The University of Texas at Arlington is adding a new Master of Science in Real Estate- Sustainability to its portfolio of sustainability-focused academic programs. Classes begin May 12 at The Universities Center in downtown Dallas and fall 2012 at the UT Arlington Fort Worth Center in downtown Fort Worth.

Enrollment is currently open.

In 2010, UT Arlington began enrolling students in its Master of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies- Sustainability track program and a separate minor in environmental and sustainability studies. Both have been popular options.

"The new program will have a stronger commercially-driven agenda with an emphasis on making the business case for sustainability," said Fred Forgey, executive director of UT Arlington's Real Estate Graduate Program. "Commercial real estate professionals will be provided the tools necessary to propose, implement and analyze sustainable initiatives within the built environment."

The new degree can be completed in as few as 12 months. It is a 36-hour, non-thesis degree designed for working professionals. Classes will be delivered through a hybrid format that combines online and in-person meetings.

Students will take 15 credit hours of core courses in sustainability issues, such as High Density Development and the U.S. Green Building Council's LEED program. Students also will cover course topics such as sustainable investing, real estate analysis, adaptive reuse and redevelopment and real estate funding and appraisal. Multiple site visits and featured industry speakers also will be included.

Michael Wollman, director of programming and clinical instructor at UT Arlington's Fort Worth Center, said the new degree program will fill a need in North Texas.

"The new master's program in sustainability will prepare students who want to be part of the first generation of professionally-trained sustainability experts and managers," he said.

For more information about the new degree, visit the program website at http://www.uta.edu/msre-sustainability.

The University of Texas at Arlington is a comprehensive research institution of almost 33,500 students in the heart of North Texas. Visit http://www.uta.edu/ to learn more.

Article provided courtesy of UT Arlington