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Master of Science in Real Estate

»Master of Science in Real Estate

The Master of Science in Real Estate (MSRE) at Chapman University—housed within the Hayden School of Real Estate in the Argyros College of Business and Economics—is a launchpad for real estate innovation and leadership in Southern California and beyond.

More than just a credential, this advanced degree is a transformative experience that empowers you with cutting-edge knowledge, hands-on skills, and insider expertise. Whether you’re aiming to lead in real estate investment or drive groundbreaking developments, our immersive program equips you with the mastery needed to thrive in this fast-paced, competitive field. Join a community of forward-thinkers, and elevate your career with the Chapman MSRE!

Program Highlights

The MSRE is offered as a full-time or part-time program requiring 30 credits of graduate coursework. This program is ideal for students with undergraduate degrees in business, with a focus on finance, real estate, or economics.

  • Centralized location in the heart of Orange County
  • Highly personalized classes taught by renowned faculty
  • Access to career services and distinguished research centers
  • Merit scholarships and graduate assistantship opportunities
  • Full and part-time pace options

Students may take advantage of leadership roles in organizations such as the Graduate Business Association (GBA) and Women in Business, and attend national conferences. They can also participate in case competitions and engage with top executives both inside and outside the classroom.

By the Numbers

10
Months
Complete your degree in as little as 10 Months (Full-Time) or 22 Months (Part-Time)
100
Employed
100% of seeking employment were employed within 180 days after graduation
1
in OC
We are the ONLY specialized real estate master's program in Orange County
Start Your Application

Real Estate Opportunities

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NAIOP – OC Real Estate Challenge

Within the MSRE program, students have the opportunity to compete in the NAIOP Orange Cup. A team of students will represent Chapman on a national level to compete and propose a highest-and-best-use development project in Orange County. Sponsored and hosted by the NAIOP SoCal chapter.

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Experiential Learning Opportunities

Centrally located in Orange County, Chapman’s MSRE program is integrated with players in the Real Estate Industry. The program features relevant and local case studies, guest speakers, and site visits to development projects. 

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Executive Advisory Council & Alumni

Students in the MSRE program have direct access to the Executive Advisory Council (EAC). The EAC is a dedicated Real Estate advisory board featuring some of the most prominent figures in the Real Estate Industry. 

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Tuition, Scholarships and Financial Aid

Financing Your Degree

Earning your MS in Real Estate is a strategic investment in your future—and we’re here to help you navigate it. From tuition details to financial aid and scholarship opportunities, we offer resources to make your graduate education more accessible and affordable.

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Ready to Become a Panther?

Take The Next Step

Ready to launch or expand your career in real estate? The MS in Real Estate at Chapman University is your gateway to industry connections, expert-led learning, and real-world impact. If you’re ready to become a Panther, we’re here to help you move forward with confidence!

Application Preparation


Ready to take the next step toward your MS in Real Estate? Explore the information below to learn more about prerequisites, required materials, and helpful tips for submitting a strong application.


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Prerequisites

The Master of Science in Real Estate (MSRE) program at Chapman University does not require any official prerequisites. However, students are expected to come prepared with a relevant academic background, industry experience, and technical proficiency. Applicants should describe how they meet these expectations in their statement of intent submitted with the application. 

Professional Experience

While professional experience is not a formal requirement for admission, applicants with prior full-time experience in commercial real estate or a related field are strongly encouraged to apply. Industry exposure helps students engage more deeply with coursework and connect theory to real-world application. 

Relevant experience may include work in: 

  • Real Estate Development 
  • Acquisitions or Asset Management 
  • Construction Management 
  • Architecture or Urban Planning 
  • Commercial Real Estate Finance 
  • Brokerage (commercial) 
  • Real Estate Law 

Academic Foundation 

Incoming students should demonstrate academic exposure to core business subjects including finance, accounting, and economics. Many applicants will have completed this coursework during their undergraduate or prior graduate studies. 

