How to ApplyRequest Info
How to ApplyRequest Info
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Graduate Certificate inReal Estate Law and Valuation

Summary Courses Careers Costs and Aid

Prepare to succeed in a variety of positions related to the competitive and rewarding commercial real estate market. In this online program, finance, business, and legal professionals can further specialize their skills and/or practice to find success working in the growing commercial real estate industry.

100% Online

Complete your Penn State course work at your own pace and 100% online.

Apply by July 20 to start August 25

9 Credits$1,027 per credit

No GRE/GMAT

GRE and GMAT test scores are NOT required.

Gain Skills for the Commercial Real Estate Industry

  • Assign value to properties.

  • Calculate and communicate risk and reward potential.

  • Negotiate contracts and leases.

  • Create legal real estate documents.

  • Analyze property law.

This 9-credit online graduate certificate program provides you with an excellent opportunity to prepare for a career working in the commercial real estate industry.

Required Courses (9 credits)

  • 1
    credit

    Provides an overview of real estate evaluation and risk analysis, property rights and regulations, and financial real estate evaluation.

  • 2
    credits

    Covers principles, strategies, and techniques of negotiation with multiple parties involved in commercial real estate transactions, along with how to create financially viable agreements.

  • 3
    credits

    Explores economic theories of valuation applied to real estate as a guide to business decisions. Also covers understanding of real estate value, how to measure it, and its application to the real estate marketplace.

  • 3
    credits

    Analyzes contemporary law applicable to various types of ownership interests and rights, methods of transferring ownership, and use of real property. 

Course Availability

If you're ready to see when your courses will be offered, visit our public LionPATH course search (opens in new window) to start planning ahead.

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You can use the knowledge gained from this program and the support of Penn State career resources to pursue careers in a variety of fields, depending on your goals.

Career Opportunities for Graduates

Commercial real estate is a diverse, interdisciplinary field with a wide array of opportunities, including real estate analysis, development, finance, investing, management, sales, and valuation. 

As a graduate of this program, you may find yourself well-prepared for numerous career options in roles closely tied to the commercial real estate industry:

  • real estate developer
  • property manager
  • real estate investment broker
  • commercial lease negotiator
  • real estate attorney
  • commercial lender
  • government housing manager
  • real estate appraiser
  • estate planner

Career Services to Set You Up for Success

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From the day you're accepted as a student, you can access resources and tools provided by Penn State World Campus Career Services to further your career. These resources are beneficial whether you're searching for a job or advancing in an established career.

  • Opportunities to connect with employers
  • Career counselor/coach support
  • Occupation and salary information
  • Internships
  • Graduate school resources 

Ready to Learn More?

Get the resources you need to make informed decisions about your education. Request information on this program and other programs of interest by completing this form.

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Ready to take the next step toward your Penn State graduate certificate?

Apply by July 20 to start August 25. How to Apply 

Learn about this program's tuition, fees, scholarship opportunities, grants, payment options, and military benefits.

Graduate Tuition

Graduate tuition is calculated based on the number of credits for which you register. Tuition is due shortly after each semester begins and rates are assessed every semester of enrollment.

2024–25 Academic Year Rates

Tuition rates for the fall 2024, spring 2025, and summer 2025 semesters.
How many credits do you plan to take per semester?Cost
11 or fewer$1,027 per credit
12 or more$12,325 per semester

2025–26 Academic Year Rates

Tuition rates for the fall 2025, spring 2026, and summer 2026 semesters.
How many credits do you plan to take per semester?Cost
11 or fewer$1,037 per credit
12 or more$12,448 per semester

Paying for Your Certificate

Students pursuing a certificate are considered "nondegree," a status that is not eligible for federal student aid, including the Federal Direct Stafford Loan program. A private alternative loan may be an option to consider.

Additionally, Penn State offers many ways to pay for your education, including an installment plan and third-party payments. Penn State World Campus also offers an Employer Reimbursement and Tuition Deferment Plan. Learn more about the options for paying for your education.

Students pursuing a degree and meeting all other eligibility requirements may qualify for financial aid.

Military Benefits

Military service members, veterans, and their spouses or dependents should explore these potential military education benefits and financial aid opportunities, as well.

Additional Cost of Attendance Details

To view the detailed list of cost of attendance elements:

Technical Requirements

Review the technical requirements for this program.

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Smeal College of Business is committed to being your partner in lifelong learning. Smeal offers programs, support, and resources for every career stage and life circumstance that will prepare you not only for your next great opportunity but also for the one after that.

