At which campus can I study this program?
Program Description
The Smeal College of Business Bachelor of Science degree in Real Estate (REST_BS) is targeted at individuals wishing to have a career in the real estate industry or related field. The major will provide students a solid foundation in the concepts associated with real estate finance, investment, and development analysis as well as quantitative research methods that are needed to solve complex problems in the real estate industry. The program will provide students with the required analytical tools necessary to analyze the real estate markets and solve problems or issues they may encounter in this growing industry. Students in the Real Estate major will also receive professional credit toward the required educational hours for the real estate appraisal designation offered through the Appraisal Qualifications Board (AQB) of the Appraisal Foundation. This organization is authorized by Congress as the Source of Appraisal Standards and Appraiser Qualifications.
What is Real Estate?
The Real Estate major features an innovative curriculum that allows students to tailor their coursework towards areas of greatest interest. Courses cover topics in real estate finance, law, investment valuation, appraisal processes, urban and regional economics, property development, and project management. In addition, students have the ability to select courses outside the Smeal College of Business in areas such as landscape architecture, hotel administration, construction management and engineering, and urban economics. The Real Estate major is also a STEM Designated Degree Program.
Entrance to Major
Enrollment in a Smeal College of Business major is contingent upon a series of course requirements, grades, credits earned, and cumulative grade-point average (CGPA), along with an application deadline. These requirements are academic and administrative in nature.
Course, CGPA and Administrative Requirements
To be eligible for entrance into the Real Estate (REST_BS) major, a degree candidate must be in Smeal College pre-major status, satisfy the following course and credit requirements, and have a minimum CGPA listed for entrance.
First-Year Students Entering Summer 2026, Fall 2026, and Spring 2027 and who were directly admitted to Penn State as a pre-major (BA_PMAJ) student in the Smeal College of Business must satisfy the following requirements:
- completed at Penn State, at least 36.0 graded credits but no more than 59.0 graded credits.1
- completed with a grade of C or better:
- completed ECON 102 or ECON 102H
- completed at Penn State (no substitutions or transfers), in addition with a quality grade of "C" or better and no alternative or Pass/Fail (PS) grading:
- earned a minimum cumulative grade-point average (GPA) of 3.10 for entrance into the REST_BS major. See additional information below for those who fall below a 3.10 GPA.
- apply for the major during the entrance-to-major application period.
- 1
The 59-credit upper limit given for graded Penn State credits is superseded by the Smeal entrance-to-major calendar deadline. Students cannot apply after the entrance-to-major deadline, regardless of credit window status.
Additional Entrance Information
- Smeal pre-major students directly admitted into the Smeal College as first-year students who have a cumulative grade-point average between 2.60 and 3.09 will be considered for the REST_BS major on a space availability basis.
- There is an opportunity for high achieving first-year students to transfer into Smeal pre-major status at the end of their first academic year. This process is competitive, limited and space dependent. Those interested in pursuing second-year entrance must follow the requirements outlined by the Smeal College. For detailed information on this process, refer to Smeal College Office of Undergraduate Education. Students admitted into the Smeal College as second-year students who have the required coursework and at least a 2.60 cumulative grade-point average will be considered for the REST_BS major on a space availability basis.
Students Who Entered Prior to Summer 2026
Students who entered the University from Summer 2018 through Spring 2026 should view the administrative enrollment controls in the appropriate Undergraduate Bulletin archive. Students who entered the University prior to the summer 2018 semester should consult with their academic adviser about the administrative enrollment controls in effect for the semester they entered the university.
Degree Completion
Students accepted into the Real Estate (REST_BS) major are expected to enroll at University Park the fall semester after gaining entrance to the major or sooner. In addition, Senate Policy 83-80.5 stipulates that the college dean and program faculty may require up to 24 credits of course work in the major to be taken in the college where the degree is earned. Based on this policy and the College's accreditation standards, the Smeal College of Business program faculty have set the following credit earning limitations for REST_BS majors:
- Eighteen credits of 300/400 level prescribed and additional courses in the major field must be completed with faculty in the Real Estate program.