Those without formal training in these subjects are encouraged to complete relevant coursework through accredited extension programs, community colleges, or reputable online platforms before starting the program. Please outline any relevant academic or supplemental preparation in your personal statement. 

Excel Proficiency

A strong working knowledge of Microsoft Excel is essential for success in the program. Students should be able to:
 

  • Build and format basic financial models and cash flow statements 
  • Use key financial functions such as PV, NPV, IRR, and PMT 
  • Create conditional formulas (e.g., IF statements) 
  • Format and manipulate data using rows, columns, and number formats 

This technical ability is critical for coursework in real estate finance, valuation, and development analysis. 

Application Requirements

  • Submit the online application
  • Resume
  • Statement of Intent
  • Official academic transcript from undergraduate degree granting institution
    • Send electronically to admtranscript@chapman.edu
    • Send via mail to:
      Chapman University
      Office of Graduate Admissions
      One University Drive
      Orange, CA 92866
  • Official GMAT score (institution code 4047)
    • A GMAT test score is preferred, not required 
  • Letter of recommendation
  • Interview
  • International Applicants must also submit the following:
    • Official TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo English Test (DET), PTE or Cambridge English Advanced Exam test score
    • More information on international admission requirements are available on our FAQ page

Sample Program Plan (Full-Time Pace)

Below is an example program plan for the MS in Real Estate program. All courses are 3 units, and students are required to complete 30 units of graduate coursework over a 10-month period. 

 Fall 

  • Real Estate Fundamentals 
  • Real Estate Finance, Underwriting, and Risk Analysis 
  • Real Estate Law and Taxation 
  • Real Estate Analytics and Technology 

 Interterm 

  • Elective #1 (Real Estate or Business) 

 Spring 

  • Real Estate Investment Management 
  • Real Estate Development 
  • Real Estate Economics 
  • Elective #2 (Real Estate or Business) 

Summer 

  • Real Estate Entrepreneurship and Investment Strategies (Capstone) 

Electives 

  • Professor and Executive in Residence 
  • Navigating Challenging Real Estate Times 
  • Any MBA-level course with the prior approval of the Professor 

Sample Program Plan (Part-Time Pace)

Below is an example program plan for the MS in Real Estate program. All courses are 3 units and students are required to complete 30 units of graduate coursework over a 22-month, part-time period. 

Fall (Year 1)

  • Real Estate Fundamentals 
  • Real Estate Finance, Underwriting, and Risk Analysis 

 Spring (Year 1)

  • Real Estate Development Management 
  • Real Estate Economics 

Fall (Year 2)

  • Real Estate Law and Taxation 
  • Real Estate Analytics and Technology 

Interterm (Year 2)

  • Elective #1 (Real Estate or MBA) 

Spring (Year 2)

  • Real Estate Investment Management 
  • Elective #2 (Real Estate or MBA) 

Summer (Year 2)

  • Real Estate Entrepreneurship and Investment Strategies (Capstone) 

Electives

  • Special Topics in Real Estate 
  • Navigating Challenging Real Estate Times 
  • Any MBA-level course with prior approval of Professor 

Tuition and Financial Aid

Scholarship opportunities are offered to qualified applicants in varying amounts; contact us to find out more. For additional financial aid consideration and information, please visit Financing Options.

 

Already a Panther?

Already a part of the Argyros community? Access essential services, manage your tuition, and connect with our Career Advancement team to make the most of your graduate experience! 

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Contact Us


Phone: 714-997-6684

Hours: 
Monday - Friday
8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.


Beckman Hall 301

MS in Real Estate

Application Deadlines


Fall 2025 start
Priority Deadline: February 1, 2025
Regular Deadline: June 15, 2025

Fall 2026 start
Early Action Deadline: October 1, 2025
Priority Deadline: February 1, 2026
Regular Deadline: June 15, 2026

Applications submitted after the deadline will be reviewed on a space-available basis.