2023-2024
Real Estate
School of Business
Program description
The Bachelor of Science in Real Estate is well-suited to prepare its graduates for careers in the public and private sectors and in specialties like land development, brokerage, valuation and investment counseling, site analysis and selection, real property management, mortgage lending, bank trust and corporate real estate departments. Additionally, the major prepares its alumni for graduate-level study of real estate, economics and finance.
Students participate in an experiential learning activity called UrbanPlan wherein they respond to a request for proposal to redevelop an urban community.
Upper-level REAL opportunities are available through FIRE 492 and FIRE 493.
Career opportunities
The Kornblau Real Estate Program at VCU helps students gain a solid understanding of the disciplines, skills and ethics required in today's real estate profession. We can help you define your ideal career path through site visits to real estate developments and one-on-one access to industry mentors. And we continue to support our graduates as they seek licenses and professional designations. Our programs prepare you for careers in mortgage lending, development, investments, brokerage and sales, valuation and property management.
Change of major requirements
Students are eligible for admission into the advanced business program with a major in the School of Business upon meeting the minimum cumulative GPA requirement and successful completion of the Business Foundation coursework, as outlined in the Bulletin here.
Bachelor-level job titles
- Account Manager
- Broker
- Investment Analyst
- Leasing Agent
- Mortgage Loan Officer
- Project Coordinator
- Property Manager
- Real Estate Analyst
- Real Estate Appraiser
- Real Estate Asset Manager
Graduate and professional level job titles
- Attorney
- Investment Manager
- Real Estate Developer
- Urban and Regional Planner
Professional associations and resources
Degree requirements in Bulletin
Plan of study in Bulletin
Requirements
Highest level of math required
- MATH 200 or BUSN 212
Science required
- Natural Sciences requirement only
Foreign language requirements
- No
Additional tuition/fees
- Yes
GPA requirements (to progress/graduate in the major)
- 2.5+ cumulative GPA to declare
Transfer Maps
Contact information
Department name:
Kornblau Real Estate Program
Building/room location:
Snead Hall, Room B4134
Phone:
(804) 828-1721
Email:
realestate@vcu.edu
Campus (where 75% of courses are taken):
Monroe Park
Major map
Explore
MAXIMIZE COURSE AND DEGREE PLANNING
- Enroll in a student success course to connect with campus advisors and build community around your interests and goals.
- Map out a 4-year course plan in the DegreeWorks Student Educational Planner.
- Meet with a writing consultant to hone your writing skills.
- Schedule an appointment with your academic advisor to review your CSI self-report, start goal planning, and choose electives.
- Sharpen your study skills in supplemental instruction sessions at the Campus Learning Center.
- Become a mentee in the Business Mentoring program and hone in on your personal and professional goal as well as interpersonal skills through 1:1 mentoring with an industry professional.
- Take 15 credits per semester and maintain a 2.5+ cumulative GPA to declare your major in 2 years and graduate in 4 years.
- Take the math placement assessment and register for math classes each semester until you complete calculus (MATH 200 or BUSN 212).
GET CONNECTED WITH YOUR COMMUNITY
- Apply to live in a program-in-residence or a living learning community.
- Consider applying to the Honors College.
- Get involved, meet people, and develop your interests by joining one of VCU's 50 student clubs and organizations.
- If living on campus, connect with your Resident Assistant, attend hall events, and participate in Community Council.
- Participate in RAM CAMP to get a jump start on learning about VCU’s campus community.
- Register to vote in Virginia and explore Richmond’s many museums and parks.
- Attend BOSS days to get to know business-specific student organizations & resources, stop by at least 3 tables, and choose 2 organizations to join.
- Join the Kornblau email listserv for networking and internship opportunities.
DEVELOP CULTURAL AGILITY
- Check out the Office of Multicultural Student Affairs and follow @vcuomsa.
- Connect with the Global Education Office to explore leadership and intercultural communication skill-building programs like the Peace Corps Prep Certificate.
- Join RAMmalogues to talk with peers about social identities in the context of acceptance, belonging, and inclusion in life at VCU.
- Review Global Learning's Major Advising Sheets to explore studying abroad opportunities and other global learning opportunities.
- Visit a study abroad fair and complete Rams Abroad 101.
EXPLORE CAREERS AND DEVELOP ESSENTIAL SKILLS
- Activate your Handshake profile and opt-in to industry email lists.
- Apply to be a Division of Student Affairs peer leader.
- Consider applying for a federal work-study job on- or off-campus in Handshake.
