What is the length of the program?
The MRED program is an accelerated 30-week graduate program. MRED classes begin in late August each year and run through early May.
When are the MRED classes held?
Classes are held 8 a.m. to noon Monday through Thursday in the dedicated MRED space.
Other than the 16 hours required for classroom time Monday through Thursday is there additional work time?
During the synthesis projects, students spend extra time outside of regularly scheduled hours as team contributors. Consider this as working in a development firm trying to pull everything together to meet the project deadline. In addition, there are several events that our students attend: Advisory Board meetings, meetings with professional mentors, site visits, conferences and social events. A week long trip to NY and Boston is also part of the MRED curriculum. There is additional time required outside of the classroom such as; site visits, lectures, special guest lecturers, group work time, etc.
Can I start in spring?
All students start the program in the fall semester. We do not offer spring admission.
Do you have a distance learning program or an Executive or part-time MRED?
The MRED program is an intensive two semester (one academic year), full-time, residential day program located on ASU Tempe campus. We do not offer a distance learning or part-time executive MRED program a this time.
Do you offer course at night for working professionals?
Because curriculum in the MRED program is presented in a fast, topic-sequence format, the program is offered as a full time day program only. Potentially in the future we could offer additional access through other successful university approaches such as on-line classes or evening programs.
Will the program change much by the next session?
The program is new and dynamic. Its mission and goals will not change, but like in any other living and evolving entity, there may be logistical and improvement changes.
What is the best time to visit the program?
To learn about this exciting program first hand, we invite you to participate in one of our information sessions offered throughout the open admission period. This offers an excellent opportunity to visit our state-of-the-art program facility, listen to faculty and students talk about the program, and ask questions. Our information session participants leave with an enhanced understanding of the program and are better prepared for the application process. View our current information session schedule.
View our current information session schedule.
How do I decide between an MBA and the MRED program?
The key factor is the extent of your interest in general business disciplines. MBA programs with concentrations in real estate offer a broad, analytical business education with added real estate courses with emphasis in capital markets, real estate finance and investment management. The ASU accelerated Master of Real Estate Development degree program teaches across the spectrum of real estate development and also brings in the industry expertise. Our 30-week full-immersion program focuses on the entire real estate development process-from dirt-to-deal, finance to faç ade-and includes industry topics presented by leading local and national developers. Students who graduate from our program are committed to a career in real estate development.
What teaching methods are used in the MRED program?
Throughout the accelerated MRED program, teaching methods will vary to provide the most effective learning environment. Our faculty uses a combination of lectures, discussions, case studies, computer simulations, group projects, presentations by real estate development leaders, and site visits to best deliver the educational experience.
Where can I find specific course information?
There are no individual courses associated with the MRED program. Our curriculum is unique and is offered in a concentrated and accelerated format woven together through group research, professional mentors, faculty coursework and case study model presentations within a 30-week period. The program material is collaboratively presented by instructors from four ASU colleges (business, design, law, and construction), visiting professors and industry experts in a fast-paced topic sequence reflective of the real estate development process. Program curriculum also incorporates relevant case studies, industry-specific software training, mentor presentations and meetings and three synthesis projects addressing residential, commercial, and mixed-use development focuses. To view our custom, topic-sequence curriculum matrix, click here.
View our custom, topic-sequence curriculum matrix (PDF)
What is the capstone project?
The MRED program is designed to bring the practical world of development to our students. In addition to case studies, site visits, and professional mentor instruction, MRED candidates are engaged in team projects in which they are challenged to apply the core knowledge to real world scenarios (Residential Planning & Design, Commercial Retail Planning & Design, and Large Scale Mixed Use Planning and Design Projects.)
How strong is the placement program?
Real estate development industry is unique in a sense that best job offers are need-based. Therefore, our program concentrates its efforts on creating an environment that fosters networking opportunities with the industry's key players. This is accomplished through interaction with our Advisory Board, engaging leading professionals in our project reviews, career and social events, guest speakers, and participation in key industry events and conferences. Each year, a comprehensive resume book is distributed to potential employers and job hunting agencies. Our active alumni chapter along with exclusive membership in real estate student organizations such as Lambda Alpha International Student Association (LAISA) presents an excellent opportunity for networking.
Is there mentoring opportunities?
The MRED Advisory Board with over 30 industry leaders supports the program in various capacities. Our mentorship program is designed to professionally connect each MRED candidate to a distinguished real estate leader enabling aspiring student developers to exchange ideas, share career insights, and discuss industry news through regular one-on-one meetings with the Board members.
Is there recognition of the program outside of the greater Phoenix market?
