2015.
http://triblive.com/news/allegheny/8617204-74/casino-casinos-gambling#axzz3kVzIkJkE
16
[1] “The Current Condition and Future Viability of Casino Gaming in Pennsylvania,” Op. cit., p. 7. [2] Cato, Op. cit.
17
Cato, Op. cit.
18
Ibid.
19
Ibid.
20
“PA Table Game Revenue Increases More than 13% in July.” Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board, August 18, 2015.
http://gamingcontrolboard.pa.gov/?pr=630
15

© 2015 Hanover Research

16

Hanover Research | September 2015

SECTION III: COMPETITOR PROFILES
This section includes detailed profiles of degree offerings in entertainment and hospitality
management at Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania and Drexel University. These
institutions were chosen for their proximity to Clarion University of Pennsylvania as well as
the relevancy of their programs. These profiles intend to provide Clarion with an
understanding of the organizational structure, curricula, and employment opportunities
associated with similar programs at potential local competitors.
Notably, in scanning relevant local programs, Hanover found the degrees most similar to
Clarion University’s proposal to be titled “Hospitality Management” or “Recreation
Management” as opposed to “Entertainment Management.” Entertainment Management
degrees generally focus on training students in the management of artists and entertainers,
which could be an important distinction when communicating with prospective students
and employers.

SLIPPERY ROCK UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA
A mid-sized public university located within 50 miles of Clarion, Slippery Rock University of
Pennsylvania (Slippery Rock) could serve as a potential competitor for Clarion University’s
proposed entertainment management program.21 Slippery Rock offers a Bachelor of Science
in Resort Recreation and Hospitality Management through its College of Business,
Information, and Social Sciences. The BS is marketed as a broad-based degree, which spans
the sectors of “sustainable hospitality and planning, ecotourism, event programming and
leadership, meeting and event planning, and hotel and restaurant management.”22 Through
coursework and work experiences, students are expected to graduate with the following
skills:23

 Quality written and verbal communication skills as applied to hospitality/tourism and guest relations.
 Competency in business skills needed to manage related departments within the hospitality/tourism
industry.

 Knowledge of the historical perspective of the hospitality and tourism industry to ongoing social,
cultural, and political policies or constraints.

 Competency in administration, programming, event and meeting planning skills related to the
hospitality and tourism industry.

 Professional values and behavior within the field of hospitability and tourism.
 Competency in sustainable hospitality and tourism practices.
 Competency in planning and evaluating hospitality and tourism facilities.
21

See: “Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania.” College Navigator. National Center for Education Statistics.
https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?q=Slippery+Rock+University+of+Pennsylvania&s=all&id=216038
22
“Resort Recreation and Hospitality Management.” Majors and Minors. Slippery Rock University.
http://www.sru.edu/academics/majors-and-minors/resort-recreation-and-hospitality-management
23
Bullet points taken verbatim with some modification from: “Program Outcomes” in “Hospitality, Event
Management and Tourism.” Slippery Rock University. http://www.sru.edu/academics/colleges-anddepartments/cob/departments/hospitality-event-management-and-tourism

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17

Hanover Research | September 2015

Figure 3.1 presents recent enrollments in Slippery Rock’s hospitality management
program.24 As shown, the number of undergraduate majors per year generally fluctuates
between roughly 50 and 90 students.
Figure 3.1: Hospitality Management Enrollment Trends, Slippery Rock University
Year (Fall)
Undergraduate Majors

2010
92

2011
90

2012
73

2013
46

2014
86

Source: Slippery Rock University25

CURRICULUM
The BS in Resort Recreation and Hospitality Management consists of 60 credit hours of
coursework. Additionally, Slippery Rock “highly recommends” a minor in business
administration to teach students the “day-to-day operations” of careers in hospitality and
event management.26 Figure 3.2 below lists coursework required for the major.
Figure 3.2: Curriculum, BS in Resort Recreation and Hospitality Management
Core Courses

Additional Required Courses

 Introduction to Hospitality, Event
Management, and Tourism (HEMT)








Sustainability in the Hospitality Industry
Ecotourism
Public Relations for HEMT
Programming and Leadership for HEMT
Sustainable Planning for Tourism
Management of Hospitality and Tourism
Facilities

