Drake University is considering the addition of a commercial real estate concentration under its Master of Business Administration graduate program in the College of Business and Public Administration.

College Dean Daniel Connolly said addition of the program is under evaluation but has gained support during conversations with business and commercial real estate leaders in Greater Des Moines, not to mention Chicago.

He plans a roundtable discussion with interested groups in the spring.

“We’re trying to listen to market needs and respond in order to better serve the Des Moines community and how we can provide education and talent to help fill the needs here. Commercial real estate is growing here and it’s exciting,” Connolly said.

The program more than likely would focus on the finance side of commercial real estate, with the idea of attracting individuals “who can analyze the deals and perform asset management.”

Adding commercial real estate coursework is part of college’s efforts to best serve the needs of the business community.

“There is always room for us to do more and do a better job, and this is one of the areas we are considering. We think there is great potential and we have been pleased with the interest that people have shared with us.”