Program Overview

Real Estate Development (Z029)

Overview

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.

Abstract

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.

Program Details

• 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.

Assessments and Requirements

• 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.

Course Structure

• 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.

Financial Assistance

• Financial aid through the University administered federal loan programs is now available for Certificate students.
• 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.

General Requirements

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

Program-Specific Requirements

• Letters of Recommendation (3)
• CV/Resume
• Writing Sample
• 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.

Visa Eligibility

• This program is not eligible for I-20 or DS-2019 issuance by the University of Maryland.

Admission Criteria

• 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.

Application Deadlines

• Graduate Application Deadlines:
  • Domestic Applicants:
    • US Citizens and Permanent Residents: July 17, 2026 (Fall), December 19, 2025 (Spring), N/A (Summer)
  • International Applicants:
    • F (student) or J (exchange visitor) visas A,E,G,H,I, and L visas and immigrants: N/A (Fall, Spring, Summer)

Facilities and Special Resources

• 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.