Graduate Certificate in Real Estate

The Graduate Certificate in Real Estate (GCRE) is a 15 credit hour program that equips students with advanced skills in real estate development. Due to the robust real estate climate in the Mountain West (Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah and Wyoming), one of the nation’s fastest-growing regions, there is a significant need for developers.

It’s estimated that by 2040, the Mountain West will double in population to more than 30 million people with nearly 20 million jobs. Most of the existing built environment will be rebuilt. Several trillion dollars will be spent on development in the region over the next generation. Real estate professionals will play a leading role in the development and redevelopment of the region.

Curriculum

  • This certificate requires 15 credit hours of coursework.
  • All credits must be completed within three years.
  • Certificate credits can cross-count toward your graduate program requirements.
  • Grades, credits, and the certificate will appear on an official university transcript.
  • A 3.0 cumulative GPA in certificate courses is required for successful completion of the certificate.
  • Only FINAN or REDEV coded courses count towards this certificate.

Core Courses

Course Number: FINAN 6760
Credits: 3

This course provides students with an in depth understating of debt financing for real estate investment and development projects. The various debt vehicles used to finance real estate projects are covered along with deal underwriting from the debt investor’s perspective. Topics covered include cash flow modeling, ratio analysis and project-level discounted cash flow. Students will also be introduced to the prevailing methods used to underwrite investment and development deals.

Course Number: FINAN 6780
Credits: 3

Economic theories of value as applied to residential and income properties, factors influencing real-property values, appraising real property, framework for real estate investment decisions, rate of return analysis, determinants of real estate investment policy for borrowers and lenders.

Course Number: REDEV 6260
Credits: 3

This course explores the legal framework that shapes land use, planning, and development in the United States. Students examine key principles of zoning, constitutional law, and regulatory policy, along with landmark cases that define property rights and governmental authority. Emphasis is placed on understanding how legal and policy considerations impact real estate development and urban growth.

Course Number: REDEV 6460
Credits: 3

This course examines how economic, demographic, and spatial factors influence real estate markets. Students learn to evaluate market demand, supply, and trends across property types, using data-driven methods to assess project feasibility and investment potential. Emphasis is placed on applying market analysis to guide real-world development, acquisition, and valuation decisions.

Elective Courses

Course Number: REDEV 6010
Credits: 3

This course introduces students to the methods and tools used to analyze urban environments and real estate markets. Students learn how to collect, interpret, and apply demographic, economic, and spatial data to understand urban growth patterns, land use trends, and development potential. Emphasis is placed on translating research insights into data-driven strategies that support effective planning and real estate decision-making.

Course Number: REDEV 6390
Credits: 3

This course explores the principles and practices of sustainable real estate development. Students examine how environmental, social, and economic factors influence development decisions and long-term project value. Topics include sustainable design standards, green building certifications, resource efficiency, and the integration of sustainability goals into financial and policy frameworks. Emphasis is placed on creating developments that balance profitability, environmental stewardship, and community well-being.

Course Number: REDEV 6410
Credits: 3

This course focuses on the principles and processes involved in planning and designing real estate development sites. Students learn to analyze physical, environmental, and regulatory factors that influence site design and layout. Emphasis is placed on integrating land use, infrastructure, and sustainability considerations to create functional, attractive, and economically viable development projects.

Course Number: REDEV 6440
Credits: 3

This course introduces the core concepts and practices of urban design as they relate to real estate development and the built environment. Students explore how spatial form, aesthetics, infrastructure, and community needs interact to shape successful urban spaces. Emphasis is placed on creating designs that enhance livability, sustainability, and economic value within diverse urban contexts.

Course Number: REDEV 6450
Credits: 3

The principles and concepts of geographic information systems (GIS) technology and its applications to planning problems through lectures, assigned readings and discussion. Laboratory sessions offer hands-on practice with GIS software. Together, these provide students with a working knowledge of GIS design principles and a software package for later use in other courses and professional practice.

Course Number: REDEV 6960
Credits: 3

This course provides an in-depth understanding of the due diligence process in real estate development. Students learn how to identify and evaluate potential risks, constraints, and opportunities associated with development projects. Topics include site analysis, entitlement review, environmental assessment, legal considerations, and financial feasibility. Emphasis is placed on developing comprehensive due diligence strategies that support informed decision-making throughout the development lifecycle.

Students may be able to take other REDEV or FINAN courses as electives if approved by an advisor.

Admission Requirements

  • Applicants must have a minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA
  • Applicants must take FINAN 5050 or a similar Financial Management course before enrolling
  • Courses may have individual pre-requisites.
  • A GMAT/GRE score is not required.

Application Deadlines

  • Students must apply for the certificate at least one semester prior to the semester in which they will graduate.
  • Applications are accepted throughout the year and reviewed on a rolling basis.
  • Students may start the program in Fall, Spring, or Summer semester.

Note for Non-Matriculated Students

  • Access to career management resources is limited for non-matriculated students.
  • Financial aid is not available to non-matriculated students; however, private loans may be available.
  • Scholarships are currently not available for students only seeking a certificate.