Master of Social Work - Traditional
The traditional Master of Social Work (MSW) program at the University at Buffalo is des...
M.S. in Real Estate Development
Buffalo, New York
INTAKE: August
Program Overview
The MSRED program at UB is meticulously crafted to prepare students for impactful careers in real estate development and investment. It goes beyond mere financial aspects, focusing on the creation of places where people live and work, the development of local economies, and the shaping of cities and environments. The curriculum is delivered by an exclusive faculty of industry experts, ensuring practical relevance and cutting-edge insights. The program benefits immensely from Buffalo's ongoing urban resurgence, offering unparalleled opportunities for hands-on, real-world project engagement. Graduates are equipped to navigate the complexities of this dynamic industry, with a strong emphasis on ethical practices and contributing to the creation of better communities.
Curriculum: The MSRED curriculum at UB is a comprehensive 48-credit program structured over three semesters for full-time students, combining theoretical instruction with extensive experiential learning. Core courses include "Processes of Real Estate Development," "Financing Development Projects 1 & 2" (including a lab component), "Construction Management," "Market Analysis," "Structuring Deals and Transactions," "Design for Development," "City and Environment in Real Estate Development," and "Building Technology." A cornerstone of the program is the "Capstone Practicum Real Estate," a 7-credit intensive experience that involves engaging with an actual real estate development problem for real clients. Electives allow students to further specialize their interests, with options for dual degrees such as MSRED/MBA and MSRED/MS in Finance, further broadening their skill sets.
Research Focus: While the MSRED program at UB is heavily geared towards applied learning and practical development, it integrates research into its core. The program emphasizes critical thinking and the analysis of complex trends and innovations within the rapidly evolving real estate industry. This includes exploring topics like place-making and urban design, affordable housing and community development, suburban transformation, sustainability and resiliency, and the effects of technological changes in the workplace. Faculty, who are experienced developers and thought leaders, contribute to this research focus through their expertise and often guide students in addressing real-world challenges. The program also facilitates independent research through its capstone projects, where students delve into specific real estate development problems. The School of Architecture and Planning, which houses the program, is also a research-intensive environment, contributing to a broader culture of inquiry.
Industry Engagement: Industry engagement is a defining feature of the MSRED program at UB. The curriculum is developed with the direct input of seasoned developers and real estate professionals who also serve as faculty, providing students with invaluable real-world insights. The program strongly emphasizes a "community-as-classroom" approach, situating students in the surrounding Buffalo region for fieldwork, urban exploration, and direct engagement with developers, city officials, and community stakeholders. The "Capstone Practicum" is a prime example of this, involving real sites and client teams. The School of Architecture and Planning maintains diverse and deep relationships with partners across every sector of the real estate industry, leading to abundant professional development opportunities, including internships and employment. The Real Estate Club (UBREC), a student organization, further supports networking and engagement with the professional community through site visits, educational lectures, and networking events.
Global Perspective: The University at Buffalo, as a major public research university, naturally fosters a global perspective, and this extends to its MSRED program. While the program leverages the dynamic local context of Buffalo, it also prepares students for careers in an industry with global financial and employment centers. The strategic proximity to major urban centers like New York City, Boston, and Toronto offers students exposure to diverse real estate markets and practices beyond the immediate region. The program aims to equip students with a broad understanding of the real estate industry's global dynamics, recognizing that real estate development impacts local economies and environments on an interconnected, worldwide scale. The curriculum is designed to explore complex trends and innovations, including those with international relevance, preparing graduates to navigate an increasingly globalized real estate landscape.
Location
Buffalo, New York
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
USD 28210
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Academic Qualifications: Applicants for postgraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 70% or above in their bachelor's degree.
English Language Proficiency:
- IELTS: Overall band score of 6.5 or 7.0 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component.
- TOEFL: Overall score of 90 or higher.
- PTE: Overall score of 61 or higher.
- DET (Duolingo English Test): Minimum score of 120.
