Real estate powers 17% of Arizona's economy -- ASU launches new degree to meet demand

With support from the W. P. Carey Center for Real Estate and Finance, the degree equips future professionals to drive innovation in an industry contributing nearly $5 trillion annually to the U.S. economy.

TEMPE, Ariz., April 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Real estate contributes approximately 17% to Arizona's gross domestic product, making it a cornerstone of the state's economy. To meet rising workforce needs in this evolving landscape, the W. P. Carey School of Business at Arizona State University is launching a new Bachelor of Science in real estate and applied finance, beginning in fall 2025.

The degree is part of a broader initiative supported by the W. P. Carey Foundation to enhance real estate education at ASU, including expanded programming through the W. P. Carey Center for Real Estate and Finance. The center links learners with relevant research, industry mentorship, and immersive experiences that connect the classroom to the field. This effort also aligns with ASU's Changing Futures campaign, which seeks to prepare future leaders for a rapidly evolving world.

"Real estate isn't just about buildings — it's the social and economic framework that supports resilient communities," said Mark Stapp, Fred E. Taylor Endowed Professor of Real Estate at the W. P. Carey School of Business and director of the Master of Real Estate Development program and the new Experiential Learning Lab at the center. "This new degree program equips students to lead in that space, where financial insight and strategic decision-making can shape the future of our cities and economy."

Built on the W. P. Carey School's strengths in finance and applied learning, the program delivers a hands-on, interdisciplinary experience. Through site visits, immersive projects, and professional exposure, graduates will be ready to thrive in real estate investment, development, brokerage, lending, and project management — or continue to advanced study in fields like finance, law, or urban planning.

"This degree is designed to connect learning with application," said Laura Lindsey, chair of the Department of Finance and Cutler Family Endowed Professor. "By equipping students with industry-standard tools and applied experiences, we're preparing them with the critical analytical and practical skills to contribute from day one in the evolving fields of real estate and finance."

The Bachelor of Science in real estate and applied finance includes:

• A curriculum integrating financial analysis, real estate principles, and applied problem-solving
• Experiential learning opportunities, including live project analysis through the Experiential Learning Lab
• Access to faculty mentorship and partnerships with industry leaders through the Center for Real Estate and Finance
• Opportunities to explore real estate markets locally, nationally, and worldwide

"Real estate is the world's largest asset class, and it plays a central role in shaping communities and creating opportunities," said Ohad Kadan, Charles J. Robel Dean and W. P. Carey Distinguished Chair in Business. "With this new program, we're investing in the next generation of professionals who will lead and innovate across the real estate and financial sectors."

Learn more and start your application here.

About the W. P. Carey School of Business
The W. P. Carey School of Business at Arizona State University is the largest and one of the top-ranked business schools in the United States. The school is internationally regarded for its research productivity and its world-renowned faculty. Students come from more than 120 countries, and W. P. Carey is represented by alumni in over 100 countries. Visit wpcarey.asu.edu.

For more information, media contact:
Shay Moser
W. P. Carey School of Business
[email protected]

SOURCE W. P. Carey School of Business at Arizona State University