Master's in Real Estate (MPS-RE) - Department of Real Estate at Cornell

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MPS in Real Estate: An Industry-Focused Master’s Program

Transform your real estate career with this STEM-designated graduate program.

This two-year, residential graduate program combines real-world learning, international experiences, and a robust curriculum to prepare you for a rich future in real estate development and investment.

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Big Benefits: Idyllic Ithaca and Big City Connections

Starting in Fall 2025, the Baker Program will offer a dynamic second-year option in New York City. Spend your first year in picturesque Ithaca, immersed in architectural design, planning, finance, and management. Then, transition to NYC for hands-on experience in real estate development, design, venture capital, and more. This expansion gives students direct access to real estate alumni and the vibrant industry in the city that never sleeps. Elevate your career with this incredible opportunity!

READ ABOUT BAKER’S NYC OPTION

Why the Baker Program for Your Master’s in Real Estate?

Rooted in the rigor of Ivy League academics and strengthened by deep industry expertise, the Cornell Baker Program in Real Estate is the most comprehensive graduate degree of its kind.

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Largest Full-Time Faculty in Real Estate Education

Learn alongside leading experts in commercial real estate, urban planning, sustainable development, and construction management.

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Track Record of Career Growth and Success

98 percent of recent graduates received job offers within six months, reporting an average base salary of $110,682.

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Worldwide Alumni and Partnership Network

Experience the power of the Big Red Alumni Network. Cornellians in real estate are passionate about connecting with and mentoring our students.

Real Estate MPS vs. MBA: Benefits of an Industry-Focused Graduate Degree

No matter where you are in your career, advancing your education can boost your opportunities and earning potential. To help you determine which graduate program is right for you, compare the main difference between a master’s in real estate and an MBA.

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Master of Professional Studies (MPS)

A Master of Professional Studies in Real Estate (MPS-RE)is an industry-focused graduate degree that provides an in-depth business education in all aspects of commercial real estate and related fields. MPS-RE students have a variety of undergraduate degrees and professional experiences.

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Master of Business Administration (MBA)

A traditional MBA provides a broad understanding of business management functions; some programs may offer real estate electives. An MBA program typically requires an undergraduate business degree and professional experience. An MBA from Cornell University includes immersion opportunities allowing you to enhance your skills in an area of your choice.

What about an MS in real estate? A Master of Science (MS) degree is typically rooted in academic research and requires a thesis, whereas the MPS prepares you for the industry.

The Baker Program: An Immersive, Innovative Real Estate Education

Our first-rate, Ivy League curriculum is taught by thought leaders, researchers, and experienced real estate practitioners. You’ll gain practical experience, whether in the classroom or a continent away. From day one you’re connected to the global real estate community. Sometimes experts will come to you—a guest lecture or recruiting event—while at other times you’ll go to them: at a job site, on Wall Street, in a design studio, or on domestic or international treks.

What Our Students Say

“During the program, students get hands-on experience and build a toolkit of skills that will set them up for a successful start in the industry. They dive into everything from Financial Modeling to Innovation & Strategy in Real Estate Development, covering all the bases. It’s not just about classes; students also get to connect with industry leaders worldwide. Students are ready to enter the industry by graduation and positively impact the built environment.”

—Connor Kremmer MPS-RE ’25

“As someone committed to pursuing a career in real estate, I recognized the need to temporarily step away from the workforce to further my education in this field. The program’s comprehensive curriculum, extensive alumni network, and the opportunity to partake in domestic and international real estate excursions beyond my familiar cityscapes captivated my attention. Additionally, Cornell’s reputable name and connectedness within the industry were major factors in my decision.”

—Jennifer Andrea MPS-RE ’24

“I was initially drawn to the Baker Program due to its unique offering at the intersection of Commercial Real Estate and Hospitality. This distinctive blend combines a competitive degree in real estate with access to the top-ranked hotel school, aligning perfectly with my career interests and allowing me to gain specialized knowledge in both sectors.”

—Christian A. LeBlanc MPS-RE ’24

Our STEM Designation: Benefits of a Tech-Focused Real Estate Degree

In decision-making, data plays a pivotal role, so tech-savvy real estate professionals have an edge. The MPS in Real Estate provides more than other real estate programs: graduates have specialized knowledge in analytics, databases, and other technologically driven tools and practices, enhancing their expertise in real estate.

The STEM designation also allows international students with an F-1 visa to become eligible for a two-year extension, allowing them to work in the US in an approved STEM field for up to 36 months.

Baker Program Overview: What to Expect

Here’s what to expect from our immersive, innovative graduate program in real estate:

Degree Awarded

Master of Professional Studies in Real Estate from Cornell University

Location

Ithaca, NY and New York City, NY*

Format

Full-time residential and STEM-designated

Schedule

Fall start; four semesters with a summer internship

*Students have the option to enroll in a second year New York City pathway upon admission to the Baker Program.

Developing His Infrastructure: Hear from Christopher

Caribbean native Christopher A. Browne MPS-RE ’23 found a safe space for him to learn how to do big things in real estate and for his two children to thrive. In this brief video, he shares what he loves about the industry, his hopes for the future, and how what he learned in the Baker Program is helping him get there.

