Cornell Certificate in Commercial Real Estate vs MIT Commercial Real Estate Analysis and Investment Certificate

As the title indicates, I'm wondering which of these online certifications is better.

For background, I have been working in consulting (not RE related) for 3 years. I'd like to make the transition to real estate development, but don't have the professional/educational experience to get a close look by firms. My undergraduate degree was in Econ/Business. I took a few RE courses in college, but other than that, no relevant experience in it. I've considered a MSRE or MSRED, but most of these also require professional RE experience to be accepted. So I'm in a position where I can't get a job in RE because I didn't major in it, and can't get a Master's because I haven't been working in the industry.

Because of these barriers to entry, I've settled on an online graduate certificate - which has little to none. It will show potential employers I am committed to the industry and willing to get my foot in the door any way I can. I also like that I will be able to continue working and not attend classes in person or relocate entirely.

So, I've narrowed it down to these two. Anyone taken either of these? Which is the most valuable? What are the focus areas of each? Is one way better than the other?

7 Comments
 
Most Helpful

I am enrolled in UCLA Extension and its highly regarded here on the West Coast. Obviously doesn't compare to USC MRED, but still a great point. I have a friend who went from Arch -> UCLA Extension, Real Estate Development -> VP of Development and Acquisitions. He is the one who recommended I do the Certificate. I am unfamiliar with Cornell and MIT, but I would imagine its pretty much the same story. Cornell is known for its Hospitality emphasis, regardless if the Certificate focuses on hospitality or not. I also heard UCLA Extension's Construction Management Certificate is one of the best (depending on what role you want).

“The three most harmful addictions are heroin, carbohydrates, and a monthly salary.” - Nassim Taleb
 

The classes vary a lot. Some are pretty basic and easy. Two classes in particular are really intense. It costs about $7k all in. If you register 30 days before the start of the class you can get a discount code for 10% off.

“The three most harmful addictions are heroin, carbohydrates, and a monthly salary.” - Nassim Taleb
 

The classes aren't very hard with these programs, to me this is something you get to slap on the resume. I graduated from a non-target and plan on completing one of these just to fill in any gaps/questions about my educational background. At a cost of ~2-3k, not too bad IMO

If you want to learn to model there's better ways. If your employer will pay I would do these certs though, why not.

 

Doloribus qui maiores assumenda velit quis est. Earum repellendus eligendi occaecati ut veritatis dolorum. Rem ut ullam commodi nemo quas. Eos nulla quisquam ut consequatur iure. Dolor atque error facere sit.

Aut voluptatem sapiente quae sapiente alias. Doloribus corrupti iste vero odio labore corporis. Harum libero qui maiores doloremque doloremque. Laborum ut corporis ut temporibus.

Career Advancement Opportunities

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.4%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.8%
  • JPMorgan 01 98.2%
  • Guggenheim Partners 01 97.7%
  • Morgan Stanley 07 97.1%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.4%
  • Morgan Stanley 01 98.8%
  • Evercore 01 98.2%
  • BMO Capital Markets 12 97.6%
  • Banco Santander 01 97.1%

Professional Growth Opportunities

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.4%
  • Evercore No 98.8%
  • Morgan Stanley 05 98.2%
  • JPMorgan No 97.7%
  • BMO Capital Markets 12 97.1%

Total Avg Compensation

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Vice President (14) $434
  • Associates (43) $259
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (8) $210
  • 2nd Year Analyst (22) $179
  • Intern/Summer Associate (13) $156
  • 1st Year Analyst (75) $151
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (67) $101
notes
16 IB Interviews Notes

“... there’s no excuse to not take advantage of the resources out there available to you. Best value for your $ are the...”

Leaderboard

1
redever's picture
redever
99.2
2
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
3
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
4
kanon's picture
kanon
99.0
5
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
6
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
7
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.9
8
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
9
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
98.9
10
Linda Abraham's picture
Linda Abraham
98.8
success
From 10 rejections to 1 dream investment banking internship

“... I believe it was the single biggest reason why I ended up with an offer...”