MIT Center for Real Estate
The one-year MSRED Program prepares students for rewarding, responsible leadership positions in the real estate industry. The course of study is rigorous, balanced and grounded in professional practice to help students achieve a broad understanding of all aspects of real estate.
The curriculum is a demanding course of study that balances theory with practice and focuses on the real and practical needs of the industry, a defining characteristic of an MIT education. The program also benefits from MIT’s interdisciplinary tradition, which encourages academic work that transcends departmental boundaries. The student body generally reflects the mix of professions within the industry.
DEGREE REQUIREMENTS
Students must successfully complete six core courses, required elective units, and a thesis. Students are required to maintain a 4.0/5.0 GPA. Core and elective courses include topic areas such as finance, economics, development, engineering, mixed income housing, entrepreneurship, negotiation, securitization, innovation, and international housing.
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
The MSRED application deadline is January 15th. A complete application package consists of:
- Online graduate application form with application fee
- Statement of objectives
- 3 letters of recommendation: 2 professional, 1 academic
- Unofficial academic transcript(s)
- GMAT or GRE score
- TOEFL or IELTS score (as applicable)
- Professional resume (3–5 years of experience in a real estate-related field preferred)
- Financial aid application
- Optional portfolio/work sample
ANNUAL TUITION AND FEES
Estimated tuition for 2025-2026 is $94,417 (for fall, spring, and summer terms)
Estimated cost of living is $31,159 (source: MIT Office of Graduate Education)
Applicants with fewer than three years of professional experience may apply through Young Leaders Program. Participants make up, at most, 10% of the student cohort each year. Exceptional individuals with fewer than three years’ experience in the real estate industry may be invited to the MSRED Program as a Young Leader.
Young Leader applicants must:
- Demonstrate exceptional academic performance
- Perform exceptionally on requisite exams
- Provide in their Statement a rationale for their candidacy and interest in the Young Leaders Program
- Indicate on the online application their intention to be considered for the Young Leaders Program
For Young Leaders, variances from required application materials may include:
- Letters of recommendation may instead be 2 academic, 1 professional
- Professional resume required if the applicant possesses professional work experience
STUDENT DEMOGRAPHICS
The typical class profile of an MSRED cohort:
- 25–30 students; average age of 30
- Geographically diverse, 30–60% international
Diverse professional backgrounds (planning, development, finance, construction, architecture, construction management, design, law, consulting, brokerage, etc.)
ADDITIONAL PROGRAM/CAMPUS DETAILS
Financial assistance is available in the form of Fellowships Programs. The MSRED Program participates in the Yellow Ribbon Award in conjunction with the Office of Veteran’s Affairs.
Traditionally an 11-month program, students have the option extend their program to 16-month. Students who pursue the 16 months option can complete an internship elective during the summer term, which may be counted toward degree requirements. They will complete thesis during the following fall term.
The CRE, through its professional partnerships, has a program offering of career development and experiential learning opportunities. MSRED students participate in experiential learning through winter externships, summer internships, and project-based learning. Career development opportunities include skills workshops, individual counseling, industry presentations, access to alumni network, networking contacts, and panel and conference events.