Loyola University Maryland's Sellinger School of Business and Management has introduced a new Bachelor of Science in Real Estate, a program designed to address a growing demand for skilled professionals in the Baltimore and Mid-Atlantic property markets. The degree aims to equip students with practical skills through direct collaboration with industry leaders.
The program was developed in response to significant redevelopment and infrastructure investment in the region. It focuses on blending technical knowledge, such as financial modeling and investment analysis, with a strong emphasis on ethical leadership and community impact, aligning with the university's Jesuit mission.
Key Takeaways
- Loyola University Maryland has launched a new Bachelor of Science in Real Estate program.
- The curriculum was designed with input from Baltimore's real estate industry leaders to meet regional demand.
- Students will gain hands-on experience through internships, site visits, and work on real-world development projects.
- The program emphasizes both technical skills and ethical considerations, focusing on real estate's role in community development.
Addressing a Regional Need
The creation of the real estate major was a direct response to feedback from students, employers, and industry partners who identified a gap in specialized education. As Baltimore navigates shifts in commercial real estate and urban regeneration, the need for graduates who understand complex property and capital markets has become critical.
"Loyola launched the real estate program to meet a clear and growing demand," said Karyl Leggio, Ph.D., a professor of finance at the university. She explained that the program is grounded in preparing students to use real estate as a tool for "economic vitality, urban regeneration, and social good."
This approach seeks to produce graduates who are not only technically proficient but also conscious of their role in shaping communities. The curriculum was tailored to reflect Baltimore's unique economic and social landscape, ensuring its relevance to the local market.
Baltimore's Changing Landscape
The city of Baltimore is currently experiencing a period of significant transformation. With major infrastructure projects, redevelopment of historic neighborhoods, and a shifting commercial property market, the city serves as a living laboratory for students. The program aims to prepare graduates to contribute directly to these ongoing revitalization efforts.
A Curriculum Built on Practical Experience
A core feature of the new degree is its emphasis on experiential learning. The Sellinger School of Business leveraged its extensive network of industry partners to build a curriculum that moves beyond traditional classroom instruction. This was achieved through an iterative design process involving developers, lenders, investment managers, and community leaders.
The result is a comprehensive program covering a range of essential topics, including:
- Financial modeling and investment analysis
- Location analytics and development feasibility
- Regulatory frameworks and legal considerations
- Sustainability practices in development
- Community-impact evaluation
"By graduating from a real estate program that extends from book learning to practical, durable skills, students will wear the badge of the Sellinger School as they enter a competitive workforce," said Owen Rouse, chair of the Loyola Real Estate Advisory Board and a senior vice president at MacKenzie Commercial Real Estate Services.
The Power of Industry Partnerships
The program's connection to the professional world is its defining strength. The university's Real Estate Advisory Board, composed of prominent figures in Baltimore's real estate sector, provides ongoing guidance and support. These relationships form the backbone of the student experience.
Students will have numerous opportunities to engage with the industry directly. These include internship and externship programs, site visits to active development projects, and workshops led by seasoned professionals. This direct pipeline to the industry is designed to give Loyola graduates a significant advantage in the job market.
"Their training will be deep, current, and delivered by local professionals from which they can begin the relationship-building that will serve their careers."
These partnerships benefit not only the students but also the companies involved. Employers gain access to a well-prepared talent pool equipped with both analytical skills and an understanding of ethical decision-making.
A Multi-Faceted Beneficiary Group
The program is structured to serve multiple groups: undergraduates seeking careers in development, finance, and asset management; employers needing skilled graduates; and the Baltimore region, which gains professionals ready to contribute to housing innovation and economic growth.
Shaping the Future of Urban Environments
The program's leaders view real estate as a powerful force for positive urban transformation. They stress that thoughtful and responsible development can revitalize neighborhoods, attract new employers, and improve the quality of life for residents.
Dr. Leggio noted that the coming decade presents a unique opportunity for cities like Baltimore. "The next decade offers a chance to reimagine legacy infrastructure, convert obsolete buildings, and build more resilient, equitable, and sustainable urban environments," she stated.
Mr. Rouse echoed this sentiment, highlighting Baltimore's inherent strengths, such as its central location, major port, and world-class medical institutions. He emphasized that transforming these assets into future growth requires skilled professionals—the very individuals this new program aims to produce.
By integrating principles of social good and community impact into its core, Loyola's real estate program is positioning its graduates to be not just participants in the market, but leaders in shaping the future of cities.
