The Online Real Estate Law Certificate

USC Gould School of Law
https://realtybiznews.com/usc-gould-school-of-law-launches-the-online-real-estate-law-certificate/98781232/

“The Gould School of Law at the University of Southern California unveiled its latest addition to an already impressive array of graduate certificates: the online Real Estate Law certificate.”

Also.

“Exclusively offered online, the certificate caters to working professionals, allowing them to expand their educational horizons without disrupting their obligations. The program features dynamic virtual classrooms, fostering interactive discussions and collaborative projects that mirror the complexities of the legal and business landscapes. This immersive educational experience not only cultivates critical thinking and problem-solving skills but also prepares students to navigate the challenges and opportunities of the real estate domain with confidence and expertise.”

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“Acquiring the online Real Estate Law certificate is possible in as little as three semesters, either independently or in conjunction with USC Gould's Online Master of Studies in Law (MSL) or Online Master of Laws (LLM) programs, without incurring any additional fees. In addition, the University of Southern California provides students with networking opportunities, vocational services support, specialized academic advising, and professional development.”

 

Ka-Ching!

 

$62,000 a year for LL.M. tuition. Thing is, real estate isn't like tax or admiralty. Those subjects are not covered in most J.D. programs. But real estate is covered extensively and as a mandatory subject.

 

Am missing something here? They tout this as a course for working professionals. And as Nosborne said, "...real estate is covered extensively and as a mandatory subject", which it is of course in law school (Real Property). So just what working professional is this certificate supposed to appeal to? There are pathways to become a real estate broker (i.e. in Texas you must take 270 clock hours from affiliated courses, pass a final exam, have the required experience, etc.), Should you wish to practice real estate law as a licensed attorney, by all means do so. In fact, in Texas, you can even broker a deal and not have to have a broker license (dual licensed).

It seems to me that this "certification" is just attempting to lead someone into their LLM degree program which, as Nosborne implied, is of dubious worth. And at an inflated tuition rate to boot.

So, if you're really interested in real estate, and aren't sure whether you want to go to law school, or become a real estate agent or broker, consider taking a course in real estate law. Just to try it on for size. Maybe something like this one: https://blackstone.edu/real-estate-law/ (At $455 it's a steal compared to USC's $62k certificate course) or if you do a little digging I'd guess there are others out there as well. And yes, I guess you'll lack the "prestige" of having a USC certificate but you'll certainly gain some knowledge and wouldn't have to get a second mortgage on your house just to get that fancy certificate (see what I did there?).

 

Thanks.