More options, greater flexibility, and a commitment to lifelong learning

The desire for knowledge and professional growth spans a lifetime. That is why the Penn State Smeal College of Business offers a portfolio of professional graduate programs for all stages of your career. In partnership with Penn State World Campus, Smeal makes it easy to customize a learning plan to your unique career aspirations and busy schedule. Penn State Smeal offers you a lifetime of learning with more concentrations and one of the most integrated, flexible offerings of online and residential programs in the United States.

Penn State Business building

An entire team dedicated to your success

Personal advising — Our experts will explain the many options that Penn State Smeal offers and will help you refine your career strategy and craft the educational experience best suited to your interests. It all starts with a simple, but critical question: “What are your goals?” 

Career coaching* — Our Alumni Career Services team will support you across all career stages with professional advancement opportunities and coaching to help you stay focused on achieving your goals.

Delivering the best of online and in-person learning for a rich educational experience

We understand that today’s professional learners want meaningful discussion and interaction with faculty and classmates along with the technologies and flexible approaches of contemporary online learning. By aligning the best of both worlds, we bring richness, depth, and diversity to the overall educational experience.

Courses designed to engage and motivate the professional student

Creative Teams consisting of a lead faculty member, a Teaching Support Specialist (TSS), and an Instructional Designer use advanced analytics to develop and deliver contemporary graduate courses that promote application and engagement. We strive to innovate in ways that others don’t. 

A real-world perspective

  • Industry professionals inside the virtual classroom — Many of Penn State Smeal’s courses feature industry professionals who have been in the trenches and work hard to make an impact every day. These individuals, most of whom hold a Smeal graduate degree, partner with our renowned faculty to provide a rich academic context with real-world application.
  • Global immersion* — This unique, optional experience will enhance your ability to communicate cross-culturally, adapt to evolving business environments, and manage the risks and benefits of operating on a global scale. Any student pursing a full degree from Smeal may participate in this optional, faculty-led experience for elective credit. Previous destinations have included Shanghai, China; Johannesburg, South Africa; Prague, Czech Republic; Santiago, Chile; and Zagreb, Croatia.

One of the largest and most influential networks in the country

At Penn State, you are part of a worldwide community of instructors, learners, and more than 775,000 alumni who support one another and make a meaningful impact. Whether studying on campus or online through Penn State World Campus, all Penn State students can experience a sense of community and belonging. You’ll have opportunities to engage with your peers, faculty, and alumni through virtual and in-person, on-campus events such as Impact Smeal Day, WE ARE Weekend, THON™, and the Blue-White game.

More than 94,000 Smeal alumni benefit from connections around the globe as well as networking events, podcasts, webinars, a powerful LinkedIn community, and opportunities for volunteerism.

* Services are available only to students and alumni of Penn State Smeal’s degree programs and online degrees led by Smeal and delivered through the World Campus. Students and alumni of online graduate certificates are not eligible to receive these benefits unless they are also enrolled in a degree program.

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Not only can this program help create opportunities in your career, it can also give you a solid head start toward a full master’s degree.

Degree Programs Related to This Certificate

Some or all credits earned from this certificate may be applied to a master's degree. Separate degree admission is required.

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AACSB Accredited

This program is AACSB Accredited

The Penn State Smeal College of Business is AACSB accredited, an honor reserved for the top 5% of business schools worldwide. This program is competitively priced compared to other AACSB–accredited programs.

Who Should Apply?

Commercial real estate is an exceptionally rewarding career option for motivated professionals with varying backgrounds, abilities, and strengths who take the time to acquire specific knowledge and develop the specialized skills the industry requires.

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Whether you are looking to finish your program as quickly as possible or balance your studies with your busy life, Penn State World Campus can help you achieve your education goals. Many students take one or two courses per semester.

Our online courses typically follow a 12- to 15-week semester cycle, and there are three semesters per year (spring, summer, and fall). Depending on the course offering schedule for the program, certificates may be completed in 8–16 months.

Convenient Online Format

This program's convenient online format gives you the flexibility you need to study around your busy schedule. You can skip the lengthy commute without sacrificing the quality of your education and prepare yourself for more rewarding career opportunities without leaving your home.

A Trusted Leader in Online Education

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Penn State has a history of more than 100 years of distance education, and World Campus has been a leader in online learning for more than two decades. Our online learning environment offers the same quality education that our students experience on campus.

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Apply by July 20 to start August 25

Application Instructions

Deadlines and Important Dates

Complete your application and submit all required materials by the appropriate deadline. Your deadline will depend on the semester you plan to start your courses.

