Program Overview

Students graduating from the M.S. in Real Estate program have the skills necessary to qualify for positions such as development associates, underwriters, brokers, asset and property managers, acquisition specialists and investment/financial analysts.

Graduates from the MSRE program work for leading Charlotte real estate firms including Childress Klein, Crescent Communities, Grubb Properties, CB Richard Ellis, Wells Fargo, Lincoln Harris, Bank of America Merrill Lynch and numerous others.

Here’s an overview of the Childress Klein Center for Real Estate programs:

M.S. in Real Estate

The MSRE degree requires the completion of 32 graduate credit hours and is offered both full-time and part-time. Students are expected to complete a capstone course and international study tour in the summer following the first academic year in the program. All courses required to complete the curriculum are offered in the evening at The Dubois Center at UNC Charlotte Center City in Uptown Charlotte.

If you plan to work more than 20 hours a week, we recommend that the number of courses you take does not exceed two courses a semester (part-time schedule) 

  • Full-time students can complete the curriculum within one calendar year and may enroll in up to thirteen (13) credit hours each semester
  • Part-time students may enroll in four (4) to seven (7) credit hours each semester
    • If you plan to work more than 20 hours a week, we recommend that the number of courses you take does not exceed two courses a semester (part-time schedule) 
M.S. in Real Estate + MBA dual degree

This 56 hour graduate credit dual degree program allows students to earn both a Master of Science in Real Estate (MSRE) and Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree from the Belk College of Business. Individual dual degree programs of study with other programs (Architecture, Economics, Urban Design, etc.) can be explored on a case-by-case basis.

Students must apply for, and be admitted into, both programs and the program of study is subject to the approval of both program directors.

Real Estate Finance and Development Concentration, MBA

The MBA degree program consists of 36 graduate credit hours, including a core component and a concentration/elective component. More information about our MBA programs can be found here.

Graduate Certificate in Real Estate and Development

The Graduate Certificate in Real Estate and Development requires completion of 15 credit hours and is designed for individuals who wish to pursue advanced study in real estate finance and real estate development. 

Although a graduate degree is not required for admission, the certificate program is most often utilized for individuals that have previously obtained a graduate degree and are looking for additional coursework in commercial real estate and finance.

Undergraduate BSBA in Finance, Real Estate Concentration

The B.S.B.A. in Finance with Concentration in Real Estate provides students with fundamental knowledge and skills to analyze and negotiate commercial real estate. The curriculum incorporates concepts such as architecture, economics, finance and geography to highlight the collaborative nature of the real estate industry. Belk College of Business faculty members incorporate theory and real world application to allow students to address trends and issues within the industry.

The Dubois Center at UNC Charlotte Center City with a rainbow

9 reasons to get your m.s. in real estate at unc charlotte

  1. Student Managed Investment Fund – We offer one of only two Student-Managed Real Estate Investment Funds in the U.S., giving students experience in the analysis, investment and management of private real estate securities.
  2. Mentoring – All students are paired with two mentors; a member of our Advisory Board or other high-level executive within our networks, and an alumnus working in the Charlotte market, developing lifelong professional relationships.
  3. Industry Association Involvement – Trade organizations and industry leaders sponsor our students’ education, providing 67% of students with scholarship money.
  4. MSRE Seminar Series – Monthly seminar series are offered, free of charge, to students and as continuing education for alumni. Industry experts provide informative viewpoints on current topics in real estate and public policy.
  5. Software Training and Certification – MSRE students receive rigorous training to become certified in Argus. Students also master Excel, ESRI BAO, Real Data, Costar and STR reports and receive industry-specific negotiation and communication training.
  6. Professional Designations – MSRE curriculum counts towards CCIM designation and puts graduates on a fast-track to CPM designation. It also replaces the pre-licensing course, allowing graduates to immediately sit for the Broker’s License exam.
  7. One-on-One Career Coaching – We work one-on-one with students and connect them to the commercial real estate community through internships and job shadowing.
  8. Real Estate Advisory Board – Our curriculum is informed by high-ranking professionals in one of the America’s most dynamic real estate cities. These industry experts are available to students for networking and mentorship opportunities.
  9. International Study Abroad – Students in the MSRE program also have the opportunity to study and travel abroad to broaden their understanding of other cultures and real estate sectors in other countries. Most recently, students and faculty traveled to Dublin, Ireland, and this year they are headed to Milan, Italy!

Professional designations

Graduates of the Childress Klein Center for Real Estate MSRE program are eligible for real estate professional designations. Academic coursework from the MSRE program can be used toward the following:

CCIM (Certified Commercial Investment Member)

  • Graduates receive credit for three of the four CCIM core courses and for all three elective credits normally required. MSRE graduates will need to complete the following to become a CCIM member:
    • Submit a CCIM University Fast Track Application and apply for Candidacy
    • Complete CCIM core course: CI 103 User Decision Analysis
    • Fulfill the CCIM Portfolio Requirement
    • Pass the CCIM Comprehensive Exam

CPM® (Certified Property Manager) Designation Fast Track

MAI (Member, Appraisal Institute) Designation Fast Track

North Carolina Real Estate License Fast Track (see Page 6, Option 3)

Fioretti Real Estate Investment Fund

Thanks to a generous donation by Peter Fioretti to the Childress Klein Center for Real Estate, the Fioretti Real Estate educational investment fund was established in 2016 to provide students with real-world experience in the analysis, investment and management of private and public real estate securities. The fund provides students with the opportunity to gain hands-on experience by actively participating in private real estate deals, which allows our students to gain valuable private equity investment knowledge and experience. UNC Charlotte is one of only a few universities in the country providing a student-managed real estate investment fund that can invest in private securities.

Working closely with real estate faculty, students will identify and evaluate real estate investment opportunities. Students will make investment and reporting presentations to an investment committee comprised of faculty and real estate investment professionals. All full-time students and second-year part-time students will participate in this program throughout the academic year.

To contact the Fund with questions or investment opportunities, please contact Daniel Wright.

FIORETTI REAL ESTATE FUND: A Quick Guide for Investment Partners