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Bachelors Degree in Event Management and Planning
Bachelors Degree in Event Management and Planning
Bachelor's degrees in event management aren't typically offered. However, you can pursue hospitality-related certificates and degrees that train you to coordinate small- and large-scale events, or you could earn a hospitality management degree. Review the prerequisites for enrollment in these programs, and check for related online study options. Explore common course topics in event management and planning.
What Kinds of Event Planning Bachelor's Degrees Are Available?
Bachelor's degree programs in event planning aren't typically offered, but you still have plenty of options if you'd like to study this field. Most schools offer other programs that cover the subject area. For example, some schools offer a professional certificate in meeting and event planning, while others have an associate's degree program in event management and tourism. Many other schools offer a basic resort and hospitality management degree with the option of a concentration in event management. Depending on the program you choose, you might complete your studies in six months to four years.
<table border="1"><tr><td><b>Degree Options</b></td><td>Certificate in event planning or associate's or bachelor's degrees with a concentration in event management</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Prerequisites</b></td><td>High school diploma or equivalent for undergraduate programs; experience in event planning for professional certificate programs</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Online Options</b></td><td>Certificate programs in wedding planning and associate's in business with an event planning emphasis</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Career Options</b></td><td>Catering, non-profit events, conventions, weddings, site inspections and selection</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Median Salary (2020)</b></td><td>$51,560* (<i>for meeting, convention, and event planners</i>)</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Job Outlook (2019-29)</b></td><td>8% growth* (<i>for all meeting, convention, and event planners</i>)</td></tr>
</table><p><i>Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics</i>
</p><h3 id="section---WhatAreTheAdmissionRequirements">What Are the Admission Requirements?</h3><p>In most cases, you'll need a high school diploma or its equivalent in order to enroll in an undergraduate program. Other requirements may include standardized test scores and personal statements. Many professional certificate programs expect you to already be working in the event planning field and have some experience. You may be asked to provide a copy of your resume when applying. It's also expected that you have good interpersonal skills and basic computer skills.
</p><h3 id="section---CanIStudyOnline">Can I Study Online?</h3><p>Online event planning programs are very rare. However, there are schools that offer an online certificate in wedding planning or an associate's degree in business management and accounting with an emphasis in event planning and management. You'll submit assignments, take exams and listen in on audio-video lectures by logging into your school's distance-learning portal. This will require a computer with a high-speed Internet connection capable of displaying multimedia.
</p><h3 id="section---WhatWillIStudy">What Will I Study?</h3><p>Your specific coursework will depend on the program you choose. Certificate programs are generally tightly focused on event planning topics, while a degree program in hotel and tourism management features a broader curriculum that covers all facets of tourism, travel and hotel management. Topics of study may include the following:
</p><ul><li>Weddings
</li><li>Site inspection and selection
</li><li>Contract management
</li><li>Event logistics
</li><li>Registration basics
</li><li>Financial management
</li><li>Catering
</li><li>Non-profit events
</li><li>Food and beverage management
</li><li>Conventions</li></ul>
