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Hospitality Management: Meeting and Event Planning, Associate in Applied Science

Overview

View our other Hospitality program options:

Features

Students earning an associate degree in applied science in Hospitality Management: Meeting and Event Planning will gain solid business knowledge and comprehensive skills designed to help prepare for a career in the event and meeting industries for any of the corporate, association, social, leisure, or hospitality and tourism arenas. Curriculum exposes students to develop and enhance planning and coordination skills, sales techniques, to research locations and activities available, and gain business acumen necessary for success in providing the highest level of guest service and satisfaction. Extensive techniques are examined for increasing organizational skills and the attention to detail necessary to carry out events and meetings of all sizes.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment in this field is expected to grow faster than average for all occupations. Job opportunities will be best for individuals with a bachelor's degree and some experience as a meeting planner, as the work and responsibilities are becoming more complex.

The Hospitality Management program fosters teamwork, professionalism, and learning through experience. Students will be prepared for a career in the hospitality industry by classroom learning supplemented with field trips, guest speakers and industry certifications. All students will complete a 225 hour management practicum, where they will complete an internship in their area are of interest.

Course credit or advanced placement options may exist for students coming from local high schools and vocational schools. Northampton also has agreements with several colleges and universities for students interested in transferring to a four year school upon completion of the program. Program instructors and college advisors can help determine the education and career path that will lead students to a successful future.

Contact the Admissions Office at 610.861.5500 for further information.

Career Potential: junior event planner, junior meeting planner, destination management administrative assistant, wedding/social event assistant, conference/convention services administrative assistant, special events/entertainment associate, and festival associate.

Outcomes

Graduates of the program will:

  • Acquire and correctly use general industry information, technical skills, and certifications for employment in the hospitality industry.
  • Listen and effectively communicate in a positive, professional, and ethical manner with customers and colleagues of diverse backgrounds.
  • Display a professional image, positive attitude, strong work ethic, and recognize your role in the success of the organization where you are employed.
  • Read and accurately interpret standard indicators of the organization's financial health.
  • Use appropriate technology for written communication, information gathering, and data analysis to facilitate smooth operation of a hospitality organization.
  • Demonstrate leadership and supervisory skills, and an appreciation of diversity to support the organization and its goals.
  • Use organization and flexibility, as a team, to complete tasks, make decisions, and problem solve in a timely manner.
  • Utilize research and problem-solving techniques to employ "out of the box" critical thinking skills in a variety of hospitality situations.

Courses

First Semester

CMTH102Speech Communication

3 credits

ENGL101English I

3 credits

HOSP101Intro to the Hospitality Industr

3 credits

MEPL112Meeting and Convention Mgmt

3 credits

Mathematics (QL) or Science (SCI) Elective

3/4 credits

Total Credit Hours:15-16

Second Semester

ENGL151REnglish II

3 credits

HOSP105Enhancing Guest Service

3 credits

HOSP111Food and Beverage Management

3 credits

MEPL122Special Event Management

3 credits

General Education Elective (SIT or SSHB)

3 credits

Total Credit Hours:15

Third Semester

HOSP210Human Resources Mgmt/Hosp Indust

3 credits

HOSP215Hospitality Sales & Marketing

3 credits

MEPL132Event Promotion and Sponsorship

3 credits

PSYC103Introduction to Psychology

3 credits

General Education Elective (AH)

3 credits

Total Credit Hours:15

Fourth Semester

HOSP130Convention Services & Catering

3 credits

HOSP201Strategic Leadership Hospitality

3 credits

HOSP212Hospitality Financial Reporting

3 credits

HOSP221GHospitality Management Practicum

3 credits

 

MEPL143Event & Mtg Facilities Mgmt

3 credits

OR

MEPL147Busn of Social Ev & Wedding Cons

3 credits

 

Elective

3 credits

Total Credit Hours:18

Total Credit Hours: 63-64

  • For the General Education Electives, students must select one course from the list of approved Arts & Humanities (AH) courses and one course from the list of approved courses in Social Science: Societies and Institutions over Time (SIT) or Social Science: Scientific Study of Human Behavior (SSHB).
  • One course should be designated as Diversity and Global Awareness (D).
  • Computer competencies are included in various courses in this program. Thus, completion of the program automatically satisfies the computing requirement for the program.