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Faculty + Teaching Philosophy

Faculty and Teaching Philosophy

Forward-thinking research is fundamental to the real estate faculty at the University of Washington. Our faculty are leaders in their respective fields, bringing their groundbreaking research into the classroom in an accessible and applied context, helping students to fully engage with the subject matter and develop analytical problem solving skills. The Master of Science in Real Estate program combines academic rigor and research led teaching with industry facing application.

Students benefit from theoretical and applied approaches to a variety of real estate issues. In addition to our core faculty students are also taught by world leading academics from across the College of Built Environments and the broader University. The UW faculty is augmented by an extensive array of affiliate faculty who are industry leaders in law, asset & portfolio management, corporate real estate, development and sustainability. The program enjoys a close relationship with the real estate industry. Students are encouraged to participate in industry organizations, and if they are not already working in the industry they must complete an internship during the course of their studies.

The MSRE Program focuses on increasing students’ knowledge of the fundamentals of real estate finance, investment, and development, as well as developing the broad business management and leadership skills required to improve the sustainable performance and quality of urban built environments. It is a demanding, interdisciplinary program of study combining business, legal, construction and planning skills with an understanding of how real estate markets work. The aim of the program is to prepare graduates to become future leaders in real estate by fostering innovative and interdisciplinary critical thinking.

 What will I learn?

The MSRE program is designed to facilitate lifelong learning and prepare students for multiple careers paths and opportunities. The program deepens the understanding of core concepts and helps to develop key skill sets. Real estate sits at the center of the built environment. Therefore, real estate professionals need to interact with a spectrum of other professionals including architects, construction managers, urban planners and investors.

1. Theoretical and Conceptual Context

The program has at its core a focus on academic rigor. Students will leave the program understanding, from a theoretical and conceptual perspective, the core issues in real estate today. The core modules will provide students a strong foundation. This is then added to in the specialist tracks and elective courses, which allow students to develop their interests in specific areas.

2. Commercial Awareness:

In both the classroom, and through interaction with the industry, students will develop a heightened awareness and appreciation of how the technical and conceptual skills developed are of relevance and can be applied in a work place environment. This also includes an appreciation of the complexity and interdisciplinary nature of real estate and its role economically and in society.

3. Enhanced Skill Sets:

The program will enhance a participants’ skills in both technical and inter-personal areas. Technically students will further develop their skills in fields such as financial modelling. However, the program also focuses upon areas such as critical thinking and personal effectiveness skills. This is particularly evident in such courses as those in leadership and negotiation.