Residential Property Management (RPM) is a one-of-a-kind program at Virginia Tech that prepares students for rewarding management careers in the multi-family housing industry. Virginia Tech's RPM option has a record of extremely high job placement rate, and most graduates have several job offers before graduation.
Residential Property Management is one of the fastest-growing career sectors in the nation and Money magazine in 2006 listed it as one of the 25 best jobs in America. Hundreds of management positions are available each year in multiple-unit housing environments, from luxury apartment developments to innovative senior living communities. Each year, only a few students in the world graduate with degrees that prepare them specifically for these positions. Students gain an introduction to all aspects of the residential property management field through the RPM curriculum. The RPM option includes property management courses, as well as supporting courses in business. Other support courses include topics as varied as the Americans with Disabilities Act and changing environmental regulations and innovations.
Program Highlights:
- All RPM students complete at least one internship with a multifamily housing firm. Students gain real-world experience, make valuable career contacts, and explore different career areas in locations across the country. Typically students are paid and receive housing.
- Seniors in the RPM program prepare for and take the National Apartment Association's CAM (Certified Apartment Manager) exam. Obtaining one's CAM designation places graduates a year or more ahead of other entry level property management professionals.
- Numerous scholarships, ranging from $500 to $5,000 are awarded to RPM students on the basis of need, academic achievement, and professional potential.
- Through contacts with the RPM Advisory Board, the RPM Career Fair , and the Association of RPM, students have opportunities to meet industry leaders from across the country. And just as important, employers get to know the students.
- Virginia Tech's RPM program continues to receive national recognition in articles featured in industry publications, such as UNITS and the Journal of Property Management.
Change of Majors for the Residential Property Management option will be accepted only during the months of September and February. A typed. double-spaced, two-page statement outlining the applicant's career goals in residential property management must accompany the Change of Major form.
Residential Property Management Plan of Study:
RPM Courses
AHRM 2675 - Residential Property Management I
AHRM 2676 - Residential Property Management II
AHRM 3614 - Maintenance for Property Managers
AHRM 4674 - Managing & Marketing Housing for Later Life
AHRM 4684 - Advanced Property Management
AHRM 4984 - Principles of Residential Asset Management
AHRM 4694 - Contemporary Issues in Property Management
AHRM 4964 - Field Study in Property ManagementHousing Courses
AHRM 2614 - Introduction to Residential Technologies
AHRM 4604 - Housing: Energy and the Environment
AHRM 4664 - Universal DesignBusiness Courses
ACIS 1504 - Introduction to Business Information Systems
ACIS 2004 - Survey of Accounting
FIN 3104 - Introduction to FInance
MGT 3304 - Management Theory and Leadership Practice
MKTG 3104 - Marketing Management
UAP 4744 - Principles of Real EstatePlus Controlled and Free Electives and Department and University Requirements
Total = 120 credits
See Undergraduate Course Catalog: Click Here
Residential Property Management Career Fair:
2008 RPM Career Fair Click Here
Residential Property Management Scholarships:
Members of the RPM Advisory Board and numerous organizations and individuals have generously donated funds to endow the following scholarships:
The Alexandra Jackiw RPM Board Chairman's Endowed Scholarship
The Russ Marshall Scholarship
The E. Carlton Wilton, Sr. Scholarship
The Rosemary C. Goss Scholarship
The Institute of Real Estate Management Scholarship
Southern Management Corporation RPM - Ed Paylor Scholarship
The Richard Bighinatte/Beacon Residential Management Scholarship
Roby and Joanne Monday RPM Scholarship
Dean Janet Johnson RPM Student Scholarship
James F. Kelly Outstanding Senior Award
The Buddy Wilton Professional Development Scholarship
The RPM Professional Development Scholarship
VHDA Hokie Memorial RPM Scholarship
Association of Residential Property Management:
(Website under construction)
Residential Property Management Advisory Board
The Residential Property Management Advisory Board is a key element in the success of the program. They offer curriculum input, guest lecturers in class, field trip and internship sites, and significant financial resources. Advisory Board members are on campus at least twice a year, interacting with faculty and students. They also provide financial support for field trips, professional development, mentoring, and scholarships.
Current Advisory Board Chair
Olivia Hunter -Southern Management Corp.
RPM Affiliate Board Members
Equity Residential
Lincoln Property Company
Beacon Residential Management
Buckingham Companies, AMO
The JBG Companies
Southern Management Corp.
HHHunt
Archstone-Smith
F & W Management Corp.
AvalonBay Communities, Inc.
All American Realty, Inc.
Kettler Management
Management Services Corp.
Stonemark Management
Tarragon Management, Inc.
Home Properties
Post Properties
Bozzuto Group
Wilton Capital Management Services, Inc.
Legum & Norman, Inc.
AIMCO
Colonial Properties Trust
Greystar Real Estate Partners
Roseland Property Company
Camden Properties
JPI
The Donaldson Group
Members
Winn Residential
CB Richard Ellis
Drucker & Falk, LLC
S.L. Nusbaum
Trade Association Members
IREM
NAA Education Institute
NAHMA
Honorary Board Members (Alumni Representative)
Tim Bostrum - Beacon Residential
Founding Chairman and Board Emeritus
Jim Kelly, CPM