“Real estate offers a broad spectrum of career paths. Studying real estate at Samford provides students with the necessary skills to succeed in development, finance, property management, banking, construction or brokerage. Samford also provides students with real world experiences through internships and helps students forge connections with real estate professionals. This is what sets Samford’s real estate program apart.” – Andrew Patterson ’05, President and Partner, Shannon Waltchack

This concentration provides a solid foundation for students to become future leaders of the real estate industry. Through specialized course work and professional internships, students will gain knowledge that is critical to their future careers. This concentration prepares students to navigate the dynamic real estate landscape, make informed investment decisions and lead the real estate industry with passion and professionalism.

Shep Nolen
“The Real Estate Concentration provides students with a platform for learning and obtaining professional knowledge about a constantly evolving industry. Success in real estate requires research, diligence, strong interpersonal skills and an understanding of real estate principles and best practices. By introducing this new and exciting concentration, Brock School of Business is offering its students a foundation for them to make informed decisions throughout their careers and ultimately have a positive impact on local real estate markets, communities and municipalities.”
- Shep Nolen, MBA ’11, President, CBI Construction Services

Career Options

There are numerous career paths in the real estate industry. Primary career options include:

  • Residential Sales and Brokerage
  • Commercial Sales and Brokerage
  • Commercial and Retail Property Management
  • Valuation and Investment Analysis
  • Appraisal
  • Residential Property Management and Investment
  • Property Development

Job Postings

Brock School of Business’ Office of Professional success maintains corporate relationships with executives in many industries, including real estate. Through that office, the director connects our students with professionals to secure internships and full-time employment after graduation.
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Breakout Lab

Samford University’s Brock School of Business, in partnership with Fairway Investments, opened the Fairway Commercial Real Estate Lab on Sept. 5, 2023. The lab, paired with new curriculum and additional experiential opportunities, is a major component of a multi-pronged initiative to prepare Samford students for careers in the dynamic real estate industry.

Equipped with leading data analytics software used in the industry, the Fairway Commercial Real Estate Lab provides a dedicated workspace for students to collaborate with each other and with industry professionals for case analysis and applied research projects. In addition to the physical space, Brock School of Business’ new real estate concentration can be added as a complement to any business major. The curriculum incorporates courses that provide a holistic overview of the industry, including real estate law, professional selling, and real estate finance and investment.

“The Thompson Family and Fairway Investments are pleased to partner with Brock School of Business to enhance their comprehensive teaching of real estate. Our joint vision of our Fairway Commercial Real Estate Lab combined with the new Lucille Ryals Thompson Professorship will bring meaningful assistance to Samford’s outstanding students wanting more knowledge in the exciting field of study.”
- Mike Thompson, President, Fairway Investments

Curriculum and Scholarships

Curriculum

As an accompaniment to any business major, students will choose one of the following tracks to complete for the real estate concentration.

Sales and Brokerage Path (12 Credits)

  • BUSA 410: Real Estate Principles
  • BUSA 420: Real Estate Law
  • MARK 418: Professional Selling
  • BUSA 486: Real Estate Internship

Professional Management and Investment Path (12 Credits)

  • BUSA 410: Real Estate Principles
  • BUSA 420: Real Estate Law
  • FINC 411: Real Estate Finance and Investment
  • BUSA 486: Real Estate Internship

David R. Oakley"Studying real estate offers an exciting pathway to navigate the dynamic landscape of opportunities. It empowers you to master the art of negotiation, strategic thinking, and financial acumen. Real estate unveils a world of endless possibilities, where you shape communities, create sustainable spaces, and drive economic growth. It's a realm where innovation meets tradition, where you can build a legacy while transforming lives. So, dare to explore the realm of real estate, unlock your potential, and become a catalyst for change in a thriving industry." – David R. Oakley ’03, Founder and CEO, Oakley Group

Scholarships

Several scholarship opportunities are available for students interested in pursuing the real estate concentration:

  • Andrew and Bridget Patterson Scholarship
  • Randall J. Freeman Scholarship
  • David and Mallory Oakley Scholarship

For more information, contact the Office of Academic Programs by emailing brockadvising@samford.edu.