The Scheller College of Business, in partnership with the College of Design, has launched a new Real Estate Development and Finance minor, offering Georgia Tech graduate students a focused pathway into one of the most dynamic sectors of the global economy. Designed to equip students with the analytical, financial, and strategic skills needed to thrive in real estate development and investment, the minor is poised to accelerate opportunities for graduate students across industries.
“Collaborating with Associate Dean Jonathan Clarke and Scheller to launch Georgia Tech’s first graduate minor marks a major step in expanding real estate education across the Institute,” said Rick Porter, director of the College of Design’s Master of Real Estate program and owner and founder of Richport Properties. “Our Master of Real Estate Development introduced the built environment focus; this new partnership prepares students for broader careers by merging design and business disciplines in a truly collaborative classroom. Together, the College of Design and Scheller are positioning Georgia Tech as a leader in shaping the future of real estate.”
Barry Branch, Robert H. Ledbetter Sr. Professor, joined Scheller in 2012. Today, he draws on over 50 years of experience to lead the development of real estate studies across academic disciplines.
"The launch of this minor marks a key step in building the comprehensive curriculum Scheller is developing with other colleges across the Institute,” said Branch. "Georgia Tech’s cross-disciplinary strength makes it uniquely equipped to shape real estate education, preparing students to lead in urban, suburban, and rural markets around the world.
Real estate is being reshaped by rapid changes in policy, technology, lifestyles, and markets. These shifts will create major opportunities for students equipped to thrive in today’s dynamic and complex global real estate environment. It’s been my dream to see Georgia Tech build a curriculum that reflects its depth and reach. Under today’s leadership, I believe that vision is becoming reality."
Student-Focused Real Estate Studies
Hannah Haggas’, Evening MBA ‘28, focus on real estate studies is more than just a career move, it’s a full-circle moment. “My interest goes way back to about five or six years old, when I built my first home out of LEGOs,” she shared.
Today, Haggas works as a purchasing agent at David Weekley Homes, where she began her career as a builder and now works in a leadership role in the Atlanta Division. “I chose the Real Estate Development and Finance concentration to become more confident in the business principles behind what I do every day,” she explained. “This foundation will open doors to future leadership roles like division president or vice president within my company.”
The Scheller College of Business and the College of Design are committed to continuing their collaboration to provide students like Haggas with more opportunities to grow their expertise in real estate. Part of that support includes increased access to scholarships that make graduate education possible.
For Haggas, financial support came from the generous fellowship endowment of Scheller alumnus Tony Kepano, B.S. Industrial Management ‘86 and vice chairman at CBRE. “The financial support has been incredibly helpful,” Haggas shared. “It has taken a lot of stress off my plate so that I can focus on school and work. I hope to be able to do the same for students in the future.”
Expanding Curriculum With Alumni Support
The new minor and fellowship endowment are made possible by Kepano, who in turn, was inspired by Georgia Tech alumni who made their mark in real estate. He recognized a growing need for structured, interdisciplinary education in the field for today’s students.
“I felt it was important to give back to Georgia Tech and create an opportunity for other students who may also want to follow a path into commercial real estate and continue the legacy of alumni who have made an impact in the industry,” Kepano shared.
Kepano sees Georgia Tech as uniquely positioned to prepare future leaders in real estate. “Georgia Tech offers a unique environment where we have industry-leading verticals, like technology, design, engineering, and our business school,” he said. “Each can influence real estate decision-making. This helps students enter the working world with a broader perspective.”
The evolving nature of the real estate industry makes possibilities endless and broad skillsets necessary. “In the past, the skillset was centered mostly around finance,” Kepano noted. “Today’s leaders need to understand not only finance but also areas like supply chain, labor, and demographic trends. Whether it’s alternative power sources for data centers, new building materials, or harnessing AI to drive decisions, the possibilities are endless.
The real estate industry is evolving rapidly, and we need leaders who understand not just the financial side, but also the social, environmental, and technological forces shaping development. This minor gives students the tools to think holistically and lead responsibly.”
Minor Curriculum Details
The Real Estate Development and Finance minor requires nine total credit hours and is designed to be flexible and accessible, with courses that blend theory and practice. Students from a variety of backgrounds – including finance, construction, urban planning, and entrepreneurship – are encouraged to explore the minor to broaden their impact and career potential.
As Scheller continues to expand its offerings to meet the needs of a changing business landscape, the Real Estate Development and Finance minor stands out as a timely and strategic addition. For students like Haggas, it’s not just about learning, it’s about building a future, one foundation at a time.
