Spark change and growth in your career

The first of its kind in the Midwest, this program helps working professionals like you spark change and growth in your career!

Designed for working professionals, our program helps you pursue a career in real estate. It’s perfect for city planners, architects, financial analysts, contractors, engineers, real estate agents, and building professionals.

Degree requirements
Sample program
Course offerings
FAQ

MRED Kickoff

MRED program features

Our interdisciplinary program is a collaboration with Iowa State University’s nationally ranked College of Design and features:

  • Mentoring and networking opportunities with our MRED Executive Advisory Council.
  • Online courses and on-campus residencies.
  • Capstone project driven by your interests.
  • Continuing education credits accepted by the Iowa Real Estate Commission.
Solei Thomas

The opportunities are endless! Aside from the excellent academic experience, Iowa State has allowed me to build upon my professional skills, as well as create lifelong relationships with professors and mentors.

Soléi Thomas (’23 master of real estate development), former cyclone volleyball player.

MRED program details

Admission and fees

Apply to the MRED program

Ivy MRED students can begin the program in the fall, spring, or summer term. Students are admitted year-round. Due to regulations set by the Department of Homeland Security, international students are not eligible for the MRED degree program.

Online application

Application requirements

  • Resume.
  • Official college transcripts.
  • Two letters of recommendation.
  • Statement of purpose.
  • TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo English Score for non-native English-speaking applicants.

**This program is not approved in SEVIS to issue Forms I-20 or DS-2019 for F-1 or J-1 status. However, an international student who has an F-1/J-1 status for another full-time, residential program can add this online program as a second major.

Application deadlines
Application materials submitted by:
Fall semester: June 15
Spring semester: November 15
Summer semester: March 15

GMAT/GRE
Not required

Format
Online with two in-person components; each component consists of a three-day intensive class in May and August in Ames and Des Moines

Length
30 credits, 21 months

Location
Online and in Ames, IA

Program tuition and fees*

$782/credit hour plus fees

*Tuition and fee rates are subject to change
Cost of attendance

Curriculum

The Ivy master of real estate development (MRED) program provides a strong foundation in market analysis, finance, investment, leadership and negotiation, and urban planning—everything you need to know to be successful in the real estate industry.

As a student, you will be taught by internationally known faculty from both the Ivy College of Business and the nationally ranked Iowa State University College of Design. Our 30-credit program is cohort based — meaning you’ll move through the program with the same set of classmates from start to finish — and is online with in-person components. Online courses are generally delivered asynchronously so you can tune in when you have time. As an added bonus, many of the MRED courses count as continuing education requirements for the Iowa Real Estate Commission.

The program begins each school year with an on-campus residency — a deep dive into a single subject that covers an entire three-credit course in a week. On-campus residencies are also an opportunity to meet with your classmates face-to-face and build your network.

The program culminates in a group capstone project where students apply their knowledge and skills. This in-person experience allows students to test an idea, create a pitch, present to a panel of experts, and receive feedback in real time. It’s a low-risk opportunity to innovate, bounce ideas off others, and solicit help from industry experts.

For more information, contact an advisor at busgrad@iastate.edu.

 

Graduate certificates

The Ivy College of Business currently has six graduate certificate programsEach certificate requires 12-15 credits — some of which may apply to your MRED degree. See your advisor for more information, or email busgrad@iastate.edu.

Double degree options

The MBA-MRED double degree program combines the comprehensive management education of the top-ranked Ivy MBA with an in-depth study of real estate development through the MRED degree.

The MFIN/MRED double degree is a 54-credit-hour program that takes approximately two academic years to complete. This program provides an in-depth study of finance through our the master of finance (MFIN) program combined with our master of real estate development program. Fall, spring, and summer semester entries will be considered for this double degree.

For more information, contact an advisor at busgrad@iastate.edu.

Mentoring

They say, “It’s not what you know, but who.”

As a student in the Ivy MRED program, you will be connected to some of the best in the real estate industry through our mentoring program. As part of your first on-campus residency, MRED students will rub elbows with the members of the MRED Executive Advisory Council — a group of talented professionals from some of the Midwest’s most respected companies. Students will then be assigned a mentor who will coach them as they go through the program.

This opportunity will accelerate your career as you take advantage of the benefits of having a mentor, including:

  • Guidance on professional development and advancement.
  • Increased visibility and recognition.
  • The opportunity to learn from the experiences of others.
  • Exposure to new ideas and ways of thinking.
  • The opportunity to develop new skills and knowledge.

Here’s what one of our students has to say about his mentoring experience

Phil Cowan
Phil Cowan
Investment Analyst, LCS Real Estate
Ankeny, Iowa

Master of real estate development student and real estate investment analyst, Phil Cowan, had never had a mentor before. When he heard about the MRED mentoring program, he started making plans.

“The list of potential mentors was really impressive,” said Cowan. “The list includes the industry leaders in Des Moines. All the big companies are represented.”

With all the options, Cowan hoped architect James Spiller would be a good fit. Spiller’s interaction in the design world was the perfect supplement to Cowan’s finance experience.

“James fit the bill,” Cowan said. “He was my top choice, so I was really happy that I got paired up with him.”

Since this was his first mentoring experience, Cowan didn’t really know what to expect.

“I remember sitting down and within three minutes he asked me what I wanted to do long term,” Cowan said. “I shared my dream about starting my own company someday, and he didn’t even blink. Instead, he started talking about what it will take to get there. It was really cool not to get a skeptical response. James told me, ‘I’ll do whatever I can do to help you reach your goals and answer your questions along the way.’ It’s been a really cool process.”

But Cowan knows a mentoring program is bigger than one relationship — it’s a network.

“It’s on me to determine what I want out of this. James is willing to help with anything. He’s been really quick to point out that there are a lot people who are potential mentors in this program. Just because the other Executive Advisory Council members aren’t assigned to me, doesn’t mean I can’t reach out to them. This program is a great way to make connections and ask questions.”

MRED Executive Advisory Council

The MRED Executive Advisory Council members provide a valuable resource for our Ivy MRED students.

Customized career advice

Whether you’re angling for a promotion or you want to polish your resume, the Graduate Career Services team offers each student personalized, custom advice and services for your climb up the corporate ladder.   

Connect with us

Graduate Student Services

Ivy College of Business
1420 Gerdin Business Building
2167 Union Drive
Ames, Iowa 50011
busgrad@iastate.edu
515-294-8118