 Administration for Hospitality, Event
Management, and Tourism

 Internship in HEMT (12 credits)
 Principles of Commercial
Recreation/Tourism







Commercial Recreational Feasibility Studies
Resort Recreation Programming
Hotel/Lodging & Hospitality Management
Meeting Planning & Tournament Structure
Principles of Marketing

 Practicum in HEMT
 Challenges and Trends in HEMT
Source: Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania27

Slippery Rock emphasizes practical experience as part of the major. For this reason,
students are required to complete a Practicum in Hospitality Event Management and
Tourism (HEMT), along with a 12-week internship in “an appropriate aspect of hospitality,
24

Drexel categorizes both the BS and MS in Hospitality Management under the CIP code 52.0904 (Hotel/Motel
Administration/Management
25
“Full & Part-time by College, Department, Majors & Ethnicity.” Slippery Rock University Factbook, Fall 2010-Fall
2014. http://www.sru.edu/offices/prma/reports
26
[1] “Hospitality, Event Management & Tourism.” College of Business, Information and Social Sciences. Slippery Rock
University. http://www.sru.edu/Documents/programs/factsheets/undergraduate/hemt-fs.pdf [2] “Resort
Recreation and Hospitality Management,” Op. cit.
27
“Resort, Recreation and Hospitality Management (BS).” 2014-2016 Undergraduate Catalog. Slippery Rock
University. http://catalog.sru.edu/preview_program.php?catoid=24&poid=3752&returnto=467

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18

Hanover Research | September 2015

event management, resort or municipal recreation or tourism work.”28 The three-credit
practicum and 12-credit internship typically occur during the summer of students’ junior
and senior years, respectively. Though not required, the department of Hospitality, Event
Management and Tourism “highly recommends” majors to complete additional work
experiences during their first and second years.29
To facilitate internship placements, Slippery Rock has formed cooperative agreements with
“a variety of resorts, hotels, cruise lines, Visitor and Convention Bureaus, country clubs,
arenas, YMCA’s, municipal recreation departments, and campgrounds.”30 Professors are
available to assist students in identifying placements aligned with their career goals.
Students may also become involved in Slippery Rock’s Resort Recreation Club, which hosts
professional speakers and service-learning projects.31 The Club also teaches networking and
professional skills specific to the hospitality and tourism industry.32

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES
As a generalized degree, the BS in Resort Recreation and Hospitality Management provides
students with varied career opportunities in the “growing resort recreation, hospitality,
event management, and tourism industry.”33 Specifically, graduates have gone on to pursue
careers as event planners, front desk managers, municipal recreation directors conference
service managers, and resort recreation managers, among other positions.34 The degree is
marketed as preparing students to work in a variety of tourism and entertainment settings,
which might include:35






Amusement/theme parks
Casinos
Country Clubs
Visitor and Convention Bureaus






Cruise Lines
Destination Campgrounds
Gated Communities

 Hotels
 Public Recreation Agencies
 Ski and Golf Resorts

YMCAs

28

See: “HEMT 450 – Internship in HEMT” in “Resort, Recreation and Hospitality Management (BS).” 2014-2016
Undergraduate Catalog. Slippery Rock University.
http://catalog.sru.edu/preview_program.php?catoid=24&poid=3752&returnto=467
29
“Internships.” Hospitality, Event Management and Tourism. Slippery Rock University.
http://www.sru.edu/academics/colleges-and-departments/cob/departments/hospitality-event-managementand-tourism/internships
30
“Resort, Recreation and Hospitality Management (BS).” 2014-2016 Undergraduate Catalog, Op. cit.
31
“Hospitality, Event Management & Tourism,” Op. cit.
32
Ibid.
33
Ibid.
34
[1] “Resort Recreation and Hospitality Management,” Op. cit. [2] “Hospitality, Event Management and Tourism,”
Op. cit.
35
“Resort Recreation and Hospitality Management,” Op. cit.

