University of San Diego

What you'll study

This programme blends core liberal-arts study with business, planning and built-environment modules to give students a broad foundation and industry-specific skills. Typical coursework covers:

• Real estate fundamentals: principles of real estate, property rights, land use and zoning.
• Finance and economics: real estate finance, investment analysis, market analysis, appraisal and valuation techniques.
• Development and design: site planning, project feasibility, construction materials and methods, and sustainable development practices.
• Law and policy: land-use law, environmental regulation, permitting and municipal processes.
• Quantitative skills: statistics, quantitative methods for real estate, spreadsheets and modelling for pro forma development.
• Professional practice: project management, negotiation, deal structuring and ethics in development.
• Capstone and experiential learning: multidisciplinary studios, client-based projects and an industry internship that emphasise real-world development projects and market-facing deliverables.

Coursework typically progresses from foundational business and liberal-arts requirements in the early years to specialised upper-division courses and a capstone studio in the final year. Students are encouraged to take electives in related areas such as urban planning, environmental studies, construction management and sustainable design.

Entry requirements

Admission to the University of San Diego’s undergraduate programmes is competitive and looks for academically prepared students with a strong college-preparatory background. Typical entry expectations include:

• A completed secondary-school credential appropriate to the applicant’s country (high school diploma or equivalent).
• Solid academic performance in core subjects, with particular emphasis on mathematics and English.
• Submission of a personal statement or essay that outlines interest in real estate and development.
• Letters of recommendation from teachers or guidance counsellors can strengthen an application.
• Standardised test requirements (such as SAT or ACT) and English-language proficiency tests for international applicants may vary by admissions cycle; applicants should check the university’s admissions pages for current policy.

Relevant work experience, internships, or extracurricular involvement in related areas (student organisations, community planning projects, entrepreneurship) can also be advantageous during the selection process.

Career prospects

Graduates from a real estate development bachelor’s programme typically move into roles across the property industry and related sectors. Common early-career positions include:

• Analyst roles in development firms, private equity and real estate investment trusts (REITs).
• Acquisitions or underwriting associate positions focussed on deal evaluation and financial modelling.
• Project or construction coordinator roles within development or construction management companies.
• Asset management, property management and leasing positions with landlords and institutional investors.
• Urban planning, land-use consultancy and municipal planning roles where development knowledge is valuable.

With experience, graduates may progress to project manager, development director, portfolio manager, or senior investment roles. The programme’s focus on practical skills, pro forma modelling and professional practice helps prepare students for a variety of pathways in both private and public sectors.

Why study at University of San Diego

The University of San Diego offers a location advantage in a dynamic coastal urban market where housing, commercial development and sustainability issues are central to regional growth. The undergraduate programme emphasises experiential learning through studios, industry projects and internships that connect students with local developers, planners and municipal agencies.

Students benefit from an interdisciplinary curriculum drawing on business, law, planning and environmental studies, small class sizes that enable close faculty interaction, and an institutional emphasis on ethics and community engagement. These elements combine to prepare graduates to enter the real estate sector with practical skills, professional contacts and an understanding of the regulatory and social contexts that shape development today.