Program Length
- 1 Year
Credential
- Certificate
Location Offered
- Nanaimo
- Online
If you’re a people person and love the challenge of working in a fast-paced, creative industry, VIU’s Event Management Certificate can get you started on your path to a rewarding career. Study event planning in this part-time one-year online program, which many students complete while they are working.
An event planning career is full of variety, with opportunities to work in a company, launch a small business, or contract to agencies or organizations seeking this important skill set. It’s a detail-oriented career, where you can apply your organizational and problem-solving skills as a certified special events professional.
The Event Management Certificate Program
Part-time over 3 semesters
Develop skills for the exciting and growing industry of special events. Event management skills are needed in a wide range of sectors: tourism, recreation, arts and culture, sports, fundraising, corporate marketing, non-profit organizations, and more.
The program prepares graduates with the skills and knowledge needed to plan and manage festivals and events, with an emphasis on the tourism and recreation sector. It provides an opportunity to acquire the necessary knowledge and skills to work in event management, as well as providing professional development and credentialing for those already working in this field.
The program was developed jointly by Vancouver Island University and Thompson Rivers University, and is offered completely online.
| Credits | |
|---|---|
| CONV 101 - (Introduction to Tourism) | 3 |
| CONV 102 - (Introduction to Special Events Management) | 3 |
| CONV 103 - (Celebrating Community and Culture) | 3 |
| CONV 104 - (Event Volunteer Management) | 3 |
| CONV 105 - (Event Law and Risk Management) | 3 |
| CONV 106 - (Event Marketing) | 3 |
| Total Credits | 18 |
Further Studies
Students interested in continuing their studies, may be interested in our Tourism Studies or Recreation & Sport Management Diploma programs.
Completion Requirements
Students are eligible for a Certificate in Events Management upon completion of all coursework (6 courses) with a minimum grade of 50% in each course.
Continuing Requirements/Minimum Sessional Grade Point Average
Students must maintain a GPA of 2.33 (C+) in order to qualify for work placement activities.
Students must maintain an average "C+" grade and must perform satisfactorily in work placement activities in order to graduate.
Notes on Admission
- This program is offered exclusively online.
- Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis.
Graduates of the Event Management Certificate program will possess the skills required by the event management industry, applicable to event planning and management in public, corporate, and non-profit sectors. Employment opportunities include organizing and planning conferences and conventions, sports and recreation events, tourism events, festivals, arts and culture events, and corporate events. Graduates may become self-employed as contractors, or they may be hired by charitable organizations, trade and professional associations, convention and conference centres, governments, or conference and event planning companies.
Employment growth is expected in the events management sector as a result of increasing tourism in BC and the development of new facilities throughout BC which provide increased capacity to host major events.
Domestic Fees
Tuition and Other Mandatory Student Fees
When applying to the program, applicants will be charged a non-refundable application fee.
When applying to graduate, students will be charged a non-refundable graduation and alumni fee.
Some courses have additional fees to pay for extraordinary class–related expenses.
| Fees - 18 credits | Amount |
|---|---|
| Tuition (18 credits x $166.40 per credit) | 2,995.20 |
| Student Activity fee (4% of tuition) | 119.81 |
| Student Services fee (18 credits x $7.35 per credit) | 132.30 |
| VIU Students' Union fee (12 months x $27.60 per month) | 331.20 |
| Approximate yearly cost for books and supplies | 800.00 |
| Total | 4,378.51 |
The VIUSU Health and Dental Plan fee is assessed for all students enrolled in 6 credits or more per term, or in Trades/Vocational programs of 5 months or longer.
All fees are subject to change without prior notice and are expected to increase by 2% each year on April 1.
International Fees
Tuition and Other Mandatory Student Fees
When applying to the program, applicants will be charged a non-refundable application fee.
When applying to graduate, students will be charged a non-refundable graduation and alumni fee.
Some courses have additional fees to pay for extraordinary class–related expenses.
| Fees - 18 credits | Amount |
|---|---|
| Tuition (18 credits x $799.77 per credit) | 14,395.86 |
| Ancillary Fee (18 credits x $33.10 per credit) | 595.80 |
| VIU Students' Union fee (12 months x $27.60 per month) | 331.20 |
| Approximate yearly cost for books and supplies | 800.00 |
| Total | 16,122.86 |
The VIUSU Health and Dental Plan fee is assessed for all students enrolled in 6 credits or more per term, or in Trades/Vocational programs of 5 months or longer.
All fees are subject to change without prior notice and are expected to increase by 2% each year on April 1.
Domestic (Canadian)
| Program Start Date | Accepting Applications | Campus | Options |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ongoing | Online | May 5, 2025, September 2025 | |
|
Next Intake(s):
The Event Managment Certificate has three program start dates each year: one in September, one in January and one in May.
Application Fee:
$45.16
Testing Required:
No
Admissions Assistant:
Name: Helene Viau Phone: 250.753.3245 ext. 2040 Email: Helene.Viau@viu.ca
Chair Contact:
Name: Joanne Schroeder Phone: 250.753.3245 ext. 2832 Email: Joanne.Schroeder@viu.ca
Document Deadline:
One month before the program start date.
Comments:
This program is delivered online, is self-paced but has scheduled assignments and exams dates. Once accepted, students will be invited to the next available program start date. |
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International
| Program Start Date | Accepting Applications | Campus | |
|---|---|---|---|
| to | Nanaimo | ||
|
Anticipated intake for someone applying today:
Application Fee:
$150.00
Testing Required:
No
Chair Contact:
Name: Joanne Schroeder Phone: 250.753.3245 ext. 2832 Email: Joanne.Schroeder@viu.ca
International Admissions Officer Contact:
Email: Study@viu.ca
Document Deadline:
One month before the program starts.
Comments:
This program is delivered online with scheduled assignments and exams. It is not a self-paced delivery. Once accepted, students will be invited to the next available program start date. |
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Further information on this program can be found on the Department website.
Visit the Department WebsitePrevious versions of this program can be found in the Program Archive.