If you’ve ever walked through a revitalized neighborhood or noticed how a once-empty building has transformed into a thriving community space, you’ve seen real estate development in action. Now, students at the University of Minnesota can gain the skills to be part of that transformation.
Launching this fall, the new undergraduate Real Estate Development and Management program is designed for those looking to break into or grow within Minnesota’s evolving real estate industry. What sets this program apart? A locally focused, interdisciplinary approach—and deep ties to the regional market.
“This program is built by and for Minnesotans,” says Michelle Koker, Director of Undergraduate Programs in the College of Continuing and Professional Studies (CCAPS). “It’s tailored for those who want to make a meaningful impact right here—whether in housing, commercial property, or sustainable development.”
A Minnesota-Centric Education with Real-World Application
The curriculum strikes a balance between classroom learning and hands-on experience. Students will explore real estate finance, asset ownership, development strategy, and facility management through the lens of Minnesota’s unique landscape. With a strong emphasis on regional case studies, zoning laws, and sustainability trends, the program ensures graduates are ready to hit the ground running in local markets.
Courses are taught by seasoned industry professionals, offering students insider perspectives and valuable networking opportunities with organizations like Urban Land Institute Minnesota, Minnesota Commercial Association of Real Estate/Realtors®, and commercial real estate development association NAIOP.
Whether you’re aiming to become a developer, facility manager, or investor, the program provides flexible pathways—ideal for career changers and future and current professionals alike, with evening and online options available.
Why Now?
Minnesota’s real estate market is at a turning point:
- Housing demand is soaring. The Twin Cities metro continues to see population growth, fueling the need for new and affordable housing options.
- Commercial space is being reimagined. With the rise of hybrid work and e-commerce, underused office buildings are being transformed into mixed-use or residential spaces.
- Sustainability is no longer optional. Green building practices and energy-efficient retrofits are driving innovation across urban and suburban development.
The Minneapolis–Saint Paul area is experiencing a surge in industrial construction and public–private investment in infrastructure, signaling long-term growth potential for real estate professionals, according to the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development. “The demand for real estate professionals who understand both the financial and human sides of development has never been higher,” says program director Peter Hilger. “This program prepares students to contribute from day one.”
Learn It Today, Apply It Tomorrow
Students won’t just learn theory, they’ll work on real-world development proposals, investment analyses, and feasibility studies, even competing in a final capstone event that brings all their skills together.
The 19–21 credit program—which can be taken as either a certificate or a minor—can be completed in as little as two semesters, making it a fast, practical credential for those ready to make an immediate impact.
Ready to Shape Minnesota’s Built Environment?
Real estate touches every part of our lives: where we live, work, shop, and connect. With the right skills, you can help shape the next chapter of Minnesota’s communities. Whether you're just starting out or looking to level up, the University of Minnesota’s new Real Estate Development and Management Certificate and Minor programs offer the tools, connections, and local insight you need to succeed.
Monique Dubos is a writer and content strategist with the U of M College of Continuing and Professionals Studies, where she has covered the College’s noncredit professional development, construction management, health services management, and IT infrastructure programs since 2018. She has also written for the Institute on the Environment, the Minnesota Technical Assistance Program, and various publications. Connect with her via LinkedIn.