Admission Requirements
Admission to this program is competitive. Selection is based not only on meeting minimum application requirements and qualifications, but also on your professional experience and demonstrated intent to complete the entire program.
Minimum Requirements/Qualifications
You must have completed at least four years of college study, or have the equivalent in college credits, or have at least 10 years of work experience in the field of commercial real estate. You must also meet one of the following work experience requirements:
At least three years of experience in commercial real estate (property management, brokerage, appraisal, development, investment, etc.)
At least three years of experience working on commercial real estate projects in related disciplines (architecture, construction, finance, law and planning, etc.)
At least two years of commercial real estate experience in the public, nonprofit sector
At least three years of institutional experience with commercial facilities management and/or commercial real estate-related policymaking
Commitment to Completing the Program
We prioritize applicants who show a commitment to complete the entire certificate program (all three quarters), as networking and developing bonds with other students is an important element of the program. Additionally, the certificate requires completion of a capstone project, a group project that spans all three quarters; it’s therefore disruptive if a student leaves before completing the program.
The application requires a personal statement, in addition to a resume. In the personal statement, address how you intend to complete the entire program through one of the following ways:
Professional Background
This program accepts students from a variety of professional backgrounds related to commercial real estate, including but not limited to property management, brokerage, appraisal, development, investment, construction, architecture, law and finance. The success of this program relies on attracting a professionally diverse cohort that is reflective of the commercial real estate industry. This means that in some years applicants from certain professions will be more competitive than others, depending on the overall applicant mix.
Time Commitment
Including time in class, you should expect to spend about 7 to 9 hours each week on coursework.
English Proficiency
If English is not your native language, you should have at least intermediate English skills to enroll. To see if you qualify, make sure you are at the B2 level on the CEFR self-assessment grid. To learn more, see English Language Proficiency Requirements – Noncredit Programs.
International Students
To enroll, international students must have a visa that permits study in the United States. This program does not enable students to obtain or maintain F-1 visa status. For more information, see Requirements for International Students.
