Villanova University

What you'll study

The programme combines a foundation in business—accounting, finance, economics, statistics and law—with a focused real‑estate curriculum. Core real‑estate topics typically include property valuation and appraisal, real‑estate finance and investment, real‑estate development and land use, market analysis, property management, and real‑estate law.

• Business core: financial accounting, managerial accounting, corporate finance, micro/macro economics, business statistics and marketing principles.
• Real‑estate core: introductory real‑estate principles, appraisal and valuation methods, real‑estate investment analysis, real‑estate capital markets, real‑estate development and land use planning, property and asset management.
• Advanced electives and practicum: portfolio and risk management, sustainable and resilient development, urban economics, negotiation for real estate, and a capstone or practicum project that applies classroom methods to real transactions or development scenarios.
• Experiential learning: internships with developers, brokers, REITs and financial institutions, site visits, case competitions and opportunities to work with the Villanova Center for Real Estate on industry projects.

Entry requirements

Applicants are typically expected to have completed secondary school with strong academic performance and a programme of coursework demonstrating quantitative ability (for example, higher‑level mathematics and economics where available). Successful candidates usually show evidence of analytical skills, clear written communication and interest in business or real estate.

• Official secondary school diploma or equivalent with competitive grades.
• Recommended preparation: mathematics (algebra, pre‑calculus or calculus), economics and courses developing analytical and writing skills.
• International applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency through recognised tests or equivalent institutional pathways.
• Admissions may consider supporting documents such as a personal statement, résumé of extracurricular or relevant work experience, and letters of recommendation. Standardised tests may be optional depending on the university's current policy.

Career prospects

Graduates enter a wide range of roles across the real‑estate industry and related financial services. The degree provides training applicable to transaction, asset and portfolio activity as well as development, management and advisory functions.

• Common early‑career roles: real‑estate analyst, acquisitions associate, development analyst, property manager, leasing consultant, and valuation or appraisal assistant.
• Mid‑career and specialised paths: asset manager, development project manager, investment manager at REITs or private equity firms, commercial broker, mortgage banking professional, or real‑estate consultant.
• Other directions: roles in urban planning, public sector housing and community development, sustainability/ESG roles in property portfolios, and transition into related finance careers such as real‑estate investment banking.
• Graduates may also pursue professional credentials (for example, appraisal licensure, CCIM, RICS pathway courses or MBA study) to advance technical specialisation and leadership opportunities.

Why study at Villanova University

Villanova offers real‑estate students a business education grounded in rigorous quantitative training together with an emphasis on ethical leadership and practical experience. The Villanova School of Business provides small class sizes, faculty with industry and research expertise, and curricular links to regional markets such as Philadelphia and New York.

• Industry engagement: frequent guest speakers, site tours and internship pipelines with developers, brokers, REITs and financial institutions facilitated by the university and its Centre for Real Estate.
• Hands‑on learning: capstone projects, practicum opportunities and student involvement in case competitions and real‑world assignments that build deal‑level skills.
• Alumni network and placement support: an active alumni community in real estate and a career services team that supports internship and graduate‑job placement.
• Values and context: an education informed by ethical decision‑making and community engagement, with access to cross‑disciplinary electives in finance, law and sustainability to broaden career options.