MUNCIE, Ind. -- A new interdisciplinary degree designed to meet a nationwide demand for residential property managers has been created at Ball State University.

The bachelor’s degree program combines aspects of housing and business specific to the residential property management industry.

It is the only program of its kind in Indiana and only the second in the nation. Virginia Tech, where a similar program has existed for about 10 years, has been assisting Ball State with the new program.

Carla Earhart, associate professor of family and consumer sciences, is director.

"The Apartment Association of Indiana (AAI) asked us to develop the program because of the increased requirements for working in today’s property management industry," Earhart said. "Realizing the importance of higher education in the apartment industry, AAI saw the need to take the profession to a new level. With a solid foundation of courses in business and interior design already existing at Ball State, we were in an ideal position to develop the rigorous residential property management curriculum."

Courses provide training and experience for entry-level positions with conventional apartments as well as government assisted housing, senior housing facilities and other multi-family properties. An internship is required for on-the-job training.

"The employment market in residential property management will boom between 2000 and 2015 to meet the anticipated increase in housing demand," Earhart said. "This boom will be created by the ‘baby boomlet,’ children of baby boomers, who will be searching for their first apartment. We are positioning ourselves to capitalize on this demographic trend."

Entry-level positions include leasing consultant, property manager, and assistant manager. Graduates can advance to positions as property supervisor, regional vice president and asset manager.

"Twenty-two students have already enrolled in the program and are progressing through the curriculum," Earhart said. "We anticipate having at least 40 students in the program next year. The first group of students could graduate from the program as early as spring 2000.

"Several students have received offers of part-time employment in residential property management while they are studying. Students are also receiving generous internship offers."

With the help of Ball State’s University Development office, an advisory board of industry leaders has committed professional and financial support for the program. Total contribution commitments are nearing $50,000.

Members of the advisory board include many Indiana property management firms, as well as some firms that manage properties across the country. Vendors that supply goods and services to the industry, and other organizations related to multi-family housing, are also members of the advisory board.

(NOTE TO EDITORS: For more information about this story, contact Carla Earhart at (765) 285-5931 or cearhart@gw.bsu.edu.)