Total Credits
19–21Related Credentials
-
Cost
Real estate touches every aspect of life, whether it’s where we live, work, shop, create, eat, sleep or travel. Developing and managing commercial real estate is a critical function in the global economy. It requires foresight, strategic planning, and innovative approaches to the design, construction and maintenance of our built environment. These efforts help to ensure its suitability, sustainability and durability.
Why Real Estate Expertise Matters
Beyond blueprints and bricks, successful commercial real estate development demands vision, market insight, financial acumen, project management, and a solid understanding of legal and property rights issues. Effective facility management also requires a strong focus on safety, sustainability and operational efficiency.
Our Minnesota-focused certificate program equips you with the comprehensive skills needed to thrive in this dynamic field. This 19–21-credit stand-alone University of Minnesota (UMN) credential can be completed in as few as two semesters. Whether you aspire to become a commercial developer, property manager or real estate investor, this program provides the tools to create and manage spaces that meet evolving market demands.
Key Learning Outcomes
- Commercial Real Estate Planning and Development Fundamentals: Gain a foundational understanding of real estate markets, trends and development strategies tailored to Minnesota’s unique landscape.
- Financial and Market Projections: Apply detailed financial models and market analyses that support profitable and sustainable real estate projects.
- Project Cost Estimation and Scheduling: Develop skills in cost estimating, project planning and scheduling to deliver projects on time and within budget.
- Facility Assessment and Performance Evaluation: Assess the functionality and performance of existing facilities to identify opportunities for improvement and value enhancement.
- Real Estate Asset Ownership and Management: Understand the principles of owning and managing commercial real estate assets to maximize their operational and financial performance.
Why Choose This Program?
- Minnesota Market Focus: Explore the unique challenges and opportunities in Minnesota's commercial real estate market, from urban developments in the Twin Cities to suburban and rural projects throughout the state.
- Expert Instruction: Learn from seasoned professionals with extensive experience in real estate development, finance, and facility management.
- Practical Application: Gain hands-on experience through case studies, project-based learning and real-world applications.
- Career Advancement: Prepare for roles in development, asset management, property investment, and more.
Not interested in taking all of the courses in the certificate program? You can enroll for a single course as a non degree-seeking student. Check out some of our popular real estate, facility and construction management courses.
The certificate is also offered as a minor for current UMN students.
Related Programs
Required Courses (19–21 credits)
| Course Number | Course Name | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| CMGT 3011* | Construction Plan Reading | 2 |
| CMGT 4021 | Intro to Construction Planning and Scheduling | 2 |
| CMGT 4022 | Intro to Construction Estimating | 2 |
| ABUS 4213 | Owning and Managing a Building | 2 |
| ABUS 4217 | Real Estate Development: Process and Tools | 2 |
| ABUS 4218 | Real Estate Finance | 2 |
| CMGT 4215 | Assessing Building Function and Performance | 2 |
| CMGT 4861 | Capstone | 3 |
| ELECTIVES | Choose from the list below** | 2–4 |
*CMGT 3011 Construction Plan Reading or an equivalent course, or proficiency in construction plan reading, is a prerequisite for several courses in the certificate. In consultation with the faculty director or academic advisor, this course may be waived and substituted with an elective course, if appropriate, resulting in a minimum total of 19 credits.
**Complete 1–2 course(s) and earn 2–4 credits from the following electives:
- Building and Running a Small Business Enterprise (ABUS 4501, 4 cr.) Online may be available
- Introduction to Marketing (ABUS 4701, 3 cr.) Online may be available
- Real Estate Law (BLAW 3059, 2 cr.)
- Introduction to Construction (CMGT 3001W, 3 cr.) Writing Intensive
- Construction Technology Applications (CMGT 3009, 1 cr.) Online may be available
- Facility Programming and Design (CMGT 3024W, 2 cr.) Writing Intensive
- Construction Documents and Contracts (CMGT 4011, 3 cr.) Online may be available
- Building Codes for Construction Managers (CMGT 4073, 1 cr.) Online may be available
- The Healthy Building (CMGT 4302, 3 cr.) Online may be available
- Sustainability for Construction Managers (CMGT 4471, 2 cr.)
- Geography of the Twin Cities (GEOG 3973, 3 cr.) Social Sciences
Course Catalog | Course descriptions and prerequisites
Class Schedule | Courses details by semester
Transferring Credits
Credits earned as part of this certificate may be applied toward the Construction Management Bachelor of Applied Science degree.
If you have any questions about how your credits may transfer into or out of this program, please consult an advisor.
Admission
Admission Deadlines
Fall semester: July 15
Spring semester: November 15
Summer term: April 15
Admission Requirements
Applicants with 30 or more transferable credits and a minimum 2.5 GPA.
