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hitman School Announces a New Master of Science in Real Estate
Whitman School is launching a one‑year, on‑campus Master of Science in Real Estate, with the inaugural cohort set to begin in fall 2026. The program builds on the school’s strong undergraduate real‑estate curriculum and is designed to prepare students for a wide range of industry roles, from development and investment analysis to corporate real‑estate and private equity.
The curriculum blends finance, management, development, and sustainability, reflecting the evolving demands of the sector. Students complete 30 credits in a single calendar year, though the schedule can be extended for those who prefer a longer pace. Core courses cover real‑estate finance, development, and sustainability, while electives allow exploration of infrastructure, real‑estate law, and environmental stewardship.
A key feature is the experiential learning component. Participants work with industry‑standard software such as ARGUS Enterprise, compete in national student contests, and collaborate on a group capstone project titled “Green Real Estate Competition: Doing Well by Doing Good.” The capstone challenges teams to model and analyze green‑focused real‑estate investments, providing hands‑on experience that mirrors professional practice.
Whitman’s STEM designation enables international students to apply for a 24‑month optional practical training (OPT) extension, broadening post‑graduation opportunities. The program also benefits from Syracuse’s proximity to major real‑estate hubs, notably New York City, where an annual immersion program connects students with leading firms and alumni.
“We’re excited to extend our real‑estate expertise into a specialized master’s degree,” says Interim Dean Alex McKelvie. “The industry now demands a blend of finance, analytics, entrepreneurship, and sustainability—skills that our new program delivers. With Syracuse’s strategic location, we’re positioned to produce job‑ready professionals who can thrive in the field.”
Professor Milena Petrova, director of the real‑estate program, highlights the diversity of the student body: “Our graduates will enter roles in development, capital markets, corporate real‑estate, and asset management. Students from architecture, marketing, accounting, law, and entrepreneurship will find pathways to pivot into new careers.”
The Whitman Real‑Estate Club and the James D. Kuhn Real‑Estate Center provide additional networking and professional development opportunities. Alumni across the industry offer mentorship and insight, reinforcing the program’s strong community ties.
Applications for the first cohort are now open. For more details, visit the Whitman School website.
