Event Planning

Career Diploma 2 months

New

Learn Event Planning Online

If you've got sharp organization skills, an eye for detail, and want to start a career in a creative industry, our Event Planning courses can help you learn event planning online and take the first steps toward the job you want. Through flexible, self-paced courses, you'll build the fundamental skills to start a rewarding career as an event planner on your schedule, from home.

Can prepare students for entry-level roles as event planners and coordinators, or to start their own event planning business.
Online event planning courses cover essential topics such as the day-to-day operations of an event planner, coordinating with clients and vendors, marketing basics, creating event styles and themes, business fundamentals, and more!
Students enrolled in the program receive a one-year student membership to Meeting Professionals International, which can help you connect and network with other industry professionals.
Our online programs are flexible enough for you to finish them at a pace that works for you, based on how much time you can dedicate to your coursework each week.

Accredited

Online

Self Paced

Cost of Program

$849

$1,089 Save $240

$59/month, Start for as low as $20

Request Info Enroll Now

1-800-471-3232 (9AM - 9PM ET)

What You Will Learn

The role of the event planner and the importance of the client and interview process in determining the budget, size, and style of events.
How to choose the appropriate vendors, caterers, and more when planning an event, including working with venues to ensure the event is a success.
How to organize and manage a variety of events including weddings, fundraisers, parties, anniversary parties, galas, and more.
How to start and run a successful event planning business including the importance of marketing and networking.

Full Program Goal & Outcomes

Event Planner Career Outcomes

Meeting, Convention, and Event Planners

AVG SALARY*

$56,920/yr

NUMBER OF JOBS*

149,000

JOB GROWTH*

Our program can help students learn event planning online and take the first steps toward a career in event planning. Graduates can find jobs as event, party, convention, and meeting planners and coordinators for established companies or even start their own event planning business!

State Licensing Requirements

Licensing and/or certification requirements for jobs in this field are not the same in every state and may include educational, testing, and/or experiential requirements beyond those offered in the Penn Foster Program. Prospective students should contact the state professional licensing board or similar regulatory body in the state(s) where they plan to work to determine their requirements before enrolling in this program. See the State Licensing page for contact information for state licensing/regulatory boards and certain industry licensing information.

Event Planning Curriculum

15.1 continuing education units (CEUs)
5 courses
14 exams
1 graded project

Estimated completion time:

Fast track = 2 months
Average time = 6 months

With Penn Foster, you can learn at whatever pace works best for you. Some learners will be more comfortable moving faster, and dedicating more time, and the fast track estimate will apply to them. The average track will apply to most learners who can dedicate a few hours per week to completing their coursework. The estimated completion times are based on completion times for learners enrolled in this program from May 2021 - April 2022, excluding withdrawals.

As part of our Event Planning curriculum, you'll learn the essential skills necessary to prepare for entry-level jobs as an event planner. Your online classes include:

Foundations of Event Planning
Planning the Big Event
Types of Events
Setting Yourself Up for Success

Show Full Curriculum

Event Planning Success Stories

Penn Foster’s Event Planning Career Diploma Program can help prepare you for the first step in your event and party planning career. This program has helped recent graduates find new jobs or start their own businesses while learning at their own pace. Learn more about Penn Foster graduates' experiences and how Penn Foster worked for them.

View Student Success Stories

Rebecca S.

Penn Foster Graduate, 2023

“I was able to work and take care of my kids while completing the program. It was nice not having to stress over deadlines and logging in at specific times. The self paced curriculum worked perfectly for my life.”

Need to provide training for your workers?

Penn Foster currently works with hundreds of leading employers to meet their unique organizational needs.

Learn More

Event Planning Tuition

Take the first steps toward a new career with our online Event Planning Career Diploma Program. Simply choose from one of our low-cost customized payment plans below and get started today!

Option 1: Pay in full

Cost of Program¹

$849

$1,089 Save $240

Best price. Best value.
Pay the full cost today
No monthly payments

Enroll Now

Option 2: Monthly Auto Pay Plan

Cost of Program¹

$1,049

$1,089 Save $40

Pay $59 per month
Start for $20 down
All major credit and debit cards accepted

Enroll Now

Option 3: Monthly Mail Pay Plan

cost of program¹

$1,089

Pay $59 per month
Start for $39 down
Mail your payments

Enroll Now

Our Proven Event Planning Learning Model

Empowering students to reach their professional goals

Flexible

Start anytime
No exam due dates
Self-paced

Interactive

Digital study guides
Self-check quizzes
Simulations and videos

Connected

24/7 access to online resources
Learning Resource Center
Dedicated Learner Center

Supportive

Expert faculty
Dedicated student services
Robust learning resources

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Event Planning Program FAQs

Where can I work as an event planner?

Our online event planning training can help you prepare to work in a variety of settings or to start your own business. Many event planners work on-site for convention centers, hotels, and other hospitality businesses, and they spend their time between the office and event locations. This program also provides you with the knowledge and skills to develop your own client and vendor relationships to build an independent business.

What is the average salary of an event planner?

According to national averages from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average entry-level salary for an event planner with a bachelor's degree was $56,920 per year in 2023.* Salary can vary based on your education, work experience, the company you work for, and even the state in which you live.

Can you become an event planner without a degree?

Most event planners need some background in the field. While a college degree may not be necessary to become an event planner, educational background and certification through a career training program can help you stand out and prepare to be a confident and credentialed candidate when applying for jobs.

Why should I get an event planner certification?

Industry credentials can help you stand out from the crowd of other applicants and assure potential employers you have the skills to perform your tasks. Certification is separate from education, so many event planners go through training and work in the field before sitting for any applicable exams.

What is the average job description for an event planner?

Job descriptions for open event planner positions include skills like

Effective time management
Negotiating with clients and vendors
Having an eye for detail

Building your skills in areas like business management, customer service, and financial planning can be beneficial to someone working in this role.

Sources:

*Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor. "Meeting, Convention, and Event Planners." Occupational Outlook Handbook. Accessed November 12, 2024.

Statements found in the United States Department of Labor Occupational Outlook Handbook are not a guarantee of any post-graduation salary, in part because the data used to create the Occupational Outlook Handbook includes workers from differing educational backgrounds, levels of experience, and geographic areas of the country.

Disclaimers:

¹ Depending on where you live, you may be charged taxes in addition to the total cost of your program.