Graduate programs

Master of Science in Real Estate

Immersive, expert preparation for a career in real estate

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Program format

In person

Commitment

Full time or part time

Duration

Nine to 21 months

Overview

The SMU Cox Master of Science in Real Estate (MSRE) delivers the expertise, immersive learning and hands-on training needed to launch or advance a career in real estate. As North Texas’ most comprehensive real estate graduate program, it combines rigorous preparation in finance, analysis and strategy with real-world exposure through development-focused coursework, industry treks, site visits and technical training in tools such as ARGUS and Tableau. Students also gain direct access to seasoned industry leaders who provide practical insight, mentorship and career guidance.

Courses are taught by distinguished faculty—an ideal mix of forward-thinking scholars and accomplished practitioners—who understand the skills, technical capabilities and strategic mindset required in today’s dynamic market. Their expertise ensures graduates are prepared to thrive in an evolving and competitive real estate landscape.

Graduates are well prepared for careers in real estate investment management, development, brokerage and capital markets roles.

A Culture that sets us apart

At SMU Cox, you’ll join a community of driven peers, alumni who open doors, expert faculty and dedicated staff who support your goals as their own. Here, when you win, we all win.

Student success

SMU Cox prepares MSRE students for successful career outcomes through applied, industry-connected learning that builds technical expertise in real estate and provides direct access to the Dallas–Fort Worth real estate network - and beyond.


This program prepares you to excel in the following areas and professions:

  • Commercial real estate investment and asset management
  • Private equity real estate
  • Real estate development
  • Commercial brokerage and advisory services
  • Corporate real estate and facilities strategy
  • Housing and multifamily investment
  • Hospitality and experiential real estate
  • Risk management and real estate compliance

Top 20%

Best National Universities

U.S. News & World Report (2026)

94%

of graduates accepted a full-time job within six months of graduation

2025 MSRE Employment Report

97%

of graduates achieved their desired career outcome within six months of graduation

2025 MSRE Employment Report

Student stories

Scott Harbert

Scott Harbert ’25

“The SMU MSRE program transformed my career path. I gained essential technical skills that helped me add value from day one at JLL Capital Markets, while building an equally valuable network through The Folsom Institute and SMU’s extensive Dallas real estate community. This powerful combination of practical knowledge and industry connections created opportunities that continue to shape my professional journey.”

Vivian Hynes

Vivian Hynes ’25

“Working with the CMC fundamentally shaped the way I approach my career – refining how I present myself, pursue opportunities and navigate the industry with confidence. Their insight and encouragement laid the foundation that will guide how I grow, lead and make decisions for the rest of my professional life.”

Admissions

Deadlines and details

Key dates and admissions information to help plan your application with confidence.

International students

All the essential admission requirements international students need to know.

Application questions

Connect with a Graduate Admission team member for answers to application questions.

Additional links

Requirements

  1. Current resume
  2. Written essays
  3. Unofficial transcripts or degree progress reports that show cumulative GPA and grades for each course taken
  4. Official transcripts from bachelor’s degree institution, institutions where 12 or more credit hours were taken and graduate degrees are required for candidates offered admission
  5. Two references (Name and contact information only. Recommendation letters are not required nor are they requested from references)

View all requirements

Ready to apply?

Get started here. No application fee required.

Tuition and financial aid

Tuition and costs

Explore the cost breakdown of tuition for graduate programs.

Financial aid

Find information on scholarships and financial support available at SMU.

Curriculum and learning

Featured courses

RE 6411

Real Estate Investment

A survey of commercial real estate investments. Includes the underlying determinants of supply and demand for various property types, leases, pro forma statements of cash flows, measurement of rates of return and approaches to valuation.

RE 6415

Real Estate Development

Explores the practice of real estate development through a course-long case study project where students will consider the site acquisition and due diligence process, project design and construction and the financial feasibility of projects with particular attention paid to the project’s capitalization with debt and equity.

RE 6223

Asset Management

Maximizing the return on real estate investments requires careful execution of a management plan for the asset. Topics examined include property management, leasing and marketing strategies, capital budgeting and ROI decisions, sustainability and efficiency and hold/sell analysis.

