Master of Science in Real Estate Development

Discussion in 'Business and MBA degrees' started by Web, Mar 25, 2012.

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  1. Web

    Web New Member

    I am strongly considering a return to grad school to earn a second masters in Real Estate Development (MSRED). The curriculum differs slightly depending on the university, but overall the MSRED program would be an excellent compliment to my prior education and will be a great asset in helping me reach my career goals.

    It would have to be on a part-time basis as I really enjoy my current career in housing development. I have the flexibility to transfer to another location since my employer has offices in several major cities across the country, so I'm trying to pick a location with a MSRED in mind.

    My background:

    B.S., Finance and Real Estate
    M.S., Urban and Regional Planning
    Graduate Certificate in Real Estate Development
    Four years of work experience in Real Estate, two of which are in housing development

    While the overall real estate market is still in the trash, the urban redevelopment market, especially in areas like NYC, is booming.

    There are only a handful of universities across the country that offer the MSRED degree, about a dozen or so. The MS in Real Estate degree can be very similar depending on the institution. Although, I'm trying to stay away from programs that focus too much on valuation and appraisal. I'm more interested in the legal aspects, project management and design, not just the finance.

    Option C would be to pursue an MBA with a concentration in Real Estate. Once again, depending on the institution, the curriculum would be very similar to what I'm looking for in the MSRED degree, just not as in depth.

    This is where I need some advice. I would be highly specialized with the MSRED or MS in Real Estate degree, which is exactly what I want. However, the MBA could open more doors down the road outside the real estate field, which would be a good hedge if I need to switch professions at a later date.

    There is an option D I am toying with, ... an interdisciplinary masters with the ability to design your own curriculum. I actually came across the concept in this thread. But I would have a very hard time justifying to myself how that would be better than an MBA.

    Any advice or constructive criticism would be appreciated.
     
  2. major56

    major56 Active Member

    University of Denver: MS Real Estate and Construction Management
    Distance Learning | Daniels College of Business | University of Denver


    There are also some UK DL options which may be of interest:

    University of Salford-Manchester: MSc Real Estate Development (Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors /RICS accredited)

    “The Masters award consists of four taught modules followed by a Dissertation.”
    University of Salford Manchester - MSc/PgDip *Real Estate Development

    Heriot-Watt University: MSc Real Estate Management and Development

    “The programme provides the essential learning components of economics, valuation, construction, investment, law, planning, management and development.”
    Real Estate Management and Development MSc/Diploma | What can I study? | Heriot-Watt University


    Robert Gordon University: MSc Property Development (Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors accredited /RICS)
    RGU: Masters Property Development Degree (MSc) - Online Distance Learning Course: Overview of Course

    University of Greenwich: MSc Real Estate
    Real Estate (Distance Learning), MSc - Architecture and Construction Programmes - University of Greenwich
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Mar 26, 2012
  3. edowave

    edowave Active Member

    With your background, I really don't think a masters in real estate development would do much for you.

    My advice would be to find a company that is doing urban redevelopment, and hound them until they give you a job. Learn from the people that are actually doing it, not from the people that write about it.

    If project management is something you want to learn more about, pursue the PMP certification.
     
  4. winaj1

    winaj1 New Member

    It might be interesting for me. Can I do it online ? and from Indonesia.
     
  5. Web

    Web New Member

    I'm already working in the field and love it! Again, I have no intention whatsoever of leaving my current employer. That's why it must be part-time. Going back to grad school will satisfy a small void I have leftover from my first masters. I really enjoyed the program, but I feel like I need one last hurray. I'm still hungry for more!

    The issue is I'm not 100% sure which grad program or grad school I want to pursue. I'm 95% sure I want the MSRED. But a small part of me is thinking MBA or other.

    I agree with you that the MSRED may duplicate what I already know from past education and experience. That's why I'm very picky on the curriculum. I'm probably the perfect candidate for interdisciplinary studies. But I would rather go for the MSRED or MBA with lots of electives, electives that I will use to design my dream program.
     
  6. Web

    Web New Member

  7. airtorn

    airtorn Moderator

    The wife and I are gearing up for another move which means that we are starting to spend a fair amount of time on real estate websites. I found this little gem on realtor.com tonight:

    Here is a link to the catalog which features a Master of Real Estate.
     
  8. NorCal

    NorCal Active Member

    It appears MSRED's are not widely available online, and those that are, fetch a pretty penny. Which is unfortunate because that sounds like a very interesting/worthwhile subject.
     
  9. Ted Heiks

    Ted Heiks Moderator and Distinguished Senior Member

    supply and demand
     
  10. NorCal

    NorCal Active Member

    Any updates???

    I'd love to hear from someone who knows where a program like this is available online?
     
  11. major56

    major56 Active Member

    Florida International University-Chapman Graduate School of Business (AACSB): online MS in International Real Estate
    Online Master of Science in International Real Estate - Master of Science in International Real Estate (MSIRE) Online

    Marylhurst University: accelerated online MBA in Real Estate Studies (concentrations available in: RE Development, RE Finance or RE Management)
    MBA in Real Estate Concentrations | Real Estate

    NYU-SCPS: 18 credit online Graduate Certificate in RE
    Graduate Certificate in Real Estate

    Realtor University (Note: State Approved /Approval and degree granting authority from the Illinois Board of Higher Education (IBHE)): online Master of Real Estate
    REALTOR® University | Master of Real Estate
     
  12. NorCal

    NorCal Active Member

    I'm more less interested in MSRED programs and not just graduate degrees in real estate. I found two at Portland State University, but they don't seem to be offered solely online.

    Portland State Office of Graduate Studies | School of Business Administration

    They also have a graduate certificate program:

    Portland State College of Urban & Public Affairs: Nohad A. Toulan School of Urban Studies & Planning | Real Estate Development Certificate
     
  13. Sweetowski

    Sweetowski Member

  14. major56

    major56 Active Member

  15. NorCal

    NorCal Active Member

    You know when you posted this link, I overlooked it completely. This seems like a very nice graduate certificate program and you can apply it toward the MSRED as well; little pricey though . . .
     
  16. major56

    major56 Active Member


    As you mention … this grad certificate is on the pricey side! I suppose if the NYU brand name is what is being sought … this course of study is only offered by way of a premium in tuition costs. Nonetheless the NYU-SCPS certificate offering does appear to be an in detail analytic real estate summary (legal, accounting, valuation, development, etc.) program.
     

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