Events That Impress
Orchestrate experiences with vision, precision and creativity.
The Event Planning Certificate at Owens equips you with the skills to design and manage a wide range of events—from corporate meetings and nonprofit fundraisers to weddings and social celebrations. You’ll learn to transform creative concepts into seamless, memorable experiences through hands-on training and coursework in event design, catering coordination, contract negotiation, marketing, budgeting and logistics management.
Graduates of the program are prepared to enter the fast-paced world of event planning with a strong foundation in both strategy and execution.
Key traits of successful event planners:
- Attention to Detail: Ensure every element of an event runs smoothly and professionally.
- Creative Vision: Design engaging, impactful experiences that leave lasting impressions.
- Agile Problem-Solving: Respond to challenges with confidence, flexibility and poise.
Small Classes. Expert Guidance.
Our instructors are experts who take pride in your success. Combined with our small class sizes, you’ll get one-on-one mentorship and precise technical feedback tailored to your goals.
Award Type
Technical Certificate
Department
Department of Food, Nutrition and Hospitality
Required Credit Hours
31
What to Expect
$9,294
Average net price for students, below the national average for 2-year colleges
14:1
Student-to-faculty ratio, offering a personalized learning environment
Curate Memorable Moments
Design, plan and execute impactful events with confidence and creativity.
In just three focused semesters, the Event Planning Certificate at Owens equips you with the skills to manage events from concept to completion. You’ll gain hands-on experience in site selection, contract management, vendor coordination and the planning of corporate functions, community events and celebratory occasions.
The curriculum builds a strong foundation in hospitality operations, culinary basics and food safety, while also developing essential business and technology skills. Courses in catering and banquet operations, hospitality marketing and sales, and facility design prepare you to coordinate a wide range of events with professionalism and precision.
You’ll also gain beverage knowledge—including beer, wine and spirits; and complete coursework in financial accounting to ensure events are both memorable and financially sustainable. In the final semester, you’ll apply your learning through a supervised internship, gaining real-world experience that positions you for success in the dynamic events industry.
Career Outcomes
Upon graduation, you are prepared to enter the thriving events industry with the skills and confidence to succeed in a variety of roles, including event planner, special events assistant and tour coordinator.
Graduates earn the ServSafe Manager Certification and the ServSafe Alcohol Certification, through the National Restaurant Association; and are also eligible to sit for the and Guest Service Professional certification exams— industry-recognized credentials that enhance employability and demonstrate a commitment to excellence in hospitality and event management.
With five years of professional experience, graduates may qualify for the prestigious Certified Special Events Professional (CSEP) designation through Pathway III of the International Live Events Association (ILEA). This credential recognizes comprehensive expertise across all facets of special event planning and execution.
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In Their Words
Needs new quote
Jennifer Lesko, Department of Food, Nutrition and Hospitality grad, ’25
Getting Started at Owens
Begin your high-quality education at an affordable price today!
Enrollment is easy—just fill out an online admissions application to get started. We’ll ask you to submit your transcripts for course placement and college credit.
Upon acceptance, schedule a meeting with your admissions advisor to register for classes. Next, attend an on-campus orientation and meet with your student financial services advisor to discuss ways to pay for college.