- Six additional credits of 300/400 level supporting courses must also be completed at University Park. See the Real Estate Suggested Academic Plan for details.
Degree Requirements
For the Bachelor of Science degree in Real Estate, a minimum of 120 credits is required:
| Requirement | Credits |
|---|---|
| General Education | 45 |
| Electives | 14 |
| Requirements for the Major | 76 |
15 of the 45 credits for General Education are included in the Requirements for the Major. This includes: 6 credits of GWS courses ((ENGL 15 or ENGL 30H or ENGL 137H/CAS 137H or ESL 15) and ENGL 202D); 6 credits of GQ courses ((MATH 110 or MATH 140) and (SCM 200 or STAT 200)); 3 credits of GS courses (ECON 102 or ECON 102H).
Requirements for the Major
To graduate, a student enrolled in the major must earn a grade of C or better in each course designated by the major as a C-required course, as specified by Senate Policy 82-44.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Prescribed Courses | ||
| BA 342 | Socially Responsible, Sustainable and Ethical Business Practice | 3 |
| BA 411 | Analyzing Business and Industry | 3 |
| BLAW 341 | Business Law I: Introduction to Contracts, Liability Issues, and Intellectual Property | 3 |
| ECON 102 | Introductory Microeconomic Analysis and Policy  | 3 |
| ECON 104 | Introductory Macroeconomic Analysis and Policy | 3 |
| MIS 250 | Introduction to Problem Solving with Spreadsheet Analysis and Information Systems Management | 3 |
| SCM 301 | Supply Chain Management | 3 |
| Prescribed Courses: Require a grade of C or better | ||
| ACCTG 211 | Financial and Managerial Accounting for Decision Making | 4 |
| ENGL 202D | Effective Writing: Business Writing | 3 |
| FIN 301 | Corporation Finance | 3 |
| MGMT 301 | Basic Management Concepts | 3 |
| MKTG 301 | Principles of Marketing | 3 |
| RM 330W | Real Estate Risk Analysis | 3 |
| RM 450 | Contemporary Issues in Real Estate Markets | 3 |
| RM/FIN 460 | Real Estate Financial Analysis | 3 |
| RM/FIN 470 | Real Estate and Capital Markets | 3 |
| RM 475 | Quantitative Analysis for Business | 3 |
| Additional Courses | ||
| Additional Courses: Require a grade of C or better | ||
| FIN 406 | Security Analysis and Portfolio Management | 3 |
| or RM/BLAW 424 | Real Estate Law | |
| MATH 110 | Techniques of Calculus I | 4 |
| or MATH 140 | Calculus With Analytic Geometry I | |
| SCM 200 | Introduction to Statistics for Business | 4 |
| or STAT 200 | Elementary Statistics | |
| Select 3 credits from the following: | 3 | |
| Rhetoric and Composition | ||
| Honors Rhetoric and Composition | ||
| Rhetoric and Civic Life I | ||
| ESL Composition for American Academic Communication II | ||
| Supporting Courses and Related Areas | ||
| Select 4 credits: Attainment of 12th credit level proficiency in a single world language. Proficiency must be demonstrated by either examination or coursework. | 4 | |
| Select 6 credits of supporting coursework from an approved department list. | 6 | |
General Education
Connecting career and curiosity, the General Education curriculum provides the opportunity for students to acquire transferable skills necessary to be successful in the future and to thrive while living in interconnected contexts. General Education aids students in developing intellectual curiosity, a strengthened ability to think, and a deeper sense of aesthetic appreciation. These are requirements for all baccalaureate students and are often partially incorporated into the requirements of a program. For additional information, see the General Education Requirements section of the Bulletin and consult your academic adviser.
The keystone symbol appears next to the title of any course that is designated as a General Education course. Program requirements may also satisfy General Education requirements and vary for each program.
Foundations (grade of C or better is required and Inter-Domain courses do not meet this requirement.)
- Quantification (GQ): 6 credits
- Writing and Speaking (GWS): 9 credits
Breadth in the Knowledge Domains (Inter-Domain courses do not meet this requirement.)
