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Top 30 Event Management Degree Programs
20 min read
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If you’re one for grabbing hold of the reins when it comes to planning events, why not make a career out of it? You could plan weddings, organize sports events or design convention plans with one of the top 30 event management degrees below, listed in no particular order.
This is an excellent career field to break into right now given that BLS.gov says the demand for meeting, convention and event planners is expected to grow by 33 percent (much faster than average) from 2012 to 2022. The following degree programs are offered all over the world, from the states to Switzerland. Ready to get started toward a career in event management? Consider starting your journey with one of these programs.
Not sure the traditional, four-year degree program is right for you? We’ve also put together a section with alternative options and different paths you can take if you’re thinking about more of a non-traditional road to event management. To see more, scroll down to Paths to a Career in Event Management for alternative options.
Interested in renting a trade show display for your next show or event, then click here.
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Top Event Management Degree Programs
1. The Florida State University – Panama City
Panama City, FL
Recreation, Tourism and Events
Students entering into the Recreation, Tourism and Events program from the Florida State University will discover how to improve their lives by following their dreams of entering the tourism and events industry. Students entering this program must have an Associates of Arts (AA) from a Florida school or have completed 60 credits of other coursework. Graduates might work with corporate event companies, armed forces recreation, sports organizations or tourism agencies.
2. University of Central Florida
Orlando, FL
Event Management, Bachelor of Science
With a Bachelor of Science in event management from the University of Central Florida, students will leave the program with a firm understanding of the industry, from how to coordinate conferences and festivals to understanding how to run a successful corporate meeting or trade show. The first of its kind in the US, this program is designed for creatives with a high level of attention to detail.
3. Iowa State University
Ames, IA
Event Management
Offered as both a major and a minor, the event management degree from Iowa State University is dedicated to providing students with a strong background in event planning. The program features hands-on training opportunities, offering internships in a wide range of events, from fashion shows and catering to dances and athletic events. Plus, with groups on campus like the Events Management Club, students receive plenty of support from their peers and faculty members to help them excel in their major.
4. Johnson & Wales University
Charlotte, NC
Sports Entertainment Events Management
If you’ve always dreamed of a career in sports, the Sports Entertainment Events Management degree from Johnson & Wales University can help you discover your passion by teaching you the ins and outs of working behind the scenes of professional sporting events. With internship opportunities, students are able to hone their skills in real-life situations, and various electives allow students to focus on their passions, such as entertainment marketing, athletic coaching administration and professional sports management.
5. Indiana University
Indianapolis, IN
Tourism, Convention and Event Management
The Tourism, Convention and Event Management degree from Indiana University can lead to an endless array of career options in event management. Graduates of the program have worked as meetings and events professionals, convention center managers, hotel managers and sports venue managers among many other positions. Graduates can also work on cruise lines, in the medical field or as tour operators. This program aims to prepare students for a variety of careers given that demand for expertise in the industry is growing.
6. California State University
Long Beach, CA
Recreation and Leisure Studies – Minor in Event Planning Management
The Event Planning Management minor from California State University compliments various majors to provide students with the skills and knowledge to plan successful events. Areas that the minor covers include negotiation, event planning, budgeting, promotion and programming. You could pair this minor nicely with a recreation or a hospitality major.
7. Lynn University
Boca Raton, FL
Bachelor of Science – Event Management
The Event Management degree from Lynn University offers a strong curriculum, providing students with a solid foundation in events management. Not only do students get to plan several events on campus and receive hands-on training with local tournaments and companies, but they have the opportunity to boost their skills and knowledge through at least two internships. The program covers industries like food and resorts to put students on the right path toward wedding planning, catering, campaign coordinating and concert planning.
8. University of North Texas College of Education
Denton, TX
Bachelor of Science in Recreation, Event and Sport Management
Preparing students for a career in the recreation services industry, the University of North Texas’s Recreation, Event and Sport Management degree takes students through the courses they need to design and lead recreation programs. Students can choose an emphasis in sports management or program management. Plus, students will also take an active role in their hands-on training by participating in an internship.
9. Central Washington University
Ellensburg, WA
Recreation and Tourism – Event Planning Specialization
With a wide range of leadership classes in Central Washington University’s curriculum, students graduate with the necessary skills to lead an event planning team. Students also learn about program promotion, legal liability, management, and events administration. The core classes prepare students for a career in recreation and tourism while the event planning specialization readies graduates for hosting successful events.
10. George Mason University
Fairfax, VA
Tourism and Events Management – Concentration in Events Management
The Tourism and Events Management concentration from George Mason University sets students up for success in the tourism industry. After learning the ins and outs of the tourism field, students discover how to properly design event plans. Plus, with internship requirements, students receive hands-on training so they leave the program with adequate experience.
