MS in Real Estate Development

This program was designed for professionals at all stages of their real estate careers.  

Our students come from a wide range of sectors within the real estate industry including:   

• Real estate development 
• Brokerage 
• Architecture 
• Civil engineering 
• Construction and project management 
• Real estate finance 
• Real estate law 

Classes are taught in the evening at Mason Square (Arlington Campus), with some elective courses available at our Fairfax campus or online. 

No, the master’s in real estate development is not a STEM-designated program. Graduating master’s in real estate development students on an F-1 visa can be eligible for up to 12 months of Optional Practical Training (OPT). However, students can make their MBA into a STEM-designated program by pursuing a dual master’s degree with the MS in Business Analytics or the MS in Finance. With this STEM designation, F-1 students can extend their OPT period by up to 24 months. For information regarding individualized dual master’s degree programs of study, please contact the Graduate Admission Team. 

Our career consulting and leadership coaching method provides strategies to leverage career opportunities and strengthen leadership skills. Our coaching is tailored to your unique professional situation whether you are looking to leverage your degree within your organization, stay in the same field, but move to a different company, transition into a new field or industry, or become an entrepreneur. We offer virtual or in-person one-on-one meetings to make career engagement a convenient process.  

Some of the other services we provide include:  

• Resume/Cover Letter Help 
• Salary Negotiation Tactics 
• Networking Activities & Guidance 
• Maximizing LinkedIn & Handshake Profiles   
• Mock Interviews 
• Leadership & Career Coaching 
• Career Change Planning 
• Personal Branding 
• Career Webinars 
• Career Exploration Resources 
• Online Career Portfolios 

Some of the job titles our students and alumni have include:

• Managing Partner
• Director of Development and Construction
• Director of Project Management and Development
• Vice President of Development
• Vice President of Finance
• Project Executive
• Project Manager
• Portfolio Manager
• Land Acquisition Associate
• Land Development
• Project Manager

Our graduates have found professional success at top companies such as: 

• Avalon 
• Bozzuto 
• CBG Building Company 
• DAVIS Construction 
• EagleBank 
• Foulger-Pratt Companies 
• JBG Smith Properties 
• Kettler 
• Lennar 
• Lincoln Property Company 
• Madison Marquette 
• Peterson Companies 
• Pulte Group 
• WashREIT 

The goal of the MRED Alumni Industry Group is to create a strong network of alumni and to aid in the expansion and promotion of the MRED program at Costello College of Business at George Mason University. 

After earning your Master of Science in Real Estate Development from Costello College of Business, you’ll gain: 

• Knowledge of Functional Disciplines: the ability to evaluate projects across different critical dimensions including investment feasibility, sustainability, and long-term asset viability. 
• Analytical Decision Making: the ability to analyze project variables and compare different investment scenarios by using appropriate tools, techniques, and information. 
• Understanding of Multiple Perspectives and Interests: the ability to evaluate the impacts of competing interests on project outcomes and community development. 
• Leading and Managing Complex Projects: the ability to recommend strategies to mitigate risk and enhance project feasibility. 
• Professional and Ethical Responsibility: the ability to demonstrate interpersonal communication skills and effective verbal presentation skills.