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26 May 2025

5 minutes read

15 Top Universities for Master’s Degree in Event Planning and Management USA

Dirghayu Kaushik
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Dirghayu Kaushik

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Founder & CEO

Dirghayu Kaushik is the co-founder and CEO of Ambitio. He started this platform because he’s been in your shoes—navigating confusing websites, second-guessing college choices, and trying to make sense of what actually matters in an application. A graduate of IIT BHU, Dirghayu combines personal experience with data-backed guidance to help students apply smarter. Whether it’s choosing the right course, building a standout profile, or writing essays that don’t feel forced, his mission is simple: to make getting into your dream university less overwhelming, and a little more honest.

11 August 2024

5 minutes read

Key Takeaways

  • Master’s degree in event planning and management USA prepares Indian students with global skills, real-world projects, and industry-specific training.
  • Programs combine hospitality, tourism, and business event strategy with strong internship and funding support.
  • Graduates gain direct access to roles in top global firms, making it a smart career move for study abroad aspirants.

In 2024, the global event management industry is expected to exceed $1.1 trillion, making it one of the fastest-growing professions in hospitality and tourism. Yet, many Indian students dive into the field with passion but no clear roadmap, ending up in generic programs with little real-world value. 

A master’s degree in event planning and management USA offers a structured path, blending project management, event marketing, and hands-on learning. It’s time Indian students pursued programs that actually help them elevate their careers.

Why Choose a Master’s Degree in Event Planning and Management USA?

A master’s degree in event planning and management USA gives Indian students the tools to lead in the global event industry, combining hospitality management, risk management, and international business into one powerful program.

These degree programs are designed to build organizational and on-site skills through real coursework, networking opportunities, and hands-on experience

master's degree in event planning and management usa

From sports events to corporate exhibitions, the program prepares future event managers to plan successful events across industries, boosting confidence, a career in event roles, and global recognition.

15 Top Universities Offering Event Planning and Management Master’s in USA

For Indian students, pursuing a master’s degree in event planning and management USA is a smart way to gain real-world skills in hospitality management, project planning, and international tourism.

These programs combine theory with practical training in budgeting, sponsorship, and organising successful events, helping you elevate your career globally

UniversityBest Programs for Indian StudentsQS & U.S. News Rankings OverviewCourse Duration and Specializations
New York University (NYU)Global event leadership, NYC hubTop 251.5–2 yrs, Meeting & Event Mgmt
George Washington UniversityCorporate event strategyTop 602 yrs, Business Event Strategy
San Diego State UniversityTourism-focused, budget-friendlyTop 1001.5 yrs, Tourism & Event
University of Central FloridaTheme parks and sports eventsTop 752 yrs, Sports Event Mgmt
Temple UniversityUrban tourism & hospitalityTop 1002 yrs, Hospitality Mgmt
University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV)Vegas hospitality managementTop 801.5 yrs, Casino & Resort Events
DePaul UniversityEvent marketing & analyticsTop 1201.5 yrs, Event Marketing
Drexel UniversityEvent ops & capstone focusTop 1002 yrs, Capstone + Event Analytics
Florida International UniversityCultural & tourism eventsTop 1002 yrs, International Events
Johnson & Wales UniversityHospitality & culinary eventsTop 1101.5 yrs, Culinary & Events
University of South CarolinaTourism & hospitality mixTop 852 yrs, Tourism & Conferences
Boston UniversityLuxury & business eventsTop 401.5 yrs, Luxury Events
Metropolitan State Univ. of DenverTrade shows & public eventsTop 1302 yrs, Trade Shows & Tourism
University of AlabamaSouthern event strategyTop 1102 yrs, Community Events
Purdue UniversityOperations & risk managementTop 702 yrs, Ops & Risk Mgmt

Eligibility Criteria and Admission Requirements for Master’s Degree in Event Planning and Management for Indian Students

Pursuing a master’s degree in event planning and management USA is a smart move for Indian students looking to break into the global hospitality industry, sports and event sector, or international tourism.

master's degree in event planning and management usa

But before you apply, you need to meet specific eligibility criteria that ensure you’re prepared for the academic and real-world demands of this graduate degree.

