Syracuse University

What you'll study

The Real Estate major is taught through the Whitman School of Management and balances foundational business subjects with focused real estate coursework. You will normally take core business classes in accounting, finance, economics, management and statistics alongside major-specific units.

• Core business foundations: financial and managerial accounting, corporate finance, micro- and macroeconomics, marketing and quantitative methods.
• Real estate core courses: principles of real estate, real estate finance, real estate investment and portfolio analysis, real estate valuation and appraisal, property management and leasing, and real estate law and ethics.
• Applied and elective topics: real estate development and project feasibility, market analysis and site selection, commercial versus residential markets, sustainable and urban planning topics, and courses that apply GIS or analytics to real estate problems.
• Experiential learning: internship placements, industry projects, case studies and capstone or practicum experiences that emphasise real-world transaction analysis, underwriting and development feasibility.

Students can typically choose electives across finance, economics, urban studies and construction-related courses to tailor the degree to interests in investment, development, asset management or appraisal.

Entry requirements

Admission is to Syracuse University with declaration of the Whitman real estate major following standard university policies. Typical applicants should demonstrate strong academic preparation in secondary school with coursework in mathematics and English and preferably economics or business-related subjects. Admission decisions consider whole‑school performance, the strength of the secondary-school curriculum, personal statement, and recommendation letters.

International applicants must hold an approved secondary school credential and meet the university's English language proficiency requirements. Transfer applicants and those seeking admission to the major after matriculation should consult Whitman School advising for details on prerequisite courses and minimum GPA expectations.

Career prospects

Graduates enter a wide range of roles across the public and private sectors. Common early-career positions include real estate analyst, acquisitions analyst, asset or property manager, leasing consultant, development coordinator, commercial broker, valuation/appraisal assistant and roles in corporate real estate or consulting.

With experience, alumni typically progress to senior positions in investment management, development project leadership, portfolio management, brokerage leadership, or found their own development or property management firms. The degree also provides a pathway to professional credentials such as real estate brokerage licenses, appraisal certification and graduate study in real estate, finance or urban planning.

Why study at Syracuse University

Syracuse offers the Real Estate major within a business school known for strong professional preparation and regional industry connections. Students benefit from experiential learning opportunities, internship pipelines in major metropolitan markets, and access to a broad alumni network in real estate and finance.

The university's location provides a balance of on‑campus community and proximity to larger real estate markets, while the Whitman School provides career services and advising tailored to students pursuing real estate careers. Student organisations and industry events further support networking and practical skills development throughout the degree.