This is the preliminary (or launch) version of the 2024-2025 VCU Bulletin. We may add courses that expose our students to cutting-edge content and transformative learning. We may also add content to the general education program that focuses on racial literacy and a racial literacy graduation requirement, and may receive notification of additional program approvals after the launch. The final edition and full PDF version will include these updates and will be available in August prior to the beginning of the fall semester.

The major in real estate prepares students for the graduate-level study of real estate, economics and finance, as well as careers in land development, brokerage, valuation and investment counseling, site analysis and selection, real property management, mortgage lending, and bank trust and corporate real estate departments, in addition to other real estate-related careers in the public and private sectors.

Learning goals

  • To support career advancement over time by giving students the academic foundation in information systems needed for continued professional development
  • To help students develop the professional skills that will be needed by the businesses and organizations that hire graduates
  • To help students develop ethical awareness so that they are able to deal with an ethical dilemma in the workplace.
  • To ensure that students understand and can apply appropriate analytical methodologies and technology to the discipline of real estate.
  • To prepare students for professional licensing, certification and/or professional designations

Student learning outcomes

Upon completing this program:

  • Graduates will understand the legal foundations of real estate including contracts, options, title transfer, easements, conveyances, liens and recording statutes. Students will also understand  ethical decision-making in the context of identifying ethical standards and establishing a framework for making ethical decisions.
  • Graduates will be able to apply mathematical techniques to real estate financial analysis, including the financing process, mortgage risk analysis and loan underwriting.
  • Graduates will be able to apply the highest and best use analysis (cost, market and income approaches) in valuing real estate property and will be able to understand/calculate the mathematics of yield capitalization.
  • Graduates will be able to apply appropriate skills in evaluating real estate investments. This is includes a multidisciplinary approach to financial, spatial and social economics.