Event and Hospitality Management
Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.)
Learn to create and manage unforgettable experiences in one of New York's premiere tourist regions. Gain work experience at local hospitality businesses while preparing for a future in this dynamic industry.
Career Outlook: Event Planner
The hospitality industry offers vibrant careers where no two days are the same. As an event planner, you'll select venues, meet with vendors, and manage budgets to ensure everything runs smoothly. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics expects a 7% growth in event planning careers by 2033, faster than the average workforce growth rate. The annual salary for event planners was $56,920 in 2023.
A.A.S. Program Overview
Combine creativity, organization, and leadership to make lasting memories for your clients. Take courses in communications, culinary arts, event planning, and more. Connect with hospitality professionals who share your passion for culture, cuisine, and travel.
Learn from Industry Experts
Gain 600 hours of real-world training through our professional work experience program. Hone your skills with the support of regional experts who work in wineries, restaurants, hotels, and event centers. Our work experience program helps you build skills for your career goals while connecting with employers.
Course Highlight: HOS 105 Orientation to Hospitality
Meet over a dozen Finger Lakes hospitality and tourism leaders in our first-year experience course, Orientation to Hospitality. This course showcases a range of professional occupations, best practices, and current developments in the industry. Discover unique careers and opportunities while learning from experienced business owners, hotel managers, and event planners.
Earn Industry Credentials
Learn about safe and responsible food and beverage service by completing the following certifications:
- TIPS certification: A nationally recognized program that equips you with the skills to ensure responsible alcohol service and create safer environments for guests.
- ServSafe certification: This essential credential focuses on food safety, preparing you to handle food responsibly, prevent contamination, and meet the health and safety requirements of the industry.
Earning these credentials alongside your degree demonstrates that you are well-prepared for a career and dedicated to excellence.
Real-World Event Planning
Create memorable experiences with student-run events and our collaborative capstone project, Dinner at Julia's. Each year, hospitality, culinary arts, and viticulture students work together to host food and wine events for real patrons from the local community. Design menus, set up lighting, plate food, and serve tables to discover what it takes to run a successful event from start to finish.
Our Event and Hospitality Management Degree is Available 100% Online
In addition to completing this degree in-person, our entire Event and Hospitality Management program is available online. Study on your time and from a location that fits your busy schedule. Online learning provides a convenient and flexible way to earn an education. Learn more about FLCC online learning.
"One of the things I loved about FLCC was the support of my professors. I never once felt like there was a professor who wasn't on my side. The hospitality faculty are a professional network that I'm going to have for the rest of my career. I can reach out to them and know that they'll be there to help me find connections or answer questions. The college has career fairs and networking events to make sure that students not only have the education that they need to be successful, but the connections as well."
— Stephanie Chrysler, '19
A.A.S. Program Outcomes
Program Learning Outcomes
All students graduating from the A.A.S. in Event and Hospitality Management program will be able to:
- Draw on the “heart of a servant” philosophy to apply the concepts and skills necessary to achieve an outstanding and profitable guest and visitor experience.
- Model professional decorum and work ethic to exceed industry standards.
- Describe the economic impact hospitality and tourism brings to a region.
Additionally, students in this track will be able to:
- Assess how a destination creates a unique sense of place for visitors.
- Evaluate opportunity for collaboration with community stakeholders.
Career Pathways
The professional work experience and education you earn through this program prepares you for a wide range of hospitality careers. Some of these opportunities include:
- Destination Marketing Specialist
- Director of Cruise Activities
- Events Planner
- Food and Beverage Manager
- Hotel or Resort Manager
- Travel Planner
Seamless Transfer Opportunities
Many four-year colleges and universities in the area offer a bachelor’s degree in hospitality, events management, or a related field. FLCC has an articulation agreement with SUNY Brockport, which ensures that our program graduates will enter Brockport's hospitality program in full junior standing.
Other program graduates have continued their education at the following institutions:
- Johnson & Wales University
- Niagara University
- Paul Smith’s College
- Rochester Institute of Technology
- SUNY Delhi
- SUNY Morrisville
Low-Cost Tuition and Scholarship Opportunities
Earn a quality education at an affordable rate. With our low cost-per-credit and general scholarship opportunities, you can maximize your potential with minimal debt. 76% of students are eligible for scholarships or financial aid that help with the cost of college.
Faculty
Our Hospitality faculty bring a variety of real-world experiences in hotel, tourism, and event planning to the classroom. Your instructors have worked as food and beverage directors, executive chefs, and restaurant managers. They are eager to introduce you to the exciting world of hospitality and connect you with the regional employers they have come to know well over the years.
Explore Your Career Options
Map out a path toward your future career, and discover opportunities related to this area of study.