Houston Christian University partnered with Risk Management Association to launch a commercial real estate certificate program in the fall of 2024 to prepare students to pursue internships and future careers in commercial real estate.
The five-week online program consists of eight self-paced courses, available through the RMA Ignite platform, that are designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the commercial real estate industry.
Since launching, nine students have been awarded certificates last fall, and 17 students have applied for admission for the Spring 2025 semester with up to 10 to be selected for this competitive program.
Students receive an overview of the commercial real estate industry, gain insights on the basics of commercial lending and learn to evaluate risk areas.
“After earning this certificate, we hope students will walk away with a comprehensive understanding of commercial real estate, equipped with the ability to analyze CRE financing, assess property performance, and conduct thorough underwriting risk analysis,” said Breana Herrera, Commercial Real Estate Certificate Coordinator in the Archie W. Dunham College of Business.
Program participants will also have an opportunity to network with professionals at JLL, a commercial real estate agency based in Houston, during a coordinated site visit.
“Through our partnership with the Risk Management Association (RMA), students will gain access to industry-standard resources, ensuring they are well-prepared to meet the demands of the commercial real estate industry upon graduation,” said Emily Butler, Asst. Dean of the Archie W. Dunham College of Business.
The aim of the program is to help students gain a comprehensive overview of commercial real estate, including understanding market trends, applying appraisal techniques and gaining the requisite skills to work in an industry that is expected to grow in 2025.
The program has already demonstrated impressive results, with seven of the nine students who completed the program in fall 2024 securing internships with various companies including Weitzman/United Real Estate, Arthur D. Little, FosterDeck, and Fitts, Roberts, Kolkhorst & Co. Two additional students were offered internships at HCU.
The certificate provides students with the foundation and knowledge to begin entry-level roles in the commercial real estate industry as property management assistants, real estate analysts, leasing consultants, marketing coordinators or entry-level realtors.