- Seek research opportunities by applying for research funding through the Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program.
- Set up a profile in the Student Opportunity Center to explore REAL opportunities.
- Excel in BUSN 225 Winning Presentations to develop the public speaking and communication skills employers want.
- Sign up for Industry Talks webinars.
PREPARING FOR LIFE AFTER COLLEGE
- Access your free credit report and begin making responsible credit choices to prepare for your future.
- Build a resume and LinkedIn profile with help from VCU Career Services, make at least 10 connections, and check out the VCU alumni career programs page.
- Explore “What Can I Do With This Major” to learn about employers in your field of study.
- Join Students Today Alumni Tomorrow to connect with VCU traditions and alumni networking opportunities.
- Make a 4-year affordability plan with your financial counselor.
Experience
MAXIMIZE COURSE AND DEGREE PLANNING
- Explore innovation and business/non-profit creation classes with the da Vinci Center.
- Get familiar with the research process with the VCU Libraries Research Basics Guide.
- Schedule an appointment with your advisor to explore minors, certificates, and plan your required REAL experience.
- Talk to professors about your research interests, electives, and strategies for success in your classes.
- Be prepared for a challenging year of accounting, economics, and math classes by attending free tutoring sessions at the Campus Learning Center to get ahead.
- Earn grades of C or higher in your FIRE courses to stay on track.
GET CONNECTED WITH YOUR COMMUNITY
- Discuss personal and professional interests with faculty.
- If living on campus, join the Residence Hall Association.
- Learn about the Sophomore Year Experience in Cary & Belvedere.
- Take a service-learning class to get involved with local organizations while earning credit.
- Volunteer to address a social issue and check out Hands on Greater Richmond for opportunities.
- Consider joining more School of Business student organizations by attending BOSS days to get to know the business-specific organizations you can join.
DEVELOP CULTURAL AGILITY
- Apply for the Critical Languages Scholarship.
- Explore social issues, develop cultural competency skills, and engage with faculty through iExcel pop-up courses.
- Investigate globally-focused courses in your major by pursuing language coursework or setting language proficiency goals with advisors and faculty.
- Make friends with diverse perspectives and join a cultural or identity-related student organization.
- Investigate spending a summer abroad with the International Consulting Program (ICP).
- Learn about global trends in real estate holdings at the Real Estate Trends Conference.
EXPLORE CAREERS AND DEVELOP ESSENTIAL SKILLS
- Attend career and internship fairs and other professional development events.
- Complete a gap analysis with your career advisor to identify key skills required for your professional field.
- Explore global career options with a career advisor to set goals for getting your dream job.
- Organize examples of your academic and professional experiences, accomplishments, and reflections in an ePortfolio.
- Pursue a digital badge to highlight the knowledge, skills, and experiences employers and graduate schools value.
- Seek out practical experience through independent skill-building, internships, shadowing, or part-time work.
- Learn about and capitalize on your professional strengths by taking a free assessment like CliftonStrengths or True Colors with the Office of Student Engagement.
PREPARING FOR LIFE AFTER COLLEGE
- Ask a faculty or staff member to be your academic and professional mentor and to provide future letters of recommendation.
- Build a resume and LinkedIn profile with help from VCU Career Services, make at least 10 connections, and check out the VCU alumni career programs page.
- Conduct informational interviews or shadow someone in a field of professional interest.
- Connect with alumni on VCULink for career advice, industry contacts, and meaningful professional relationships.
- Meet with a coach in the Financial Success Center to set financial goals, understand student loans, and create spending plans.
- Apply for real estate scholarships.
Experience
MAXIMIZE COURSE AND DEGREE PLANNING
- Enhance your business, software, technology, and creative skills using LinkedIn Learning.
- See your academic and career advisors to discuss graduation progress and career planning.
- Take a virtual library tour to learn about library spaces, services, and research help.
- Meet with Robert Taylor, Executive Director of the Kornblau Real Estate Program, to discuss major electives and career goals.
- Watch out for fall- or spring-only major courses and multiple prerequisites in sequence and confirm course availability with your academic advisor.
GET CONNECTED WITH YOUR COMMUNITY
- Attend civic meetings, such as school board, neighborhood association, city council, or state legislative sessions.
- Design a community-engaged research project.
- Make an appointment with the National Scholarship Office to explore post-graduate scholarship and fellowship opportunities, such as the Fulbright Student Scholarship.
- Motivate your peers by presenting at Leaders Unleashed: Student Leadership Conference or at TEDxVCU.
