Not only does Temple’s School of Tourism and Hospitality Management (STHM) offer students the opportunity to partake in bachelor’s degree, master’s degree and doctoral degree programs, but also supplemental non-degree programs, including the restructured Event Leadership Executive Certificate Program. This program is ideal for students looking to advance their education, or for those who are seeking a career change. Either way, its practical, comprehensive format allows for completion in just one year.

The newly revised program features three, eight-hour core classes that present the basics of the event management profession. Students also select three, four-hour electives that range in topic from event entertainment and operations, to risk management, to legal issues in the entertainment industry. The program also requires students to complete 50 to 100 hours of hands-on experience in the form of an externship and a comprehensive industry portfolio. Ira Rosen, program director and adjunct instructor for STHM, explained how the restructured program appeals to a broader demographic of people, including the non-traditional learner. “For some students who work full-time, their job can count toward externship hours,” he said. “This makes the program more attractive to those already in the industry, but still gives newcomers a broad introduction to the field.”

On May 6, 2009, STHM hosted an open house in Alter Hall to promote the reworked program to the Temple community. Classes for the Event Leadership Executive Certificate Program currently take place at Temple’s center city campus, but are gaining momentum in moving to the main campus by fall 2009. The open house featured an overview of the program’s structure and an introduction to the award-winning faculty.

“Our entire faculty consists of industry practitioners,” said Rosen, “And their combined experience totals more than 150 years.” This dedication to the tourism and hospitality industry is evident in the quality of the program. Students gain advice from professionals who have experienced the industry first-hand, rather than just through a textbook.

The open house also presented the facts on why a certificate can be beneficial in an increasingly competitive industry. The Event Leadership Executive Certificate is recognized by a number of professional organizations including the International Festival and Events Association (IFEA), Meeting Professionals International (MPI) and the International Special Events Society (ISES). Also, an increasing number of companies are differentiating salaries based on additional training in the industry.

For more information on the Event Leadership Executive Certificate Program, visit http://sthm.temple.edu/evlead/index.html.