Today’s students are the future, and the Appraisal Institute is a strong proponent of a highly educated valuation profession. AI invited Terry Bernhardt, J.D., SRA, to discuss AI’s academic outreach initiatives in the organization’s latest video.

AI: What relationships does AI maintain with graduate school programs?

TB: AI partners with six universities (five U.S. and one international) to offer credits toward an MAI designation. The Appraisal Institute’s Master’s Degree program offers individuals interested in pursuing both a master’s degree and an MAI Designated membership an accelerated path to complete many of the educational requirements for MAI Designated membership.

AI: What are AI’s connections with the American Real Estate Society?

TB: Over the years, the Appraisal Institute has enjoyed its collaboration with the American Real Estate Society, as both organizations place a high priority on education and elevating the valuation profession.

The Appraisal Institute has recently adopted a membership model that stresses core competency for real estate practitioners and academicians.

AI is excited about this new model because it provides an opportunity for Designated membership of academicians in the Appraisal Institute that did not previously exist. Each year, the Appraisal Institute sponsors the ARES prize for best valuation paper presented at the ARES conference.

AI: How does The Appraisal Journal engage with the academic community?

TB: The Appraisal Institute’s quarterly peer-reviewed publication, The Appraisal Journal, is an excellent source allowing practitioners and academicians to come together with cutting-edge, in-depth thinking for the benefit of the profession. The Appraisal Journal has an Academic Review Panel, which helps bridge the gap between the academic and practitioner arenas. The Appraisal Institute makes it easy for students to receive The Appraisal Journal. Electronic copies of the Journal articles are accessible online through university libraries.

The Appraisal Institute is excited and optimistic about what the future holds, and will seek to enhance its outreach efforts for the benefit of the future members of the valuation profession.

Are you a student considering a career in real estate appraisal, or are you a Designated member of the Appraisal Institute engaged in continuing education? Share your experiences!