Online Event Coordinator Degree Programs

Event coordinators set up events, such as parties or conventions, at particular venues or for a specific group or occasion. A student desiring to become an event coordinator would benefit from online associate's degree programs in event management or bachelor's degree programs in hospitality management.

Online Associate Degrees in Event Management

Online associate degree programs in event management provide training for students desiring careers as event coordinators. Students enrolled in this program learn to coordinate meetings and events for a variety of clients and venues. As communicating with customers, vendors, managers and event-attendees is crucial to an event coordinator's success, there are several communications courses integrated into a typical online associate's degree program in meeting and event management. Some distance learning programs also allow students to specialize in a particular concentration, such as casino management.

Online Program Information and Requirements

Online associate degree event management programs are 2-years in length, generally 45-60 credits in length. The online courses must be completed within the same time frame as campus-based courses. Although most programs are available entirely online, some instructors require students to come to the campus to take exams.
Students interested in taking an event coordinator associate degree program online should have Internet access and an e-mail account, as well as know how to send and receive e-mail messages with file attachments. In addition, students need to know how to use a Web browser and perform word processing functions. Some schools offer online tutorials for students new to distance learning.

List of Common Online Associate Degree Event Coordinator Courses

Online associate degree programs typically have the same general education requirements as on-campus programs, such as composition, math and science classes. Coursework specific to the event management industry covers event planning, finance, marketing and sponsorships.

Event, Meeting and Conference Management Course

This online event coordinator course trains students in organizing such events as weddings, concerts, movie premiers and sporting events. Students learn about logistics, coordinating food and beverage choices, room flow and curtailing liability issues.

Management Skills for Event Coordinators Course

This online course is designed to help students achieve certification through the Institute of Certified Professional Managers. Students learn to apply managerial skills to their event planning, as well as to run an event coordinator business.

Event Promotion Course

Distance learning courses on event promotion are geared toward teaching students howto publicize their events. Such courses combine marketing, public relations, communication and critical thinking skills.

Event Sponsorship Course

Students enrolled in online event sponsorship courses learn to entice businesses, individuals and other sponsors to support their events. Emphasis is on illustrating how sponsors will benefit from contributing to an event via visibility, sales potential, goodwill and possible returns on investments.

Career Information for Event Coordinator Online Associate's Degree Graduates

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (www.bls.gov), the employment rate for event coordinators is expected to grow at an above-average rate from 2008-2018. The BLS also states that the median annual wage for meeting and event planners was $44,260 in May 2008. Event coordinators may choose to specialize in a particular area, such as wedding planning, sporting event management or working for a specific venue to plan events.

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Online Bachelor's Degrees in Hospitality Management

Online bachelor's degree programs in hospitality management are designed to build on students' current event coordinator education and experience and to prepare them for higher level positions. Students enrolled in this distance learning program are trained to observe the social habits of diverse cultures, evaluate various viewpoints and be excellent communicators. Program graduates are well-versed in all areas of hospitality and event management, such as travel and tourism, recreation, lodging, conventions and food service industries. Business management courses are combined with hospitality topics of study to produce highly-qualified event coordinators.

Online Program Information and Requirements

Online bachelor's degree programs in hospitality management are 4-year programs. However, students who have already earned an associate's degree may be able to transfer credits to this program and cut the time required to complete the program.
Students in distance learning bachelor's degree programs learn by taking online courses, participating in online forums and downloading both audio and video lecture files. In order to maximize this online learning experience, students should have access to up-to-date computer equipment and a high-speed Internet connection. Colleges typically do not provide software to students. However, some distance learning courses may require either free or purchased software. Textbooks may be ordered online or may be purchased at a bookstore on campus.

List of Common Online Bachelor's Degree Hospitality Management Courses

In addition to general education and business management courses, the classes typically found in an online bachelor's degree hospitality management program cover marketing, management, purchasing and event planning. Students may also choose to focus their degree in on particular area, such as convention planning, hotel management or casino management.

Beginning Hospitality Management Course

This distance learning course introduces students to various hospitality industries, including restaurants, spas, hotels, convention centers and casinos. Students enrolled in this class learn the different management techniques involved with the various industries and to coordinate events for those establishments.

Hospitality Events Management Course

Students enrolled in this online event coordinator course learn to coordinate, promote and budget a variety of special events. Crowd control, risk factor assessment and protocol are also studied.

Managing International Events Course

This distance learning course instructs students in proper events coordination in global venues. Topics of study include economic considerations, cultures, marketing and advertising methods.

Continuing Education for Event Coordinator Bachelor's Degree Holders

Students with a bachelor's degree in hospitality management may choose to enroll in a Master of Management in Hospitality degree program. Hospitality management master's degree programs are designed to accommodate restaurateurs, hoteliers and consultants. Though certification is not required for most event coordinator jobs, certification options are available through the Convention Industry Council and by the Society of Government Meeting Professionals.