USF getting bullish with real estate degree

Ask anyone involved in commercial real estate along the Gulf Coast where they got their degrees and they'll likely give you one of two answers — Florida State University or the University of Florida.

One local institution expects to add to that mix in years to come.

The University of South Florida College of Business last month unveiled an interdisciplinary degree program for a master's of science in real estate (MSRE) that includes courses in business, geography, architecture and engineering. Classes will start in August at the Tampa main campus.

Designed for full-time students and working professionals, the 34-credit-hour MSRE program incorporates social, environmental and economic approaches to prepare students for a broad range of real estate and development careers. The program can be completed in a year or two, depending on the pace of courses taken.

Students be trained in specialty software, geographic information systems and real estate spreadsheet applications. They will also have access to prominent real estate professionals through a distinguished speaker series, individual mentoring from advisory board members and research opportunities.

“USF's metropolitan location in central Florida makes it easy for students to connect with the market and local business leaders,” says Greg Smersh, a finance professor who teaches real estate courses at the Fowler Avenue campus.

Smersh, who is also a retail development consultant in Florida, says the current economic situation and credit crisis are accelerating development of more livable communities, long-term sustainability and multi-use development.