The University at Buffalo (UB) offers a variety of scholarships and financial aid opportunities specifically aimed at supporting international students who wish to pursue their studies in the United States. These scholarships are designed to reward academic excellence, leadership, and community involvement, helping to make education more affordable for talented students worldwide.
Merit-Based Scholarships: UB provides competitive merit scholarships to outstanding international undergraduate and graduate students. Awards such as the International Student Academic Excellence Scholarship recognize high-achieving students based on their academic records, standardized test scores, and extracurricular involvement.
Graduate Fellowships and Assistantships: Graduate international students can apply for teaching assistantships, research assistantships, and fellowships which offer tuition remission and stipends. These opportunities allow students to gain valuable teaching and research experience while offsetting the cost of their education.
Departmental Scholarships: Many academic departments at UB offer scholarships tailored to students in specific programs or fields of study. These awards may consider academic merit, research interests, or financial need.
External Scholarships: UB encourages international students to explore external scholarship options from private organizations, governments, and international foundations that support study in the U.S. The university’s International Student Services office provides guidance on identifying and applying for such funding sources.
A Master of Science in Real Estate Development (MSRED) from the State University of New York at Buffalo (UB) equips graduates with a unique blend of financial acumen, urban design sensibility, and a commitment to sustainable and community-focused development. This specialized degree prepares individuals for a variety of roles in the dynamic real estate industry, leveraging UB's practical, "learning-by-doing" approach and its advantageous location in a redeveloping urban center.
Real Estate Developer: This is a primary career path for MSRED graduates. Developers oversee the entire lifecycle of a real estate project, from land acquisition and financing to design, construction, marketing, and sales. They can specialize in residential, commercial, industrial, or mixed-use projects, working for development firms or establishing their own ventures.
Development Analyst / Associate: These professionals provide crucial support to real estate development firms. They conduct market research, financial modeling, feasibility studies, and due diligence for potential projects. Their analytical skills are essential for evaluating investment opportunities and assessing project risks and returns.
Real Estate Investment Analyst: Focused on the financial side of real estate, investment analysts evaluate properties and portfolios for investment potential. They work for investment funds, private equity firms, or institutional investors, conducting detailed financial analysis to identify profitable acquisitions and manage existing assets.
Real Estate Acquisitions Manager: Acquisitions managers are responsible for identifying, evaluating, and securing new real estate opportunities for their firms. This involves extensive market research, financial analysis, negotiation, and due diligence, often specializing in specific asset classes (e.g., multifamily, office, retail).
Asset Manager (Real Estate): Asset managers optimize the performance and value of a portfolio of real estate properties. They oversee property management, leasing strategies, capital improvements, and financial reporting to maximize returns for investors. This role requires a strong understanding of both financial and operational aspects of real estate.
Project Manager (Real Estate Development/Construction): Project managers in real estate development oversee the planning, execution, and closing of construction projects. They coordinate with architects, contractors, engineers, and other stakeholders to ensure projects are completed on time, within budget, and to specified quality standards.
Real Estate Consultant: Consultants provide expert advice to various clients, including developers, investors, corporations, and public agencies. They offer services such as market analysis, feasibility studies, valuation, strategic planning, and development advisory, helping clients make informed decisions in complex real estate scenarios.
Urban Development Specialist / Community Development Manager: With an emphasis on urban planning and community impact, some MSRED graduates work in roles that focus on the revitalization of urban areas or the development of affordable housing and community facilities. They may work for non-profit organizations, government agencies, or mission-driven development firms.
Real Estate Finance/Lending Specialist: Graduates with a strong finance background can work in real estate lending, providing financing for development projects or property acquisitions. This can involve roles in commercial banks, mortgage companies, or investment banks specializing in real estate debt.
Corporate Real Estate Manager: Large corporations often have dedicated real estate departments to manage their property portfolios, including offices, industrial facilities, and retail spaces. A corporate real estate manager is responsible for strategic planning, leasing, acquisitions, dispositions, and optimizing the utilization of corporate real estate assets.