We have developed strong linkages to real estate professional organizations such as Urban Land Institute (ULI), National Association of Industrial and Office Properties (NAIOP) and Lambda Alpha International. More than half of our incoming students come from out of state (see recent class profile). While the program is gaining momentum and phenomenal recognition and acceptance from the local and regional development community, many of our professional and industry contributors are attracted from national and international organizations to substantiate and expand students' knowledge and training.
Can I work full time while enrolled in the program?
Many of our currently enrolled candidates have part and full-time employment. Some are entrepreneurs or work in a consultancy/contracting roles. Whether or not you can work while in the program largely depends on your personal preferences, priorities, the ability to juggle multiple responsibilities and flexibility in setting desired work hours.
Does your program accept any transfer credits?
The MRED program does not accept transfer credits since this degree program is built upon a unique transdisciplinary curriculum which is not associated with any other curricula or conventional coursework.
How many applications does your program receive each year and how many students do you accept into the MRED program?
Each year we receive between 100-120 applications and accept 36 students.
How many people do you admit with my background? How many from my industry?
Specific background information on admitted candidates will vary each year and will also depend on the applicant pool at the time. While there are no specific targets for any group, we strive to base the admission decisions to promote a stimulating and diverse educational environment. View our recently admitted class profile here.
What is the chance of a candidate like me getting admitted? Can you tell me if I qualify?
Please keep in mind that we cannot evaluate your qualifications before you apply. The admissions committee reviews your entire application, and evaluates each applicant's profile against a larger applicant pool. Therefore, it is impossible for us to tell you in advance your chances of admission.
Can I apply if I already have an MBA?
Yes. Even if you already have an MBA, or another graduate degree, you are eligible to apply to the MRED Program.
Can I apply if my work experience is not in real estate?
We recognize that no single path leads automatically to success in real estate development. Our admitted candidates come from a variety of professional backgrounds and disciplines. Most of these disciplines are related to real estate and serve as a knowledge and skill base for future progression into the development field. Such career backgrounds typically include real estate brokerage, finance, banking, construction, law, planning, housing development, design and entrepreneurship. Because the program's curriculum is built upon several disciplines, the scope and dynamic of classroom experience benefits from student diversity. While work experience is not required, the highly competitive admission process results in the majority of our admitted candidates having had at least several years of work experience predominantly in one of the related fields.
Can I apply if I am a recent graduate and have little or no work experience?
Recent graduates often ask about what they can do to increase their chances of admission considering their limited work experience. We recommend an applicant presents with solid academic history and graduate test scores as well as a persuasive statement with clearly communicated goals for real estate development. The overall application is usually supported by letters of recommendation from credible academic and industry sources specifically discussing the applicant's professional promise in the real estate development industry.
Are there any exceptions to the GMAT/LSAT/GRE test requirement?
The following are the exceptions to the graduate test requirement:
If you meet one of the above exceptions you must submit a petition to the Admissions Committee as part of your mail-in application materials. This petition should succinctly state in 100 words or less why the waiver is requested.
What would you consider an "industry related experience"?
Related experience is full time professional experiences related to a variety of disciplines-real estate brokerage, mortgage banking, lending, consulting, management, architecture, legal services, among others.
How do I report my GMAT scores?
If you are taking the GMAT, ask your testing center to report the scores to Arizona State University/College of Design, code 0GZ-HJ-92.
How do I report the GRE score?
For GRE, ASU code is 4007, and the Department Code is not specified.
Is there a preference for one exam score over another?
While most applicants submit GMAT score, the MRED Admissions Committee does not have a preference. We eagerly accept scores from either the GRE or LSAT.
May I submit my application if I have not yet taken the GMAT or TOEFL?
GMAT and TOEFL scores must be submitted by the application deadline (February 25). We ask that you self-report your scores and also require that your testing center send us an official score report.
Do I need to take the TOEFL?
If you are from a country whose native language is not English, you must provide evidence of English proficiency by submitting acceptable scores on the TOEFL or IELTS. Applicants who earned a bachelor's degree or higher at a regionally accredited college/university in the United States do not need to submit evidence of English proficiency. For more information on whether the TOEFL requirement applies to you, visit http://www.graduate.asu.edu/admissions/international.html#proficiency
Do you accept the IELTS (International English Language Testing System)?
Yes, we accept IELTS scores. .
What are the minimum TOEFL/IELTS scores required? What is ASU code for TOEFL?
The minimum TOEFL requirement is 550 (PBT) or 213 (CBT) or 83 (iBT). The minimum IELTS is an overall band score of 6.5 with no individual band below a 6.0. TOEFL and IELTS scores are valid when the test date is within two years of the first day of classes of the semester you are enrolling. ASU's institutional code is 4007. There is no institutional code for IELTS.
I graduated from ASU, do I need to mail you my ASU undergraduate transcripts?
No.
Where do I send my supplemental application materials such as letters of recommendation and transcripts?