- Arts (GA): 3 credits
- Health and Wellness (GHW): 3 credits
- Humanities (GH): 3 credits
- Social and Behavioral Sciences (GS): 3 credits
- Natural Sciences (GN): 3 credits
Integrative Studies
- Inter-Domain Courses (Inter-Domain): 6 credits
Exploration
- GN, may be completed with Inter-Domain courses: 3 credits
- GA, GH, GN, GS, Inter-Domain courses. This may include 3 credits of World Language course work beyond the 12th credit level or the requirements for the student’s degree program, whichever is higher: 6 credits
University Degree Requirements
First Year Engagement
All students enrolled in a college or the Division of Undergraduate Studies at University Park, and the World Campus are required to take 1 to 3 credits of the First-Year Seminar, as specified by their college First-Year Engagement Plan.
Other Penn State colleges and campuses may require the First-Year Seminar; colleges and campuses that do not require a First-Year Seminar provide students with a first-year engagement experience.
First-year baccalaureate students entering Penn State should consult their academic adviser for these requirements.
Cultures Requirement
6 credits are required and may satisfy other requirements
- United States Cultures: 3 credits
- International Cultures: 3 credits
Writing Across the Curriculum
3 credits required from the college of graduation and likely prescribed as part of major requirements.
Total Minimum Credits
A minimum of 120 degree credits must be earned for a baccalaureate degree. The requirements for some programs may exceed 120 credits. Students should consult with their college or department adviser for information on specific credit requirements.
Quality of Work
Candidates must complete the degree requirements for their major and earn at least a 2.00 grade-point average for all courses completed within their degree program.
Limitations on Source and Time for Credit Acquisition
The college dean or campus chancellor and program faculty may require up to 24 credits of course work in the major to be taken at the location or in the college or program where the degree is earned. Credit used toward degree programs may need to be earned from a particular source or within time constraints (see Senate Policy 83-80). For more information, check the Suggested Academic Plan for your intended program.
Academic Advising
The objectives of the university's academic advising program are to help advisees identify and achieve their academic goals, to promote their intellectual discovery, and to encourage students to take advantage of both in-and out-of class educational opportunities in order that they become self-directed learners and decision makers.
Both advisers and advisees share responsibility for making the advising relationship succeed. By encouraging their advisees to become engaged in their education, to meet their educational goals, and to develop the habit of learning, advisers assume a significant educational role. The advisee's unit of enrollment will provide each advisee with a primary academic adviser, the information needed to plan the chosen program of study, and referrals to other specialized resources.
READ SENATE POLICY 32-00: ADVISING POLICY
University Park
Advising Center
Smeal College Undergraduate Education
202 Business Building
475 Shortlidge Road
University Park, PA 16802
814-863-1947
SmealAdvising@smeal.psu.edu
Undergraduate Student Exchange
Suggested Academic Plan
The suggested academic plan(s) listed on this page are the plan(s) that are in effect during the 2026-27 academic year. To access previous years' suggested academic plans, please visit the archive to view the appropriate Undergraduate Bulletin edition.
Real Estate, B.S. at University Park Campus
The course series listed below provides only one of the many possible ways to move through this curriculum. The University may make changes in policies, procedures, educational offerings, and requirements at any time. This plan should be used in conjunction with your degree audit (accessible in LionPATH as either an Academic Requirements or What If report). Please consult with a Penn State academic adviser on a regular basis to develop and refine an academic plan that is appropriate for you.
