What Are The Best Washington DC Real Estate MBA Programs?
The U.S. capital, Washington DC, boasts one of the hottest real estate markets in the world. Several variables combine to make this market so interesting, such as a highly affluent and highly transient population, as well as height restrictions on its buildings (so that no building exceeds the height of the Washington Monument), which limits density-related housing shortages. These factors combined with the city’s convenient location on the 95 corridor make DC metro the perfect location for MBA’s looking for a future in real estate.
Below, we’ve laid out three of our favorite Washington DC real estate MBA programs.
The Best Washington DC Real Estate MBA Programs
University of Maryland R.H. Smith School of Business
Students at the University of Maryland’s Smith School of Business (known more affectionately as UMD Smith) can pursue a dual MBA and Masters of Real Estate Development (MRED). Grads carry our their MBA at Smith, and fulfill their MRED requirements via evening classes at the school’s central campus at College Park. The 74-credit dual degree can be completed in two or two and a half years, and involves 42 MBA credits and 32 MRED credits.
The 74-credit MBA/MRED dual degree at UMD Smith sets up real estate hopefuls with a unique skillset.
The MBA/MRED imbues students with more than a bottom line view of their industry. According to the school, the MRED curriculum focuses on “economic viability, environmental respect, social responsibility, and beautiful design.” These elements of the MRED combined with the business acumen gleaned from an MBA education pave the way for well-rounded industry leaders.
McDonough School of Business – Georgetown University
Georgetown McDonough MBA’s benefit from access to the Steers Center for Global Real Estate, which provides students with the resources they need to acquire a nuanced understanding of global real estate. MBA’s with a bent toward real estate can take one class for each of the four quadrants in real estate teaching: public equity, public debt, private equity, and private debt. They can also take the four additional modules within the Real Estate Clinic, which exposes students to live real estate transactions in U.S. markets. The clinic gives students the opportunity to underwrite investments being considered by commercial real estate firms.
George Mason University School of Business
For prospective real estate MBA’s in search of a program built to accommodate school/life balance, the George Mason University School of Business offers an MBA with a real estate emphasis. After MBA’s complete their core classes, they must complete 15 elective credits, which they can individually tailor to their own preferences. George Mason is an ideal option for those with full time jobs or family obligations, in pursuit of a higher degree that will not force them to neglect MBA other full-time commitments. Students can choose to complete their MBA on campus or online, depending on their preference and what their schedule permits. The flexibility of this program does not negate the impact of the degree. In fact, 98 percent of the class of 2017 was employed by graduation.
The George Mason hybrid MBA, which can specialize in real estate, yields an astounding 98 percent employment rate by graduation.
Finding the Best Return on Investment for Your MBA in Washington DC (Part II)
Washington DC is littered with powerful people and exciting opportunities. You could find yourself sitting next to the Fed Chair at the symphony and then running into a Senator at the bar later that evening. So, what better place to start your business education and career than the true seat of power for the entire Western World?
Before investing in an MBA it’s essential to make sure that the school you choose will give you the tools you need to excel in your industry without breaking the bank.
In our first installment to the Washington DC ROI series, we talked about the metro’s schools that give you the greatest bang for your buck. In part two, we delve into even more schools that have topped our list of programs that offer the best return on investment (ROI) for your MBA in DC.
The Best Washington DC Return on Investment (Part II)
Kogod School of Business—American University
With alumni who’ve gone on to positions such as CEO of Goldman Sachs and Executive VP of Turner Classic Movies, it is no secret that Kogod School of Business prepares its students for a range of highly coveted leadership positions. The average starting salary for MBAs is $78,556, which exceeds the $75,166 cost of tuition. Moreover, an average 88 percent MBAs receive job offers within three months of graduation. The full-time MBA is a 49-credit program that lasts for 21 months. Most of the courses are completed during the first year. Kogod’s program includes weekly Business Leadership Luncheons, wherein students can engage in personal conversations with senior executives from companies like Marriott International, IBM, and PayPal.
George Mason University School of Business
At the George Mason University School of Business, students can hone their leadership and management skills while gaining perspective on the intricacies of the ever-changing world of international business. Business school students at Mason can choose to take their classes at either the Arlington or Fairfax campus, both of which are easily accessible from Washington DC. For aspiring MBAs based in Virginia, Maryland, or the capital, this school’s return on investment is undeniable. Residents of the aforementioned areas pay a full tuition of $45,600, and the average salary for graduates is $86,000. Though the tuition is significantly higher for students from outside of Virginia, Maryland, and DC, at $84,072, the significant average salary still makes stellar choice. The 48-credit program involves an optional week-long global residency, offered once students complete the core curriculum. In the past, global residency locations have included places like Singapore, Buenos Aires, and Prague.
Check Out Part 1: Return on Investment – Getting Your Money’s Worth in Washington DC
McDonough School of Business—Georgetown
There is no denying the prestigious reputation of Georgetown’s McDonough School of Business, which was recently named by Forbes as one of 35 best business schools in the U.S. Students in this program have the opportunity to experience real-world work problems through the Global Business Experience, during which they consult with an international company. At the Global Business Conference in DC, students then present their projects to an audience of their peers. A Georgetown degree carries enormous weight, and in recent years the average starting salary for MBA grads has leapt to a remarkable $108,000. The Georgetown name, combined with rigorous curriculum, a prime location in the nation’s capital, and the undeniable financial success of its alumni make McDonough’s overall return on investment undeniable.
Cranfield School Appoints Professor Lynette Ryals as Interim Director
Beginning August 1, Professor Lynette Ryals will take over as the Interim Director at the Cranfield School of Management. It is the first time in the school’s 50-year history that the position has been taken up by a woman. She is succeeding Professor Maury Peiperl, who is leaving the school to take over as Dean of the School of Business at George Mason University near Washington DC.
The Top Washington DC Accelerated MBA Programs
Putting your career and income on hold while you earn an advanced degree can be a difficult thing to do—and may often be a reason why someone might choose not to go back to school for their MBA. Thankfully, most schools acknowledge that a full-time degree is not just hard for students, but often a huge roadblock in the path to extending one’s education and career opportunities down the line. A quick look into any business school’s graduate offerings, and you’re likely to find a variety of different programs and ways to earn your degree, from part-time to online to weekends only.
George Mason Moves Up in Latest U.S. News Part-Time MBA Ranking
The full U.S News & World Report rankings officially debuted earlier this morning, with huge shifts for business schools all across the country. According to the newest part-time MBA rankings, George Mason University’s part-time MBA program is now ranked 53rd overall—a jump of 21 spots since last year’s rankings. Continue reading…
Mason Prof. Honored With Public Service Award from US Navy
Dr. John Hillen, Professor of Management and Executive-in-Residence at George Mason’s School of Business, was presented with the Meritorious Public Service Award from the US Navy. This is the third highest honor the US Navy can bestow upon a civilian. Continue reading…
