Degree Overview: Master’s Degree Program in Event Management
Majors Overview May 2, 2015Get information about master’s degree programs in event management and their education requirements, coursework, job and wage outlook, and career choices.
Master’s Degree Programs in Event Management
Few schools, if any, offer specialized event planning graduate degrees; consequently, aspiring event planners often seek enrollment to graduate programs in tourism and hospitality, with a focus on management.
With a Master of Science (M.S.) in Tourism and Hospitality Management degree, graduates can expect to be adept at the advanced skills they would need for running an international event venue organization, such as a resort or hotel. They need about 36 credits to complete a master’s degree, which they can complete with full-time study spanning four semesters.
Education Requirements
Admission criteria typically require incoming students to have completed an undergraduate degree and satisfy the school’s accepted standards for undergraduate GPA apart from standardized tests, such as the MAT, GRE, or GMAT. They would also have to submit professional or academic references, a statement of purpose, and a résumé.
Coursework
The focus of coursework in a master’s degree program in hospitality and tourism management is primarily on event and meeting management. Students gain both a practical and theoretical grasp of meetings, celebrations, conferences, expositions, festivals, and special events. A large part of the work features field trips and field experiences. Core coursework may include topic areas such as the following areas of study:
•Organizational behavior
•Tourism
•Hospitality industry law
•Hospitality marketing strategies
•Restaurant development
•Enterprise technologies
Job and Wage Outlook
Over the 2010 – 2020 decade, job growth rates of 33% have been predicted for planners of events, conventions, and meetings (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics). In May 2012, these professionals brought in an average annual wage of $45,810; the top 10% of earners took home over $79,270 per annum (BLS).
Career Choices
After they complete a Master of Science (M.S.) in Tourism and Hospitality Management program, graduates may seek leadership positions at theme-attractions, sports organizations, event management companies, airlines, and hotels. Some may pursue public service administration careers in national tourism.
