I
n a bold move to redefine the real estate landscape, the University of California, Los Angeles is launching a Master of Real Estate Development program, or MRED, in partnership with the UCLA Luskin School of Public Affairs. This innovative initiative aims to cultivate a new generation of community-driven leaders who can harness the power of real estate to drive positive change.

    "We're not just talking about building buildings," says Greg Morrow, founding executive director of the UCLA MRED program. "We're talking about creating spaces that uplift communities and foster economic growth." With his extensive experience in launching and leading real estate programs at Pepperdine University and UC Berkeley, Morrow brings a wealth of expertise to this new endeavor.

    As the second UC school to offer a Master of Real Estate program, UCLA is poised to make its mark on the industry. Operating on the quarter system, the program will have the unique advantage of offering students a more dynamic and fast-paced learning experience. Los Angeles, with its rich urban landscape, provides an ideal backdrop for exploring real estate's complexities.

    "We're leveraging our location in one of the world's most vibrant cities to create a truly immersive learning environment," Morrow notes. "Our students will have access to unparalleled resources and networking opportunities that will set them apart from their peers."

    The program comes at a time when UCLA is actively expanding its own real estate portfolio, with recent acquisitions including the former Westside Pavilion Mall and the Trust Building downtown. While these developments were not directly catalysts for launching the MRED program, they do provide an interesting context for exploring the intersection of academia and industry.

    Morrow emphasizes that the program is designed to attract students who are passionate about making a meaningful impact in their careers. The curriculum will tackle pressing issues such as climate change, gentrification, and post-pandemic work trends, all through the lens of real estate development. Industry professionals will lead most courses, providing students with hands-on experience and valuable connections.

    With an initial cohort size expected to be between 20-25 students, Morrow hopes to grow the program to 40 students over time. As UCLA's MRED program takes shape, it promises to become a hub for innovative thinking and community-driven real estate development.