11. The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
Hung Hom, Kowloon
Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Convention and Event Management
At the Hong Kong Polytechnic University, students are able to complete their bachelor’s degree program in just two years. This program focuses on the Convention and Events industry and helps students who already hold a higher degree or Associate degree to expand their knowledge and boost their careers.
12. University of Nicosia
Nicosia, Cyprus
Tourism, Leisure and Events Management (4 years, Bachelor of Science)
This bachelor’s degree program from the University of Nicosia takes a multi-cultural approach to tourism, leisure, and events management. Not only does the program teach students the skills they need for their career, but it also focuses on problem solving, communication, and personal skills to truly help students succeed.
13. Glion Institute of Higher Education
Montreux, Switzerland
Postgraduate Diplomas in Event, Sports and Entertainment Management
This postgraduate diploma from the Glion Institute of Higher Education is perfect for students looking to jump straight into their careers. With two options, students can spend a year and half studying event, sports and entertainment management, or they can add another semester for a higher diploma in the field. Students can choose specialties in sports and entertainment, financial management or marketing management. A semester internship helps students apply what they’ve learned in the program to a real-life setting.
14. University of Texas – San Antonio
San Antonio, TX
Bachelor of Business Administration Degree in Sport, Event and Tourism Management
This program sets students apart from others trying to break into the industry, especially because there’s the business administration aspect to it. Here students will learn about accounting, law, management, marketing and more, focusing mostly on business. Students leave this program with an understanding of the tourism industry, business practices and event management to prepare them for event management positions or for starting their own business.
15. Endicott College
Beverly, MA
Hospitality Management Major/Events Management Concentration (B.S.)
Endicott College offers a Hospitality Management Major with a Concentration in Events Management. The program, which culminates with a Bachelor of Science degree, takes a dual approach linking hands-on learning with solid managerial foundations through courses such as Service Management, Events Risk Management, Management of Social Events, as well as a core sequence of general knowledge and fundamentals for successful event management careers in cultural, political, sports, entertainment, social and non-profit applications.
16. University of Nevada – Las Vegas
Las Vegas, NV
Meetings and Events Management Major
This degree from the University of Nevada provides students with the experience and opportunities needed for a career in planning conferences, conventions, entertainment events and tradeshows. Many classes are offered online, giving students the opportunity to work around their own schedule.
17. INTI International Universities & Colleges
Malaysia (Various Campuses)
BA (Hons) in Marketing & Event Management (3+0) in Collaboration with University of Hertfordshire, UK
Although students in this program attend the INTI International University, they will receive identical awards from the University of Hertfordshire. With a 94 percent graduate placement within 6 months, this program has proved its effectiveness. Here students will receive training in working environments and earn practical learning experiences through real industry projects.
18. University of New Haven
West Haven, CT
B.S., Tourism and Event Management or Hotel and Restaurant Management
At the University of New Haven, students can choose between a Bachelor of Science in Tourism and Event Management or a Bachelor of Science in Hotel and Restaurant Management. The school sits between New York and Boston, offering the perfect opportunity to study the industry since it’s not too far from either of these hot tourist spots. While working through their 121 credits, students will also complete a 200-hour service learning component and a 400-hour internship so they can graduate with plenty of experience.
19. Temple University
Philadelphia, PA
Sport and Recreation Management
The Sport and Recreation Management program from Temple University sets students up for success in a variety of career options. Students may find work in the private or commercial sectors, in public recreation and park agencies or in athletics, professional sports and the armed forces.
20. Jacksonville University
Jacksonville, FL
BS Sport Management
Jacksonville University’s BS in Sports Management takes students through the classes they need to prepare them for a career in sports marketing, community-based sports, entrepreneurship and recreation programs. Students will take part in an internship to help them get experience in the field.
21. Eastern Kentucky University
Richmond, KY
Bachelor of Sport Management
With an event and facility planning component, students leaving the Bachelor of Sport Management degree from Eastern Kentucky University will not only understand the business behind sports management—from legal aspects to promotion—but they’ll also have a firm understanding of event planning to guide them in a variety of career choices.
22. Midway College
Midway, KY
BA in Sport Management
The BA in Sport Management from Midway College prepares students for business, community, private and public sectors with knowledge in accounting, business, marketing and more. Students will also go through event and facility management training to learn how to manage sporting events.
