Master of Urban Planning - Real Estate Specialization
The Masters degree Real Estate Specialization (RES) has been offered specifically to students pursuing a Master of Urban Planning degree. However, students pursuing other Master level degrees within the University of Washington may apply for a Real Estate Specialization as well. Students pursuing the RES may take as many real estate credits as they wish but are required to take a minimum of 18 credits including three core courses and two electives. While a thesis is required in the Master of Urban Planning degree, the thesis does not need to be real estate specific. A thesis is not required for students who would like to pursue the specialization and are enrolled in a non-thesis program. Students from other degree programs are encouraged to take one of two Capstone courses as part of their minimum credit requirements. Because the RES draws students from across campus, team-based problem solving is facilitated within an interdisciplinary approach to learning.
The Real Estate Specialization appeals to students pursuing a career in an ancillary field, such as Planning, Architecture, Engineering, Business, Law, or Public Administration, but who intend to interact directly with real estate professionals. For instance, architects and engineers intending to provide design services to real estate developers learn how their future clients make decisions. Planners and public administrators who regulate real estate learn how real estate professionals approach problems allowing regulation and review to more effectively accomplish public purposes. Business students in finance can learn essential differences between investing in real estate and other financial asset classes.
Students applying to the Master of Urban Planning degree can apply directly for one of ten RES admission slots available annually. By designating real estate as first choice among MUP specializations on their MUP Application, applicants will automatically be reviewed for admission to the RES. Students already enrolled in other accredited Master’s degrees may apply for admission to the RES directly through the Runstad Center. Students interested in applying for a RES from degree programs other than the MUP are encouraged to set up an advising session through the Runstad Center early in their graduate studies. All students pursuing a Master’s degree must make separate application to the Graduate School of the University of Washington.
Additional information on the Real Estate Specialization may be obtained by emailing Melissa Best, the Center Program Manager at rcres@u.washington.edu.
