Best Event Planning Schools: List of Top U.S. Schools

Event planners arrange a variety of activities, from meeting and conventions to social events such as sports or weddings. While a degree is not required for work in this field, it is helpful for gaining the best jobs, since graduates are equipped with important business and management skills. Undergraduate degree programs are often found at schools with a hospitality management program which may include a major, minor or concentration in event planning.

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Top Schools in the U.S. for Event Planning or Management

1. Champlain College in Burlington, Vermont

Champlain College is a small, liberal arts college located in New England that boasts its 'upside-down curriculum,' wherein students are able to begin study for their major during freshman year. It is one of the few schools in the U.S. offering a full bachelor's degree in event management. Graduates gain real-world experience through their coursework and are eligible to find careers in convention and conference management, special events, public relations, social party planning and corporate training. In 2010, Champlain College was ranked 13th in the Baccalaureate Colleges North category by U.S. News & World Report.

Contact Information

  • Address: 163 S. Willard St., Burlington, VT 05401
  • Phone Number: (802) 860-2700

2. Grand Valley State University in Allendale, Michigan

Grand Valley State University (GVSU) is a public university with a liberal arts emphasis located in Western Michigan. The school's meeting and event management concentration is available through the bachelor's degree program in hospitality and tourism management. Students learn business skills and also have the opportunity to study abroad at one of several international destinations affiliated with the event planning program. Graduates may go on to careers in travel and incentive management, wedding and social event coordination and corporate travel planning. GVSU was named among the top 50 Midwest Master's Universities by U.S. News & World Report in 2010.

Contact Information

  • Address: 1 Campus Dr., Allendale, MI 49401
  • Phone Number: (616) 331-2020

Good U.S. Schools with Event Planning Programs

College/University Name Total Student Enrollment Address Phone Number
Florida International University 38,759 11200 S.W. 8 St., Miami, FL 33199 (305) 348-2000
Florida State University 38,682 211 Westcott Bldg., Tallahassee, FL 32306 (850) 644-2525
San Diego State University 34,889 5500 Campanile Dr., San Diego, CA 92182 (619) 594-5200
University of South Carolina - Columbia 27,488 Columbia, SC 29208 (803) 777-7000
University of Massachusetts Amherst 26,359 Amherst, MA 01003 (413) 545-0111
Washington State University 25,352 French Admin. Bldg., Pullman, WA 99164 (509) 335-3564
Grand Valley State University 23,892 1 Campus Dr., Allendale, MI 49401 (616) 331-2020
California State Polytechnic University - Pomona 21,190 3801 W. Temple Ave., Pomona, CA 91768 (909) 869-7659
James Madison University 18,454 800 S. Main St., Harrisonburg, VA 22807 (540) 568-6211
Ferris State University 13,532 1201 S. State St., Big Rapids, MI 49307 (231) 591-2000
University of Denver 11,328 2199 S. University Blvd., Denver, CO 80208 (303) 871-2000
Johnson & Wales University 10,488 8 Abbott Park Pl., Providence, RI 02903 (401) 598-1000
Western Carolina University 9,050 Cullowhee, NC 28723 (828) 227-7211
Rutgers University - Camden 5,398 406 Penn, Camden, NJ 08102 (856) 225-6095
Mercyhurst College 4,326 501 E. 38th St., Erie, PA 16546 (814) 824-2000
Niagara University 4,254 Niagara University, NY 14109 (716)285-1212
Endicott College 3,717 376 Hale St., Beverly, MA 01915 (978) 927-0585
Champlain College 2,891 163 S. Willard St., Burlington, VT 05401 (802) 860-2700
Lasell College 1,488 1844 Commonwealth Ave., Newton, MA 02466 (617) 243-2000
College of the Ozarks 1,334 100 Opportunity Ave., Point Lookout, MO 65726 (417) 334-6411
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