  • Bachelor’s Degree: A recognized undergraduate or management degree in hospitality, tourism, business, or related fields from a degree from an accredited institution.
  • English Language Proficiency: Most universities require IELTS (6.5+) or TOEFL (90+) scores for international applicants to ensure readiness for faculty members and coursework.
  • Statement of Purpose (SOP): A well-written Statement of Purpose (SOP) that highlights your motivation, experience in meeting and event, cultural events, or business event planning, and career goals.
  • Letters of Recommendation: 1–3 Letters of Recommendation from academic or professional supervisors who can vouch for your knowledge and skills in leadership, teamwork, or operations management.
  • Resume/CV: A professional summary of your experience in event planning, hospitality industry, organising events, or internships related to the event management industry.
  • Academic Transcripts: Official marksheets showing strong performance in your undergraduate studies, especially in tourism and event, business, or international hospitality subjects.
  • Work Experience (optional but preferred): Some programs value prior practical skills or industry exposure in events and conferences, sustainable tourism, or companies in the sports sector.
  • Additional Documents: Depending on the university, you might need a capstone project proposal, portfolio, or a video introduction.

These requirements help international students, especially from India, pursue a career that the event management provides, from course explores to events around the world.

Costs, Scholarships, and Financial Aid for Indian Students

Pursuing a master’s degree in event planning and management USA can be costly for Indian students, but with the right funding, it’s manageable.

Top universities offer scholarships for international students, assistantships, and part-time work to support your journey in the event management degree space, spanning the tourism industry, business events, and international hospitality.

UniversityTuition Fees (USD/year)Living Costs (USD/year)Popular ScholarshipsFinancial Aid Options
New York University (NYU)$34,000$20,000NYU Wagner ScholarshipGraduate assistantships, on-campus jobs
George Washington University$32,000$18,000Global Leaders FellowshipFellowships, teaching assistant roles
San Diego State University$19,600$16,000SDSU Merit ScholarshipsMerit-based aid, part-time work
University of Central Florida$22,500$15,000UCF Global ScholarshipInternational student grants, research funding
Temple University$27,800$17,000Temple International GrantTuition reduction, work-study options

Internship and Career Opportunities in the USA After a Master’s in Event Management Programme

A master’s degree in event management USA doesn’t end in the classroom. For Indian students, the program is a launchpad into real-world internships and full-time roles across a range of event types, from global conferences to cultural festivals.

These hands-on opportunities with top organisations help you build essential skills, understand the current event management landscape, and advance your career in both business and leisure settings.

Company/OrganizationInternship RolesFull-Time Career Paths
Live NationEvent Production InternEvent Coordinator, Production Manager
Marriott InternationalMeetings & Events InternEvent Planner, MICE Manager
CventEvent Technology InternEvent Tech Specialist, Product Manager
Walt Disney WorldExperiential Events InternEntertainment Events Lead
FreemanExhibition & Trade Show InternTrade Show Manager, Expo Planner
Sodexo Live!Hospitality & Venue InternVenue Manager, Event Operations
EventbriteMarketing & Event OperationsCampaign Manager, Partner Success
HiltonCorporate Event Management InternMeetings Director, Venue Lead
Red Frog EventsFestival & Logistics InternEvent Producer, Talent Coordinator
BizzaboEvent Strategy InternEvent Strategist, Customer Experience Lead

Conclusion

A master’s degree in event planning and management USA offers Indian students more than just an academic credential, it’s a gateway to global exposure, real-world projects, and a thriving career in international events management. 

This event planning degree or MSc equips you with practical skills, economic and social insights, and the confidence to thrive in professional life. Many universities offer programs that truly help you advance your career and deliver results upon completion.

Want to study abroad with impact? Let Ambitio build your winning profile, tailor your SOPs, and fast-track your journey. Your dream degree starts here.

FAQs

What kind of career opportunities can I expect after completing a Master’s in Event Management?

Graduates can pursue various roles, including event coordinator, hospitality manager, tourism officer, corporate events planner, and more. The degree opens doors to diverse sectors like international business events, sports events management, and luxury event planning.

Are there opportunities for international students in the U.S. event management programs?

Yes, many universities welcome international students, offering them a global perspective on event management. These programs often include coursework focused on international hospitality and cultural events.

What is the duration of a typical event management master’s program?

Most programs last one to two years, depending on whether you study full-time or part-time. Some programs offer accelerated tracks for students looking to complete their degrees more quickly.

Can I specialize in a particular area of event management?

Yes, many programs offer specializations such as sports and event management, international events management, and sustainable tourism. These specializations allow you to tailor your education to your career aspirations.

How important are internships in an event management degree program?

Internships are crucial as they provide real-world experience, enhance your resume, and offer networking opportunities. They are often a stepping stone to full-time employment in the event management industry.

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