Real Estate Development Graduate Certificate

Real estate development shapes energy consumption, climate change, social equity, public finance, capital markets, and personal and corporate wealth. Since the 1990s, it has also become a major global financial asset class. As recent history shows, the collapse of a real estate bubble can trigger severe economic consequences.

For much of the last half-century, developers have produced standard, low-density, auto-oriented projects. Parking, road access, and zoning ordinances often determine this form of development. Developers, bankers, investors, and consultants have largely been trained to work within this model, even though it has created significant social, economic, fiscal, and environmental costs.

The revival of many American downtowns and the urbanization of selective suburban places are a testament to profound changes in real estate development after decades of building only drivable suburban development. However, just as the United States is adjusting to changing market demands, much of the developing world is emulating the drivable suburban American model of the twentieth century.

The University of Michigan real estate development program offers a different approach. We focus on creating sustainable, walkable, mixed-use places that reduce environmental impact, expand choices for people of all incomes, and support long-term value for communities and investors.

Students learn how to build places with a smaller ecological footprint, a stronger sense of place, and housing options across income levels. The program also examines land use regulation, sustainable development, sprawl, community design, and municipal finance, issues that shape local governments in the U.S. and abroad.

Many planners, lawyers, business leaders, and designers influence metropolitan development but lack a full understanding of real estate’s complexity. This certificate gives students a cross-disciplinary foundation in development, planning, design, finance, law, and policy, and is designed for students who want to influence how development occurs and help create built environments that are sustainable, inclusive, and worthy of long-term investment.

Eligibility

• Current U-M Rackham graduate student (for instance, MURP, MPP, MS SEAS, Ph.D.)
  
• Current U-M non-Rackham graduate student (for instance, M.Arch., MUD, MBA, JD)
  
• The program also considers applications from individuals who are not current U-M graduate students. Applicants must have completed a bachelor’s degree and have work experience that has led to the need for more background in real estate development.
  
• As Visas cannot be given for Certificate programs, International Students that are considered “Stand Alone” applicants are not eligible to apply for the Graduate Real Estate Development Certificate.

For more information about eligibility, requirements, courses, and more, please visit the Graduate Certificate Requirements: Real Estate Development article on the Taubman College Intranet.