Thursday, 17 May 2012

Accredited Online Degree Programs in Facility and Event Management

Online degree programs in facility and event management are available at the undergraduate and graduate levels. Areas of study include marketing and promotions, event planning and strategic management. These programs explore the role of leadership within the hospitality and event planning industry.

Online Associate's Degree in Facility and Event Management Overview

Through an online associate's degree program, students can enhance their knowledge of facility and event planning or acquire new skills in the field. Major areas of study typically include customer service management, event promotion, and food and beverage operations. These programs are intended to provide a foundation in all aspects of facility and event management, establishing a path for career entry or further education.

Program Information and Requirements

Applicants typically must hold a high school diploma or General Educational Development (GED) certificate. Many of these programs are fully available online; however, some may include a mix of distance education and on-campus classes. Online courses are accessed through online course management systems, such as Blackboard, which allows students to communicate with their professors and fellow students through discussion boards and chat rooms.
Online learners must have access to a computer that meets the institution's hardware and software requirements. An Internet connection is required to access online learning platforms. A webcam, speakers and microphone may be needed to communicate with classmates in real-time.

Common Online Courses

Associate's degree candidates are provided with an overview of the facility and event management industry. They gain practical knowledge of the roles and responsibilities of key stakeholders in the meetings and hospitality business.

Fundamentals of Meeting, Conference and Event Planning Course

In this course, students examine the roles and responsibilities of the meeting planner. Topics covered include site selection, budgeting, transportation and on-site logistics.

Event Promotion Course

In this online course, students explore the tactics and strategies employed in promoting an event in various settings. Areas of study include an examination of marketing and public relations fundamentals, critical thinking and organizational communications.

Food and Beverage Management Course

An overview of food and beverage operations is presented in this course. Principles of purchasing and cost management, menu planning and quality control are covered.

Career Information for Graduates

Graduates with an associate's degree generally are equipped for entry-level career opportunities in meeting planning, corporate travel logistics and on-site operations. The average salary for an event meeting planner was $55,593 in October 2010, as reported by Salary.com.

Online Bachelor's Degree in Facility and Event Management Overview

Online bachelor's degree programs allow students to build on their knowledge of facility and event management. Students develop management competencies and leaderships skills in preparation for careers in the hospitality and event planning industries.

Program Information and Requirements

Some institutions require bachelor's candidates to complete prerequisite coursework in special event coordination and management, hospitality industry finance or convention service operations. Most programs are taught completely online and include downloadable lectures and discussion board participation; however, some schools require students to take part in group assignments on-campus. Students also may be required to participate in an internship in a related setting.

Common Online Courses

Candidates explore topics in event marketing, vendor selection, and contract negotiation and logistics. They develop practical leadership skills to address issues in contemporary event management.

Conventions and Large Meetings Planning Course

Students develop an understanding of large meeting and event planning organization. Topics of discussion include communicating with key stakeholders, local service providers and authorities.

Hospitality Law Course

In this online course, students examine the legal aspects of the hospitality and event planning industry. Areas of study include the legal responsibilities of event personnel, contracts, liability, and public health and safety requirements.

Human Resources Management Course

An overview of a typical human resource department is provided in this online course. Students examine the HR department's support functions to management and the practices and methods used to recruit and maintain talent to an organization.

Career Information for Graduates

Bachelor's degree graduates are generally qualified for upper or senior-level positions in the facility and event management industry. In October 2010, Salary.com reported that the average annual salary for a meeting/event manager was $74,532.

Online Master's Degree in Facility and Event Management Overview

Master's degree programs in facility and event management provide working professionals and students with enhanced operational and management skills. Students use theoretical research and practical applications to gain a greater understanding of the issues involved in the planning and execution of events such as expositions, festivals and conferences. Major areas of study include personnel management, budgeting and logistics.

Program Information and Requirements

Applicants typically must hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university. Some institutions may require students to have work experience in event planning or hospitality management. A number of programs are offered completely online; however, some may be online classes along with on-campus lectures and group assignments. Institutions may also require students to complete a thesis or a field experience to satisfy the curriculum.

Common Online Courses

Graduate students examine organizational and management issues relevant to the event management field. They learn tactics and practical strategies to effectively manage multiple events of all sizes in a variety of settings.

Entertainment Management Course

Students are provided with an overview of the planning and staging of entertainment at a large event. Topics of discussion include event marketing, talent management and audience logistics.

Strategic Management Course

This course examines and assesses various management systems and policies applied within the hospitality industry. Students evaluate practices including environmental assessment, internal organizational assessment, competitive analysis, and their relationship to the hospitality and event planning industry.

Organizational Behavior Course

This course explores individual, group and organizational dynamics within the facility and event management industry. Areas of study include communication and management strategies designed to enhance organizational effectiveness.

Career Information for Graduates

Graduates of a master's degree program are generally qualified to pursue senior- or executive-level managerial positions in organizations with event management companies, sports facilities and entertainment complexes. As of October 2010, the average annual salary for a meeting/event director was $99,806.

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