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.
About the 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.
Admission Information
Notes on Admission
- This program is offered exclusively online.
- Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis.
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 Email: Helene.Viau@viu.ca
Chair Contact:
Name: Janet McKeown Email: Janet.McKeown@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. |
|||
International
| Program Start Date | Accepting Applications | Campus | |
|---|---|---|---|
| to | Nanaimo | ||
|
Anticipated intake for someone applying today:
Application Fee:
$150.00
Testing Required:
No
Admissions Assistant:
Name: Helene Viau Email: Helene.Viau@viu.ca
Chair Contact:
Name: Joanne Schroeder Email: Joanne.Schroeder@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. |
|||
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 (12 months x $19.97 per month) | 239.64 |
| Student Services fee (12 months x $22.05 per month) | 264.60 |
| VIU Students' Union fee (12 months x $27.60 per month) | 331.20 |
| Approximate yearly cost for books and supplies | 800.00 |
| Total | 4,630.64 |
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 |
| Student Activity fee (12 months x $19.97 per month) | 239.64 |
| Student Services fee (12 months x $22.05 per month) | 264.60 |
| VIU Students' Union fee (12 months x $27.60 per month) | 331.20 |
| Approximate yearly cost for books and supplies | 800.00 |
| Total | 16,031.30 |
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.