Associate Degree in Hospitality and Events Management
The University of North Alabama’s Associate of Science degree in Hospitality and Events Management is designed for students interested in an accelerated, hands-on education in the hospitality business's complex day-to-day operations. The degree is composed of a series of stackable certificates. Students completing the degree are required to meet all general education requirements, which will earn them a General Education Short-Term Certificate. Additionally, students must complete two out of the three certificates described below to earn their Associate of Science Degree.
- Lodging & Tourism Management
- Events & Foodservice Management
- Hospitality Management
Our courses are built to encourage critical thinking and foster collaboration while promoting creativity and independent thought for the next generation of event organizers and managers.
Taught by a diverse faculty of professionals with in-depth experience across the industry, students of this two-year program will learn the skills necessary for success in the modern events space and will be well-prepared for job opportunities in the North Alabama region and beyond.

Time to Complete
2 years

Modality Offered:
In Person

Credentials:
Associate of Science
in Hospitality and Events Management
Associate Degree: Hospitality and Events Management
Why the University of North Alabama?
As Alabama’s Workforce Development University, UNA has pioneered programs hailed for their excellence and dedication to the growth of students, including providing access to opportunities for professional development like the expansive annual Career Fair.
As the only degree of its kind in North Alabama, UNA’s Associate of Science degree in Hospitality and Events Management prepares students to fill in-demand jobs and provide the region with talented, trained and competent individuals eager to launch their careers in less time than it takes to earn a bachelor's degree.
What can I do with an Associate Degree in Hospitality and Events Management?
As a graduate with an associate’s in Hospitality and Events Management from UNA, you will have a foundational understanding of this industry which is built upon communication and relationships. Many opportunities await in the hospitality business such as hotel, lodging, event planning, travel/tourism, and food service industries.
Some job titles UNA graduates may qualify for include:
- Hotel/Resort General Manager
- Hotel Operations Director
- Property Manager
- Spa Manager/Director
- Club Manager
- Restaurant Manager
- Guest Services Manager
- Front Office Manager
- Cruise Director
- Casino/Gaming Manager
- Service Manager
- Event Meeting Planner
Curriculum
Requirements for AS in Hospitality and Events Management
General Education Short-Term Certificate | Credits |
En 111 - First Year Composition I | 3 |
En 112 - First Year Composition II | 3 |
COM 201 - Fundamentals of Speech | 3 |
Fine Arts elective | 3 |
Literature elective | 3 |
Humanities elective | 3 |
Mathematics elective | 3 |
Natural Science elective | 4 |
6 hours of Social and Behavioral Science electives | 6 |
Total Hours | 31 |
Hospitality and Events Management Core Courses:
Course | Credits |
HEM 102 - Introduction to the Hospitality Industry | 3 |
HEMA 123 - Field Experience I | 3 |
HEMA 207 - Career Preparation | 1 |
Choose 2 of the following Certificates:
Code | Title | Hours |
---|---|---|
Hospitality and Events Management Core Courses | 7 | |
HEM 102
|
Introduction to the Hospitality Industry | |
HEMA 123
|
Field Experience I | |
HEMA 207
|
Career Preparation | |
HEM 200 | Tourism Planning and Development | 3 |
HEMA 240 | Housekeeping Administration | 3 |
HEMA 251 | Front Office Management | 3 |
HEM/HEMA/CUA/CAM elective | 3 | |
Total Hours | 19 |
Code | Title | Hours |
---|---|---|
Hospitality and Events Management Core Courses | 7 | |
HEM 102
|
Introduction to the Hospitality Industry | |
HEMA 123
|
Field Experience I | |
HEMA 207
|
Career Preparation | |
CAM 112 | Food Safety and Sanitation | 3 |
HEM 206 | Conventions, Meetings, & Trade Show Management I | 3 |
HEMA 232 | Event Logistics & Entertainment | 3 |
HEMA 241 | Restaurant Service Management | 3 |
Select one from the following: | 3 | |
MG 330
|
Principles of Management | |
MG 331
|
Leadership and Organizational Behavior | |
MK 360
|
Principles of Marketing | |
MK 362
|
Personal Selling | |
Total Hours | 22 |
Code | Title | Hours |
---|---|---|
Hospitality and Events Management Core Courses | 7 | |
HEM 102
|
Introduction to the Hospitality Industry | |
HEMA 123
|
Field Experience I | |
HEMA 207
|
Career Preparation | |
HEM 125 | Managing Technology in Hospitality | 3 |
HEM 203 | Sustainability in Hotel, Restaurant, and Event Operations | 3 |
HEM 204 | Managing Hospitality Human Resources | 3 |
HEM/HEMA/CUA/CAM Elective | 3 | |
Total Hours | 19 |
Accreditations
The University of North Alabama is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).