Program Overview

Special Events Management Certificate Program

The Special Events Management certificate program is designed for students currently pursuing a bachelor's degree at ASU, as well as nondegree-seeking individuals who hold a degree from an accredited university. This program provides students with valuable hands-on experience in event planning and a comprehensive understanding of modern event management.

Program Description

The program is a career enhancement program that offers students the foundational knowledge and hands-on experience necessary to excel in the strategic planning and execution of cross-sector event planning. Students gain confidence in coordinating various aspects of events, including food and beverage services, operations, safety and security, production, technology, and protocol.

At a Glance

• College/school: Watts College of Public Service & Community Solutions
• Location: Downtown Phoenix

Curriculum

The certificate requires 18 credit hours. Courses taken as part of a university major may count toward that degree and the certificate. To earn the certificate, students must complete all coursework in the certificate with a minimum grade of "C" (2.00 on a 4.00 scale) or better. An application to the program is required.

• Introductory Course:
  • PRM 145 Special Events Management (3 Credit Hours, Minimum Grade: C)
• Required Courses:
  • CRD 350 Tourism, Recreation and Sports Marketing (3 Credit Hours, Minimum Grade: C)
  • PRM 422 Special Event Technology and Production (3 Credit Hours, Minimum Grade: C)
  • PRM 423 Special Event Operations (3 Credit Hours, Minimum Grade: C)
  • PRM 427 Where's the Money: Special Event Revenue Generation (3 Credit Hours, Minimum Grade: C)
  • PRM 487 Advanced Special Events Management or PRM 307 Event Leadership Experience (3 Credit Hours, Minimum Grade: C)
• Notes:
  • Prerequisite courses may be needed in order to complete the requirements of this certificate.
  • 18 hours of graded classroom coursework (no internship, no independent study).
  • Minimum of a "C" grade (2.00 on a 4.00 scale) required for all courses in the certificate.
  • Minimum GPA of 2.00 for those pursuing the certificate.
  • Students should be at least a junior to take 400-level courses.

Enrollment Requirements

A student pursuing an undergraduate certificate must be enrolled as a degree-seeking student at ASU. Undergraduate certificates are not awarded prior to the award of an undergraduate degree. A student already holding an undergraduate degree may pursue an undergraduate certificate as a nondegree-seeking graduate student.

Program Learning Outcomes

Program learning outcomes identify what a student will learn or be able to do upon completion of their program. This program’s learning outcomes include the following:

• Apply programmatic principles relevant to the special event industry to a variety of event-related scenarios.
• Plan an event using current practices & concepts.

Career Opportunities

The skills gained in this certificate program offer graduates countless career opportunities, such as organizing and managing festivals, trade shows, meetings, concerts, and sporting events. Students can work in the area of operations, marketing, sales, risk management, accessibility, and sustainability.

Additional Information

• The Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) is a program in which residents of western states (other than Arizona) may be eligible for reduced nonresident tuition.
• Students from western states who select this major may be eligible for a reduced nonresident tuition rate of 150 percent of Arizona resident tuition plus all applicable fees.