Are you ready to make a meaningful impact on the world? Do you aspire to lead in an industry that’s shaping the future of our cities, our environment, and the way we live? The Master of Science in Global Real Assets (MS-GRA) program is a transformative degree that equips you with the skills, knowledge, and network to excel in the dynamic field of real assets.

Offered as a unique collaboration between the McDonough School of Business and the Steers Center for Global Real Estate, our MS-GRA program offers a unique opportunity to gain expertise at the intersection of real estate, infrastructure, and sustainability. With a comprehensive curriculum, experienced faculty, and a strong network of industry professionals, our program provides students with unparalleled opportunities for growth and success. Whether you are interested in global real estate, sustainability, or finance, our program has something for everyone.

Gain Expertise at the Intersection of Real Estate, Infrastructure, and Sustainability Issues

Drawing from our top-ranked business education at Georgetown McDonough, we offer a comprehensive curriculum that covers real estate, infrastructure, and sustainability issues to provide the knowledge and skills necessary to excel in the global real assets industry. 

Through the MS-GRA program, you will develop an in-depth understanding of the interconnectedness between real estate, infrastructure, and carbon emissions, and how these factors impact global markets. This holistic approach allows you to analyze and navigate the complex landscape of real assets investments.

One of the key advantages of our program is the hands-on experience you gain in analyzing and evaluating real assets investment opportunities through our clinic courses. We believe that practical application is essential for mastering the nuances of the industry and building skillsets that employers value. Our faculty and industry practitioners will guide you through the evaluation of live deals using tools like Argus Enterprise and Excel and actual projects to ensure you are equipped with the skills necessary to make informed investment decisions.

The MS-GRA program is a purpose-built academic program that addresses the new realities of our industry as shaped by COVID-19 and the rapid increase of interest rates,” said Matthew L. Cypher, academic director of the MS-GRA program and Steers Center for Global Real Estate. “Our curriculum looks at real estate and infrastructure as the combined marketplace that investors see today and educates our students on the issues that matter. Our student centricity is unmatched as we endeavor to live our Jesuit value of men and women for others each day.

Innovative Real Estate Curriculum, Intentional Experiences

The MS-GRA curriculum is offered over 10 months and includes 20 total courses providing 30 required academic credit hours for graduation. The curriculum is composed of three primary areas: general business, real estate, and infrastructure and sustainability. A competitive advantage of the MS-GRA program is its location within a top-tier business school, which provides students with more of a generalized business set of courses to start the program including topical areas such as accounting, finance, and economics.  Naturally, the real estate and infrastructure curriculum are the core of the academic program with real estate courses such as Private Equity Real Estate, Real Estate Public Equity, and Real Estate Private Debt, in addition to the highly successful and technically focused real estate clinic courses.  

We offer three clinic courses for hands-on learning opportunities, including the Community Development Clinic where students recently collaborated with a Baptist Church located in Washington, D.C.’s Adams Morgan neighborhood on the potential redevelopment of their church site to a deeply affordable housing project. The other two clinic courses include the Multifamily Clinic – where students learn to underwrite live apartment deals using Excel and producing written documents analogous to an investment committee memorandum as used in the industry – and the Commercial Clinic – where students again analyze live commercial deals including retail, office and industrial. Argus Enterprise is an essential tool that is taught and utilized in the class. Students also have access to the research of Green Street Advisors, which produces a suite of industry-focused periodicals and research such as Real Estate Alert and Commercial Real Estate Alert.

The suite of infrastructure courses in the program are designed to equip students with an understanding of the alternative investment universe. We have courses including Transportation Infrastructure, Digital Infrastructure (Data Centers and Cell Towers), Housing Markets and Social Infrastructure, and Infrastructure Finance. These courses have been intentionally built to provide students with an equally immersive experience for infrastructure as we do for real estate. 

Finally, the MS-GRA program offers coursework specific to the area of sustainability with a course titled Decarbonization and Real Assets that is taught by Professor Brodie Boland, who leads the Decarbonization practice for McKinsey. The Business of Sustainable Energy is another sustainability-focused course that looks at how we can power the built environment in a more thoughtful manner.

