Master's in Real Estate (MPS-RE)

This two-year, STEM-designated master’s program focuses on real estate investment, financial analysis and development strategy.

Two female students on a Singapore TREK looking at a board or building layout
Schedule
Full-time, 2 years
Format
In person
Location
Ithaca, NY
Start
August
Requirements
Bachelor's degree
Total Cost
$147,892
Degree Awarded
Master of Professional Studies
This program is part of
Rubacha Department of Real Estate
Student on a Real Estate TREK to Singapore inside a red turning piston like wheel

MPS in Real Estate

Real estate is shaped by capital, timing, and informed decision-making. This STEM-designated master’s program combines the expertise of the College of Art,  Architecture, and Planning and the SC Johnson College of Business to prepare you for careers at the intersection of real estate investment, development, and strategy.

You’ll graduate with the skills to evaluate opportunities, structure deals, and make high-stakes decisions—supported by the technical expertise, strategic judgment, and industry connections needed to lead with confidence.

Why this matters now

Real estate is entering a new phase. Capital markets are shifting, technology and data are reshaping how decisions are made and AI is changing how quickly information can be analyzed. So leaders in this field need to know how opportunities are identified and executed.

Unlike traditional real estate programs or MBA real estate concentrations, this unique program offers the time, resources and immersive experience to deeply understand where the industry is going and how you can position yourself to help shape what’s coming next.

Female student takes notes while observing a wooden architectural model of a city displayed in a glass case. The background features an exhibition space with displays, informational panels.

Program snapshot

The Cornell MPS-RE is designed to move you quickly from understanding the industry to operating within it. Through financial modeling, real-world analysis and applied decision-making, you’ll develop the technical expertise and professional judgment needed to succeed.

The curriculum spans the full real estate lifecycle, from finance and investment to development, design and market analysis, with concentrations that allow you to tailor your studies to your career goals.

A required summer internship, case competitions and domestic and international treks provide hands-on experience and direct industry access.

Photo of student walking through Cornell Tech.

Develop your future in NYC

Take your MPS-RE experience to the next level through an immersive second-year in one of the world’s most dynamic real estate markets. Building on the skills developed in your first year, this opt-in, hands-on experience connects you with leading industry professionals and organizations to tackle real-world challenges and create innovative solutions through live projects. Through collaboration and direct engagement with industry leaders, you’ll gain exclusive insight into emerging market trends, ongoing projects and the strategies shaping the future of real estate around the world.

Career outcomes & opportunites

MPS in Real Estate career outcomes

Graduates move into careers across commercial real estate finance, investment analysis, acquisitions, development and asset management at some of the industry’s most recognized firms. Recent graduates have joined organizations including CBRE, JPMorgan Chase & Co., Wells Fargo & Company, Empire State Realty Trust, EY and Toll Brothers. Many enter finance-focused roles within the real estate sector, reflecting the program’s emphasis on investment analysis, capital markets and strategic real estate decision-making.

98 percent of our graduates secure job offers within six months of graduation, have access to NYC industry and a deeply engaged alumni network.

Explore employment data

94%

received job offers

within 6 months of graduation

$106,111

average base salary

for U.S.-based jobs

85%

accepted finance-focused roles

Innovative real estate education

Our Ivy League curriculum is taught by thought leaders, researchers and experienced real estate practitioners. You’ll gain practical experience, whether in the classroom or from a continent away. You’ll be connected to the global real estate community. Sometimes experts will come to you — a guest lecture or recruiting event — and other times you’ll go to them — at a job site, on Wall Street, in a design studio or on domestic or international treks. Either way, you’re learning from the best and making the connections you’ll need for success.

Explore the journey Where an MPS in Real Estate can take you

The MPS-R combines real estate, finance, development and investment coursework with direct industry exposure. The journey below highlights how one student leveraged the program to transition into institutional real estate finance.

rashaad robinson headshot

“The program prepared me for financial analysis and taught me how to think critically about real estate investment decisions.”

Rashaad Robinson, MPS-RE

Rashaad Robinson

From military service to real estate finance

After serving in the U.S. Air Force, Rashaad pursued the Baker Program to transition into institutional real estate investing.

  1. Building a real estate foundation

    • Developed expertise in real estate finance, investment analysis, and development.
    • Applied classroom learning to real-world industry challenges.
    • Gained exposure to multiple sectors of the real estate industry.
  2. Industry immersion

    • Connected with classmates, alumni, and industry professionals.
    • Participated in experiential learning opportunities and industry engagement.
    • Built the technical and analytical skills required for investment roles.
  3. Today: Goldman Sachs

    Rashaad successfully transitioned into a role at Goldman Sachs, applying the financial and strategic capabilities developed through the Baker Program to real estate investment analysis.

Your path forward

If you’re ready to build capability, access and momentum in your real estate career, the next step is yours.