Overview

The Real Estate Development programme at Columbia University is a comprehensive 45-credit degree designed to integrate financial engineering with the complexities of the built environment. This curriculum moves beyond speculative design to focus on quantitative asset modelling, risk analytics, and infrastructure systems. Students engage with the New York City real estate ecosystem to address contemporary urban needs through data-driven decision-making.

Why Real Estate Development at Columbia University?

Studying at Columbia University provides unparalleled access to the global capital markets of New York City. The programme is re-accredited by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), ensuring that the education meets the highest international professional standards. Students benefit from a faculty of industry practitioners who bring real-time investment experience into the classroom, alongside mentorship from an extensive alumni network. Facilities such as the Avery Library and the Center for Urban Real Estate (CURE) support advanced research and professional growth.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 35190 per semester
National fee: USD 35190 per semester
Local fee: USD 35190 per semester

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

The curriculum is structured across three intensive semesters, beginning with foundational concepts and progressing to technical specialisation. Modules may include:

Year 1

Real Estate Finance
Real Estate Market Analysis
Legal Principles Critical to Real Estate
Urban Planning
Design for Development
Site Planning

Year 2

Underwriting Intensive
Leasing
Development Process
Construction Management and Technology
Asset Management
Private Equity Development

Careers with Real Estate Development

Graduates are prepared for high-level leadership roles within the global property sector. The programme's focus on financial modelling and capital structuring equips students for careers in real estate finance, private equity, and asset management. Many alumni secure positions at leading development firms, investment banks, and consultancy organisations. The inclusion of for-credit internships and a final Capstone project ensures that students can defend complex investment proposals before industry professionals, facilitating a direct transition into professional practice.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Real Estate Finance
Site Designs: Deep Dives into the Capstone Sites

Worldings & Development: Socio-Spatial Transpositions of the Unit
Construction Management and Technology
Design By Development
Urban Political Ecology and the Climate Crisis

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 18 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-09-08 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-01-15 00:00:00

Language

English

TOEFL^® IBT

100

Schedule TOEFL®

IELTS

7.5

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Credits

30 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Manhattan, United States

Disciplines

Real Estate & Property Management View 106 other Masters in Real Estate & Property Management in United States

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Academic requirements

GRE^®

Required

GMAT

Required

English requirements

TOEFL^® IBT

100

Schedule TOEFL®

IELTS

7.5

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

Online Application

Letters of Recommendation

Personal Statement

Transcripts

Resumé/CV

GRE/GMAT
English Proficiency Requirement

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

70380 USD / year

≈ 70380 USD / year
Out-of-State

70380 USD / year

≈ 70380 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

70380 USD / year

≈ 70380 USD / year

Living costs

Manhattan

United States

2638 - 5751 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Financing

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Funding

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Master's scholarship opportunities for Real Estate Development.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

On this page

About

Overview

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Living costs

Manhattan

Financing

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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