By choosing Georgetown McDonough for your global real assets degree, you will gain expertise at the intersection of multiple disciplines and prepare yourself for a successful career in the dynamic and ever-evolving field of real assets.

Real Assets are the Future of Real Estate Education

Georgetown’s M.S. in Global Real Assets program stands out from other real estate degrees because it goes beyond the traditional real estate product type. Our program provides students with a comprehensive understanding of the dramatic changes occurring in the industry due to rising interest rates, growing environmental concerns, and an increased focus on the built environment’s role in climate change. Infrastructure of all dimensions is also a core component of our curriculum as our belief is that investors are considering both real estate and infrastructure as part of their allocation to alternative investments.

By addressing the what, how, and why of these changes, the program empowers students to navigate the evolving real estate landscape with confidence. You will gain insights into how these factors impact capital allocation and business decisions and feel prepared to make informed choices that align with the industry’s current and future needs.

Additionally, our program is distinctive for its emphasis on practical experience. You will have the opportunity to engage in live deals, collaborate with industry professionals, and apply your knowledge to solve complex real estate challenges. This hands-on approach ensures that you possess not only theoretical knowledge but also the practical skills required to excel in your career.

One of the program’s most valuable assets is its network. The program is designed to facilitate connections among real estate professionals. Through our curriculum, which includes various clinics, I gained real-world experience and exposure to essential technical tools that equipped me with practical skills to succeed in my career in real estate.

Alexis Goihman (MS-GRA’24), Federal Realty Investment Trust

Why Study Real Assets at Georgetown McDonough? 

Blending Innovative Coursework with Industry Connections

Georgetown McDonough’s faculty are industry experts who bring their professional experience into the classroom and provide students with valuable insights and practical knowledge that can only be gained from years of working in the field. You will gain a deep understanding of the complexities of the real estate market and learn how to analyze investment opportunities, manage properties, and navigate regulatory frameworks.

One of the key advantages of pursuing the MS-GRA degree from Georgetown McDonough is the program’s strong emphasis on experiential learning. Through the Steers Center’s extensive industry connections, you will have the opportunity to engage with a network of professionals, participate in live deal underwriting, and gain hands-on experience in analyzing and evaluating investment opportunities in the infrastructure sector.

This program is unique. It incorporates an emphasis on the environmental impact of real estate, and it also offers practical, marketable skills that are directly applicable to the real estate sector. These hands-on skills give students an edge in the job market as they acquire knowledge that others might only gain through on-the-job experience.

Rahul Kumar (MS-GRA’24), Marriott International

The MS-GRA program offers numerous networking opportunities both through our alumni network and partnerships with leading real estate organizations in Washington, D.C., and beyond. These connections provide you with invaluable access to internships, job opportunities, and mentorship.

Georgetown McDonough’s extensive network of industry connections and partnerships also play a crucial role in providing you with unique access to leading infrastructure firms, investment funds, and government agencies. This exposure not only enhances the learning experience but also opens up doors to potential internships and job opportunities.

Moreover, the program’s location in Washington, D.C., offers distinct advantages. Being situated in the nation’s capital, you will have the opportunity to interact with policymakers, attend industry conferences and events, and gain insights into the regulatory and political aspects of infrastructure investment. Our extensive alumni network is rooted in Washington, D.C., making guest lectures and property tours a frequent occurrence.  

With a strong foundation in global infrastructure investment and meaningful connections to leaders in the industry, you will be equipped to excel in a variety of roles in real assets such as infrastructure asset management, real estate investment, project finance, and public-private partnerships.

Building a Global Perspective

Another advantage of the MS-GRA degree is the global perspective it offers. We believe that understanding international real estate markets is crucial in today’s interconnected world. Our curriculum includes courses that explore real estate trends and practices in different regions, giving students a comprehensive understanding of the global landscape.

Through the global experience course, you will have the opportunity to travel abroad and understand the dynamics of real estate innovation happening in another part of the world. In previous cohorts, students traveled to Stockholm, Sweden, to learn how a highly sophisticated real assets market still operates with care and concern for the environment. Sustainability is hugely important within the Nordic region, and our students were able to discuss this focus directly through meetings with investors and asset tours. During the weeklong experience, students also met with a variety of different companies to gain a well-rounded perspective of real estate and infrastructure investment in-country. 

