Real Estate Development (Z029)

Graduate Certificate Program
College: Architecture

Abstract

The Graduate Certificate in Real Estate Development is a 12 - 21 credit program, depending on the work experience and academic preparation of the applicant. The Certificate is primarily designed for obtaining the introductory basics of real estate development for those who may not yet have determined to make their career in the field. However, the courses required may be adapted to prior experience or level of expertise for those who are looking for advanced work. The Certificate is comprised of the two fundamental courses for the Master’s degree plus two cognate courses, as well as any courses (3 - 9 credits) that would be additional preparation courses as specified in an admission letter. The basic and preparatory courses are all offered to Masters students as well, and Certificate students are not in separate courses for either preparatory courses or for the RDEV (real estate development) courses.

Up to four courses taken as part of the Certificate may be counted toward the MRED degree upon completion of the certificate if the student applies and is accepted into the MRED degree program. Successful completion of the Certificate with grades of B or better assures admission to the MRED program. Up to additional 9 credits of leveling coursework may be required before a Certificate student may move on to the core real estate certificate courses, depending on the background and experience of the applicant.

Students subsequent to admission are subject to three assessments: of Excel Skills, Business Writing and Oral Presentation skills. Students who do not meet minimum standards in the Orientation assessments, or if determined during early coursework that skills are insufficient, may be required to take additional evening or weekend coaching courses in order to meet the Program’s Professional Skills Standards.

Generally, Certificate Students take 6 credits (2 courses) per term, and can finish in two terms,  if no additional leveling preparatory courses are required. Students required to complete a full 21 credits, can still finish in 15 months by taking classes through two summer sessions as well as 3 spring and fall terms. However, a  Certificate student may, if they are not working, take a maximum of four courses per term. There is no guarantee that the four required courses for the Certificate, however, will be offered in each term. There is more information about the courses and teaching methods used for the Graduate Certificate Real Estate Development sequence at the catalogue entry for RDEV -- Real Estate Development. There is also information on all the real estate graduate programs, including dual degrees available with business,l  historic preservation, and architecture at the website www.arch.umd.edu/real_estate_development.

Certificate students are not eligible to take elective RDEV courses or the Capstone course prior to admission to the Master’s program. Certificate students may, on a space available basis, participate in Study Abroad courses, but not for credit towards the Certificate degree.

Financial Assistance

Financial aid through the University administered federal loan programs is now available for Certificate students.  This is an exception to the general rule,  and is based on application and approval received from the federal government as to the standards of admission and requirements of the program.  Contact the Program Director after application as to any available Program scholarship assistance, which, depending on the term, may or may not be available for Certificate students. Scholarship awards from the Program are never available for Summer and Winter term courses or for Study Abroad.

Contact

Maria Day-Marshall, JD, LLM
Clinical Associate Professor and Director
School of Architecture, Planning & Preservation
Real Estate Development Program 
1243 Architecture Building
3835 Campus Drive
University of Maryland
College Park, MD 20742
Telephone: 301.405.8000
Email: mdaymars@umd.edu

Website:  http://www.arch.umd.edu/real-estate-development

Courses:  RDEV

General Requirements

• Statement of Purpose
• Transcript(s)
• TOEFL/IELTS/PTE (international graduate students)

Program-Specific Requirements

• Letters of Recommendation (3)
• CV/Resume
• Writing Sample (required)
• Description of Research/Work Experience (optional)
• Skills Assessment: This assessment is not used in determining your admission to the program. Self assessments are used for placing students into the proper sequence of courses once admitted. (This is a section in the online application.)

Acceptance to the Certificate program is competitive. Applicants are required to have a minimum undergraduate grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale from an accredited University. Applicants who demonstrate a strong interest and aptitude with a GPA below 3.0 may be considered on a case by case basis if they show a strong aptitude and/or experience in the field. Such applicants are admitted provisionally based on meeting grade expectations in the program and likely will  be required to take additional courses.

No transfer credits from graduate work in other programs at the University of Maryland, or other academic institutions, are accepted towards the Certificate.

Incoming students are required to attend a two day Bootcamp (Orientation and Assessment Program) on the Saturday and Sunday before the beginning of the term in which they take their first course. Based upon Assessments of Professional Skills, additional coaching sessions on Saturdays or late afternoons (5:00 - 7:00pm) may be required for those who do not meet minimum skills in Excel, Business Writing and Oral Presentation. Fees may be charged for such courses, although currently the Colvin Institute covers the cost. Attendance at the Assessment sessions and any follow-up coaching is required to be awarded the Certificate, although the grading is on a pass/fail basis.

For more admissions information or to apply to the program, please visit our Graduate School website.

Application Deadlines

Other Deadlines: Please visit the program website at http://www.arch.umd.edu/real-estate-development

The Facilities and Special Resources available to RDEV (Master of Real Estate Development students) are generally available to Graduate Certificate students. Although, Certificate students may not participate in supported competitions, and financial aid may be more limited. Certificate students are not eligible to take the Capstone course, without applying and completing the Master’s requirements. To read about the extent of the facilities and special resources available please check the catalogue of the RDEV program or the web site at www.arch.umd.edu/real_estate_development