Which Schools Offer Online Degrees in Event Planning?

<p>Graduates of event planning degree programs often work for corporations, major hotel chains, convention centers, trade associations, and event planning firms. Online courses in event planning may lead to an associate's degree, bachelor's degree, or certificate. </p> <h3 id="section---ImportantFactsAboutThisAreaOfStudy">Important Facts About This Area of Study</h3> <p /> <table border="1"><tr><td> Programs </td><td> Online Certificate in Meeting &amp; Event Management</td></tr> <tr><td> Prerequisites </td><td> Required coursework or relevant experience</td></tr> <tr><td> Online Availability </td><td> Hybrid and online programs are available</td></tr> <tr><td> Possible Careers </td><td> Account executive for a service contractor, association meeting planner, catering sales manager, corporate meeting planner, hotel convention sales manager, hotel convention service manager, special events manager, tour and travel sales manager, wedding planner</td></tr> <tr><td> Median Salary (2021) </td><td> $49,470 (<i>for meeting, convention, and event planners</i>)*</td></tr> <tr><td> Job Outlook (2021-2031)</td><td> 18% (<i>for meeting, convention, and event planners</i>)*</td></tr> </table><p><i>Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics</i> </p> <h3 id="section---EdmondsCommunityCollege">Edmonds Community College</h3> <p>The online Associate of Technical Arts in Event Planning program offered by Edmonds Community College in Lynnwood, WA, requires the completion of 94 credits. Students must maintain an overall 2.0 GPA in this program and a 2.5 GPA in event planning courses. A certificate program in event planning is also offered online. Students can expect to learn how to plan, coordinate, budget, and promote meetings and events for weddings, corporations, special occasions, catering, and entertainment. Practical work experience, which can be conducted in the student's local area, is included in the curriculum. The program also addresses: </p> <ul><li>Lodging management </li><li>Risk management in event planning </li><li>Sustainable/green events </li><li>Management principles </li></ul><h3 id="section---TheUniversityOfNevadaLasVegasUNLV">The University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV)</h3> <p>The Bachelor of Science in Hotel Administration in Meetings and Events Management degree program teaches students the practical knowledge necessary for organizing meetings and events. Skills include selecting sites, coordinating small and large gatherings, marketing techniques, and other event planning logistics. Students in this program from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, gain a comprehensive understanding of the <a href="https://Learn.org/articles/What_is_the_Curriculum_of_an_Online_Bachelors_Degree_in_Hospitality.html">hospitality</a> and leisure industry. They develop a solid foundation in the principles and concepts required for professional competency in the event planning industry. Many courses are available online. Some courses covered in the curriculum include: </p> <ul><li><b>Introduction to the Convention Industry</b> - Students will learn the basics of the convention sector, including meetings, conferences, tradeshows, and dealing with vendors. </li><li><b>Meeting and Event Planning</b> - This class covers the role of the corporate event planner, setting objectives, choosing sites, designing programs, negotiating , marketing, and on-site logistics. </li><li><b>Special Events Management</b> - Learn the art of supervising and managing special events, including festivals, fairs, sporting events, and promotional events. </li><li><b>Meetings and Events Coordination</b> - You'll explore the requirements for becoming a professional event planner, including services that provide the structure of events and the creative and practical dynamics of organizing the meeting or event. This covers d&eacute;cor, themes, and other tasks. </li></ul><h3 id="section---UMassAmherstOnline">UMass Amherst Online</h3> <p>At the University of Massachusetts Amherst, the Isenberg School of Management's hospitality and tourism management program provides an online certificate in meeting and event management. The certificate can be completed in six months, and the credits earned can be applied toward a degree. It is intended for students who are looking to break into the industry, as well as people who are enhancing their skills to progress into more responsible positions in supervisory fields and management. Students will gain knowledge in site selection, marketing, audiovisual equipment, and negotiation techniques. This online event planning curriculum consists of five courses. They are: </p> <ul><li>Food Service Management </li><li>Special Events Management </li><li>Hospitality Personnel Management </li><li>Meeting, Convention, and Exposition Management </li><li>Students choose Club Management or Convention Sales Management</li></ul>