Program Overview
Develop the event planning and marketing skills needed for a career assisting others with special occasions such as anniversaries, festivals, and weddings. Explore the business side of travel and tourism by taking courses in destination marketing, event management, human resources, and sales.
If you're looking to advance or launch a career in event planning, our certificate program will help you do so. With fewer course requirements than an A.A.S. degree, you'll develop new skills without putting your career or life on hold.
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Career Outlook
Event planners create exciting and successful gatherings for all sorts of special occasions, from family celebrations to corporate outings. They are responsible for developing themes, arranging the necessary preparations, and attending to the logistics during the event. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics expects an 18% growth in meeting, convention, and event planning careers by 2030, which is much faster than the average workforce growth rate. The median annual wage for event planners was $49,470 in May 2021.
The professional work experience and education you earn through this program prepare you for a wide range of hospitality careers. Some of these opportunities include:
- Convention Center Manager
- Destination Marketing Specialist
- Director of Cruise Activities
- Events Coordinator
- Tour Guide
- Travel Planner
Curious about career pathways in this field? Check out Career Coach to learn more about industry job growth, education requirements, earning potential, and more.
Smooth Transfer to a Four-Year College
If you're considering a bachelor’s degree after FLCC, our academic advisors will help you connect with four-year schools and explore transfer options. We'll assist you in selecting courses that efficiently meet the requirements for both FLCC and your future college.
- Joint Admissions Agreements: These allow first-year students to gain admission to both FLCC and participating four-year schools at the same time. Gain peace of mind knowing your next step is set while you complete your associate degree with us.
- Transfer Articulation Agreements: These partnerships ensure your credits from FLCC will transfer directly and seamlessly to a partner four-year school. You can enter a bachelor’s program with full junior standing, saving you time and money.
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Learn from Industry Experts
Gain 300 hours of real-world training through our professional work experience program. Hone your skills with the support of regional experts in wineries, restaurants, hotels, and event centers. Our work experience program provides more flexibility than traditional internships, so you can develop the expertise you need for your personal career goals while networking with employers.
Course Highlight: HOS 105 Orientation to Hospitality
Meet with over a dozen Finger Lakes hospitality and tourism leaders in our signature first-year experience course, Orientation to Hospitality. Designed as a guest lecture series, this course introduces you to a range of professional occupations, best practices, and current developments in the industry. Discover unique careers and opportunities while learning from experienced business owners, hotel managers, and event planners.
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Sample Courses
Visit our academic catalog for a complete listing of program requirements, including prerequisites, general education requirements, electives, and a sample schedule.
Sample core courses you'll take in this program include:
- ACC 101 - Principles of Financial Accounting
- BUS 224 - Human Resource Management
- HOS 100 - Introduction to Tourism
- HOS 105 - Orientation to Hospitality
- HOS 160 - Bar and Beverage Management
- HOS 220 - Hospitality Marketing and Sales
- HOS 227 - Destination Marketing
- HOS 232 - Event Management
- HPE 214 - Advanced First Aid, CPR and AED
What Our Students Say
One of the things I loved about FLCC was the support of my professors. I never once felt like there was a professor who wasn't on my side. The hospitality faculty are a professional network that I'm going to have for the rest of my career. I can reach out to them and know that they'll be there to help me find connections or answer questions. The college has career fairs and networking events to make sure that students not only have the education that they need to be successful but the connections as well.
Low-Cost Tuition and Scholarship Opportunities
Earn a quality education at an affordable rate. With our low cost per credit and general scholarship opportunities, you can maximize your potential with minimal debt. Our financial aid counselors will guide you through the process and help you understand college costs.
$5,376
per year for in-state tuition ($224 per credit hour).
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76%
of students are eligible for financial aid or scholarships.
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$18M
in financial aid was disbursed to our students last year.
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