University at Buffalo (UB)
Graduate Certificate in Affordable Housing (Online or In-Person)
The Affordable Housing Certificate program, offered both as a 100% online program or as an in-person program, is designed for individuals with a bachelor’s degree who have an interest in understanding affordable housing policy and practice in the United States.
There is a growing mismatch between the needs of low-income renters and the limited supply of affordable housing. By exploring innovative approaches to reducing the costs of housing planning, design, and development, this program equips students to address persistent challenges in the field.
Graduates of the program are prepared to develop and implement cost-effective, inclusive housing strategies that expand access to affordable housing and support long-term community well-being.
We encourage you to apply to this program if you’re:
- Interested in transitioning to a career in affordable housing
- A current working professional responsible for planning, financing, developing, or managing affordable housing projects
- Eager to work for housing authorities, nonprofit or mission-driven developers, community development organizations, public-sector agencies, architecture firms, or law firms affiliated with real estate
- Involved in affordable housing asset, property, or compliance management
- A graduate level student (even if you’re not an architecture or urban planning major!) and are looking to add relevant knowledge and credentials
Individuals may complete the Affordable Housing Certificate as a “standalone” academic credential, or in conjunction with an existing University at Buffalo graduate-level degree program, including an MArch, MSRED, or MUP.
We are currently accepting applications!
Applications deadlines are:
- Fall 2026 - Admissions decisions are completed on a rolling basis until the program has reached enrollment capacity; until August 14, 2026
Online Curriculum
5 courses (3 credits each):
- RSD 500: Principles and Processes of Real Estate
- URP 526: Site Planning and Design
- RSD 520: Affordable Housing in Practice
- RSD 606: Housing & Community Development
- RSD 599: Independent Study
Course length:
15 weeks
The program can be completed in 2-3 semesters (9-15 months)
Expected time commitment:
5 – 9 hours a week
Format:
100% online
Online academic program tuition:
Please visit the UB student accounts page for online academic programs.
Curriculum:
- URP / RSD 606: Housing and Community Development, 3 credits (online only)
- URP / RSD 520: Affordable Housing in Practice, 3 credits (online only)
- Any 3 Elective courses (see list below), 9 credits
Electives:
- URP 573: Land Use and Physical Planning, 3 credits (this will be completed as core MUP)
- URP / RSD 558: Design for Inclusive Environments, 3 credits
- URP / RSD 599: Independent study, 3 credits
- URP / RSD 525: Financing Development Projects, 3 credits plus 1 credit optional lab component
- URP / RSD 503: Strategies of Property Management, 3 credits
- URP 522: Economic Development Planning, 3 credits
- URP 567: Planning and Department Law, 3 credits
Culminating Experience:
RSD 593: Capstone Project for Affordable Housing (7 credits)
OR RSD 599: Independent Study (4 credits)
and Elective (3 credits).
*For Certificate and MSRED students
URP 581/582, Studio (6 credits).
*For MUP students enrolled in the Certificate
Expected time to complete the program:
The program is designed to take 2-3 semesters to complete
Tuition and fees:
$10,497
Books and supplies: $1,438
On-campus room & board: $11,144
* The amounts shown above include costs for the entire program, assuming normal time to completion. Note that this information is subject to change.
Interested in an advanced graduate certificate in affordable housing?
Would you like to learn more?
Contact:
Kevin P. Donovan
Director of Graduate Recruitment
129 Hayes Hall
716-829-5224
kpd2@buffalo.edu
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