Study Event Planning: Degrees and Certificates at a Glance
Event planning degree and certificate programs prepare students for designing and coordinating corporate meetings, conferences, trade shows and special events. If you're considering a career as an event planner, keep in mind that according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), many employers prefer to hire applicants with bachelor's degrees related to event planning, such as hospitality management.
According to the BLS, employment for event planners should increase by 44% from 2010-2020, which is much faster than average. However, competition is fierce, and candidates with bachelor's degrees and experience may have the best prospects.
Additionally, event planners working for corporations may be subject to layoffs when the economy goes south; budgets for meetings are often first to get cut, which leaves event planners out of work. Planners in the healthcare industry typically experience strong job security since meetings for healthcare workers are usually required for licensure maintenance.
| Certificate and Training | Bachelor's Degree | |
|---|---|---|
| Who is this program for? | - Students or career-changers who want to learn more about the event planning industry - Experienced event planners seeking career advancement | Students interested in learning how to plan large and small events |
| Common Career Paths (with approximate mean annual salary) | - Catering coordinator (salary not available - this is an entry-level position that may not require a bachelor's degree)* - Meeting, convention and event planners ($50,000)* | Same as for certificate and training programs |
| Time to Completion | Completion time varies depending on the program and the student's schedule | 4 years full-time |
| Common Graduation Requirements | - Hospitality management courses - Event planning courses - Internship - Graduation portfolio or capstone project | - Roughly 5 to 10 event planning courses - An individual or class project |
| Prerequisites | Experience in event planning may be recommended | High school diploma or GED |
| Online Availability | Yes | Yes, but online programs through accredited schools are rare; online/on-campus hybrid programs may be more common |
Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2011 figures).
Certificate and Training Programs in Event Planning
A variety of event planning programs and classes are available at postsecondary schools, professional associations and other organizations. They may be offered as individual classes or as part of a program that culminates in a certificate. Classes and programs may be designed to introduce you to the field, expand on your current knowledge or update you on certain industry trends. They can be self-paced or follow a structured timeline. However, keep in mind that many employers prefer to hire event planners with bachelor's degrees. If you don't already have or plan to obtain a bachelor's degree, these programs and courses may not sufficiently qualify you for some positions.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- If you already have a bachelor's degree in a different or related field, a certificate program can provide you with the necessary skills to become an event planner
- Certificate programs can help keep your skills and knowledge of industry trends updated
- May help you prepare for certification exams
Cons
- Employers often seek candidates with bachelor's degrees
- Financial aid may not be offered for these programs
- May not receive professional practice through internships
Courses and Requirements
What you study and the requirements involved vary for each class or program. You may earn college or continuing education credit in some programs or classes, but not in others. Some certificate programs may include a set of core classes and allow you to choose electives. Courses and programs may cover event planning basics, event production, negotiations, contracts, food and beverage, site selection and types of events.
Online Certificate and Training Options
Online courses are usually available through professional organizations. Postsecondary schools that offer relevant classes or programs typically offer them in a traditional classroom format, although some of your classes may have an online component.
Stand Out with this Certificate and Training
To stand out among competitors, begin acquiring experience as early as possible. If your program doesn't offer internship opportunities, consider volunteering to organize community or school events.
Many certificate programs and training classes prepare you for professional certification. The Convention Industry Council (CIC) and the Society of Government Meeting Professionals (SGMP) are two such organizations that offer certifications. For CIC's Certified Meeting Professional credential, applicants must have at least three years of event planning experience, in addition to recent related job experience and some continuing education credits. Applicants must then pass a certification exam that includes topics on facilities and services, meeting programs, logistics and financial management.
The SGMP credential shows that you're familiar with government rules regarding travel regulations and buying policies. To qualify for this certification, you must have at least one year of experience as a meeting planner, and you need to be an SGMP member for six months. The final certification steps include taking a 3-day course and passing the related exam.
Bachelor's Degree in Event Planning
A bachelor's program in event planning or event management is rare, so if one doesn't exist in your preferred area, you have other options. According to the BLS, hospitality management is an ideal field for earning a bachelor's degree if you're an aspiring event planner. Some hospitality management programs even have event planning concentrations. You study fundamental business concepts that may be applied to organizing and overseeing event operations, such as marketing and budgeting, and you can study different types of events.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Many hospitality management programs have event planning concentrations or relevant electives
- Hospitality management degrees can be applied to a variety of careers in the industry other than event planning
- Internships are often required and provide you with real-world experience and professional connections
Cons
- Competition can be intense for the most desirable jobs
- You may need to work very long hours, especially during large, complex events
- When a company's funds are tight, event planning may be one of the first jobs to get cut
Courses and Requirements
In a hospitality management program, you take core classes in marketing, accounting, food production and employee management. Course topics that relate directly to event planning teach you about the different types of events you may plan, such as weddings, conventions and meetings. You also learn about promotion, event production, negotiations and social media. Internships are commonly required in these programs, which allow you to gain paid or unpaid practical experience with an event planning organization.
Online Degree Options
Some schools offer online hospitality management bachelor's programs, but you may need to hold a certain amount of college credit before applying. Also, your program may require attendance at some campus-based sessions - either at the school or a local college offering comparable classes. Coursework is typically equivalent to traditional campus-based programs, including the option to choose a concentration.
Stand Out with This Degree
Because employers prize experience, you can get involved with planning school or community events. Certifications also help you stand out among competitors. Additionally, mastering virtual meeting software and staying current on social media platforms can make you more attractive to employers, according to the BLS.
Alternative Degrees
You can also earn degrees in other fields that relate to event planning, such as marketing and public relations. While you can apply the skills learned in these programs to event planning, they also translate to other occupations; in a down economy when event planners are being laid off, you may qualify for other positions, such as public relations specialist or marketing manager. The BLS projected a 23% employment increase for public relations specialists from 2010-2020 and a 14% increase for marketing managers during the same time.
