University of Arizona

What you'll study

The curriculum blends technical, analytical and design-oriented subjects to cover the full development lifecycle. Core topics typically include real estate finance and investment, market and feasibility analysis, land use and entitlements, development law and regulation, project and construction management, and sustainable site and building design.

• Real estate finance & investment: cash flow modelling, capital stacks, valuation techniques, debt and equity structures.
• Market and feasibility analysis: demographic and economic analysis, absorption studies, highest and best use, pro forma development.
• Land use, planning & entitlement: zoning, regulatory processes, community engagement, environmental review.
• Project delivery & construction management: delivery methods, scheduling, cost control, procurement and contractor relations.
• Sustainable and resilient development: green building strategies, site planning for climate, adaptive reuse and lifecycle considerations.
• Professional practice and ethics: negotiation, deal structuring, stakeholder management, legal frameworks.
• Studio or capstone project: a team-based, applied development project that integrates finance, design and planning to produce a development program, pro forma and presentation for real-world stakeholders.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold a recognised bachelor’s degree. Typical academic backgrounds include business, economics, architecture, engineering, urban planning, construction management or related disciplines. Admissions commonly consider the following elements:

• A completed undergraduate degree from an accredited institution with a satisfactory academic record.
• Evidence of quantitative ability; coursework or professional experience in finance, economics, mathematics or related areas is advantageous.
• Relevant professional experience is valued, especially for applicants seeking advanced standing or part‑time study; some cohorts include candidates with several years of industry experience.
• Personal statement outlining career goals and reasons for pursuing the degree, and two or three letters of recommendation.
• International applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency through accepted tests unless exempt.

Career prospects

Graduates enter a wide range of roles across the public and private sectors. The programme develops skills that are applicable to both development-side and finance-side careers.

• Real estate developer or development analyst
• Acquisitions and asset management for institutions or private equity
• Real estate investment banking and capital markets
• Project and construction management
• Urban and municipal planning, housing and community development
• Consulting in market research, feasibility and valuation
• Brokerage and advisory services focused on commercial or residential sectors

Why study at University of Arizona

The University of Arizona offers an interdisciplinary environment that connects real estate practice with business, design and planning. Students benefit from the university’s regional ties across the Southwest—useful for studying markets with rapid growth, climate adaptation and sustainable development challenges.

• Interdisciplinary collaboration with business, architecture and planning faculties to reflect the cross‑disciplinary nature of development.
• Opportunities for applied learning through studio projects, practicum partnerships and connections with local government and industry.
• Faculty with practitioner experience and research strengths in urbanism, finance and sustainability.
• Access to career services, alumni networks and market practicum relationships that support internships and job placement.