View course catalog

Outside the classroom

Research

Graduate-level research in real estate at SMU Cox is supported by the Folsom Institute for Real Estate. The Institute acts as the department’s center for research, allowing faculty to keep its focus aligned with current trends in Dallas-Fort Worth real estate.

Faculty

At SMU Cox School of Business, our professors are graduates of the world’s leading business schools. They’re consultants to global corporations, top practitioners in their fields and widely published researchers investigating leading-edge topics. Cox faculty is made up of passionate teachers who bring new ideas and techniques into the classroom, challenge you to question conventional thinking and inspire you to share their excitement about the issues that drive their work.

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Wally Boudry

Clinical Professor
Clara R. and Leo F. Corrigan Sr. Endowed Chair

Joseph Cahoon

Director, Folsom Institute for Real Estate
William "Chip" Cavanaugh

William Cavanaugh

Adjunct Professor

Matt Huberty

Matt Huberty

Adjunct Professor
Rick Perdue

Rick Perdue

Adjunct Professor
James Ray

James Ray

Adjunct Professor
Mark Roberts

Mark Roberts

Director of Research for SMU Cox Folsom Institute for Real Estate and Crow Holdings
Maria Stamolis

Maria Stamolis

Clinical Professor
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Joonwook Park

Professor of Practice

Facilities

SMU Cox M.S. in finance students learn to integrate financial data and technology at the Kitt Investing and Trading Center.

Robert and Margaret Folsom Institute for Real Estate

The Folsom Institute bridges the academic and professional real estate worlds. Through its dynamic programming, students gain hands-on experience and make invaluable connections in the Dallas real estate market. 

Students in the MS in finance program at Cox can collaborate with the Career Management Center.

Career Management Center

The Cox CMC’s partners with MSRE candidates, alumni and employers to build collaborative relationships that culminate in successful careers.

Frequently asked questions

The SMU Cox Master of Science in Real Estate (MSRE) delivers the expertise, immersive learning and hands-on training needed to launch or elevate a career in the real estate industry. As North Texas’ most comprehensive real estate graduate program, it blends rigorous preparation in finance, analysis and strategy with real-world exposure through development-focused coursework, industry treks, site visits and extensive technical training in tools such as ARGUS and Tableau.


A Master’s in real estate is worth it in today’s market because it combines accelerated, career-focused training with the SMU Cox network of industry connections and alumni support that help drive strong placement outcomes. MSRE students benefit from hands-on learning, student organizations, the Robert and Margaret Folsom Institute for Real Estate and access to a global alumni network of more than 42,000 professionals, contributing to high employment rates, competitive salaries and industry-ready career preparation. 


Students who complete the program are well-prepared for careers in real estate investment management, real estate development, real estate brokerage and roles in the real estate capital markets.

At SMU Cox, the Master of Science in Real Estate (MSRE) is a specialized, 31-credit hour program focused on core real estate disciplines, including finance, economics, law and risk management, along with technical training in tools such as ARGUS and Tableau. The program is designed for students seeking focused, accelerated preparation to enter the real estate industry or pivot into the field.

In contrast, an MBA with a real estate concentration provides a broader, general management education over a longer program format, with real estate as one area of specialization. It is designed for students pursuing leadership roles that require a wider business foundation in addition to real estate expertise.

A Master’s degree in real estate is an excellent choice for recent graduates and early‑ to mid‑career professionals with bachelor’s degrees in business, finance, economics or related fields who want to accelerate their careers in commercial real estate. These are candidates who are interested in investment analysis, development, capital markets and asset management and seek applied skills and industry access.


No, a real estate background is not required to pursue a Master of Science in Real Estate. While prior experience is helpful, the only requirement besides an undergraduate degree is a foundational understanding of finance and accounting. The SMU Cox program does require applicants without this background to take summer courses before entering the program.


Students in the real estate Master’s degree program build real-world experience through coaching, weekly programming and seminars at the SMU Cox Business Leadership Center (BLC). The acclaimed Robert and Margaret Folsom Institute for Real Estate – also referred to as The Folsom Institute – bridges the academic and professional worlds through internships, mentorship events, competitions and more.


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