Through 10 weeks (60 hours) of intensive instructional modules delivered on Drexel’s main campus in West Philadelphia, learners will gain essential knowledge in finance, investment, project management, construction accounting, and contract negotiation; core areas that shape successful urban real estate development projects. Learners will also explore the fundamentals of building and managing residential developments, while developing a working understanding of sustainability, environmental compliance and municipal regulations that impact every stage of the development process.
In addition to technical foundations, this certificate program equips learners with the essential professional skills critical to long-term success, including how to navigate the bid process, craft persuasive proposals, deliver compelling presentations, and build strategies for professional networking in both in-person and online settings. Learners will also gain insights into the growing role of AI in real estate planning, development projects and property management.
Designed for aspiring developers with limited prior experience or growing portfolios, this program blends practical exercises with real-world applications, empowering learners to confidently take their first steps toward becoming successful real estate developers in the competitive and complex urban market.
In-person instructional module topics, dates and Final Capstone Project.
- Week 1 – October 11, 2025
Finance, Real Estate Investment and Asset Management
- Week 2 – October 18, 2025
Fundamentals of Project Management
- Week 3 – October 25, 2025
Developing, building and managing residential projects (attainable, market, and mixed use)
- Week 4 – November 1, 2025
Construction Accounting Fundamentals
- Week 5 – November 8, 2025
Contract Management
- Week 6 – November 15, 2025
Sustainability and Environmental Planning
- Week 7 – November 22, 2025
Bid Process and Negotiations
- Week 8 – December 6, 2025
Delivering Presentations That Close the Deal
- Week 9 – December 13, 2025
AI Applications in Real Estate
- Week 10 – December 20, 2025
Building Your Professional Network in Real Estate Development
- Culminating Capstone Project (Completed before the final week)
Based on a hypothetical real estate scenario created in consultation with their experienced and accomplished real estate developer instructor, this capstone project will challenge learners to critically evaluate the strategic importance of key components of their business or real estate project. The project will include professional introductions, an in-depth analysis of two aspects from different asset classes, and a data-driven exploration of their long-term impact using case studies, research, and AI-enhanced insights.