Housing Studies

Are you interested in housing issues that affect our communities such as homelessness or affordable housing?  Are you interested in the business aspects of how people finance their homes?  Are you interested in how houses are constructed and how zoning regulations affect neighborhood planning?  Are you curious about energy use in houses?  Or environmental aspects of air quality?

A Housing Studies major prepares you for a career in assisting people in their housing needs.  Career paths include overseeing the operation of apartment buildings, housing complexes or commercial buildings; assessing, compiling and analyzing data related to property value; helping people obtain financing for their home or business; and determining solutions to housing problems, such as access issues for the disabled, affordable low-income housing, or availability of housing for special populations.

Housing Studies graduates typically work as housing coordinators, housing advocates, neighborhood planners, mortgage bankers and loan officers, appraisers, property managers, and housing researchers.

Types of Employers
*Home Builders
*Mortgage Companies
*Banks and Financial Institutions
*Community Development Agencies
*Property Management Companies
*Non-profit Agencies
*Government Agencies (Housing & Redevelopment Authority)

Professional Associations and Student Organizations
Housing Education and Research Association (HEAR)
MN-NAHRO - Minnesota Chapter of the National Association of Housing & Redevelopment Officials
Housing Organization for University Students (HOUS)

Jobs Obtained by Recent Grads
Assistant Closer – Prestige Title
Property Maintenance Coordinator – City of Anoka
Housing Development Associate - Greater Minnesota Housing Fund
Community Development Loan Officer - Wells Fargo
Housing Specialist - Washington County HRA
Director of Housing and Support Services - YMCA of St. Paul