Commercial Real Estate
A real estate concentration allows students to focus their studies on the commercial real estate industry while majoring in business administration. It prepares students for an exciting career in commercial real estate: investment analysis, finance, development, and asset management. Our goal is to prepare graduates for long-term career success. Graduates have a variety of career paths to choose in the industry including specialty areas such as:
- Investment analysis
- Financing
- Market analysis and research
- Consulting/advising
- Brokerage and leasing
- Development and redevelopment
- Valuation
- Asset/portfolio analysis and management
- Legal affairs
- Regulation and management in government agencies
The real estate curriculum is built around the framework of the "commercial real estate system" which consists of three integrated markets and functions. Understanding the three components of the commercial real estate system and how the participants in each component make their business decisions is crucial to a successful career in the commercial real estate industry.
The Carter Real Estate Center links students with the outside real estate community as a means of expanding students' learning experiences beyond the classroom. Contact Dr. Allen or Dr. Benefield for more information.
Real estate concentration requirements
For more details on the concentration requirements, select the degree worksheet of the year you entered the College of Charleston as a freshman.
Commercial Real Estate Courses
REAL 310 Principles of Real Estate (3 credit hours)
A basic course designed to cover the legal, financial, economic, and marketing concepts related to real estate. Topics include property rights (contracts, deeds, mortgages, leases, liens); property ownership (titles, closing of settlement, insurance, taxes); financing (interest rates and mortgage types); brokerage; and property evaluation.
Prerequisite: Junior standing.
REAL 360 Special Topics in Real Estate (3 credit hours)
An in-depth treatment of a current area of special concern or interest within the field of real estate
Prerequisite: Junior standing and FINC 303.
REAL 376 Real Estate Market Analysis (3 credit hours)
A study of real estate markets introducing a comprehensive approach to market analysis for commercial projects. At the micro-level, this approach accommodates feasibility studies, site selection proposals, as well as highest and best use analysis. At the macro-level, skills are introduced to forecast market direction in real estate.
Co-requisite: FINC 303
REAL 380 Real Estate Investment Analysis (3 credit hours)
This course presents the fundamental concepts of commercial real estate investment analysis. This course provides a framework for making real estate investment decisions. Background topics include the legal foundation for real estate ownership, lease agreements, and alternative ownership structures. The course will focus on the development of a financial decision-making model that incorporates cash flow forecasting and risk analysis.
Prerequisites: Junior standing; FINC 303, REAL 310 or permission of the instructor.
REAL 410 Real Estate Finance (3 credit hours)
This course presents the fundamental concepts of real estate finance. The course provides a framework for understanding the flow of funds into the various real estate markets and how lenders assess risks and price their loans. The course will provide students with practical knowledge to make more informed career choices and an understanding of the institutions and instruments used to finance commercial real estate.
Prerequisites: Junior standing; FINC 303, REAL 310 or permission of the instructor.
Real 420 Independent Studies (1 to 3 credit hours)
The student will select a reading or research project in consultation with a faculty member, who will guide the work and determine the hours of credit to be allowed.
Prerequisites: Junior standing; written agreement of the instructor, and permission of the department chair.
Real 444 Real Estate Internship (3 credit hours)
An important source of learning and enhancement to the student's academic program through experiential education which engages the student in a unique three-way partnership between an approved internship provider and the space faculty. The learning experience will be guided by a learning contract outlining specific work and academic components. All commercial real estate students are strongly encouraged to complete an internship or otherwise obtain work experience in the commercial real estate industry prior to graduation.
Real 499 Bachelor's Essay (6 credit hours)
A year-long research and writing project completed under close supervision of a real estate faculty member. The faculty member will help in both the design and supervision of the project. A project proposal must be submitted in writing and approved by the department prior to registration for the course.