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Hanover Research | September 2015

Local Pennsylvania employers that have provided internship and entry-level positions to
Slippery Rock graduates include:





Upper Saint Clair Township Recreation
Nemacolin Woodlands Resort & Spa




Visit Pittsburg
Cranberry Township Recreation

Butler County Tourism

DREXEL UNIVERSITY
Drexel University, a large, four-year, private university located in Philadelphia, offers a more
comprehensive set of Hospitality and Tourism Management degrees, minors, and
certificates than Slippery Rock University.36 Additionally, Drexel offers various programs
specific to Gaming and Casino Operations.

HOSPITALITY MANAGEMENT
Drexel University offers both an onsite Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management and a
fully online Master of Science in Hospitality Management through its Center for Hospitality
and Sports Management.37 Both hospitality management programs are intended to prepare
graduates for “leadership positions in the lodging, food service, and tourism and gaming
industries.”38
The BS in Hospitality Management is a five-year program that includes three six-month
cooperative education experiences in which students combine full-time employment with
coursework.39 The program also features a student-run restaurant and casino training lab on
campus as well as partnerships with local and international hospitality organizations.40 As
part of the degree, students specialize in one of four hospitality concentration areas and
minor in one of three business areas. These options are listed in Figure 3.3 on the following
page.

36

[1] “Drexel University.” College Navigator. National Center for Education Statistics.
https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?q=Drexel+University&s=all&id=212054 [2] “Hospitality and Tourism
Management.” Center for Hospitality and Sports Management. Drexel University.
http://drexel.edu/hsm/academics/Hospitality-and-Tourism/
37
“Academic Overview.” Center for Hospitality and Sports Management. Drexel University.
http://drexel.edu/hsm/academics/overview/
38
“Hospitality Management.” Drexel University Undergraduate Catalog 2015-2016.
http://catalog.drexel.edu/undergraduate/centerforhospitalityandsportmanagement/hospitalitymanagement/
39
[1] “Curriculum.” BS in Hospitality Management. Drexel University. http://drexel.edu/hsm/academics/Hospitalityand-Tourism/BS-in-Hospitality-Management/Curriculum/ [2] “Cooperative Education.” Bachelor of Science in
Hospitality Management. http://drexel.edu/hsm/academics/Hospitality-and-Tourism/BS-in-HospitalityManagement/Cooperative-Education/
40
“Features.” BS in Hospitality Management. Drexel University. http://drexel.edu/hsm/academics/Hospitality-andTourism/BS-in-Hospitality-Management/Features/

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Hanover Research | September 2015

Figure 3.3: Drexel University BS in Hospitality Management
Concentrations and Business Minors
CONCENTRATION AREAS (SELECT ONE)






Food and Beverage Management
Gaming and Resort Management
Travel and Tourism
Hotel Administration

BUSINESS MINORS (SELECT ONE)

 Business Administration
 Marketing
 Entrepreneurship

Source: Drexel University41

To provide students with additional flexibility, Drexel also offers the BS as a four-year option
with one co-op experience, a four plus one BS/MBA combined degree, a full-time evening
option, and a part-time option. The evening option is designed for students with at least
one year of college experience and two years of related full-time work experience.42
The MS in Hospitality Management is a fully online, two-year degree “ideal for industry
professionals interested in rapid career advancement.” 43 It prepares graduates for
leadership position in hotels and resorts, gaming and casino operations, convention
services, or event planning.44 Students may concentrate in either Global Tourism or Gaming
and Casino Management. MS applicants are required to have a minimum undergraduate
GPA of 3.0 and submit two letters of recommendation along with a resume and personal
essay.45 Figure 3.4 on the following page lists core and concentration requirements for the
master’s degree.

41

“Hospitality Management.” Drexel University Undergraduate Catalog 2015-2016,” Op. cit. For complete curriculum,
see: “Hospitality Management: Degree Requirements.” Drexel University Catalog 2015-2016.
http://catalog.drexel.edu/undergraduate/centerforhospitalityandsportmanagement/hospitalitymanagement/#de
greerequirementstext
42
“Hospitality Management: Program Delivery Options.” Drexel University Undergraduate Catalog 2015-2016.
http://catalog.drexel.edu/undergraduate/centerforhospitalityandsportmanagement/hospitalitymanagement/#pr
ogramdeliverytext
43
“Curriculum.” MS in Hospitality Management. Drexel University. http://drexel.edu/hsm/academics/Hospitality-andTourism/MS-in-Hospitality-Management/Curriculum/
44
“Career Opportunities.” Master of Science in Hospitality Management. Drexel University.
http://drexel.edu/hsm/academics/Hospitality-and-Tourism/MS-in-Hospitality-Management/CareerOpportunties/
45
“Hospitality Management: Admission Requirements.” Drexel University Catalog 2015-2016.
http://catalog.drexel.edu/graduate/centerforhospitalityandsportmanagement/hospitalitymanagement/#admissio
nrequirementstext