Please mail in one complete mailing with document reference number on each piece. You will receive your document reference number after submission of the online application.
APPLICATION
Division of Graduate Studies
Arizona State University
Administration B-Wing, Room 170
PO Box 871003
Tempe, AZ 85287-1003
Who should write my letters of recommendation?
Your letters of recommendation allow us to learn about your leadership potential and professional promise in the real estate development industry. Your selection is important: we ask that person who recommends you knows you well and can provide with detailed, anecdotal accounts of your experience and how this experience has shaped you to become successful as a future real estate professional. A recommender could be your direct supervisor, a person with whom you worked closely on a project, or an academic reference.
Is it alright to submit more then 3 letters of recommendation?
We only require 3 letters of recommendation. We ask you to secure in-depth letters of recommendation from only three credible sources who know you well and can persuasively comment on your promise as a future real estate development professional.
What does the admissions committee look for in an applicant?
The application process is competitive and based on a thorough review of your undergraduate preparation and performance, your intellectual vitality, professional promise and personal characteristics. Candidates accepted to the MRED program at Arizona State University are uniquely positioned to examine critical issues of today's development within the context of one of the fastest growing metropolitan centers in the United States. They also collaborate with their peers and faculty representing various disciplines and backgrounds. The Admissions Committee looks for candidates from diverse backgrounds with a high potential to offer something special to the program and the global development community upon graduation. We look for applicants with past achievements demonstrating creative approaches to addressing professional challenges. Because MRED recognizes that development is a collaborative and synthetic process, our candidates are innovative and entrepreneurial thinkers with high potential to successfully advance the mission and objectives of their development teams.
How does Admissions Committee evaluate applications and make final decisions? Can you tell me more about the evaluation process?
Immediately following the deadline, the applications are checked for completeness and those files that fulfill all application requirements are reviewed by the Admissions Committee. Each application is evaluated individually and against a larger applicant pool. None of the application elements is placed a higher priority that the others: all elements are given equal weight. Admissions committee strives to create a diverse learning environment by admitting candidates from various social, academic, demographic and professional backgrounds. Seats in the program are highly competitive due to the large number of highly qualified and compelling applicants. Our review process is extremely thorough: each application is reviewed thoughtfully for individual strengths, in sight of the overall pool and the balance we're seeking for each class, and all decisions are final.
Can I schedule an interview?
Admission to the program is solely based upon a thorough review of submitted applicant materials. MRED program does not conduct interviews as part of the review process.
How do I know that my application has been received and I met all the application requirements?
Applicants will be notified via email about the status of their application by the MRED program in the following weeks after the application deadline. While we attempt to make sure the application is complete and notify of any missing materials, ultimately, each applicant is responsible for ensuring all the materials are received in a timely manner.
How does MRED Admissions Committee communicate admission decisions to applicants?
Our admissions decisions will be communicated to all applicants by April 30 via email. The program will also send an official letter to the applicant's address of record during the following few weeks. Please use only one email address consistently throughout your application materials (online application, resume) to ensure prompt delivery of your admission decision.
What is your policy on deferred admission?
We do not offer deferred admission. Admitted candidates who can not attend in the year to which they have been admitted must re-apply. The program will not hold previous year's application materials and returning applicants will need to resubmit the complete application, including a new essay and new letters of recommendation. (Graduate test scores and transcripts may not need to be re-submitted).
What is my cost of attendance?
For a detailed overview of MRED tuition and fees as well as a sample budget click here.
What is the "Professional Fee" above Tuition in the Admission section on your web site?
The MRED program assesses additional program fees to regular university tuition and fees. These funds are used to support scholarships, teaching assistantships, program publications and exhibitions, student exchanges and travel, distinguished guest lectures, special events and state-of-the-art facilities. Additionally, program fees cover student on-site parking, books, case studies, and classroom supplies.
Is there any financial assistance available for this program?
MRED offers several scholarships to admitted students. Click here for scholarship information. We encourage all admitted students to immediately apply for Financial Aid regardless of need and other general scholarships at ASU: Financial Aid Office http://students.asu.edu/financial-aid and the Division of Graduate Studies http://graduate.asu.edu/financial/index.htm. For those applicants interested in tuition benefits, MRED Program offers several Teaching Assistantships on a competitive basis (TAs). To apply for a Teaching Assistantship, please fill out an Application for Teaching Assistantship and mail it with your other application materials.
When do I apply for loans and scholarships?
You should apply for loans and scholarships after you are admitted. We will be sending scholarship information to all admitted candidates. Outstanding applicants may receive scholarship awards as part of their admission packet. For most types of financial aid, you will need to complete the FAFSA available online at www.fafsa.ed.gov. Submitting the application is free and we encourage you to complete the FAFSA (domestic applicants only) as soon as possible.