The Miami University Board of Trustees has approved a new degree program at the Farmer School of Business. The major in real estate will initially have up to 50 students, but will eventually grow to up to 100.

The launch of the program within the Department of Finance is partially funded by a donation from Richard (’60) and Carol (’63) Puzzitiello. Real estate has previously been available as a minor at the Farmer School, requiring a mix of finance, business legal studies, and geography classes. FSB also has hosted popular real estate forums each of the past two years and has a popular real estate club.

“The new Real Estate major will make it easier for Miami students to enter into the commercial real estate industry, whether in investing, development or operations.  Bringing together resources and expertise from across the university makes this a unique program and one that is well positioned to capitalize on Miami's strengths,” Department of Finance chair Joel Harper explained. “Our alumni working in real estate have been very supportive and we look forward to working with them to build and grow opportunities for our students and alumni.”

“We are pleased to add the real estate major to our finance program. We believe it fills a need from employers and allows our students to be beyond ready to enter the marketplace,” Farmer School dean Jenny Darroch said.