The Masters of Science in Real Estate Development (MSRED) degree program is a one-year, full-time, immersive learning environment for the technical training, intellectual advancement, and practical formation of the most accomplished and prepared professional for the real estate industry. The MSRED program is uniquely resourced to provide the various theoretical explorations and technical skills needed for the real estate sector, in addition to effective training in the synthesis of decision-making through development projects and pertinent industry case studies.

The conceptual construct of this amalgamated learning is immediately referenced to the fundamental theories of urban planning and architectural design at GSAPP. Instructors who practice at the top levels of their respective professions in New York City provide the necessary technical knowledge from various disciplines—such as finance, market analysis, construction methods, law, data science, and project management—to perform in the industry. The application of the theory and skills to resolving various real estate challenges and issues are given rich, complex, and exciting examples in New York that also connect and have implications globally.

Furthermore, with the growing entrepreneurial and technologically advanced environment of Columbia University, the program includes training and proficiency in real estate databases and the digital tools of analysis, with the opportunity to explore emerging applications being investigated in the Center for Urban Real Estate, the affiliated research laboratory. It is anticipated that within this rich, innovative environment, the program’s curriculum development will continue to produce further synthesized forms of teaching and research to produce the most effective, intellectually progressive and multi-faceted real estate professional.

The capstone course synthesizes the learnt analytical, comparative and critical processes involved in real estate development projects, transactions and investments. It provides an opportunity for the student to demonstrate their understanding of the dynamics of real estate development, its capital requirements, and delivery procedures.


Presented here is a selection of MSRED student capstone projects, which mark the culmination of the program curriculum. These “Deal Books,” which are designed for potential equity partners, are based on the research, analysis, and proposals for specific real estate development and investment case studies. Exploring effective, intellectually progressive, and multi-faceted resolutions, these projects offer comprehensive, detailed, and compelling proposals for new or alternative outcomes given current day conditions.