Why UCLA MRED?

UCLA’s practical and hands-on MRED program can be completed in 9.5 to 11.5 months and equips graduates with both technical and soft skills to be well-rounded real estate leaders who contribute on day one. Leveraging the full resources of the nation’s #1 public university, armed with the broader context of urban development, and learning in one of the world’s most dynamic and complex real estate markets, UCLA MREDs will be critical thinkers with the drive and work ethic to create real estate that is both valued and valuable. Created hand-in-hand with the real estate industry, MRED is where industry will go first to find the best and brightest talent to help achieve their mission. UCLA will be the best place to learn real estate.

With the industry, for the industry
MRED is an unprecedented collaboration between UCLA and the real estate industry. While some courses will be taught by leading UCLA urban development faculty, most (70%+) will be taught by top real estate industry professionals using real-world cases and experience. Each student will be paired with an industry mentor who acts as a coach throughout the program. Whether hosting interns, participating in networking events, serving on panels, or giving guest talks, the deep real estate industry involvement is central to MRED’s success.

Innovative, practical curriculum
The curriculum teaches students the fundamental skills to advance their career in real estate, including real estate finance & capital markets; data & market analysis; land use & entitlements; the politics, institutions & economics of urban development; design; construction; and the nuts & bolts of professional practice. MRED students also have the opportunity to earn a specialization certificate in affordable housing, sustainable development, asset management, or real estate investment. And unlike most MRED programs, UCLA MRED students have the option of completing an MBA-like summer internship placement to gain on-the-job training.

Where the industry is going, not where it’s been
MRED courses are dynamic, case-driven, and use real-world sites with real-time industry feedback. We teach students both the fundamentals and the leading edge of real estate so they are prepared for where the industry is going. From the use of big data and AI, new construction technologies, to sustainability and innovative financing, MREDs will add value from their first day to organizations in development, finance, investment, asset management, advisory services, entrepreneurship, and more.

A “whole person” approach
Wrapping around the curriculum is weekly training that strengthens students’ soft skills and intangibles, which are critical to being effective real estate professionals. From workshops in communications, teamwork, leadership, and negotiations to strengthening students’ ability to multitask, be detail-oriented, a self-starter, and resilient when facing obstacles or incomplete information – ensuring that UCLA MREDs are industry’s first choice when recruiting new talent.

A Pan-UCLA program in a dynamic real estate market
Housed at the nation’s top public university with a recognized global brand and extensive network in real estate, students take courses across the UCLA campus, including the Anderson School of Management, Ziman Center for Real Estate, UCLA Law, Luskin School of Public Affairs, and more. LA is undergoing an ambitious urban transformation as it prepares to host the 2028 Summer Olympics. And with the recent fires, the region is rebuilding around sustainability and resilience, addressing challenges related to climate change and social equity.

Resources UCLA MREDs can draw upon across Luskin and campus include:

Study in the Heart of Los Angeles

Los Angeles is an exceptional place to learn and practice real estate. As a dynamic and resilient region with a robust, diversified economy, Los Angeles is a truly global city that provides an exciting and dynamic living laboratory to study real estate. Beyond its ideal weather, world-class beaches, diverse neighborhoods and leading food culture, Los Angeles is remaking itself into a more walkable, urban city, with unparalleled transit investments as it prepares to host the 2028 Olympic games.

Our Industry Partners

The MRED serves as a bridge from scholars to industry leaders, forging invaluable relationships with practitioners and policymakers. Industry experts will play a prominent role in delivering the curriculum, teaching 70% of its classes and strengthening the program’s practice orientation and linkages to the real estate industry. The industry partners will also be deeply involved in enhancing students’ opportunities for learning beyond the classroom.

Marty Borko
Urban Land Institute

Cecilia Estolano
Estolano Advisors

Carolyn Hull
City of LA Economic and Workforce Development

Wendy Greuel
LA City Controller (former)

Gadi Kaufmann
RCLCO Real Estate Consulting

Deborah La Franchi
SDS Capital

Dennis Lopez
QuadReal Property Group

George Mihlsten
Latham & Watkins LLP

Murray McQueen
Northmarq Fund Management

Austin Richter
Zephyr

Jonathan Shum
Related California

Arturo Sneider
Primestor Development

Michael Van Konynenberg
Eastdil Secured

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Testimonials

man looking skyward

Vinit Mukhija

MRED Founding Director

“Done well, with sensitivity to environmental challenges and the needs of diverse urban populations, real estate development can contribute to sustainability, equity and quality of life. Real estate can and should be a force for positive change, and the UCLA Master of Real Estate Development prepares its students to lead this change.”

Anastasia Loukaitou-Sideris

Interim Dean, UCLA Luskin

“This is a transformative opportunity to train and diversify a new generation of real estate professionals who can best respond to the needs for more and more affordable housing, climate-adaptive and green-building technologies, and age-friendly developments. We envision this as building a better future for our cities.”