Syracuse’s Whitman School Sold on New Master’s Degree in Real Estate

Real estate is more than just closing deals. This fast-moving industry requires expertise in finance, management, development, investment and more.  The Whitman School is meeting this demand with the launch of a new Master of Science in Real Estate, with the first student cohort beginning in Fall 2026.

The one-year, on-campus program takes a finance and sustainability-focused approach to Real Estate. Building on the strength Whitman’s undergraduate Real Estate program, the new Master’s degree offers dedicated real estate education related to development, finance, and sustainability, accomplished faculty experts, hands on learning and a nationwide network of Syracuse alumni working across the industry. The program is STEM-designated, which allows international students to apply for a 24-month optional practical training (OPT) extension.

“We are excited for the future of real estate, and this new specialized master’s degree is the next step for our already excellent program,” says Whitman Interim Dean Alex McKelvie. “The face of real estate has changed dramatically in recent years, moving towards a model where a background in finance, business analytics, entrepreneurship, and environmental sustainability are vital components. This new program, combined with Syracuse’s proximity to major hubs like New York City, positions Whitman to create added value and drive job-ready professionals into the real estate industry.”

The 30-credit program can be completed in one calendar year with flexibility for students who prefer a longer timeline. According to Milena Petrova, professor of real estate and finance and director of the real estate program, students will take specialized real estate courses, alongside electives in areas such as sustainability, infrastructure and real estate law, which reflect the evolving needs of the industry.

Students will also engage in a Capstone project, Green Real Estate Competition: Doing Well by Doing Good, a group project that will leverage real estate data, modeling and analytical capabilities as students take part in a simulated competition on “green” real estate stock selection as part of their experiential learning.

“Graduates of the program will be well prepared to pursue careers across the real estate industry, including development, investment analysis, capital markets, corporate real estate, private equity, and asset and portfolio management,” says Petrova.

A central component of the program is experiential learning. Students will gain hands-on experience with industry software such as ARGUS Enterprise, participate in national student competitions and connect with professionals through the Whitman Real Estate Club and the James D. Kuhn Real Estate Center.

Students will also have the opportunity to interact with a highly accomplished alumni base working throughout every aspect of real estate. An annual NYC Immersion Program will give students inside access to real estate firms and the chance to network with leading professionals—many of them Syracuse and Whitman alumni.

“There is a real excitement around the rollout of this master’s program,” Petrova adds. “We have a strong history of excellence in real estate at the undergraduate level, but, as the field evolves, we are eager to add a designated master’s degree. Students from diverse backgrounds in fields like architecture, marketing, accounting, finance, law, entrepreneurship and more will find opportunities here to build on their experience and pivot into new careers.”

Applications are now open for the first cohort of Whitman’s M.S. in real estate, beginning Fall 2026. For more information, visit our website.