23. Champlain College
Burlington, VT
Minor in Event Management
With a minor in Event Management from Champlain College, students will hone their skills to better understand how to plan events within their chosen major. Ideal majors one might pair with the Event Management minor include Business Administration, Management and Innovation or Public Relations. Students will also have the opportunity to plan events on and off-campus for hands-on experiences.
24. University of South Carolina
Columbia, SC
Sport and Entertainment Management
The University of South Carolina truly cares about their students, offering rigorous coursework and two internships to help students succeed after graduation. Interesting course electives are also available to students, such as the Business of NASCAR or the Promoting Live Entertainment Events classes. Study abroad programs are also available and count toward your degree.
25. Grand Valley State University
Allendale, MI
Meeting and Event Management
With the demand for meetings and event managers growing, a degree from Grand Valley State University can help move your career forward. This degree program focuses on teaching the skills needed to manage conferences, conventions and meetings, although many other graduates work as wedding planners, marketing managers and training directors.
26. Ferris State University
Big Rapids, MI
Special Event and Meeting Planner Minor
The Special Event and Meeting Planner Minor from Ferris State University is offered through their school of business. Here students will gain an understanding of how to coordinate and plan various events. Students are able to pair this minor with any Bachelor major, although it usually works best with a Communications, Business Administration or other College of Business major.
27. Lasell College
Newton, MA
Event Management
Preparing students for leadership and managerial positions, the Event Management major from Lasell College focuses on professional skills to set students up for careers in event, hospitality, casino and resort management. Students will gain an understanding of the field both on and off campus and will have the opportunity to attend an internship program to apply their education to real-life scenarios.
28. Indiana University
Bloomington, IN
Bachelor of Science in Recreation (BSR), Tourism, Hospitality, and Event Management Major
Covering a wide spectrum of management positions, this major helps students gain a better understanding of various careers, opening the doors to many possibilities. Students will focus on managing and marketing in the tourism industry so they can work on airlines, with cruise lines, in resorts or at convention centers.
29. Arizona State University
Phoenix, AZ
Tourism Development & Management (TDM)
With a meeting and convention management component, students learn how to manage events in the tourism industry, but they can also branch out to other event planning careers. Not only will students learn the professional skills needed to excel in their careers, but they’ll gain a better understanding of how to enrich others’ lives through tourism management. Plus, Arizona State University requires students participate in an internship program to expose them to real tourism and event planning situations.
30. Lock Haven University
Lock Haven, PA
Recreation Management
Lock Haven University’s Recreation Management degree program offers several tracks, including Community/Commercial Management, which prepares students for careers in community recreation, YMCA and YWCAs, military recreation, sport administration, resorts, cruise lines and major event management. Leadership, marketing, and business skills are emphasized, and students learn the fundamentals of planning, leading and marketing successful events and programs in communities and in corporate settings.
Paths to a Career in Event Management
The road to a career in event management isn’t always a straight path. As you can see, based on the variety of degree programs listed above, there are a multitude of different disciplines that impact the field of event management. You need a solid foundation in business, especially if you plan to run your own event management agency, as well as some chops in entertainment, leadership, recreation and leisure, and a strong affinity for seamless organization.
Event Management Spans a Variety of Disciplines
It’s sometimes difficult to find a degree program specifically geared to preparing students for an event management career. Therefore, it’s not uncommon to find applicable degree programs spanning the following disciplines:
- Recreation
- Industrial Design or Architecture
- Tourism, Conventions and Event Management
- Business Administration and Management
- Tourism and Travel Management
- Meeting and Event Planning
- Hotel and Resort Management, or Hospitality
- Event Marketing
- Communications and PR
- Music Production
- Museum Studies and/or Exhibition Design
Undergraduate programs in Recreation, for instance, often have several areas of concentration that differentiate the courses of study which lead to outdoor and parks careers from those interested in planning professional conventions and events. Recreation degree programs often heavily emphasize the development of effective leadership skills – critical for event management professionals to lead the many team members required to pull of large-scale events.
Other programs combine sports management with the recreation focus. These programs are ideal for students who wish to get involved in the sports events and marketing industry, in which planning and attending conferences and events will be an important part of the job.
Other students choose to pursue a degree in communications and public relations, or a degree in business administration or management. When the course of study is carefully planned with an academic advisor, incorporating a targeted track of electives to incorporate event marketing, event planning and other relevant courses into the program of study, graduates are often able to secure entry-level positions in event management with ease.
As you can see, there’s no shortage of options when it comes to choosing a degree program that very specifically matches your personality, builds on your strengths, and prepares you adequately for the career of your dreams.
Do You Need a Formal Degree?
If you work your way up the career ladder by first working for someone else, it’s even possible to carve out a successful niche in event management without a formal degree. Or, you might opt for a certificate program or two-year degree instead of a traditional, four-year program.
