Real estate is not only one of the most significant components of our economy, it also directly influences how we live, work, shop and play. The Runstad Department of Real Estate provides the competitive edge students need to succeed in the complex world of real estate. If you're thinking about a professional career in real estate, or if you aspire to achieve new heights within our industry, think Runstad.
The Bachelor of Science in Real Estate prepares students to contribute to the multiple facets of financing, developing, and operating real estate while placing real estate within the context of building cities and communities that are both equitable and sustainable. The major equips students with the skills needed to analyze market trends, identify innovative financing structures, contribute to the development process, understand and navigate the public policy process, and manage projects once they are developed and in high demand.
This program of study leads to the following credential:
Bachelor of Science degree with a major in Real Estate
Admission Requirements
Minimum 3.0 grade in R E 250. Students in good academic standing, who meet this requirement may declare this major at any time. Transfer students may take R E 250 in their first quarter to become eligible for the major in the following quarter.
Bachelor of Science degree with a major in Real Estate
Credential Overview
The Bachelor of Science in Real Estate prepares students to contribute to the multiple facets of financing, developing, and operating real estate while placing real estate within the context of building cities and communities that are both equitable and sustainable. The major equips students with the skills needed to analyze market trends, identify innovative financing structures, contribute to the development process, understand and navigate the public policy process, and manage projects once they are developed and in high demand. The real estate major includes courses in real estate finance, asset management, brokerage, urban and real estate development, and housing and requires courses that build analytic and business skills as well as an understanding of the built environment.
Completion Requirements
General Education Requirements
Basic Skills
English Composition (5 credits)
Additional Writing (10 credits)
Reasoning (RSN) (4 or 5 credits): one course from approved list
Diversity (DIV) (5 credits). Of Special Note: For students admitted to the University prior to autumn quarter 2023, the DIV requirement is 3 credits.
Areas of Inquiry
Arts and Humanities (A&H) (20 credits)
Social Sciences (SSc) (20 credits)
Natural Sciences (NSc) (20 credits)
Major Requirements
Minimum 50 credits:
Introduction Course: R E 250 (3 credits)
Core Real Estate Courses (28 credits):
R E 361, R E 397, R E 411, R E 413, R E 416, R E 480 (21 credits)
Minimum 7 credits in other 300-or 400-level real estate courses
Analytic Skills Electives: See website for approved list. Minimum 9 credits; at least 4 credits in upper-division courses.
Built Environment Electives: See website for approved list. Minimum 5 credits.
Business Skills Electives: See website for approved list. Minimum 5 credits.
Minimum 2.00 cumulative GPA for courses applied to the major
Real estate is central to both economic development and to society. The real estate minor provides students with comprehensive exposure to the field and covers areas such as market analysis, development, appraisal, finance and management. The program examines both residential and commercial real estate, as well as the development process. It provides coverage of issues of importance from a public policy perspective, such as housing affordability and supply. Studying real estate therefore provides a wide array of diverse career opportunities.
This program of study leads to the following credential:
Minor in Real Estate
Minor in Real Estate
Completion Requirements
25 credits
R E 250
Electives: See department for approved list of courses. (22 credits)
Minimum 13 credits in 300-400 level R E courses
Maximum 9 credits of other approved electives
Minimum 2.00 cumulative GPA for courses applied to the minor
Learning Objectives and Expected Outcomes: The study of real estate involves an interdisciplinary curriculum that contains a mix of technical, analytical, built environment, and business courses to provide graduates the essential skills needed to be successful in the real estate industry. Oral and written communication skills are strengthened through written requirements and oral presentations. The rigorous interdisciplinary coursework provides students with the ability to process complex data, produce sophisticated financial and market analysis, and understand the political, economic and social dimensions of urban development. Graduates can pursue careers with homebuilders, real estate services firms (e.g., brokerage, asset management), real estate developers, real estate investment firms, public agencies involved in residential and commercial development, and nonprofit organizations involved in housing and community and economic development.
Instructional and Research Facilities: The Built Environments Library (located on the third floor of Gould Hall) houses real estate books and periodicals. Additional materials are located in the Engineering Library and the Foster Library (Business School). College resources include Digital Commons, a 30-work-station computer laboratory in the basement of Gould Hall.
Honors Options Available: None
Department Scholarships: A limited number of scholarships are available to eligible students.
Student Organizations/Associations
Alpha Sigma Gamma is an international student honor society for recognition of the academic and scholarly achievements of real estate students. Membership is offered only to those students in good academic standing who have completed more than 75% of the credit hours required for their bachelor's degree with a GPA in the major above 3.5 and an overall GPA above 3.25.
The UW Real Estate Club provides opportunities for networking, career development, and property tours for students who have an interest in real estate. For more information, see department website.