The Robert And Margaret Folsom Institute For Real Estate

The backbone of real estate activity at SMU since 1984, the Folsom Institute bridges the academic and professional worlds.

The Robert and Margaret Folsom Institute for Real Estate was established to provide outreach to the real estate community to be actively involved in the research and debate of critical private and public land use issues. For over forty years, the Institute has been the backbone of the study of the real estate industry at SMU, supporting the real estate academic programs at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. 

The Institute is cultivating tomorrow's real estate leaders through its dedication to academic excellence, real world applications, leadership coaching, networking opportunities and career placements. 

Through its dynamic programming, students gain hands-on experience and make invaluable connections in the Dallas real estate market. The takeaway? A solid foundation for success in this constantly evolving industry.

Degree & certificate programs

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ADVISORY BOARD MEMBER SPOTLIGHT

"The Folsom Institute connects our nationally recognized academic team to the vibrant Texas market, creating an unparalleled environment for the robust study of commercial real estate. No other university in the country has those advantages. Our students at SMU are quite fortunate to have the best real estate laboratory available right at their doorstep, with a team dedicated to accelerating their education in this dynamic field."

BILL VANDERSTRAATEN, Chairman of the Folsom Institute Advisory Board, CEO, Chief Partners L.P.

 

Degree & Certificate Programs

Our programs integrate rigorous academics with real-world experience, technical training, and mentorship.

Faculty & Staff

Leading faculty and industry experts prepare students through mentorship, coaching, and professional development.

Student Engagement

Students gain industry exposure through treks, networking, professional development, and experiential learning.

Advisory Board

The Advisory Board advances the Institute’s mission through mentorship, expertise, and student connections.
photo of student and employer at folsom event

Employers

Employers gain access to top real estate talent through immersive learning and industry engagement.

Alumni & Friends

The SMU Real Estate Society builds alumni connections that inspire growth, engagement, and impact.

Real Estate Impact Fund

Students gain hands-on experience managing a real estate fund focused on equity investments and impact.

Research

The Folsom Institute advances real estate knowledge through data-driven research and industry collaboration.
students on construction site at SMU Cox

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PO Box 750333 | Dallas, TX, 75275-0333

214-768-3548

real@smu.edu

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