Cummings Institute for Real Estate

A Powerful Multidisciplinary Curriculum

In a unique multidisciplinary Real Estate Program, RWU is combining architecture, preservation, construction management, engineering, business, law, public administration and leadership, humanities and science into a powerful new curriculum that prepares graduates with expansive skillsets and perspectives to meet the multi-faceted challenges of real estate.

Our students will become leaders in sustainable and equitable design, development, business operations, public policy, and fair housing advocacy, with thriving careers across many real estate-related businesses and professions.

RWU is among only 14 universities in the country – and one of three in the Northeast – with the distinctive blending of undergraduate and graduate programs in architecture and historic preservation, undergraduate business and MBA programs, a school of engineering, computing and construction management, a school of justice studies, schools of humanities, arts and sciences and a law school, to be able to offer such a unique program focused on sustainable design and smart growth, prepared to address the most pressing issues of climate change and housing inequities.

Interested in learning more? Contact Richard Godfrey at rgodfrey@rwu.edu for more details. 

RWU President Ioannis Miaoulis

RWU Uniquely Positioned for Real Estate Program

"RWU is uniquely positioned to create a nationally recognized center of excellence in real estate. We can harness the strengths and expertise across our schools to build the multi-faceted experiential education one needs to have a thriving real estate career that encompasses development and management, construction and design, insurance, financing and legal policy.

“RWU will play a vital role in our region and our country in developing a real estate approach guided by smart design and sustainable growth, prepared to address the most pressing issues of climate change and affordable housing."

– RWU President Ioannis Miaoulis

a composite image featuring the water view from RWU's Bristol campus and the Providence skyline where our Providence campus is located

About the Program

The Master of Science and Graduate Certificate offerings in Real Estate are the first of a series of interdisciplinary educational offerings in Real Estate. Harnessing the power of our campuses in Bristol and Providence, R.I., the programs connect with businesses and communities across Rhode Island and the region. Further offerings at the graduate and undergraduate level are currently under development. 

image of inaugural executive director of RWU's real estate initiatives Richard Godfrey

Inaugural Executive Director Richard Godfrey

"Roger Williams University will be a model for how to sustainably integrate the built and natural environments to create better communities for everyone. As a national housing advocate, it has been my passion and goal in life to create vibrant, inclusive and resilient communities with healthy, affordable homes."

Richard Godfrey
Issa Ramaji

Director of Curriculum Issa Ramaji

Issa is a professional Engineer (PE) and brings 17 years of experience across all four sectors of the Architecture, Engineering, Construction, and Operations (AECO) industry, having served in diverse roles including educator, researcher, designer, project manager, and entrepreneur.

Issa Ramaji
Architecture students working collaboratively

Supporting Our Program Launch

RWU is grateful for the support and philanthropy from our Real Estate Advisory Board, leaders from across the real estate professions who are Roger Williams University alumni and friends embodying the RWU spirit and passion to advance our mission. Their gifts have provided the seed money to design and launch our innovative and holistic approach to real estate education. In collaboration with our faculty and administrators, they are helping to create and support a nationally and internationally recognized Real Estate Program.

Real Estate Advisory Board
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RWU's Cummings School of Architecture

Our new Real Estate programs are housed within the Cummings School of Architecture, which is also home to the innovative Cummings Institute for Real Estate. RWU is expanding our existing world-class Architecture and Preservation programs with new depth and breadth of Real Estate education. 

Learn More About the Cummings School
An image of the RWU Bristol campus with a tree in bloom, American flag, and the University Library.

Spring Symposium

RWU will hold an annual Spring Symposium to showcase and address the complexity and interconnected challenges facing the Real Estate field, such as sea level rise, devastating weather events, escalating costs of living and where people will live and work in America’s evolving economy. 

Spring 2024 Symposium

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