CSUB receives grant to support real estate education

Accounting and Finance Department receives Real Estate Education Advancement Endowment award

By California State University, Bakersfield

December 5^th, 2025

California State University, Bakersfield's Department of Accounting and Finance recently received a grant from the CSU's Real Estate and Land Use Institute to support real estate education on campus.

This is the first time the department has received the award, which supports the growth of real estate programs across the CSU system by promoting research, improving curricula and teaching, fostering collaboration among institutions, strengthening faculty and enhancing ties between academia and industry.

Assistant Professor of Finance Dr. Max Liang led the grant application, which was open to all CSU campuses with real estate curriculum. He will oversee the proposed initiatives of the grant, which are focused on expanding the real estate curriculum, enhancing student learning experiences and strengthening partnerships with local industry stakeholders at CSUB.

“This grant will play an important role in advancing CSUB’s impact on student success and community engagement,” Department Chair Dr. Di Wu said. “Kern County’s affordable entry costs, strategic location, and diverse land options make it an appealing yet selective market for residential, industrial, and mixed-use investments. This funding will help the finance program better prepare students pursuing real estate careers and deepen partnerships with local industry experts to meet regional needs.”

Real estate is a growth career opportunity for students in the region. The complexities of commercial uses including agriculture and energy, and the growing population and housing needs create demand for a talent pipeline as well as partnerships that support professionals in their career development.

“We are grateful to the Real Estate and Land Use Institute, its board of directors and Executive Director Melanie Stallings Williams for this support to improve our service to the real estate students and professionals in our region," said College of Business and Public Administration Dean Dr. Deborah Cours.