University

Cornell University

Master of Professional Studies in Real Estate (MPS-RE)

Program overview

Cornell University's MPS-RE program, spanning two years, integrates courses from various colleges and targets early-career real estate professionals. The Baker program, part of the Rubacha Department of Real Estate, delves into finance, development, management, and other facets of the real estate industry. With 62 required credits, including core courses and electives in concentrations like development, finance, and sustainable development, students gain a robust foundation, culminating in real-world project workshops in their final semesters.

A.CRE Accelerator Members at this University

Total members: 78

University rank: 05

Last updated: November 29, 2023

Deep Dive

In this video, join us for a deep dive into the Cornell Baker Program in Real Estate, where we chat with student Bernice Yu and explore what makes this master's program unique. From its curriculum to its specialized concentrations, we uncover what sets the Baker Program apart. Whether you are a seasoned professional or new to the field, discover how Cornell's two-year program can shape your understanding and approach to real estate.

Academic Information

Degree offered

Master of Professional Studies in Real Estate (MPSRE)

Length of program

2 Years

Number of Credits Required

62 credits

Mode of learning

On campus

Unique real estate academic features

Cornell University provides real estate education for undergraduates, graduate students, and professionals, all of whom have substantial industry connections.

Dual Degree(s) Offered?

Dual Master of Real Estate (MPS RE) and Master of Business Administration (MBA) with the Johnson Graduate School of Management
Dual Master of Real Estate (MPS RE) and Master of Regional Planning (MRP) with the College of Architecture, Art, and Planning

Courses and disciplines/concentrations offered

Core course requirements:

Real Estate Seminar Series
Creating the Built Environment
Innovation & Strategy in Real Estate Development
Principles of Real Estate
Urban Economics and Real Estate Markets
Communications in Real Estate
Managerial Finance
Real Estate Development Process I
Real Estate Development Process II
Real Estate Seminar Series #2
Legal Aspects of Land Use Planning
Real Estate Financial Modeling
Real Estate Finance and Investments
Construction Planning and Operations
Real Estate Seminar Series #3
International Cases and Contracting
Residential and Commercial Development
Real Estate Statistical Modeling
Real Estate Law

Leadership and management distribution

Human relations/interpersonal/communication
Project management
Cross-cultural leadership
Conflict resolution/negotiation
Management and decision-making

Free electives

Emerging Markets Finance
Strategies for Sustainability
Strategic Change and Renewal
Urban Theory and Spatial Development
Organizational Diversity
International Marketing
Fundamentals of Health Facility Planning for Management
Long-Term Care Alternatives for the Older Adult
Behavioral Economics and Public Policy
Immigration and Public Policy
Economic Evaluations in Health Care
Workplace Design Strategies
Studies in Human-Environment Relations
Poverty, Children, and the Environment
Universal Design: Ergonomics and Accessibility
Adaptive Reuse Studio: Recycling the Built Environment
Economics of the Public Sector

Concentration

International Real Estate
Real Estate Consulting and Market Analysis
Property, Asset, and Portfolio Management
Development and Sustainability
Real Estate Finance and Investments
Independent Concentrations

Real Estate Extracurricular Opportunities

Notable traditions & events

Case Competitions: Participation in real estate case competitions is big at Cornell. Cornell hosts an undergraduate real estate case competition in NYC and graduate student teams from Cornell consistently place well in the competitions they compete in. A Cornell team has won MIT’s The Case competition several times in recent years. Course credit is offered in some situations for participation in case competitions.
Distinguished Speakers Series: A weekly event at Baker, the speakers series is also a core course. A prominent real estate professional comes to campus each week and speaks to the students for approximately two hours followed by a reception where students are able to interact with the distinguished invitee. The series is limited to Baker students only, which means the ~50 Bakers have exclusive access to these individuals.

Real estate extracurricular activities available

The Cornell Associate Real Estate Council (AREC): the official graduate real estate club at Cornell, connects students from diverse disciplines across the graduate community, with a membership primarily composed of Baker students. It includes individuals studying law, engineering, planning, architecture, and management who share a common interest in real estate. AREC organizes networking, career, and social events, featuring real estate treks, evening socials, a speakers series, interview prep, career workshops, and mentoring, among other activities.
The Cornell Real Estate Review: is a student-led real estate publication. The Review staff also maintains a blog, which you can visit at: blog.realestate.cornell.edu/

Networking opportunities

The Cornell Real Estate Council: stands among the world’s largest university-based real estate alumni networks, connecting Baker students to global job opportunities through Council events and conferences. The Baker Program director serves as the liaison between the program and the Council.
Center For Real Estate And Finance (CREF): produces a series of online publications, is a leading source of real estate research, and provides students direct access to industry leaders.

Recruiting

General info on roles students fill after graduation

International Real Estate
Real Estate Consulting and Market Analysis
Property, Asset, and Portfolio Management
Development and Sustainability
Real Estate Finance and Investments

Hines
JP Morgan Chase & Co.
PGIM Real Estate
RLJ Lodging Trust
Starwood Property Trust

Common employers

Blackstone
Citi Bank
CBRE Group
Empire State Realty Trust
Greystar

Faculty and Research

Faculty & Staff for the Program

See a full list of Faculty here

Distinguished real estate faculty members or research areas

Stuart S. Rosenthal

New Chair for Paul Rubacha Department of Real Estate

Alumni Support

Real estate alumni networks and associations

Student Services Baker Program students are welcome to visit the Student Services Office located in the Rubacha Department of Real Estate within the Breazzano Building. The office is available to address inquiries about academics, degree requirements, extracurricular opportunities, summer internships, as well as concerns related to emotional and physical well-being. To schedule a meeting at a convenient time, students can email [email protected].

Career Management Discover the array of real estate career management services offered to Cornell Baker Program in Real Estate students through the Cornell Nolan School by scheduling an appointment with a career advisor in the Office of Student Services using the online scheduling tool.

Real Estate Databases
Baker Program students have access to the most comprehensive array of databases available in graduate business education.