Which Colleges Offer Event Planning Degree Programs?

<p>Students interested in becoming an event planner can pursue undergraduate and/or graduate-level education in the field at many different institutions throughout the country. Colleges may offer certificate programs, associate's, bachelor's, or master's degree programs in event planning or management. Explore a handful of the available event planning colleges and the degree programs they offer specifically in event planning and/or management in the table below. </p> <p /> <table border="1"><tr><th>School</th><th>Location</th><th>Degree Levels in Event Planning/Management</th></tr> <tr><td>Edmonds Community College</td><td>Lynnwood, WA</td><td>Certificate, Associate's</td></tr> <tr><td>Tidewater Community College</td><td>Norfolk, VA</td><td>Associate's</td></tr> <tr><td>University of Central Florida</td><td>Orlando, FL</td><td>Bachelor's, Graduate Certificate</td></tr> <tr><td>Concordia University Wisconsin</td><td>Mequon, WI</td><td>Bachelor's</td></tr> <tr><td>SUNY College of Technology at Delhi</td><td>Delhi, NY</td><td>Associate's, Bachelor's</td></tr> <tr><td>George Washington University</td><td>Washington, D.C.</td><td>Bachelor's, Master's, Professional Certificate</td></tr> <tr><td>San Diego State University</td><td>San Diego, CA</td><td>Master's</td></tr> <tr><td>New York University</td><td>New York, NY</td><td>Bachelor's, Master's</td></tr> </table><p><i>Source: School websites</i> </p> <h3 id="section---EventPlanningPrograms">Event Planning Programs</h3> <p>As mentioned, there are undergraduate and graduate certificate programs available in event planning, as well as associate's, bachelor's, and master's degree programs. While many of these programs result specifically in an event planning degree, some of these programs may combine related topics like hospitality or sports management. There are some degree programs related to event planning available at the doctoral level, but most of these programs result in a hospitality degree. </p> <p>There are some <a href="https://learn.org/articles/Which_Schools_Offer_Online_Degrees_in_Event_Planning.html">online and hybrid degree programs in event planning</a> available for flexibility. Below we discuss the common degree levels for event planning in more detail. </p> <h4 id="section---AssociateSDegree">Associate's Degree</h4> <p>At the associate's level students can usually pursue an Associate of Technical Arts (ATA) in Event Planning or other related degrees, such as an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Hospitality Management with a specialization in event planning. These programs normally take 2 years to complete and may offer online or evening courses. While most event planners would benefit from at least a bachelor's degree to work in the field, an associate's degree is a great way to get started. Courses in these programs may cover topics in: </p> <ul><li>Risk management </li><li>Catering </li><li>Hospitality management </li><li>Entertainment </li></ul><h4 id="section---BachelorSDegree">Bachelor's Degree</h4> <p>There are both on-campus and <a href="https://learn.org/articles/Event_Planning_and_Management_Online_Bachelors_Degree.html">online bachelor's degree programs in event planning and management</a> available. These are typically offered as Bachelor of Science (BS) or Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) degrees and some programs may combine other topics, such as hospitality and event management or sport, event, and hospitality management. </p> <p>Most of these programs offer hands-on learning opportunities through field experiences and/or internships. Students can usually complete these programs in 4 years. Course topics for these degree programs may include: </p> <ul><li>Event management </li><li>Ethics </li><li>Financial management </li><li>Ceremonial management </li></ul><h4 id="section---MasterSDegree">Master's Degree</h4> <p><a href="https://learn.org/articles/Masters_Degree_in_Event_Planning_Program_FAQS.html">Master's degree programs in event planning</a> may be offered as Master of Science (MS), Master of Tourism Administration (MTA), and other degrees. These programs may carry titles like event management or event and meeting management and may offer some online coursework. Some of these programs can be completed in as little as 18 months. </p> <p>Similar to bachelor's degree programs, most master's degree programs offer experiential learning opportunities through client-based projects, internships, and other practical experiences. These programs typically require a capstone course or thesis. Students in these programs may study topics in: </p> <ul><li>Conference and exposition management </li><li>Conflict management </li><li>Event design </li><li>Business analytics </li></ul><h2 id="section---EventPlannerCareerOverview">Event Planner Career Overview</h2> <p>According to the <i>U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics</i> (BLS), most meeting, convention, and event planners need at least a bachelor's degree. The BLS reported that in 2018, the median salary for these planners was $49,370 per year. The job outlook for meeting, convention, and event planners from 2016 to 2026 was 11%, per the BLS, and is faster than the national average.</p>