MRED (development-focused grad program) or MRE (broader real estate degree) for someone with design background
Coming from a design background and looking to become a developer, should I pursue a focused MRED program (development/design focused), or should I pursue a more general master of real estate? With my design background I could see a benefit to spending more time on financial courses, but at the same time, perhaps the development-oriented programs are more geared towards people with design backgrounds... I could see it both ways.
Background: undergraduate degree in landscape architecture at a top program (Cal Pol), 5 years experience as designer and project manager for reputable firms in the SF Bay Area.
Goal: become an independent developer (in the US, maybe in Texas, but not quite sure)
Programs I've applied to: USC MRED, Columbia MSRED, Harvard MDesREBE, TAMU MLPD
Programs I'm wondering if I should've applied to: MIT MRED, TAMU MSRE, others
I would focus less on msre vs. mred and more on getting into the program with the best network in your desired area. USC MRED is pretty much the best non-mba option on the west coast.
As someone who jumped coasts for an MSRE, I can personally attest that the contacts you gain are extremely geographically tied. If your goal is more along the lines of simply gaining education or a credential (me) you can go wherever you want but you'll still miss a bit of the ROI of building a network in the area you want to be in long term. If you really want to be a developer on the west coast, your money would be far better spent on a top program in that part of the country. If you want to work in Texas, I'd pick the best program you can find there. MSRE/MRED value is largely contacts in the market you study.
Thanks JVRE, I appreciate the info!
It definitely seems like a regional network is the real value of a MSRE/MRED, at least in the years following school. However I'm thinking as time goes on, it's probably slightly easier to move around (especially if you're running your own business instead of looking for employment). Like, if I worked in Texas for 7 years and then wanted to set up a shop in Northern California, would that be fairly doable? Thoughts?
To elaborate a little on my thoughts on location: I've lived in CA my whole life, and to be honest I'm a bit tired of it. I don't know where I will end up long term, but I've been wanting to give Texas a shot. Texas is appealing because I have a brother there, it's growing rapidly, and a few other reasons. Therefore, it seems a MRE or MLPD from TAMU would be appropriate choices.
For programs, I get that USC MRED is basically THE choice if I want to work on the west coast.
I'm curious though if anyone knows about the comparative reputations between Texas A&M's MSRE program and their MLPD program, since I'm leaning towards Texas. I've applied to the MLPD and not the MRE (didn't know about the MRE until recently) but I can still apply for fall entry into their MRE. Found one thread mentioning this topic but it didn't really have any helpful information.
I would strongly caution you against this plan. Everything is "possible" of course, but as time goes on, it becomes much more difficult to bounce from city to city - not easier. So much of your value as a developer comes from market knowledge and market contacts. You would spend 7 years acquiring both until you are highly competent and connected...only to start over with less knowledge and a smaller network than an analyst.
If you want to give Texas a shot, by all means try it out. Grad school is a good time to do such a thing, and with your local connections back in California you can always come home upon graduation if you miss home or stay if you love it.
Without a doubt in California at least
Tamu?? I’ve never even heard of it.
Oh Texas a&m? Yeah, that’s a great school (eye roll) ;)
Former Agg here from in CRE. Tamu places awesome in Houston & Dallas for RE. As for out of the state ie east coast where I am now & from is an uphill battle against the better connected east coast we’ll known schools.
Thanks @TexAdelphia15. Not very interested in the east coast long term, but good to know. What degree program did you graduate from? Just got accepted to MLPD but wondering if I should also apply to the MRE in Mayes Business School. Do you have any thoughts on one vs the other? Thanks.
MLDP is a hybrid through the college of architecture & mays : MRE is strictly Mays focused. if you want in more on the dev side do the MLDP. but the program is only a few years old not as establish as the MRE with mays brand and firm Aggie re club connections
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