MBA in Real Estate

Since 1985, the Wharton School has offered a real estate major for MBA students, training future leaders for the challenges and opportunities of the real estate industry. Over the course of its 35-year history, the real estate MBA major has provided students with the quantitative and qualitative tools necessary to shape the future of the industry, with courses such as Investments, Development and Real Estate Law.

While Wharton MBA real estate students learn business fundamentals and gain the breadth of depth of knowledge in real estate in the classroom, they also put their knowledge to work outside of the classroom in industry-focused clubs and conferences. The Wharton Real Estate Club hosts speaker series and professional training sessions in Argus and in financial modeling. Wharton real estate MBA students benefit from the opportunity to learn from accomplished researchers and industry professionals through the Samuel Zell and Robert Lurie Center for Real Estate. Established in 1983, the Zell/Lurie Center sponsors conferences, seminars and programs which bring leaders of industry to real estate MBA students, faculty, and business professionals.

Requirements for MBA in Real Estate

The Wharton MBA curriculum is broken into these 3 categories: 9.5 Credit Units (or CUs) to fulfill the core curriculum; 5 CUs to fulfill the major’s requirements, and 4.5 CUs of electives. These requirements are the same across any of the 19 majors offered in the Wharton MBA program.

For those Wharton MBA students majoring in real estate, there are two required courses that, along with electives, help to fulfill the real estate major requirements. These courses are focused on real estate development and finance, titled Real Estate Investment: Analysis and Financing, and Real Estate Development.

Real Estate MBA Courses & Curriculum

After completing the two required courses listed above, Wharton MBA students can select three electives from the following courses to explore issues related to the real estate industry. These elective course options include:

  • Global Real Estate: Risk, Politics and Culture
  • Housing Markets
  • Urban Real Estate Economics
  • Urban Fiscal Policy
  • Real Estate Law
  • International Housing Comparisons
  • Advanced Real Estate Investment and Analysis
  • Real Estate Disruptions
  • International Real Estate Comparisons
  • Real Estate Entrepreneurship
  • REAL 899 Independent Study

What Can You Do with an MBA in Real Estate?

Students focusing their MBA in real estate gain not only fundamental leadership, collaboration, and business skills, they are also equipped with the knowledge and industry skills to compete for positions within the real estate industry. Career opportunities for MBAs in real estate include roles in acquisition, real estate appraisal and development, and financial analysts. For those interested in community and economic development, an MBA in real estate will help them to explore and solve complex issues in communities.

The Wharton MBA Office of Career Management provides a number of resources to support real estate MBA students in their internship and job search process. To view the most recent employment data for Wharton MBA graduates, including percentages of accepted job and internship offers and average annual salary, visit the MBA Career Management Career Statistics website.

Real Estate MBA FAQ

What can I do with an MBA in Real Estate from Wharton?

The real estate MBA major at Wharton prepares students to be leaders in the real estate industry, earning opportunities for roles including real estate acquisition, real estate appraisal and development, financial analysts and many more. For those interested in community and economic development, an MBA in real estate will help them to explore and solve complex issues in communities.

What is a Real Estate MBA?

For students interested in a robust understanding fo the real estate industry, Wharton offers the opportunity for MBA students to concentrate in a real estate major. The real estate major has been offered at Wharton for MBA students and undergraduates since 1985 and provides the quantitative and qualitative tools for future leaders of the industry.

Will Wharton assist me in identifying and securing internships or employment?

Wharton’s Career Management team is dedicated to connecting our students with a wide range of employers and industries, including real estate. Advisors work closely with industry clubs to create and deliver career education content, bring industry leaders to campus for speaking engagements, and plan conferences. These opportunities help students to connect with potential employers and internships.

How long does it take to complete the degree program?

The Wharton MBA program is a full-time, two-year program at the University of Pennsylvania.

What is the cost of the program?

For more information on the cost of the Wharton MBA program, check out our Tuition, Costs and Financial Aid page.

Wharton is committed to helping you explore financing options so that you make informed decisions. To learn more about what you gain when you invest in your future with a Wharton MBA, please visit our Value of a Wharton MBA page.

Can I attend the program part-time?

The Wharton School offers a full-time, two-year MBA program. Unfortunately, we do not offer a part-time format for the MBA degree.

Is it possible to work full- or part-time during the program?

The full-time MBA program not only provides students with the opportunity to take courses from top professors and focus on the learning experience, but the time to think, reflect, and learn from classmates. It is a transformational time for students, as well as a demanding program. We recommend that students do not work during this time and instead focus on getting the most out of the program.

How many students are enrolled in the program?

Each Wharton MBA class is made up of 864 of the world’s most promising innovators, big thinkers, and leaders.

Who should I contact if I want more information?

If you have any questions while you research MBA programs, or as you begin preparing your application, we encourage you to stay connected with us. Please reach out to our office at mba-admiss@wharton.upenn.edu or give us a call at +1.215.898.6183.