The National Association of Realtors has announced a new exclusive partnership with Columbia College in Columbia, Mo., to offer expanded access to academic programs to association members.
With the agreement, Columbia College will become the exclusive higher-education partner for more than 1.3 million NAR members, providing opportunities for them to complete a variety of associate, bachelor’s and master’s degrees, including real estate-specific offerings anticipated in late spring 2020.
The college also plans to develop and offer a master of business administration degree with an emphasis in real estate, based on the master of real estate degree curriculum developed by the association for its members through REALTOR University.
NAR members that enroll in the NAR Academy at Columbia College can receive $100 per eligible course in financial support from the Center for Specialized REALTOR Education (CSRE). The CSRE is a NAR wholly owned subsidiary that creates and facilitates educational programs in real estate, working to elevate professional standards through designations, certifications and degrees in real estate.
“We are committed to continuing to add value by providing substantial educational opportunities that help our members grow personally and professionally. As a member’s knowledge base grows, it leads to enhancing and broadening their business, which can increase their profitability and efficiency,” NAR CEO Bob Goldberg said in a news release. “We’re extremely proud to partner with Columbia College as it represents an important new phase in this bold vision.”
REALTOR University was conceived and launched in 2012 to provide members a new opportunity to grow through academic achievement. This agreement represents a sustainable expansion of that vision. In addition to an MBA with an emphasis in real estate, Columbia College will develop degree completion programs for NAR members, bachelor’s and associate’s degree programs and college-level real estate certificate programs in 2020.
With the graduation of all active masters in real estate program students, and with the sharing of the curriculum with Columbia College, REALTOR University officially will discontinue its master’s program, and provide the opportunity for interested members to enroll in Columbia College as a member benefit.
The college has more than 30 locations nationwide.
“We believe this new partnership between NAR and Columbia College will truly be a game-changer, not only for our institution but for the association’s members around the country,” Columbia College President Scott Dalrymple said in the release. “As far as we know, this is the largest exclusive educational partnership in the United States.”
REALTOR University alumni will become members of the Columbia College Alumni Association; with all of its privileges and benefits. These alumni also will become the founding members of an NAR scholar’s society.