MS Real Estate Development at Columbia University

Programme overview

The M.S. in Real Estate Development is a three-semester, 45-credit degree combining systems-based thinking, quantitative analysis and data-driven decision-making for global real estate markets. It covers financial modeling, investment analytics, capital markets and risk assessment.

Faculty: Graduate School of Architecture, Planning and Preservation | Duration: 3 semesters (Summer, Fall, Spring); 45 credits | Intake: Summer start; early action December 15, 2026; regular January 15, 2027 | Study mode: full-time | Location: New York, NY, United States

What you will study

An intensive summer of real estate finance, construction technology and market analytics, a fall of core finance, history of development and real estate law with finance or design elective tracks, and a spring of capstone projects, financial and economic modeling and public policy. The capstone has student groups develop an investment proposal with industry leaders, including a deal book and defense; for-credit internships are available.

Career pathways

Real estate finance, private equity, asset management and development firms.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

GSAPP M.S. programmes (M.S. Real Estate Development): Undergraduate degree from an accredited institution by programme start; three letters of recommendation; personal statement of about 500 words; resume/CV; transcripts; application fee $75. English test (TOEFL, IELTS or Duolingo) required if English is not the primary language, unless two years of study were completed at an English-speaking institution; no minimum score stated. Graduate degrees in any field are accepted. GRE/GMAT optional, encouraged for applicants without a strong finance, statistics or analytics background and at least two years of relevant experience. Early action deadline December 15, 2026; regular deadline January 15, 2027.

Intake: Summer start; early action December 15, 2026; regular January 15, 2027

Duration: 3 semesters (45 credits)

Apply through the official page: https://www.arch.columbia.edu/admissions

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