| First Year | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| PSU 6 | 1 | MGMT 3011,2 | 3 |
| (MATH 110 or MATH 140) or (SCM 200 or STAT 200) (GQ)1,2 | 4 | (SCM 200 or STAT 200) or (MATH 110 or MATH 140) (GQ)1,2 | 4 |
| ENGL 15, 30H, ESL 15, ENGL 137H, or CAS 137H1,2 | 3 | World Language - Level Two (8th credit level)3 | 4 |
| ECON 102 (GS)2 | 3 | General Education Course (US)4 | 3 |
| World Language - Level One (4th credit level)3 | 4 | ||
| 15 | 14 | ||
| Second Year | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| MKTG 3011,2 | 3 | FIN 3011,2 | 3 |
| ACCTG 2111,2 | 4 | SCM 301 | 3 |
| ECON 104 | 3 | CAS 100, ENGL 138T, or CAS 138T1 | 3 |
| World Language - Level Three (12th credit level)3 | 4 | MIS 250 | 3 |
| General Education Course (IL)4 | 3 | General Education Course4 | 3 |
| 17 | 15 | ||
| Third Year | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| RM 330W1 | 3 | RM 4501 | 3 |
| ENGL 202D1 | 3 | BA 342 or BLAW 341 | 3 |
| BLAW 341 or BA 342 | 3 | Business Breadth Course5 | 3 |
| General Education Course (N)4 | 3 | General Education Course4 | 3 |
| General Education Course4 | 3 | General Education Course4 | 3 |
| 15 | 15 | ||
| Fourth Year | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| RM/FIN 4601 | 3 | RM 4751 | 3 |
| RM 470 or FIN 4701 | 3 | BA 411 (or Real Estate Elective)1,6 | 3 |
| BA 411 (Real Estate Elective)1,6 | 3 | Business Breadth Course5 | 3 |
| General Education Course (N)4 | 3 | General Education Course4 | 3 |
| Elective 4 | 2 | Elective Course4 | 3 |
| 14 | 15 | ||
| Total Credits 120 | |||
- 1
Course requires a grade of C or better
- 2
Entrance-to-Major Course – complete prior to attaining 59 cumulative credits at Penn State
- 3
Attain 12th credit level proficiency in a world language (0-12 credits). Credits required vary based on predetermined skill level. Balance of remaining credits are taken as electives. American Sign Language does not satisfy the Smeal College world language requirement.
- 4
When planning general education and elective courses, students should factor in the following requirements:
- 3 credits of United States Culture (US)
- 3 credits of International Culture (IL)
- 6 credits of Inter-Domain coursework
- 5
See the Business Breadth Course list on the Smeal College website.
- 6
See the Risk Management Department website for the list of Real Estate electives.
University Requirements and General Education Notes:
US and IL are abbreviations used to designate courses that satisfy Cultural Diversity Requirements (United States and International Cultures).
W, M, X, and Y are the suffixes at the end of a course number used to designate courses that satisfy University Writing Across the Curriculum requirement.
General Education includes Foundations (GWS and GQ), Knowledge Domains (GHW, GN, GA, GH, GS) and Integrative Studies (Inter-domain) requirements. N or Q (Honors) is the suffix at the end of a course number used to help identify an Inter-domain course, but the inter-domain attribute is used to fill audit requirements. Foundations courses (GWS and GQ) require a grade of 'C' or better.
All incoming Schreyer Honors College first-year students at University Park will take ENGL 137H/CAS 137H in the fall semester and ENGL 138T/CAS 138T in the spring semester. These courses carry the GWS designation and satisfy a portion of that General Education requirement. If the student’s program prescribes GWS these courses will replace both ENGL 15/ENGL 30H and CAS 100A/CAS 100B/CAS 100C. Each course is 3 credits.
Real Estate, B.S. at Commonwealth Campuses
The course series listed below provides only one of the many possible ways to move through this curriculum. The University may make changes in policies, procedures, educational offerings, and requirements at any time. This plan should be used in conjunction with your degree audit (accessible in LionPATH as either an Academic Requirements or What If report). Please consult with a Penn State academic adviser on a regular basis to develop and refine an academic plan that is appropriate for you.
