You can get a head start on your real estate management career by enrolling in Nova Southeastern University’s Donnelly Real Estate Management program—the only one of its kind in Florida. Developed in conjunction with the founder and former CEO of one of South Florida’s largest property management organizations, Castle Group, the bachelor of science degree will give you the skills and industry knowledge you need to be successful in today’s data-informed and technology-enabled real estate environment.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, (bls.gov/ooh/management/property-real-estate-and-community-association-managers.htm) employment of property, real estate, and community association managers is projected to grow four percent from 2024 to 2034. Approximately 39,000 openings for property, real estate, and community association managers are projected each year, on average, over the decade.
The variety of options in the real estate industry enables you to mold your career to your choosing and prepare you to work and excel in the real estate community at the local and national levels. At NSU we prepare you to adapt to future changes in the industry. Under the guidance of a distinguished faculty of prominent professionals in the real estate industry, you acquire the most advanced knowledge of real estate finance, law, market analysis, sales, and leasing; study key aspects of the real estate development process and asset and portfolio management; and examine how sustainability is transforming the real estate industry.
Supporting NSU Students

James Donnelly, a member of NSU’s Board of Trustees, has made a visionary investment in the expansion of NSU’s Bachelor of Science in Real Estate Management program. As the Founder and Chairman of Castle Group, one of Florida’s largest property management organizations, Donnelly was instrumental in creating the program and continues his support. To honor his gift, the program will now be known as the Donnelly Real Estate Management Program.
“It is such an honor and privilege for me to give back to the industry that was so good to me and do whatever I can to support these terrific NSU students.”
Read More About Donnelly's GiftA Curriculum That Shapes Your Career
Learn from accomplished real estate professionals who bring deep industry experience into the classroom. You’ll gain essential knowledge in finance, law, sales and leasing, market analysis, real estate development, and property asset management. As a graduate of the Donnelly Real Estate Management program, you’ll meet all 63-hour pre-licensing educational requirements for a Florida real estate sales associate license.
Program Highlights
- Hands-On Internships: Gain real-world experience through internships made possible by our connections with real estate management professionals across residential, commercial, and hospitality sectors.
- Powerful Networking Connections: Build lasting relationships with industry professionals through NSU’s Institute of Real Estate Management (IREM) student organization—the only IREM student club in Florida.
- Real Estate License Preparation: Graduate from the Real Estate Management program,
and you will satisfy the 63-hour pre-licensing educational requirements for a Florida
real estate sales associate license.
- Student Memberships: Become a free student member in nationally recognized industry organizations such as the Institute of Real Estate Management (IREM) and the International Facilities Management Association (IFMA).
- Open Electives: Expand your education with minor concentrations in any NSU college. The Donnelly Real Estate Management program provides 24 credits of open electives, which allows you to earn a minor concentration in any college within NSU.
Program Director
Ricardo Russi, MBA, MS, CMCA®, AMS®, MPM®
Associa® Director and Assistant Professor
Donnelly Real Estate Management Program
H. Wayne Huizenga College of Business and Entrepreneurship
Nova Southeastern University
Carl DeSantis Building
3301 College Avenue | Fort Lauderdale, FL 33314
Cell: 954-667-9210
rrussi@nova.edu
Expand Your Career Opportunities in Real Estate
While in many cases, you don’t need a college degree to become a real estate agent or property manager, almost everyone agrees—a degree in business is highly recommended and gives you an edge in the job hunt. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics states that many employers prefer to hire college graduates and that job opportunities are best for those with a college degree in business administration or real estate, in addition to those who obtain professional credentials. A B.S. in Real Estate Management degree offers you more career opportunities, with the flexibility to work in virtually any location you desire.
During your undergraduate studies, you’ll have a number of hands-on opportunities to gain real world experience.
Case Competitions
Case competitions are one of our most popular opportunities for all of NSU’s business majors. A case competition starts with a fictitious or real “problem.” Students then work individually or in teams to identify possible solutions and present them to a panel of judges. Each competition provides incentives for both the winners and participants, in addition to earning an ExEL unit credit.
Internships
In addition to case competitions, property management and real estate majors enjoy exclusive internships at companies like Castle Group.
You’ll also have access to our Corporate Speaker Series, workshops, and employer networking events, which bring you face-to-face with leading organizations and Fortune 500 executives.
Reserve your seat in one of NSU’s graduate or professional schools while you earn your bachelor’s degree. With NSU’s Dual Admission program, you don’t have to worry about competing with thousands of other students for a spot in a highly selective graduate program. This Premier Program gives you an opportunity to get a head start on your career, so you can start earning sooner.
Your NSU professors are dedicated to ensuring that you have a great academic experience. They regularly review the curriculum to make updates that give you an edge in today’s ever-changing world. As an NSU Real Estate Management major, some sample courses that you’ll be taking include Commercial Property Management; Residential Property Management; Property Portfolio and Asset Management; and Hospitality, Resort, Cruise Ship and Casino Property Management.
Gain a competitive edge and be ready for your career faster. With the 3-year B.S.B.A. degree program, you’ll earn your degree one year sooner than in traditional 4-year degree programs. Students access immersive experiential learning opportunities and the top-tier business education NSU is known for—all in a condensed plan of study.
During your undergraduate studies, you’ll have a number of hands-on opportunities to gain real world experience.
Case Competitions
Case competitions are one of our most popular opportunities for all of NSU’s business majors. A case competition starts with a fictitious or real “problem.” Students then work individually or in teams to identify possible solutions and present them to a panel of judges. Each competition provides incentives for both the winners and participants, in addition to earning an ExEL unit credit.
Internships
In addition to case competitions, property management and real estate majors enjoy exclusive internships at companies like Castle Group.
You’ll also have access to our Corporate Speaker Series, workshops, and employer networking events, which bring you face-to-face with leading organizations and Fortune 500 executives.
Reserve your seat in one of NSU’s graduate or professional schools while you earn your bachelor’s degree. With NSU’s Dual Admission program, you don’t have to worry about competing with thousands of other students for a spot in a highly selective graduate program. This Premier Program gives you an opportunity to get a head start on your career, so you can start earning sooner.
Your NSU professors are dedicated to ensuring that you have a great academic experience. They regularly review the curriculum to make updates that give you an edge in today’s ever-changing world. As an NSU Real Estate Management major, some sample courses that you’ll be taking include Commercial Property Management; Residential Property Management; Property Portfolio and Asset Management; and Hospitality, Resort, Cruise Ship and Casino Property Management.
Gain a competitive edge and be ready for your career faster. With the 3-year B.S.B.A. degree program, you’ll earn your degree one year sooner than in traditional 4-year degree programs. Students access immersive experiential learning opportunities and the top-tier business education NSU is known for—all in a condensed plan of study.
