Real Estate Development and Construction, Graduate Certificate

Program Overview

Advance your career—or transition to a career--in real estate development and construction with a world class education and credential from the MSU School of Planning, Design and Construction. Ideal for working professionals and current students. Courses are viewed online and on your schedule. Credits earned may be applied to requirements of Masters of Science in Construction Management and/or Urban and Regional Planning. Current MSU undergraduates are eligible to apply for this certificate.

Program Outcomes

General knowledge of commercial real estate development process and housing through its component functions--including market analysis, sources and uses of capital, entitlements, underwriting, environmental, and financial analysis. Additional skills include construction project organization, startup, contracts, estimating and scheduling together with documentation and software systems.

Career Outlook

Opportunities abound in the housing, commercial development and construction management industries. This graduate level credential from MSU’s renowned School of Planning, Design and Construction set graduates apart as they rise in, or transition to, the industry. Professionals in law, accounting, brokerage, property management, among others, are able to further define and promote their practices.

A Top-Ranked Education

29th among Best Public Universities in America — U.S. News & World Report, 2026
Veteran-Friendly 'Gold Status' 10 Years in a Row — Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency, 2025

Tuition & Fees per credit

In-State Tuition

Out-of-State Tuition

$1,090

Cost of Attendance

The university reserves the right to make changes in the types, structures, rates for fees, and tuition. Every effort will be made to give as much advance notice as possible. In addition to tuition and fees, there are other expenses associated with your Cost of Attendance. A breakdown of a graduate student budget can be found on the "Estimate Your Cost of Attendance" page.

The MSU Value Promise

You can be ensured a return on your investment at Michigan State University.

As one of the top research universities in the world, Michigan State University has advanced the common good with uncommon will since 1855.

MSU pushes the boundaries of discovery and forges enduring partnerships to solve the most pressing global challenges while providing life-changing opportunities to a diverse and inclusive academic community.

MSU has been offering online degree programs since 1998. Our maturity is evident in the high quality of the learning experience enjoyed by our online students.

MSU provides programs and initiatives that support and enhance diversity. We will expand our campus and external partnerships to put in place inclusive recruitment and retention practices. We nurture and promote individuals’ varied experiences and perspectives, ensuring structures and processes make possible full participation by all members of our community.

MSU actively collaborates with campus and external partners to innovate across all dimensions of graduate education. We create and support networks that increase collaboration and improve educational opportunities for our online students.

MSU’s nationally recognized online programs foster student growth and well-being throughout their academic career. We will expand inclusive mentoring practices and accelerate improvement across units to implement evidence-based practices to ensure our students complete successfully.

Continuing education can be one of the most exciting, challenging, and rewarding experiences you undertake in your life. We hope you consider becoming a Spartan, to learn online and reach your career goals. With highly ranked online programs and exceptional professors, we educate students who advance the common good with uncommon will.

Course Information

Core Courses

PDC 853 - Real Estate Finance and Commercial Development (3 credits)
PDC 858 - Land Use Planning and Housing (3 credits)
PDC 859 - Construction Management and Real Estate Case Studies (3 credits)

Admissions Requirements

To be accepted to this program, you must have:

A bachelor's degree from an accredited institution
A written personal statement detailing your professional interests and goals
3 letters of recommendation (professional or academic). Provide contact information for your recommenders and the MSU application system will provide instructions to them.
Current MSU undergraduates may apply

To apply to this program:

Complete a university graduate application and pay the application fee.
Submit all required materials to the application portal.

Real Estate Development and Construction

Graduate Certificate

Online

Course Delivery

9

Total Credits

$1,090

Credit Hour

10 Months

Minimum Duration

Robert Aydukovic, MS