Cornell Baker Program in Real Estate – Find Your Path – Christopher A. Browne

Our Curriculum: Real Estate for the Real World

The Baker Program stands out from other real estate graduate programs in many ways: a comprehensive curriculum that spans disciplines, opportunities to develop leadership skills, an specialized sectors and topics. Your opportunities for academic exploration are vast, as one would expect from Cornell, where “any person can find instruction in any study.” You can take everything from a private equity real estate course to a sustainable development class. An overview of the curriculum is below:

Real Estate Core Requirements

Build a foundation in all aspects of real estate through classes such as:

Creating the Built Environment
Real Estate Finance & Investments
Urban Economics & Real Estate Markets
Construction Planning & Operations
Real Estate Financial Modeling
Residential & Commercial Development

Leadership & Management Coursework

Prepare for high-level leadership and management roles with courses in areas such as:

Communication
Negotiations
Conflict resolution
Decision-making
Project management
Cross-cultural leadership

Concentrations

Gain specialized skills and knowledge by choosing one of five concentrations—or creating your own.

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

EXPLORE OUR CURRICULUM

Find Your Place: Real Estate Concentrations

The flexibility of the Baker Program means you can choose a concentration area that matches your professional aspirations. For instance, if you are looking for a master’s in real estate development (MSRED), you can choose electives focusing on property development and sustainability. Our concentrations include:

Development & Sustainability

Hone your entrepreneurial and planning skills as you immerse yourself in development.

International Real Estate

Take your career global with real estate fundamentals and a keen understanding of the international real estate market.

Property, Asset, & Portfolio Management

Learn how to maximize the value and performance of real estate assets.

Real Estate Consulting & Market Analysis

Gain the quantitative and analytical skills needed for advisory, consulting, and brokerage roles, among others.

Real Estate Finance & Investments

Develop the finance, investment, and underwriting skills to be a real estate equity and debt investor.

Independent Concentrations

Plot your own course, from affordable housing and infrastructure to property technology and hospitality.

SEE CONCENTRATIONS

The Summer Internship: Gain Experience

A distinguishing feature of the Baker Program, these hands-on learning experiences typically align with your chosen concentration and help you to test out a career path and return to campus to augment skills or change course. Our students intern with real estate investment managers, developers, lenders, investment trusts, consulting and advisory firms, and construction companies.

Learn More About Internships

Treks: Explore Established and Emerging Markets around the World

From Denver to Dubai and from Seattle to Seoul, treks take students out to explore the built environment. You’ll meet with developers, investors, designers, and policymakers and network with alumni.

Discover Our Treks

Our Faculty: Unparalleled Real Estate Expertise

Architects. Investors. Developers. Policy makers. With scholars and practitioners hailing from at least four colleges at Cornell, the Baker Program boasts the largest full-time real estate faculty in the nation. Their collective knowledge and industry experience enrich the curriculum and create excellent opportunities for students, including unique electives and custom concentrations.

MEET OUR FACULTY

Hear from Our Faculty

Our faculty of scholars and practitioners is committed to providing students with a rigorous, comprehensive, and immersive educational experience encouraging students to push boundaries, experiment, and grow as professionals.

“There is no doubt in my mind that Cornell provides the most comprehensive graduate real estate education available. Students come here to fundamentally change the trajectory of their careers, and the Baker Program makes that possible in a way that no other program can.”

—Cody A. Danks Burke, professor of practice and director of the Baker Program in Real Estate

Room to Grow: Professional Development Opportunities Abound

Beyond coursework, treks, and internships, you’ll hone your skills and grow your network through a wide variety of opportunities.

Case Competitions

Collaborate with your peers and show off your skills as you vie for the top spot in real estate investment and development case competitions.

More About Case Competitions

Access to New York City

Cornell University offers two NYC locations: the Cornell Tech campus on Roosevelt Island and at the General Electric (GE) building at 570 Lexington in Manhattan. Cornell’s presence in NYC allows students access to a major real estate hub.

EXPLORE CORNELL TECH

Student Groups

Get involved and make connections with career-focused organizations like the Baker Program Student Association, Associate Real Estate Council, Association of Cornell Women in Real Estate, and Philip Payton Society.

Explore Groups

These opportunities help students create deep and lasting relationships with their peers, the faculty, and the staff of the Baker Program.

Real Estate Career Outcomes: Success after Cornell

After earning the MPS in Real Estate, students take on roles in a variety of industry sectors and organizations. Within six months of graduation, our alumni see impressive results.

98% Received job offers
98% Accepted job offers
$110,682 Average base salary for US-based jobs
74% Employed in the real estate industry

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Visit the Baker Program

Will you feel at home at the Baker Program? Learn more about the Baker Program in Real Estate, meet with admissions, or connect with current students by visiting in person or exploring videos to better acquaint yourself with the program.

Plan Your Visit

Next Steps: Apply to the Real Estate MPS Program

If you’ve researched and compared real estate master’s programs and feel the Baker Program might be right for you, we encourage you to start the application process.

To begin, register or log in to the Cornell Graduate Admissions website.

Application Info

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