Articles

HCC offers comprehensive Real Estate program to prepare future professionals

Nov 17, 2025

With interest rates currently dropping and more people interested in purchasing homes,  Houston City College (HCC) is equipping the next generation of real estate professionals to serve their communities in real estate roles.

“HCC’s Real Estate program provides the tools, education, and connections necessary to succeed in the ever-evolving field,” said Dr. Juan Crawford, division chair over HCC’s Real Estate offerings. “At HCC, we’re focused on building a strong foundation for our students, so they can confidently enter the workforce with the knowledge and skills necessary to thrive in a variety of career paths.”

This includes areas such as residential sales and property management.

Students can pursue a Certificate Level 1 or an Associate of Applied Science, both of which offer a robust real estate overview. The program is structured to provide a total of 180 contact hours, with in-depth courses covering everything from the basics of real estate to advanced principles and state-specific regulations. Essential courses like Principles of Real Estate, Law of Contracts and Real Estate Finance are featured. Topics such as ethics and compliance are also emphasized.

For those  aiming to become licensed salespersons or brokers, the program also offers the required 30 hours of instruction in Promulgated Contracts and Texas Real Estate Law.

While adults  comprise a majority among students – with many seeking second careers – HCC has more than 75 area high school students taking part in classes through the college system’s  dual enrollment program at various campuses, Dr. Crawford said. This means students can graduate from high school with a certification or an associate degree, giving them a leg up on their peers.

“We’re deeply proud of the impact this program has across our community, serving adult learners and inspiring the next generation of professionals,” said Frances Villagran-Glover, D.A., president of HCC Southeast College. “Our students succeed because HCC combines experienced faculty, real-world learning and strong industry partnerships that open doors to meaningful careers.”

As of last year, the median annual wage for real estate brokers was $72,280, according to U.S. Bureau of Labor statistics. The median annual wage for real estate sales agents was $56,320. Demand for real estate professionals is higher in states like Texas, where construction is strong and newcomers to the state continue to grow.

Over the past two years, 100 percent of HCC students seeking licensure have passed their exams.

“At HCC, we’re not just training students to pass the real estate exam,” Dr. Crawford noted. “We’re preparing them for a career—whether they’re managing properties or helping someone buy their first home. Our goal is to make sure our graduates are ready for everything the real estate world has to offer.”

For more information about the program, visit hccs.edu/real-estate.