© 2015 Hanover Research

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Hanover Research | September 2015

Figure 3.4: Curriculum, MS in Hospitality Management
College of Professional Studies Core Courses






Foundations in Creativity
Introduction to Project Management
Ethics for Professionals
Research Methods & Statistics

Global Tourism








Hospitality Management Required Courses









Foundations of the Hospitality Industry









Destination and Resort Management

Customer Service for Professionals
Hospitality Management Information Systems
Hospitality Human Resource Management
Strategic Management & Leadership in Hospitality
Research Project in Hospitality Management

Elective
Concentrations (choose four courses from one concentration area)
Gaming and Casino Management

Destination and Resort Management
Economics of Tourism
The Global Tourism System
Tourism and Sustainability
Tourism Development
Tourism Marketing and Branding

Gaming Information Systems
Current Issues in Gaming
Casino Financial Analysis
Security and Risk Management
Tribal Gaming Management
Casino Marketing

Source: Drexel University46

Figure 3.5 presents recent completions for Drexel’s BS and MS degrees in Hospitality
Management, as reported by IPEDS. 47 Completions in Drexel’s BS in Hospitality
Management have generally increased over the past five years, though the program is
relatively small – typically graduating between 10 and 15 students per year. The MS degree
is less popular, graduating between five and 10 students per year.
Figure 3.5: Hospitality Management Completions, Drexel University, 2010-2014
Degree Level
Bachelor’s
Master’s

2010
3
-

2011
10
-

2012
14
10

2013
12
5

2014
15
6

CAGR
49.5%
--

AAC
3
--

STDEV
3
--

Source: IPEDS

GAMING AND CASINO OPERATIONS/MANAGEMENT
In addition to the Gaming and Resort Management and Gaming and Casino Management
concentrations within the BS and MS programs, Drexel University also offers minors and
certificates in Gaming and Casino Operations.

46

“Hospitality Management: Degree Requirements.” Drexel University Graduate Catalog 2015-2016.
http://catalog.drexel.edu/graduate/centerforhospitalityandsportmanagement/hospitalitymanagement/#degreer
equirementsmstext
47
Drexel categories both the BS and MS in Hospitality Management under the CIP code 52.0904 (Hotel/Motel
Administration/Management), see: [1] “Hospitality Management.” Drexel University Graduate Catalog, Op. cit. [2]
“Hospitality Management.” Drexel University Undergraduate Catalog 2015-2016, Op. cit.

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Hanover Research | September 2015

The Minor in Gaming and Casino Operations is intended for students “interested in a career
in the casino industry or for existing casino employees looking to advance to higher levels of
management.”48 The 24-credit minor requires the following courses:49






Introduction to the Hospitality Industry
Hotel Rooms Division Management
Resort Management

 Gaming Legislation, Policy, and Law
 Gaming Information Systems
 Current Issues in Gaming

Gaming and Casino Management I & II

Drexel previously offered online graduate and undergraduate certificates in Gaming and
Casino Operations as well. However, program materials indicate that as of fall 2014,
students are no longer being accepted into either certificate program.50
The Gaming and Resort Management concentration within Drexel’s BS in Hospitality
Management provides students with similar skillsets. The 15-credit concentration is
equivalent to the minor with the addition of a course in Security and Loss Prevention.51 The
concentration includes practice on “live” slot machines, casino visits, and lectures from
industry experts.52