| First Year | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| PSU 6 | 1 | ACCTG 2011,2 | 3 |
| (MATH 110 or MATH 140) or (SCM 200 or STAT 200) (GQ)1,2 | 4 | MGMT 3011,2 | 3 |
| ENGL 15, 30H, ESL 15, ENGL 137H, or CAS 137H1,2 | 3 | (SCM 200 or STAT 200) or (MATH 110 or MATH 140) (GQ)1,2 | 4 |
| ECON 102 (GS)2 | 3 | World Language - Level Two (8th credit level)3 | 4 |
| World Language - Level One (4th credit level)3 | 4 | ||
| 15 | 14 | ||
| Second Year | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| MKTG 3011,2 | 3 | FIN 3011,2 | 3 |
| ACCTG 2021,2 | 3 | SCM 301 | 3 |
| ECON 104 | 3 | CAS 100, ENGL 138T, or CAS 138T1 | 3 |
| World Language - Level Three (12th credit level)3 | 4 | ENGL 202D1 | 3 |
| General Education Course (IL)4 | 3 | General Education Course4 | 3 |
| 16 | 15 | ||
| Third Year | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| RM 330W1 | 3 | RM 4501 | 3 |
| MIS 250 | 3 | BA 342 or BLAW 341 | 3 |
| BLAW 341 or BA 342 | 3 | Business Breadth Course5 | 3 |
| General Education Course (N)4 | 3 | General Education Course4 | 3 |
| General Education Course4 | 3 | General Education Course4 | 3 |
| 15 | 15 | ||
| Fourth Year | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| RM/FIN 4601 | 3 | RM 475 | 3 |
| RM 470 or FIN 4701 | 3 | BA 411 (or Real Estate Elective)1,6 | 3 |
| BA 411 (Real Estate Elective)1,6 | 3 | Business Breadth Course5 | 3 |
| General Education Course (N)4 | 3 | General Education Course4 | 3 |
| General Education Course4 | 3 | Elective Course4 | 3-4 |
| 15 | 15-16 | ||
| Total Credits 120-121 | |||
- 1
Course requires a grade of C or better
- 2
Entrance-to-Major Course – complete prior to attaining 59 cumulative credits at Penn State
- 3
Attain 12th credit level proficiency in a world language (0-12 credits). Credits required vary based on predetermined skill level. Balance of remaining credits are taken as electives. American Sign Language does not satisfy the Smeal College world language requirement.
- 4
When planning general education and elective courses, students should factor in the following requirements:
- 3 credits of United States Culture (US)
- 3 credits of International Culture (IL)
- 6 credits of Inter-Domain (N) coursework
- 5
See the Business Breadth Course list on the Smeal College website.
- 6
See the Risk Management Department website for the list of Real Estate electives.
University Requirements and General Education Notes:
US and IL are abbreviations used to designate courses that satisfy Cultural Diversity Requirements (United States and International Cultures).
W, M, X, and Y are the suffixes at the end of a course number used to designate courses that satisfy University Writing Across the Curriculum requirement.
General Education includes Foundations (GWS and GQ), Knowledge Domains (GHW, GN, GA, GH, GS) and Integrative Studies (Inter-domain) requirements. N or Q (Honors) is the suffix at the end of a course number used to help identify an Inter-domain course, but the inter-domain attribute is used to fill audit requirements. Foundations courses (GWS and GQ) require a grade of 'C' or better.
Career Paths
With top-ranked faculty, the Real Estate major prepares students for success in an ever-changing environment. The program offers a wide range of professional opportunities in corporate real estate, investment and counseling, commercial real estate brokerage, appraisal, risk management, mortgage lending and banking, development, and government services. Career paths for our students include:
- Commercial brokerage
- Consulting
- Office Leasing
- Complex valuation and counseling
- Mortgage and construction lending
- Property Management
The Borrelli Institute for Real Estate Studies (IRES) and the Penn State Real Estate Advisory Board provide students access to leading firms and executives for mentoring and internship opportunities. The IRES sponsors an annual Real Estate Boot Camp program that provides students with outstanding extracurricular opportunities and networking events. In addition, the Penn State Real Estate Association provides leadership opportunities and networking ideas.
Accreditation
The Smeal College of Business B.S. degree in Real Estate (REST_BS) is recognized by the AACSB (Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business) as an accredited program after completing a meticulous internal review and meeting all AACSB standards and requirements.
MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE ASSOCIATION TO ADVANCE COLLEGIATE SCHOOLS OF BUSINESS
Contact
University Park
DEPARTMENT OF RISK MANAGEMENT
355 Business Building
University Park, PA 16802
814-865-4172
rm@smeal.psu.edu
https://www.smeal.psu.edu/risk-management
Ask A Question: https://directory.smeal.psu.edu/contact/rm