- Attend BOSS days to support your student organization and recruit new members.
- Network at professional meetings such as the Real Estate Trends Conference, Real Estate Circle of Excellence, Association of Real Estate Alumni, Greater Association for Commercial Real Estate, Commercial Real Estate Women, or the Urban Land Institute.
DEVELOP CULTURAL AGILITY
- Build language proficiency and cultural competence by carrying out your plans for study abroad, internships, and service-learning.
- Explore new cultures at one of Richmond’s wide array of festivals.
- Get required REAL experience and effect community change by using iExcel’s Active Citizen’s Toolkit to vote and volunteer.
- Prepare for future work on multidisciplinary and multicultural teams by showcasing your interpersonal skills on your resume.
- Mentor an international student at the Real Estate Trends Conference.
EXPLORE CAREERS AND DEVELOP ESSENTIAL SKILLS
- Apply for the Graduate School Mentorship Program to learn more about graduate school and the graduate student experience.
- Get expert advice from VCU Alumni ranging from graduate school to your career simply by asking a question through Ask A Ram.
- Take advantage of mock interview opportunities through InterviewStream or meeting with a career advisor.
- Attend alumni panel events like Black in Business, First 100 Days, or Women in Business to hear from business professionals who were once in your shoes.
- Complete practice Interviews with a career coach in Business Career Services ahead of your internship interviews.
PREPARING FOR LIFE AFTER COLLEGE
- Make a plan with your academic, career, and faculty advisors for applying to graduate school or land a micro-internship.
- Prepare for job offer negotiation by researching salaries, benefits, and other opportunities for flexibility.
- Study for and complete any standardized exams required for graduate school the summer before senior year.
- Research the professional licensure you’ll need in your career and apply for real estate scholarships to fund your exam prep.
- Sign-up for the Business Mentoring program on VCU Bizconnect and get matched 1:1 with a mentor for the academic year.
Excel
MAXIMIZE COURSE AND DEGREE PLANNING
- Choose REAL electives to diversify your skillset and round out your degree.
- Schedule an appointment with your academic advisor the semester before you graduate to ensure that all graduation requirements will be met.
- Apply all that you've learned in your major by acing MGMT 434 and BUSN 499 in your final semester.
- Must take FIRE 425 and FIRE 435 in the fall in order to take FIRE 445 in the spring.
GET CONNECTED WITH YOUR COMMUNITY
- Apply for post-graduation programs like Peace Corps, Literacy Lab, Richmond Teacher Residency, or AmeriCorps.
- Attend professional association conferences that offer student rates or scholarships.
- Serve in a leadership role on campus in a local community organization.
- Get connected with the Business Alumni Society (BAS) before you graduate.
DEVELOP CULTURAL AGILITY
- Carry out globally-oriented research projects with multilingual faculty and international partners.
- Master your answers to interview questions about your experience working with diverse populations.
- Plan for how you will grow your cultural agility after graduation.
- Read scholarly articles about diversity in your field.
- Continue mentoring international students at the Real Estate Trends Conference.
EXPLORE CAREERS AND DEVELOP ESSENTIAL SKILLS
- Consider becoming an educator through programs like RTR, which prepare graduates from a variety of majors to become teachers in high-need schools.
- Meet with your academic or professional mentor and identify examples of your experiential learning to share with employers.
- Publish your original research in Auctus: The Journal of Undergraduate Research and Creativity.
- Pursue Bloomberg Certification.
- Update your business resume to include new experiences you have gained and skills you have developed and meet with a Career Coach in Business Career Services.
PREPARING FOR LIFE AFTER COLLEGE
- Connect with the Office of VCU Alumni Relations at Grad Fair, Grad Bash, and the VCULink Industry Network or alumni chapter.
- Have a personal statement or cover letter reviewed by Career Services.
- Prepare for graduation by making a plan to complete licensing exams, applications, and self-marketing activities.
- Single out prospective employers and create a job or graduate school search strategy at least 8 months before graduation.
- Continue attending local professional organizational meetings.
- Get a 1:1 mentor through the Business Mentoring program on VCU Bizconnect.
2023-2024
Real Estate
School of Business
Concentration(s):
No concentration
| MAXIMIZE COURSE AND DEGREE PLANNING | GET CONNECTED WITH YOUR COMMUNITY | DEVELOP CULTURAL AGILITY | EXPLORE CAREERS AND DEVELOP ESSENTIAL SKILLS | PREPARING FOR LIFE AFTER COLLEGE | ||
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| Excel | Year 4 |
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