We offer graduate certificates on three real estate and construction management topics: Real Estate Development, Real Estate Investment and Construction Project Management. All three provide a deep dive into specialized skills and analysis, without the commitment of a master’s degree. You’ll have full access to the Burns School of Real Estate and Construction Management, with its strong reputation for delivering high quality courses and deep and long-standing ties to the construction and real estate industries.
Day and evening courses are available, and certificates can be completed in as little as 6 months. There are no required prerequisites.
All certificates have the same application process and per-hour tuition rate. Completed applicable coursework can be applied toward a master’s degree.
Certificates in Real Estate Development
Nothing exists in the built environment without some type of development. The real estate development process creates communities and businesses. This certificate will provide the fundamental core competencies you need to engage in either the commercial or residential development process, whether you’re at the beginning of your career or an established professional.
Specialized Graduate Certificate in Real Estate Development (4 courses, 16 credits)
This certificate provides challenge-driven, practice-based courses associated with the key aspects of property development—market analysis, finance, feasibility, development, entitlement process, investment, property valuation, property management, and the design and construction process to deliver either residential or commercial projects.
Courses (4):
- REAL 4407 Income Property Finance
- REAL 4007 Real Estate Financial Analysis
- REAL 4467 Property Development & Feasibility for a Commercial emphasis
OR CMGT 4490 Residential Development for Housing emphasis - REAL 4210 Planning, Entitlements & Public Finance
Graduate Certificate in Real Estate Development (6 courses, 24 credits)
The advanced 6-course certificate includes the four core classes plus two additional courses allowing students to take a deep dive real estate development topics.
Chose two elective courses from the list:
- REAL 4000 Fundamentals of Real Estate and the Built Environment
- CMGT 4155 Sustainable Development
- CMGT 4320 Introduction to Architecture & Design Management
- CMGT 4410 Construction Building Systems
- REAL 4417 Income Property Valuation & Appraisal
- CMGT 4438 Legal Aspect of Real Estate and the Built Environment
- REAL 4477 Income Property Investments
- CMGT 4480 Construction Project Management
Certificates in Real Estate Investment
Our certificates in real estate investment provide the specific skills needed to make informed real estate investment decisions by evaluating potential investment properties, assessing financing options and calculating risk and return analysis. Designed for both new entrants into the real estate industry and established professionals looking to advance their careers, this graduate certificate provides the fundamental core competencies you need to engage in the real estate investment market.
Specialized Graduate Certificate in Real Estate Investment (4 courses, 16 credits)
With this specialized certificate in real estate investment, students will develop essential skills needed for the real estate investment process and how to analyze, assess and determine the risks, rewards and returns on investment that are possible in the real estate market. This certificate provides challenge-driven, practice-based courses taught by experienced faculty and industry leaders.
Courses (4):
- REAL 4407 Income Property Finance
- REAL 4007 Real Estate Financial Analysis
- REAL 4477 Income Property Investments
- REAL 4417 Income Property Valuation & Appraisal
Graduate Certificate in Real Estate Investment (6 courses, 24 credits)
The advanced 6-course certificate includes the four core classes above plus two additional courses where students can learn skills such as discounted cash flow applications for real estate investments, debt financing for commercial real estate, and investment property proforma creation and analysis.
Chose two elective courses from the list:
- REAL 4010 Real Estate Capital Markets
- REAL 4337 Real Estate Securities/Syndications
- REAL 4347 Property and Asset Management
- REAL 4357 Corporate Real Estate & Management
- REAL 4369 Real Estate Taxation
- REAL 4467 Real Estate Development & Feasibility
Certificates in Construction Project Management
Whether you are just getting started in the industry or looking to advance your career, these graduate certificates provide the fundamental core competencies needed to engage in either the commercial or residential construction industry. Both certificates provide challenge-driven, practice-based courses taught by experienced faculty and industry leaders.
Specialized Graduate Certificate in Construction Project Management (4 courses, 16 credits)
With this specialized certificate, students will learn the essential skills associated with construction project management, including managing materials, supply chain, workforce, safety, quality, budgets and mitigating overall project risks.
Courses (4):
- CMGT 4410 Construction Building Systems
- CMGT 4480 Construction Project Management
- CMGT 4420 Construction Estimating
- CMGT 4120 Construction Planning & Scheduling
Graduate Certificate in Construction Project Management (6 courses, 24 credits)
The advanced 6-course certificate includes the four core classes plus two additional courses where you can learn advanced skills such as planning, architecture, environmental impact and sustainable development.
Chose two elective courses from the list:
- CMGT 4155 Sustainable Development
- CMGT 4177 Environmental Systems & MEP Coordination
- CMGT 4320 Introduction to Architecture & Design Management
- CMGT 4438 Legal Aspect of Real Estate and the Built Environment
- CMGT 4490 Residential Development
- REAL 4000 Fundamentals of Real Estate and the Built Environment
Tuition
$1,668 per credit hour
Tuition for Daniels College of Business graduate programs is based on a cost-per-credit-hour rate set by the University of Denver. Residents and non-residents of Colorado have the same tuition costs. The rate above is for the 2024-2025 academic year (fall through summer quarters).
Financial Aid
Federal financial aid is available for 24-credit graduate certificates. Contact a graduate advisor for more information.
Scholarships
Both 16-credit and 24-credit certificates are eligible for merit scholarships. Candidates will automatically be considered for scholarships when they are admitted to the certificate program. There is no separate application required.
16-credit vs. 24-credit certificates
Do I want a 16-credit or 24-credit certificate?
The 16-credit specialized certificate lets you quickly earn a credential with four tightly focused foundation courses that build your skills in a specific area. This certificate is not eligible for federal financial aid.
The 24-credit advanced certificate starts with the same foundation courses, then adds two more courses that either delve into the foundation topics in more depth or allow you to explore electives. It's designed for students looking to develop more extensive skills or planning to pursue a master's degree. The 24-credit certificate is eligible for federal financial aid.
Both certificates have the same application process and per-hour tuition rate, and credits from either certificate can be applied toward a master's degree.