48

“Minor in Gaming and Casino Operations.” Drexel University Catalog 2015-2016.
http://drexel.edu/hsm/academics/Hospitality-and-Tourism/Minor-Gaming-and-Casino-Operations/
49
Ibid.
50
For more information on the certificate programs, see: [1] “Undergraduate Certificate in Gaming and Casino
Operations.” Drexel University Center for Hospitality & Sports Management.
http://drexel.edu/hsm/academics/Hospitality-and-Tourism/Certificates-in-Gaming-and-CasinoOperations/Undergraduate%20Certificate%20in%20Gaming/ [2] “Graduate Certificate in Gaming and Casino
Operations.” http://drexel.edu/hsm/academics/Hospitality-and-Tourism/Certificates-in-Gaming-and-CasinoOperations/Graduate%20Certificate%20in%20Gaming/
51
“Hospitality Management: Degree Requirements.” Drexel University Undergraduate Catalog 2015-2016.
http://catalog.drexel.edu/undergraduate/centerforhospitalityandsportmanagement/hospitalitymanagement/#de
greerequirementstext
52
“Concentrations: Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management,” Op. cit.

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Hanover Research | September 2015

APPENDIX: METHODOLOGY DETAILS
STUDENT DEMAND
To track trends in degree conferrals, Section I of this report presents data for the academic
years ending in 2009 through 2013 as compiled by the NCES’s Integrated Postsecondary
Education Data System. The NCES uses a taxonomic system of numeric codes, known as the
Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP), to classify higher education programs.53 All
institutions of higher education that receive or apply for federal funding are required to
submit conferral data, sorted by award level and CIP code, to the NCES’s Integrated
Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). Year-to-year trends in completions are
analyzed in terms of compound annual growth rate (CAGR), average annual change (AAC),
and standard deviation (STDEV):





CAGR reflects the percentage growth that would occur each year if the same change
occurred yearly between the first year and the final year. It gives an impression of a
theoretical, steady growth rate.
AAC is determined by calculating the average year-to-year difference. It allows for
an analysis of directional trends and volume, to an extent, as CIPs with very large
completion numbers and higher growth generally have larger AACs.
STDEV highlights the variation or “dispersion” that exists from the AAC. It provides a
metric to understand variance between the AAC and the actual year-to-year change.

An analysis of these three metrics provides insight into the magnitude of completions
growth, as well as the consistency of growth over time. To avoid misrepresenting trends,
the metrics are only calculated where at least five years’ data are available. Note that a “0”
indicates that institutions reported relevant programs but did not award degrees in a given
year, whereas a “-” indicates that no institutions reported offering a relevant program in a
given year.
One limitation to note is that individual institutions are able to classify academic degrees as
they see fit. Although each CIP code has a distinct description, individual institutions may
classify similar degree programs under different CIP codes. To mitigate this limitation,
Hanover examined multiple relevant CIP categories for this report.

53

“IPEDS Data Center,” Op. cit.

© 2015 Hanover Research

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Hanover Research | September 2015

Figures A.1 through A.10 below present five-year bachelor’s and master’s degree
completions trends by individual CIP code according to the groupings used in Section I.

BACHELOR’S DEGREE COMPLETIONS
NATIONAL
Figure A.1: National Food & Lodging Management Bachelor’s Degree Conferrals,
2009-2013
CIP CODE
12.0504 Restaurant, Culinary,
and Catering
Management/Manager
52.0901 Hospitality
Administration/Management,
General
52.0904 Hotel/Motel
Administration/Management
52.0905 Restaurant/Food
Services Management
52.0906 Resort Management
52.0909 Hotel, Motel, and
Restaurant Management
Total

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

CAGR

AAC

STDEV

271

405

616

644

704

27.0%

108

71

6,020

6,358

6,819

7,351

7,706

6.4%

422

79

1,909

1,962

2,042

2,158

2,088

2.3%

45

70

559

571

638

722

816

9.9%

64

32

113

150

140

175

238

20.5%

31

26

-

5

11

126

105

--

--

--

8,872

9,451

10,266

11,176

11,657

7.1%

696

173

Source: IPEDS

Figure A.2: National Outdoor Recreation Bachelor’s Degree Conferrals, 2009-2013
CIP CODE
3.0207 Natural
Resource Recreation
and Tourism
31.0301 Parks,
Recreation and Leisure
Facilities Management,
General
31.0601 Outdoor
Education
Total

