MBA, Pepperdine University Launch Executive Certificate in Commercial Real Estate Program
ORLANDO–The Mortgage Bankers Association and the Pepperdine University Graziadio School of Business and Management today announced creation of a six-month Executive Certificate in Commercial Real Estate, beginning this March.
The program aims to accelerate higher-level career opportunities for commercial real estate professionals. The announcement took place here at the MBA Commercial Real Estate Finance/Multifamily Housing Convention & Expo.
Developed by Pepperdine University faculty member Abraham Park, Director of the Fred Sands Institute of Real Estate and Associate Professor of Finance; and John Heffernan, Director of the Executive Real Estate Certificate Program, the curriculum is based on Mortgage Banker Association-established training combined with Park’s extensive experience in the commercial real estate equity and REIT fund investment.
“Real estate is a vast and highly segmented industry,” Park said. “Real estate professionals form one area may find their previous education and training either too narrowly focused or insufficient for transitioning into higher-level career opportunities. The Pepperdine Graziadio Executive Certificate in Commercial Real Estate is an opportunity for real estate professionals to acquire practical, cutting-edge, graduate-level education.”
“Our industry needs to continue to recruit, develop and retain top talent,” Stevens said. “MBA is proud to join with Pepperdine Graziadio to forge this partnership that offers great value that will serve as a foundation for MBA to expand its educational efforts. Pepperdine Graziadio students in the program will have access to certain MBA education and training programs and MBA members will build connections to talented future industry leaders.”
As trusted advisors, commercial real estate professionals must stay up-to-date on new rules, trends and the ever-changing market. The training also helps improve marketability and open career doors through networking opportunities.
The program also incorporates materials and programming from the Mortgage Bankers Association Education’s Commercial/Multifamily Courses, making it a first-of-its-kind industry program to combine graduate school certificate education with industry-recognized training curriculum.
The certification is designed for mid- to senior-level professionals in the commercial real estate industry who seek career advancement, continuing education credits and professional designations. Students learn critical analysis and evaluation skills for transacting successful acquisition, financing, asset management and development deals. They will also learn the intricacies of private equity real estate, private debt/finance, publicly traded real estate, securitized debt and real-estate development.
The Executive Certificate in Commercial Real Estate program kicks off March 4 and runs through July 23. The program is designed for working professionals with flexible formats that meets two-days-per-month on Friday and Saturday. Conveniently located classes are offered across five different Pepperdine locations: Malibu, Irvine, West Los Angeles and San Jose in California and in Dallas, in conjunction with the Mortgage Bankers Servicing and Technology Conference and at similar events in years to come. For students who prefer a virtual setting, the program will also be available online.
The program includes five real estate classes and one self-paced elective course (up to two electives can be taken). The electives give students the opportunity to learn continuing education credits toward MBA’s Certified Mortgage Bankers designation.
As part of the overall certification program, MBA will provide Pepperdine Graziadio with access to its series of Commercial Real Estate Basics courses, as well as certain Commercial/Multifamily Secondary Servicing courses where students can earn credits toward MBA’s Certified Mortgage Bankers designation. Students that complete Pepperdine’s course will have the opportunity to apply for candidacy to the CRI Society and earn the Society’s Associate designation.
Once accepted as a candidate, the student may sit for the Chartered Realty Investor Level 1 exam administered by the MBA through its online learning management system. Additionally, qualifying students will be able to subscribe to MBA Commercial/Multi-family Newslink and attend the MBA Commercial/Multifamily Servicing & Technology Conference in May.
