Working with Rush Street Gaming, the Schenectady County Community College created a degree program to coincide with the new Rivers Casino and Resort that is currently under construction. The resort will open in 2017 and is located a short distance from the local college, after owners invest $330 million into the project. The college will be offering a business administration-casino program, with this being the second degree program that would fall into the category of casino gaming.

According to the Academic Affairs Vice President, Penny Haynes, the college has spoken to Rush Street Gaming and they would like to see a program added that focuses on business finance and casinos. The program was modeled after the business administrative option with changes. The first degree involving casino gaming offered by the college is the casino and gaming management program which is set to receive a new name. The current curriculum of the community college will prepare students to graduate and find employment at casinos in the finance, accounting and other business areas.

The business administration-casino program was approved earlier this week and will now need to gain the approval of the education department of the state as well as the State University of New York. With the current program being offered, the casino and gaming management program, there are around 60 students enrolled. Once the Rivers Casino and Resort is opened, around 1,200 employment positions will be available, with the potential for graduates of the program to gain employment.