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

CAGR

AAC

STDEV

-

33

57

33

62

--

--

--

2,991

2,975

2,893

3,006

2,980

-0.1%

-3

71

-

64

44

59

75

--

--

--

2,991

3,072

2,994

3,098

3,117

1.0%

32

70

Source: IPEDS

Figure A.3: National Meeting and Event Planning Bachelor’s Degree Conferrals, 2009-2013
CIP CODE
52.0907 Meeting and
Event Planning

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

CAGR

AAC

STDEV

-

287

314

337

390

--

--

--

Source: IPEDS

© 2015 Hanover Research

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Hanover Research | September 2015

Figure A.4: National Casino Management Bachelor’s Degree Conferrals, 2009-2013
CIP CODE
52.0908 Casino
Management

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

CAGR

AAC

STDEV

-

1

2

2

6

--

--

--

Source: IPEDS

PENNSYLVANIA
Figure A.5: Pennsylvania Food & Lodging Management Bachelor’s Degree Conferrals,
2009-2013
CIP CODE
12.0504 Restaurant, Culinary,
and Catering
Management/Manager
52.0901 Hospitality
Administration/Management,
General
52.0904 Hotel/Motel
Administration/Management
52.0905 Restaurant/Food
Services Management
52.0906 Resort Management
52.0909 Hotel, Motel, and
Restaurant Management
Total

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

CAGR

AAC

STDEV

43

51

74

75

81

17.2%

10

8

301

280

280

344

284

-1.4%

-4

45

3

8

14

17

16

52.0%

3

3

3

10

14

10

15

49.5%

3

4

-

-

-

-

5

--

--

--

-

-

1

-

-

--

--

--

350

349

383

446

401

3.5%

13

40

Source: IPEDS

Figure A.6: Pennsylvania Outdoor Recreation Bachelor’s Degree Conferrals, 2009-2013
CIP CODE
3.0207 Natural
Resource Recreation
and Tourism
31.0301 Parks,
Recreation and Leisure
Facilities Management,
General
31.0601 Outdoor
Education
Total

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

CAGR

AAC

STDEV

-

-

-

-

-

--

--

--

299

319

310

391

324

2.0%

6

53

-

-

-

-

0

--

--

--

299

319

310

391

324

2.0%

6

53

Source: IPEDS

*No Pennsylvania institution reported completions in either Meeting and Event Planning
(CIP 52.0907) or Casino Management (CIP 52.0908) during the 2009 to 2013 time period.

© 2015 Hanover Research

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Hanover Research | September 2015

MASTER’S DEGREE COMPLETIONS
NATIONAL
Figure A.7: Food & Lodging Management Master’s Degree Conferrals, 2009-2013
CIP CODE
52.0901 Hospitality
Administration/Management,
General
52.0904 Hotel/Motel
Administration/Management
52.0905 Restaurant/Food
Services Management
Total

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

CAGR

AAC

STDEV

279

314

413

430

468

13.8%

47

31

120

143

118

108

127

1.4%

2

20

1

2

-

-

2

--

--

--

400

459

531

538

597

10.5%

49

25

Source: IPEDS

Figure A.8: Outdoor Recreation Master’s Degree Conferrals, 2009-2013
CIP CODE
3.0207 Natural
Resource Recreation
and Tourism
31.0301 Parks,
Recreation and Leisure
Facilities Management,
General
31.0601 Outdoor
Education
Total

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

CAGR

AAC

STDEV

-

-

-

-

7

--

--

--

287

279

379

427

432

10.8%

36

42

-

22

28

28

31

--

--

--

287

301

407

455

470

13.1%

46

37

Source: IPEDS

*No institution reported completions in either Meeting and Event Planning (CIP 52.0907) or
Casino Management (CIP 52.0908) during the 2009 to 2013 time period.