Here’s a look at some of the other educational options for those interested in building a successful event management career.
Certificate and Course Options in Event Management
1. Roosevelt University
Chicago, IL
Meeting and Event Management Credential
Chicago is one of the most popular locations for major conferences and events, frequently hosting some of the most prestigious events in technology, healthcare, and a variety of other industries – and attracting attendees and world-renowned speakers from around the globe. Roosevelt University offers a Meeting and Event Management Credential for aspiring and experienced Event Management professionals who want to get a leg up on their competition, right in the heart of one of the major hubs for conferences and professional events. This 16-credit sequence can be applied to an undergraduate degree, if desired.
2. Stratford University
Alexandria, VA
Event Management Certificate Program
Stratford University’s Event Management Certificate Program offers “superior educational courses and practical experiences for career advancement within the industry, including special events, meetings, tradeshow, entertainment, sports management and fundraising.” Core coursework includes event marketing, risk management, fundraising and sponsorship, and other essential core knowledge for a successful career in event management.
3. George Washington University
Washington, D.C.
Event & Meeting Management
The Event & Meeting Management Certificate Program at George Washington University encompasses the full spectrum of event management, planning, and execution, including research, design, planning, coordination, and evaluation. Students learn best practices in promotion, organization, and management to develop the skills to pull off flawless events of any size.
4. The Art Institute of Pittsburgh
Online Program
Event Management Certificate
The Event Management Certificate offered by The Art Institute of Pittsburgh is delivered in an online, distance-learning format, so it’s ideal for students who are adding to their skills in order to take on the role of planning corporate events and meetings for their current organizations, as well as for those who are interested in Event Management careers who are not currently employed in the field. Students who successfully complete the program will have the skills necessary to plan meetings, conferences, weddings, trade shows, and a variety of other events.
5. University of Massachusetts
Online
Certificate in Meeting and Event Management
Another online program that’s convenient for current career professionals, the University of Massachusetts offers an online Certificate in Meeting and Event Management. Students gain proficiency in all aspects of meeting and event planning, including selecting the best venue, publicity and marketing, audio-visual aids, budgeting, negotiating and contracts.
6. University of Washington
Seattle, WA
Exhibit Design and Planning
The University of Washington offers an Exhibit Design and Planning course on-campus in Seattle. This is a single course, rather than a multi-course, sequenced certificate program, focused on the exhibit design and planning aspects in museums. Students evaluate the purpose, planning, and management, design, production, fabrication and evaluation of museum exhibitions. Existing event management professionals or professionals in charge of designing exhibitions for their organizations may find this course valuable.
7. Austin Community College
Austin, TX
Meeting & Event Planning
Legal issues, human resources, marketing, and sales are just some of the skills and proficiencies studied by students pursuing a Meeting & Event Planning Certificate at Austin Community College. A $30 billion industry, event management is a lucrative career path for professionals with a broad understanding of the many variables that go into successfully pulling off a large-scale event; this program is designed to equip students with the essential skills and knowledge for successful careers.
8. Florida State University
Panama City, FL
Event Management
Florida State University’s Panama City campus offers a graduate certificate in Event Management for students who already hold a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution. It’s a distance-learning program designed to provide students with advanced knowledge and practical experience for organizing non-profit fundraisers, corporate meetings, multi-day conferences, and more. Students must be accepted by Florida State University as either a degree-seeking or non-degree-seeking graduate student in order to be eligible for this advanced program.
9. San Diego State University
San Diego, CA
Professional Certificate in Meeting & Event Planning
San Diego State University’s Professional Certificate in Meeting & Event Planning provides students with a broad view of the growing event management industry. With 52 required core course hours plus an additional 18 hours of special electives required to complete the program, this is a more rigorous course of study than many certificate programs, so it’s an excellent choice for an individual just seeking entry into this lucrative career field. The program prepares students for taking the MPI and ISES exams.
10. New York University
New York, NY
Certificate in Conference and Meeting Management
New York University offers a Certificate in Conference and Meeting Management, preparing students with a deep understanding of best practices for planning, producing and evaluating successful meetings, conventions and conferences. For new professionals without professional, hands-on experience, this certificate program can be substituted for industry experience, providing opportunities for obtaining entry-level positions in a prosperous career field.
Whatever path you choose to gain entry into the lucrative field of event management, it’s an enjoyable career with limitless opportunity for those who are passionate about what they do. Whether your dreams include executing the next major event in the sports industry, or you’d simply like to take on more responsibility at your current company to plan meetings and events within your organization, event management credentials are valuable for many professionals.
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