High School

There are no specific educational requirements or certifications for becoming a real estate developer, but many developers have college degrees, and some have advanced degrees. While you are in high school, you can prepare for a career in real estate development by pursuing a broad-based liberal arts curriculum that will prepare you for a college education. In addition, courses in business, economics, finance, mathematics, speech communications, drafting, and shop will be helpful.

Postsecondary Training

Schools generally do not offer a specific curriculum that leads to a career as a real estate developer. Because the position requires a broad base of knowledge as well as some experience in the business community, most people become real estate developers after leaving an earlier career.

There are a few schools that offer undergraduate degrees in real estate, usually as a concentration within a general business degree program. Ohio State University, for example, offers a bachelor's degree specialization in real estate. There are even fewer graduate degree programs in real estate development, such as the University of Southern California's master's degree in real estate development. The Massachusetts Institute of Technology offers a one-year master's degree program in real estate development. Some schools offer master of business administration programs with a concentration in real estate.

The National Association of Realtors (NAR) offers certificates, associates, bachelor’s and master’s degrees through its NAR Academy at Columbia College.

Graduate degrees in law, business, and architecture are among the most beneficial to the real estate developer. If you are interested in pursuing an advanced degree in one of these areas, you should complete the necessary preparatory work as an undergraduate.

To pursue a law degree, you need a strong background in the liberal arts, including English, philosophy, history, and government. Good preparation for a master's degree in business includes course work in finance, marketing, accounting, business communications, and higher-level mathematics. An advanced degree in architecture requires an emphasis on drafting, mathematics, engineering, and physics.

Other Education or Training

The National Association of Realtors offers continuing education opportunities for real estate professionals. Contact the association for more information.

Certification or Licensing

There are no certification or licensing requirements for real estate developers.

Experience working in real estate development as an assistant is highly recommended for aspiring real estate developers. 

Real estate development is regarded as one of the most challenging careers in the real estate industry. You must have the ability to speculate about the economy and envision profitable ventures in addition to having a broad knowledge of the legal, financial, political, and construction issues related to development. Consequently, a background in law, architecture, or general contracting can be highly beneficial.

It is useful to have a working knowledge of both zoning laws and building codes. While it is the architect's primary responsibility to ensure that the plans ultimately submitted to the building department will be approved, the knowledgeable developer may decide it is appropriate to seek a variance in zoning or code. This is most common with non-safety issues, such as the number of parking spaces required. A municipality might grant a variance if you present a convincing case that the project will create a significant number of jobs for the community.

You must also understand the marketplace. For this reason, experience in appraising, leasing, or selling real estate can prove very helpful. Real estate brokers who lease office space often have excellent contacts and knowledge for entering the development business. They know where the potential tenants are, and they understand the issues involved in developing large buildings for commercial use. You must also grasp the basics of finance to structure the development entity effectively.