Summary
The Event Management major within the College of Education and Human Development equips students with the essential knowledge and practical skills to excel in the fast-paced and rewarding events industry. This program focuses on developing well-rounded professionals capable of planning, executing, and evaluating a wide range of events, from intimate gatherings to large-scale conferences.
Program Stats
97%
of College of Education and Human Development graduates working full time have a job related to their degree
98%
of College of Education and Human Development graduates participated in Experience-Driven Learning
95%
of College of Education and Human Development graduates working are satisfied with their job
Pursue a Bachelor of Science in Event Management
Through the Department of Human Performance and Health Education, you will be empowered to create your own event management pathway. The Bachelor of Science in Event Management focuses on event ideation, program design, technology, execution management, budgeting, and community engagement and is experientially based with both in-class and off-campus learning. Students are provided with opportunities to work with community businesses to experience the challenges of event implementation.
By integrating theoretical knowledge with real-world application, the program cultivates the strategic leadership skills essential for navigating the fast-paced global industry. Ultimately, you will graduate not only with a degree but with a professional portfolio and a network of industry connections ready to launch your career.
The program's curriculum is designed to support the Meeting Planner International Standards with courses that focus on the meeting and business event competency standards industry subsets.
What you’ll learn
The Bachelor of Science in Event Management will teach you the comprehensive skills needed to plan, execute, and evaluate various events, from corporate gatherings and conferences to festivals and weddings. You will learn about strategic planning, budgeting, marketing, risk management, logistics, vendor negotiation, and the use of event technology.
Student quote
In event management we do lots of hands on learning and you get the opportunity to decide what events you would like to plan
Where you’ll be after graduation
An event management degree opens doors to diverse roles within the dynamic events industry, allowing you to specialize in various types of gatherings. Common career paths include event planner, wedding coordinator, corporate event manager, venue manager, festival organizer, and exhibition manager, among others.
For 95% of College of Education and Human Development grads, they got that job or got into that graduate school program after graduation. That is because your journey of self-discovery begins the moment you step on campus. At WMU's Career and Student Employment Services, career specialists help you align your passions and abilities with future careers and advanced degrees. They will connect you to practical experiences like internships, job shadowing, research projects and professional mentors.
What other have achieved
Learn about the successful journeys of recent program graduates and the advice they have to share for prospective WMU students.
Meet Ashley
Ashley, a future event planner studying abroad at the University of Hertfordshire, has embraced a hands-on academic journey. Her program involves a comprehensive study of event management and opportunity to put ideas into practice.
Meet Sofia
One of the College of Education and Human Development's student ambassadors, Sofia has already participated in planning events for the Kalamazoo community.
Making the most of your learning experience
In the College of Education and Human Development, you'll embark on an incredible journey of experiential learning that goes beyond textbooks. Collaborating closely with faculty members, you'll dive into cutting-edge research, fieldwork and professional pursuits. Pushing the boundaries of the traditional classroom, you'll gain practical skills and make a tangible impact.
This program enables you to interact with professionals in the fields of event management, utilizing service learning and getting class credit while working in the field. This includes the planning and execution of events such as popups, catering, conventions and exposition management. You will be involved in local Kalamazoo events such as Food Truck Fridays, Art-hop and the Holiday Parade.
Banner Image
Are scholarships available?
Yes! You've put in the hard work—now it's time to see your reward.
Scholarships are an excellent way to help the reduce the costs of higher education. Whether you are entering college for the first time, transferring to WMU from another institution or returning from a gap in your education, be sure to check out our scholarship options. Students earn scholarships for financial need, academic success and promoting multicultural awareness. Most are offered on a competitive basis.