Admission Benefits
You may take one or two courses in the program before applying for admission. However, you should apply for admission as soon as possible to learn about the events and possible job opportunities that are available only to admitted students.
As an admitted certificate student, you will:
- be assured that all of your coursework will count toward the certificate (unless requirements change).
- receive updates about the program.
- have the opportunity to register earlier than students who are not admitted.
- not be assessed the UMN Student Services fee.
Completion Requirements
To be awarded the certificate, you are required to complete all required coursework within four years of admission, with a minimum grade of C- and a cumulative GPA of 2.00.
If you are completing an undergraduate degree as well as a certificate, there's no need to apply for graduation for your certificate. The credentials will be awarded simultaneously.
If you are completing a certificate only, you can apply for graduation online. After you've registered for your final certificate course, log in to MyU, select Student Center under key links, followed by My Academics and Apply for Graduation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the certificate the right fit for me?
This credential is designed to give you the core foundational knowledge to make a career change into real estate development, facility management and related disciplines. It is an option for students with work experience in the field but with no previous degree, who need a credential to advance in their careers. It can also be used to augment an existing degree.
What is the difference between a certificate and a degree?
The certificate is a 19–21-credit UMN credential that can be completed in as few as two semesters (or over a longer timeline based on your schedule and course availability.
A UMN bachelor's degree is a 120-credit undergraduate program that includes liberal education requirements, preparatory courses and major coursework. It typically takes four years of full-time study to complete. The University does not offer a degree in real estate.
Are the certificate courses online or in-person?
All courses are offered online and most also have in-person options. Plan Reading (CMGT 3011) is being redeveloped to have an online section. The Capstone (CMGT 4861) may be taken in-person, online or at your own pace via recorded class discussions.
Can I get financial aid?
Certificate students are not eligible for federal financial aid. However, halfway through the certificate program, students may be eligible for CCAPS scholarships if funds are available. (Priority is given to bachelor’s degree students.) Check with your employer to determine if they offer tuition assistance and be sure to apply for relevant industry scholarships.
Are there other recommended classes to complement the certificate?
Yes. In addition to the required certificate courses, there are many electives tailored to your specific career goals, and include courses offered as part of the Construction Management, Applied Business, Urban Studies and Carlson School of Business programs. An internship is also highly recommended (CMGT 4196–Internship) to help you gain experience in the field while still taking classes. Alternatively, you can pursue a special project with your employer trhough CMGT 4193–Directed Study.
The bottom line: we want you to select coursework that fits your career objectives.
Are these requirements flexible?
Yes. Not every certificate student has the same work and educational experience, so we tailor the requirements to your skills and career objectives. While subject to departmental approval, we can waive courses based on previous related upper-division coursework. We can also substitute upper-division construction management, applied business or other University coursework (subject to meeting prerequisites) to meet your goals. We're happy to work with you to develop a custom course plan.
Will this coursework appear on a University transcript?
Yes, all courses will appear on a student’s UMN undergraduate academic transcript.
Can students use CCAPS' career services office?
Certificate students are not eligible for career services because they do not pay the student service fees. However, certificate students are invited to attend the annual Built Environment Career Fair, include their resumes in the spring virtual career fair booklet, participate in industry events hosted by the department, and receive announcements regarding job openings via email.
What are the tuition costs?
Can I take these courses for professional development?
Generally speaking, University-level courses will qualify for professional development credits with most licensing agencies. However, you will need to confirm this with your state licensing agency and self-report any continuing education credits.
Will I get any technical or professional certification from this program?
This is an academic certificate, not a technical certification. This program does not automatically count toward state real estate licensing certification, though professional education may apply, subject to licensing rules. The program is not a provider for any specific organizations.
Depending on your needs, two elective courses offer professional certifications. You may earn the OSHA 3 card by taking CMGT 4031–Construction Safety and Loss Control and the Minnesota Site Stormwater Management Certificate from CMGT 4081–Erosion Control.
Course Registration
To find out when you should register for courses, consult the Registration Calendar.
If you are a UMN admitted student, register through MyU. Instructions can be found on One Stop.
If you would like to take one of our courses but are a non-degree/guest student, follow the registration steps outlined on One Stop.
Admissions Advising
Meet Jeff Olsen Krengel
I work with prospective students interested in our undergraduate applied science majors and those who want to design their own degree program. I’m available to answer your questions and help you find a program that meets your needs.
In my free time, I can be found reading, running with my son, or visiting a brewery. I am an avid sports fan cheering for the Green Bay Packers, Minnesota United FC, and Liverpool FC.
Give me a call at 612-625-4340. Or you can send me a message or request an appointment below.
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