© 2015 Hanover Research

27

Hanover Research | September 2015

PENNSYLVANIA
Figure A.9: Pennsylvania Food & Lodging Management Master’s Degree Conferrals,
2009-2013
CIP CODE
12.0504 Restaurant, Culinary,
and Catering
Management/Manager
52.0901 Hospitality
Administration/Management,
General
52.0904 Hotel/Motel
Administration/Management
52.0905 Restaurant/Food
Services Management
52.0906 Resort Management
52.0909 Hotel, Motel, and
Restaurant Management
Total

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

CAGR

AAC

STDEV

-

-

-

-

-

--

--

--

8

12

11

18

13

12.9%

1

5

-

-

-

10

5

--

--

--

-

-

-

-

-

--

--

--

-

-

-

-

-

--

--

--

-

-

-

-

-

--

--

--

8

12

11

28

18

22.5%

3

10

Source: IPEDS

Figure A.10: Pennsylvania Outdoor Recreation Master’s Degree Conferrals, 2009-2013
CIP CODE
3.0207 Natural
Resource Recreation
and Tourism
31.0301 Parks,
Recreation and Leisure
Facilities Management,
General
31.0601 Outdoor
Education
Total

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

CAGR

AAC

STDEV

-

-

-

-

-

--

--

--

16

18

45

51

32

18.9%

4

16

-

-

-

-

-

--

--

--

16

18

45

51

32

18.9%

4

16

Source: IPEDS

*No Pennsylvania institution reported completions in either Meeting and Event Planning
(CIP 52.0907) or Casino Management (CIP 52.0908) during the 2009 to 2013 time period.

LABOR MARKET DEMAND
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and state departments of labor follow a similar
classification process to that of the NCES and its CIP codes. Just as CIP codes identify
particular types of degree programs, Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) codes
identify particular occupations. When constructing labor market assessments, Hanover uses
the CIP-SOC Crosswalk, provided by the NCES,54 to identify SOC codes related to the
academic fields of interest. Using this method, Hanover identified several occupational
54

“Resources: 2000-2010 CIP Conversion.” National Center for Education Statistics.
http://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/cipcode/resources.aspx?y=55

© 2015 Hanover Research

28

Hanover Research | September 2015

classifications for graduates with degrees in food and lodging; meeting and event planning;
and casino management. Hanover also included the SOC codes most closely aligned to
outdoor recreation and ecotourism. Note, that Hanover excluded occupations for which less
than 20 percent of current workers hold bachelor’s are master’s degrees. A full list of the
SOC codes analyzed in Section II of this report, along with definitions, is provided in Figure
A.11.
Figure A.11: SOC Titles and Descriptions
SOC CODE

SOC TITLE

11.9051

Food Service Managers

11.9071

Gaming Managers

11.9081

Lodging Managers

13.1121

Meeting, Convention, and
Event Planners

39.1011

Gaming Supervisors

39.7012

Travel Guides

39.9032

Recreation Workers

DESCRIPTION
Plan, direct, or coordinate activities of an organization or
department that serves food and beverages. Excludes
"Chefs and Head Cooks.” (e.g., food service director,
banquet director, tavern operator)
Plan, direct, or coordinate gaming operations in a casino.
May formulate house rules. (e.g., table games manager,
slot operations director, casino manager)
Plan, direct, or coordinate activities of an organization or
department that provides lodging and other
accommodations. (e.g., hotel manager, innkeeper, bed and
breakfast innkeeper)
Coordinate activities of staff, convention personnel, or
clients to make arrangements for group meetings, events,
or conventions. (e.g., conference planner, wedding
planner, corporate meeting planner)
Supervise and coordinate activities of workers in assigned
gaming areas. Circulate among tables and observe
operations. Ensure that stations and games are covered for
each shift. May explain and interpret operating rules of
house to patrons. May plan and organize activities and
services for guests in hotels/casinos. May address service
complaints. Excludes "Slot Supervisors.” (e.g., table games
supervisor, pit boss, cardroom supervisor).
Plan, organize, and conduct long distance travel, tours, and
expeditions for individuals and groups. (e.g., river
expedition guide, cruise director)
Conduct recreation activities with groups in public, private,
or volunteer agencies or recreation facilities. Organize and
promote activities, such as arts and crafts, sports, games,
music, dramatics, social recreation, camping, and hobbies,
taking into account the needs and interests of individual
members. (e.g., activities aid, camp counselor)

Source: BLS

© 2015 Hanover Research

29

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