Did you ever wonder who and how that new, exciting retail center came to be? Or how a whole new town was planned and developed or an old town revived and redeveloped? Or how social media can connect you to your neighbors? Did you know that 30% of the US economy is made up of real estate businesses? If those questions (and answers) interest you, then pursuing a real estate degree at Menlo College may be for you. Menlo College is literally at the heart of one of the most exciting real estate regions in the US—30 miles from downtown Oakland which is undergoing a resurgence, 30 miles from San Francisco, a global city with highly desired real estate, and 30 miles from San Jose, which is the transportation hub of the Bay Area and undertaking a downtown redevelopment with Google taking a leading role. You will be introduced to Menlo alumni and faculty with many connections to the real estate industry in the Bay Area and around the country.
Students graduating through our real estate program go to work as commercial and residential agents and brokers, property and asset managers, facilities managers, financial analysts, public and private finance, community and commercial developers, design and construction management, due diligence and property acquisition, public engagement and entitlements, and public policy as well as corporate real estate officers. Did you know that Facebook and Google (and most large companies here in Silicon Valley and around the country) have their own in-house corporate real estate office to acquire, develop and manage the real estate that houses the company. Just think about the real estate footprint of a company like Target or Wal-Mart– even start-ups need real estate! However, if social issues are at the top of your mind – for example, homelessness, green buildings, traffic tie-ups, etc. – the public sector and public policy addresses all of those through real estate transactions, and often in complex public-private financing arrangements. So whether you are interested in the commercial housing, retail, office, or hospitality sectors, and whether you would like to work in the non-profit, for-profit or governmental sectors – they all do real estate.
Menlo students who complete two required and one elective Real Estate courses qualify to take the California Department of Real Estate basic real estate license examination, which is a prerequisite for many careers in real estate, including commercial and residential property sales and management, as well as corporate and sports facilities. Students who receive a Bachelor’s Degree in Real Estate, or a Real Estate Minor in conjunction with another bachelor’s degree, may waive the two years of work experience that is required to take the advanced real estate examination, which may open up opportunities to start their own real estate company.
General Education Requirements
Bachelor of Science in Business Core Curriculum
Academic Internship
Required courses (12 units)
Elevate your career in real estate by completing the following courses required for Real Estate majors:
Required internship courses (6 units)
Gain hands-on experience with a required internship and courses associated with that experience:
Elective courses (12 units)
Choose four elective courses to deepen your expertise:
Review the detailed Real Estate Degree Program requirements:
Real Estate Degree Program requirements (Prior to Fall 2021) (PDF)
Real Estate Degree Program requirements (Fall 2021 and later) (PDF)
The information provided here is meant to provide an overview. Refer to the Academic Catalog for detailed information about course prerequisites, course frequency, and additional course requirements.
As a college education is one of the most important investments you and your family will make, Menlo strives to make college affordable. Nearly 100% of incoming students receive scholarships and/or institutional grants.
Want to learn what scholarships and other aid you may qualify for? Review the Types of Aid Available and use our Net Price Calculator.
Direct CostsLiving on CampusLiving off CampusLiving with a Parent/Relative Tuition$55,340$55,340$55,340 Fees*$980$980$980 On-Campus Food and Housing**$18,716-- Subtotal Direct Costs$75,036$56,320$56,320 Estimated Indirect CostsLiving on CampusLiving off CampusLiving with a Parent/Relative Off-Campus Food and Housing***-$22,752$11,836 Books and Supplies$1,090$1,090$1,090 Transportation$1,252$1,990$1,818 Miscellaneous / Personal$3,286$5,068$4,140 Loan Fees****$80$80$80 Subtotal Other Costs$5,708$30,980$18,964 Total Annual COA$80,744$87,300$75,284
*The Student Fee covers services that benefit students, but which are complementary to, not part of, instructional programs. The fee supports services related to the physical and psychological health and well-being of students, social and cultural activities and programs, campus life and campus community, and educational and career support services. The fee is part of the cost of attendance at Menlo College, and is mandatory for all registered students.
**The On-Campus Food and Housing cost is a weighted average of all room type occupancy costs.
***Based on the CSAC Student Expense Budget.
****Loan fees included for federal loan borrowers only.
Additionally, a health insurance fee may apply to full-time students who do not have qualifying health insurance, did not submit a waiver, or who are international students.
All fees shown above are subject to change.
Note that meal plans are required for each residential student. Meal plan charges are included in the on-campus food and housing costs shown above. Learn more about our residence halls and meal plans.
Graduates with a Finance degree are well-positioned for high-demand roles, including:
*Based on US National Career Data
Assistant Professor, Finance and Real Estate
Menlo offers financial aid guidance on scholarships, grants, and funding options that bring the value of a Menlo education within reach. Explore resources and personalized support designed to help you understand your financial aid options, application processes, and key deadlines.
