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M.S. Real Estate Development Admission Requirements

Admission to the M.S. in Real Estate Development program is competitive and the number of students enrolled is limited to ensure that each student receives personal attention. Admission is selective and based on work experience and academic record.

Work experience in real estate is preferred, but not essential. Experience in finance, sales and marketing, construction, planning, design, development, or law is a plus. Work experience means full time employment experiences. A minimum of two years prior work experience is highly desirable and will receive favorable consideration in application review to the M.S.R.E.D. program.

Applicants are encouraged to interview with the program director and visit the campus, if possible. Candidates will be notified by the Admissions Office when all application requirements other than the interview have been met. If selected for an interview, candidates will be given three specific dates from which to select an interview.

What does the M.S.R.E.D. admissions process seek in an applicant?

The program considers motivation, work experience, professional activities and academic background.

The application process is competitive and based on a thorough review of undergraduate preparation and performance, intellectual vitality, professional promise, work experience, and personal characteristics. Candidates from diverse backgrounds are sought whose past achievements demonstrate creative approaches to addressing professional challenges. Because real estate development is a collaborative and dynamic process, candidates are expected to be innovative and entrepreneurial thinkers.

Students with varying backgrounds and undergraduate or graduate studies in finance, real estate, architecture, engineering, management, marketing, law, hospitality and business have successfully completed the program. Most students have business or professional experience and have familiarity with the real estate industry.

Application Requirements

  • A conferred bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited U.S. institution or an equivalent degree for international applicants is required.
  • An overall undergraduate GPA of 3.10 or greater on a 4.00 scale as reflected on official, final transcripts from all undergraduate institutions attended will automatically be admitted. Applicants will automatically be admitted if their undergraduate GPA in the final 60 hours of their enrollment is a 3.10 or greater on a 4.00 scale.
  • For applicants who have earned less than a 3.10 cumulative undergraduate GPA or in the last 60 hours of their undergraduate program, a minimum GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test) score of 540 or an equivalent GRE (Graduate Record Examination) score may be required.
  • Applicants that have earned a graduate degree from a regionally accredited institution with an overall GPA of a 3.10 or greater will be considered for admission.
  • Work experience will receive favorable consideration and may waive GMAT/GRE requirement for a GPA less than 3.10.
  • Two letters of recommendation from undergraduate faculty familiar with academic work or from employers knowledgeable with professional work experience are optional, but will strengthen your application.
  • An essay of at least 500 words related to career goals and how the M.S.R.E.D. Program is envisioned to further those goals is optional, but will strengthen your application.
  • Phone or in person interview with Director (or Associate Director) of Master of Science in Real Estate Development Program is optional, but will strengthen your application

Applicants will be notified via email about the status of their application by the M.S.R.E.D. program in the weeks following the application deadline.

Required Documentation

  1. Completed Master's Application for Admission and non-refundable $50 application fee.
  2. Official transcripts from all colleges and universities previously attended. The applicant's bachelor degree transcript must show degree conferral date in order to be evaluated for admission consideration. If graduate degree has been earned, the transcript must show degree conferral date in order to be evaluated for admission consideration. Electronic transcripts can be sent to electronictranscript@nova.edu or by mail at:
    Nova Southeastern University
    Enrollment Processing Services (EPS)
    Attn: H. Wayne Huizenga College of Business and Entrepreneurship
    3300 S. University Drive
    PO Box 299000
    Fort Lauderdale-Davie, Florida 33328-2004
  3. Other admission documentation may be required, please continue to read below.

International Applicants

To be considered for acceptance into the M.S.R.E.D. program, international applicants must fulfill additional admission criteria.

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