CCIM institute accepts UT Dallas as university partner

The CCIM Institute has accepted UT Dallas as a university partner, putting graduate students in real estate on the fast track to earning its prestigious expert designation.

"This partnership is an industry validation of our program and provides direct benefits to our school with access to real-world case studies, market demographics, trend research and leading technology tools," said George DeCourcy, associate director of real estate programs, who has worked closely with the local CCIM chapter over the past two years on the partnership.

UT Dallas is among about 40 universities in the Chicago-based CCIM (Certified Commercial Investment Member) Institute's University Alliance Program. The application process includes a rigorous review of the university's real estate courses, commitment and standards.

"Our alumni can take advantage of the CCIM University Fast Track program that allows waiver of certain core courses in pursuit of the CCIM designation," DeCourcy said. "We are very excited about this partnership with the CCIM organization given its prominence within the industry," he said.

The CCIM alliance with the Naveen Jindal School of Management also gives students access to various scholarships and networking opportunities, DeCourcy said.

The Naveen Jindal School of Management's real estate program has grown rapidly in the last few years with an estimated 450 students taking real estate courses in 2013."We are delighted to partner with CCIM in this exciting Alliance program and are pleased to be able to offer additional benefits to our students and alumni," stated Dr. Randall S. Guttery, Director of Real Estate Programs.

CCIM designees must complete more than 200 hours of education covering ethics, interest-based negotiation, financial analysis, market analysis, user decision analysis and investment analysis for commercial real estate. Candidates also must compile portfolios demonstrating their real estate experience and pass a comprehensive exam.

About 10,000 professionals in 32 countries have earned the CCIM designation.

Source: The CCIM Institute