BC launches interdisciplinary minor in real estate
A new interdisciplinary minor launching this fall will equip Boston College undergraduates to pursue meaningful careers at the intersection of real estate, housing, transportation, education, climate, and economic mobility.
The 18-credit minor in real estate will be open to students in all BC undergraduate schools. The minor will provide foundational knowledge, interdisciplinary skills, and practical experience for students to be catalysts for change in a field where business and societal needs are closely intertwined.
Ethan Sullivan
The University’s real estate offerings have been made possible through efforts from the Joseph E. Corcoran Center for Real Estate and Urban Action and the Business Law and Society Department within the Carroll School of Management, according to Ethan Sullivan, Carroll School associate dean and Business Law and Society chair. He described the new minor as the natural next step.
“Student demand is exceptionally high,” said Sullivan. “The minor will prepare students to engage with the real estate industry from multiple angles, including development, planning, finance, law, public policy and related fields.”
The minor is built around five areas of deep learning, beginning with a foundation in real estate principles and market fundamentals, and culminating with a capstone experience involving real-world partners. With courses drawn from across the University—including disciplines ranging from sociology and environmental studies to history and architecture—students will also learn about technical and market depth; urban planning, sustainability, and climate; and housing history and equity.
Neil McCullagh
Corcoran Center Executive Director Neil McCullagh anticipates interest from students who are curious about real estate, urban environments, community dynamics, and how the built environment impacts people’s lives.
“Real estate is where many of the complex issues that BC students care about manifest in tangible ways: climate resilience, housing affordability, neighborhood displacement, racial equity, and access to quality schools. Students are attracted to working on how the built environment impacts peoples’ lives,” said McCullagh.
“BC students are drawn to this field because of the inherent tension within it: Real estate is a business that responds to market forces but also serves as a public good tied closely to community well-being. This tension is where ethical leadership is cultivated.”
For more information about the Real Estate minor, contact Ethan Sullivan at ethan.sullivan@bc.edu