  • Fall Deadline

    Apply by July 20 to start August 25

  • Spring Deadline

    Apply by November 15, 2025, to start January 12, 2026

Steps to Apply

  1. For admission to the J. Jeffrey and Ann Marie Fox Graduate School, an applicant must hold either (1) a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited U.S. institution or (2) a tertiary (postsecondary) degree that is deemed comparable to a four-year bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited U.S. institution. This degree must be from an officially recognized degree-granting institution in the country in which it operates.

  2. You will need to upload the following items as part of your application:

    Official transcripts from each institution attended, regardless of the number of credits or semesters completed. Transcripts not in English must be accompanied by a certified translation. If you are a Penn State alum, you do not need to request transcripts for credits earned at Penn State but must list Penn State as part of your academic history.

    Test Scores — GMAT/GRE test scores are not required.

    English Proficiency — The language of instruction at Penn State is English. With some exceptions, international applicants must take and submit scores for the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS). Minimum test scores and exceptions are found in the English Proficiency section on the Fox Graduate School's "Requirements for Graduate Admission" page. Visit the TOEFL website for testing information. Penn State's institutional code is 2660.

    Program-Specific Questions/Materials

    Vita or Résumé — Upload your résumé (one- to two-page pdf) to the online application.

    Statement of Purpose — Describe how your professional experience and goals align with the Real Estate Law and Valuation certificate. Do not exceed 500 words.

  3. To begin the online application, you will need a Penn State account.

    Create a New Penn State Account

    If you have any problems during this process, contact an admissions counselor at [email protected].

    Please note: Former Penn State students may not need to complete the admissions application or create a new Penn State account. Please visit our Returning Students page for instructions.

  4. You can begin your online application at any time. Your progress within the online application system will be saved as you go, allowing you to return at any point as you gather additional information and required materials.

    • Choose Enrollment Type: "Certificate Admission"
    • Choose "WORLD CAMPUS" as the campus

    Checking Your Status 
    You can check the status of your application by using the same login information established for the online application form. 

  5. 5. Complete the application.

    Penn State Fox Graduate School Application

Admissions Help

If you have questions about the admissions process, contact an admissions counselor at [email protected].

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Have questions or want more information? We're happy to talk.

To learn more about the online Graduate Certificate in Real Estate Law and Valuation program, please contact:

Penn State Smeal College of Business
Professional Graduate Programs Office
Phone: (814) 865-5290 
Email: [email protected] 

For general questions about the application process, please contact:

World Campus Admissions Counselors
Phone: (814) 863-5386
Email: [email protected]

This program is offered in partnership with the Penn State Smeal College of Business. Through this certificate program, you can earn a respected credential while learning from faculty with diverse backgrounds, intellectual perspectives, and industry expertise.

Faculty

  • Lawrence Colorito

    • M.S., Real Estate and Construction Management, University of Denver
    • B.S., Finance, Penn State

    Lawrence “Larry” Colorito, MAI, is the chair of the Board of Directors and senior managing director of Valbridge Property Advisors, a national real estate valuation and consulting firm. A real estate appraiser and consultant for more than 30 years, Larry holds the MAI designation and is a Certified General Real Estate Appraiser in Maryland; Washington, D.C.; Virginia; and North Carolina. Larry has taught real estate courses at William & Mary, Old Dominion, and Penn State for many years. He has a particular interest in valuation and creating synergy between the real estate profession and the academy.

  • Kyle Kaplan

    • J.D., University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
    • MBA, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
    • M.S., Sport Management, University of Florida
    • B.S., Marketing, University of Florida

    Kyle Kaplan is a clinical assistant professor of business law and an undergraduate education faculty fellow. He specializes in teaching business and real estate law.

  • Mallory Meehan, Esq., MBA

    • J.D., Dickinson School of Law, Penn State
    • MBA, Penn State
    • B.S., Business, Marketing, and Finance, Penn State

    Professor Mallory Meehan is associate director of the Institute for Real Estate Studies and a clinical associate professor of real estate in the Smeal College of Business. She teaches courses in real estate fundamentals, real estate risk and valuation, real estate law, real estate investments, negotiations, real estate market analysis, and international business, and a certification course in ARGUS Enterprise. Her research focuses on student housing, market analysis and tenant placement, and real estate investment returns.

Ready to take the next step toward your Penn State graduate certificate?

Apply by July 20 to start August 25. How to Apply 

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