Frequently Asked Questions

Expand items in the list below for answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about the DU Executive Certificate in Affordable Housing program.

• Why was this program created?

  Lack of affordable housing supply has culminated in a housing crisis in the West. As communities scramble to tackle this problem, the demand for skilled professionals and policy makers in the affordable housing sector is growing. The DU Executive Certificate in Affordable Housing program is designed to help meet that demand by providing professionals with the foundational and technical knowledge needed to build more affordable housing and more equitable communities.

• For whom was the program designed?

  The program is designed for: 

  1. Professionals currently working in the affordable housing sector who are looking to upskill, including real estate professionals, developers, planners, policy makers, attorneys, civic leaders, housing advocates, property managers, architects, lenders, and more
      
  2. Professionals looking to reskill for a transition into the affordable housing field

  
  University graduate students may also apply for this program to enhance their learning about the affordable housing industry, especially if they want to work in that sector.

• Are there any eligibility requirements to apply?

  Applicants should have a bachelor's degree or an equivalent level of professional experience.

• Is this a degree program?

  No, this is not a degree program. No university credits or transcripts will be awarded and no credits can be used from this program toward any other university program. This is an executive education program targeting industry professionals.

• What are the program courses and how are they structured?

  The program features eight monthly course modules: 

  • Orientation Workshop: Overview of Affordable Housing (1 Weekend/In-Person on DU's Campus)
  • Housing Policy: Federal, State, & Local Approaches (online)
  • Legal & Regulatory Context: Land Use Planning, Zoning, & Entitlement (online)
  • Social Dimensions of Affordable Housing (online)
  • Affordable Housing & Project Finance (online)
  • Construction Management, Design, & Innovations in Affordable Housing (online)
  • Development & Management of Affordable Housing (online)
  • Capstone Project: The Practicum (1 Weekend/In-Person on DU's Campus) 

  
  For more information, please see the Program Structure & Timeline page.

• Are courses held online or in person?

  Coursework will be offered primarily online, but participants will be required to attend a total of two in-person, weekend-long intensive modules: the Orientation Workshop at the beginning of the program and the Capstone Project at the end.

  For more information, please see the Program Structure & Timeline page.

• How long is the program?

  The program can be completed in eight months, and runs from late September through early June. Each monthly online course module will last between three and five weeks. The in-person Orientation Workshop and final Capstone Project will be held on campus at the University of Denver and last approximately two and a half days (one weekend) each.

  For more information, please see the Program Structure & Timeline page.

• How much time must be committed to the program per week?

  Participants can expect a total time commitment of three to four hours per week — two hours of live online classes and one to two hours of independent learning.

  For more information, please see the Program Structure & Timeline page.

• How much does the program cost?

  Total program fees are $10,000. These fees do not include travel or lodging expenses for the in-person, weekend-long Orientation Workshop or Capstone Project at the University of Denver. A 25% tuition discount is available to DU staff, spouses and domestic partners of DU faculty/staff, and DU alumni.

  For more information, please see the Enrollment page.

• What are the approved payment options?

  Payment of the application fee can be made online via credit or debit card. Upon acceptance, payment of the program fee may be made via check, wire transfer, or credit card. Payments may also be made in installments: 1/2 due upon acceptance into the program (by July 15, 2025) and 1/2 due upon the start of the program (by September 19, 2025). 

• Are scholarships available?

  Yes! Consideration for a need-based scholarship can be requested on your application. Scholarships may be used to cover program fees and/or to cover costs related to attending the two in-person residencies.

  Apply Now

• Who are the instructors?

  Participants will learn from DU faculty, as well as professional experts in real estate, construction management, law, social work, and public policy.

  For more information, please see the Faculty page.

• What is the class size?

  Class sizes are limited to 30 students, allowing for maximum engagement and learning potential.

• What type of certificate will I receive?

  Upon completion of the program, participants will receive an Executive Certificate in Affordable Housing. This is a non-degree program.

• Will continuing education credits be available?

  We will be applying for continuing education credits for the program.

• What is required in order to complete the program?

  Completion of the program will require: 

  1. In-person participation at both the September and June weekend-long intensive modules (the Orientation Workshop and Capstone Project) on campus at the University of Denver
      
  2. Substantial participation (75% attendance) at each of the remaining online modules
      

  If necessary, students will be allowed an additional year to make up any incomplete/missed modules.

• How do I apply?

  Applications can be submitted online starting January 13, 2025. Just click the link below to get started!

  Apply Now

  • Early Bird Deadline for Applications (discounted $75 application fee): March 30, 2025
  • Final Deadline for Applications: May 30, 2025
  • Acceptances sent/students notified: Week of June 16 (Latest by Friday, June 20)
  • Program Launch Reception and Dinner: September 19, 2025
  • In-Person Bootcamp and Orientation: September 20-21, 2025
  • Online Classes Begin: October 1, 2025 
     
• When does the program start?

  The program begins the weekend of September 19–21, 2025, with an in-person, intensive Orientation Workshop to be held on campus at the University of Denver.

  For more information, please see the Program Structure & Timeline page.

• How can I contact you for more information?

  Please email us with any further questions, comments, or concerns at affordablehousing@du.edu.