2nd Year NYC Experience

Three Cornell Master's in Real Estate students stand outside on the steps leading into a building next to a busy NYC street.

Build your future in NYC

Take your real estate education to the next level through the MPS-RE 2nd-Year NYC experience. By blending the Ithaca and NYC campus experiences, the dual-city program provides access to the New York City’s real estate ecosystem, innovative projects and industry professionals ready to help you launch your career.

NYC pathway advantages

Where education meets industry

Designed for students seeking to bridge academic learning with real-world industry experience, the immersive second-year NYC experience offers an opportunity to gain hands-on exposure within one of the world’s leading real estate markets.

After completing the first year of the MPS-RE program at Cornell’s main campus in Ithaca, NY, students may opt to complete their second year in New York City, gaining direct access to leading real estate firms, industry professionalsand transformative projects that shape this unique educational experience in a global real estate hub.

A daytime view of the Tata Innovation Center of Cornell's Tech campus.

Dedicated space in NYC

Master’s in Real Estate students benefit from the best of both worlds with access to both of Cornell’s educational spaces in the city. Take classes and build connections at the Tata Innovation Center on Roosevelt Island, as well as at 570 Lexington Avenue, a premier professional location in the heart of Manhattan.

MPS Real Estate student engaging with industry professionals after lecture event.

Industry centered curiculum

Connecting with industry professionals is not simply an added benefit of the program—it is embedded within the coursework itself. Through the distinguished lecture series, students have for-credit opportunities to engage directly with notable alumni, industry leaders, and accomplished practitioners, gaining firsthand insight into market trends, transformative projects, and strategies for navigating a dynamic real estate landscape.

Cornell real estate students in NYC exiting the subway station and walking onto the city streets

Immersive learning in real estate practice

Engage with 20+ partner organizations through the program’s signature immersive learning experience. You will connect with professionals across development, finance, local government, and asset management as you tackle real industry challenges in one of the world’s largest real estate markets.

Other program elements

The 2nd-Year NYC experience lets you fully immerse yourself in the rich network of resources available in one of the world’s premier real estate hubs. You’ll have access to all the opportunities Cornell University is known for as you bring your skills to the New York City environment that offers meaningful exposure to both local and global real estate markets.

Exclusive industry expertise

Learn from the growing and evolving team of faculty within the Rubacha Department of Real Estate, including distinguished professors and visiting lecturers recognized globally for their leadership in investment, development, and industry practice.

Expanded career resources

The immersive program expands your access to opportunities in New York City and beyond. As a global center for real estate, NYC is home to many of the world’s leading firms and organizations, positioning students to gain the education, exposure, and connections needed to pursue careers across major markets worldwide.

Shaping expertise in emerging fields

The Master’s in Real Estate is at the center of innovation in the industry. As the program sits at the intersection of the College of Business and the College of Architecture, Art, and Planning, our faculty collaborate to provide students with insights into emerging areas of the field, including AI in real estate, sustainable development, and global collaborative projects.

Dual-campus advantage

Unlike other one-year graduate real estate programs, this experience is designed to give you full access to everything Cornell has to offer in both Ithaca and New York City. The first year of the program is spent on the main campus, where you’ll connect with the broader Cornell community and engage with other academic units. In your second year, you’ll transition to the tight-knit Cornell graduate student community in NYC, where you’ll leverage Cornell’s resources in the city as you navigate the next step in your career.

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2nd year in NYC required for all MPS-RE students?

No, students enrolled in the MPS-RE program will have the option to complete their second year of the program in Ithaca, NY, or in NYC. Students will be asked to ‘opt-in’ to the second year experience they want after being admitted to the program and beginning their first year of the degree on the Ithaca, NY campus.

Can students pursuing the +1 pathway complete their final year in NYC?

Yes. Cornell undergraduates who have applied and been accepted to the Master’s in Real Estate program via the +1 pathway can complete their studies in NYC. Students will be asked to ‘opt-in’ to the NYC experience after they begin their MPS-RE coursework.

Can the entire MPS-RE program be completed in NYC?

No, the first year of the program must be completed in Ithaca, NY, before students can transition to NYC.

Where will 2nd year NYC students live?

Students will receive support in their housing search. While there is no requirement to live in a specific area or location, students can access resources and assistance from departmental staff to help identify accessible, high-quality housing prior to the start of the NYC year.

Is career support limited only to students interested in working in New York City?

No. Career support is available to students seeking opportunities both in New York City and beyond. While many major employers maintain offices in NYC, the location of the second-year immersive experience provides direct access to leading firms recruiting for roles in major cities around the world. Students in the NYC pathway are encouraged to pursue opportunities outside of New York City as well, expanding their access to a broader range of roles and supporting long-term career growth in the field.

Ready to explore NYC real estate?

We encourage you to apply to the Baker MPS RE program. The first step is to register or log in to the Cornell Graduate Admissions website.

Select “Real estate, M.P.S.” as the field, then follow the instructions for applying to the program.

The Rubacha Department of Real Estate is a cross-college department jointly led by the College of Architecture, Art and Planning and the Cornell SC Johnson College of Business.