In the program, you will also explore case studies and projects with connections to international business, as well as the opportunity to network with Georgetown’s worldwide network of Hoya alumni. Through the M.S. in Global Real Assets, you will gain the exposure, skills, and knowledge you need to navigate the complexities of the global real estate market. 

Integrating a Values-Driven Focus on Sustainability

Rooted in a values-based approach to business, the study of real assets at Georgetown McDonough also includes a focus on how to optimize resources to support a more sustainable future. You will take courses rooted in principled leadership, service learning, and developing a global mindset to build the business acumen and mindset needed to address how real estate professionals can address society’s most complex challenges, from climate change to affordable housing. 

At Georgetown McDonough, we understand the importance of sustainability in the global real assets industry. Our MS-GRA program not only equips you with the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in this field but also emphasizes the importance of sustainable practices.

As the world faces environmental challenges, it is crucial for professionals in the real assets industry to prioritize sustainable solutions. Our program integrates sustainable practices into the curriculum, ensuring you are well-prepared to address the environmental impact of real estate and other tangible assets.

Through our coursework, you will learn about sustainable development, decarbonization strategies, and the business of alternative energy. We also delve into topics such as sustainable investing and responsible property management. By understanding the environmental implications of real assets, our graduates are able to make informed decisions that contribute to a more sustainable future.

In addition to the curriculum, Georgetown McDonough offers various opportunities to engage with sustainability initiatives. We collaborate with industry leaders and organizations such as the Business of Sustainability Initiative and Business for Impact to offer hands-on experiences and real-world projects focused on sustainable practices.

As a result, our graduates are well-prepared to navigate the challenges and opportunities of a rapidly changing world, ensuring a sustainable future for the global real assets industry.

Transform Your Career While Transforming the Industry

Career opportunities are rapidly growing in the field of global real assets, including real estate, infrastructure, and energy resources, all of which are part of the built environment. Dramatic changes in the environment and the needs of society have substantially enhanced the importance of developing, investing, and managing these resources.

To ensure all M.S. in Global Real Assets students have a personalized experience preparing for their post-graduate careers, the McDonough Career Center has an experienced career coach dedicated to working only with the small cohort of students in this program. The result is a close relationship with someone who knows you, knows your goals, and knows the industry and who will help you navigate your internship and job search process. Our offerings include a range of resources and tools to help you prepare for your chosen career path, including ongoing workshops, interview preparation, one-on-one coaching, and networking opportunities with industry leaders. Importantly, the Steers Center has deep connections within the real assets industry and is the frequent recipient of job announcements within the MS-GRA program. We partner with you in a direct way to collaborate on a career outcome that is best suited for your goals. We take the job search process very seriously and view it as a distinguisher of our academic program through the level of individualized attention.

The MS-GRA program gave me the knowledge, experience, and confidence to pivot into a new industry and land a great job, all in less than a year. Georgetown's professors brought a wealth of real-world experience that allowed them to focus on the most impactful and useful skills, always putting students' goals first. The program helped me discover my passion and quickly find a role in that field at one of the premier employers.

Nate Ruby (MS-GRA’24), U.S. Department of Energy, Loans Program Office

Through our career curriculum, including our signature job search course and one-on-one meetings, our experienced career coaches work closely with you and your peers to identify your unique skill sets and map out a personalized career plan that fits your specific goals and aspirations.

You also have the opportunity to build your resume while studying in the global real assets program. While an internship is not required, the class schedule was designed so students interested in pursuing an internship can take advantage of Georgetown’s location in Washington, D.C., which is home to numerous global real estate firms. 

Apply to the MS-GRA Program

The MS-GRA program is ideal for recent graduates and early-career professionals who are passionate about transforming the real estate industry. We welcome students from diverse academic backgrounds, including:

• Finance, business, and economics
• Real estate and infrastructure
• Environmental design
• Architecture
• Law
• Arts and humanities
• Social and behavioral sciences

Our students typically have an average age of 22 and around two years of work experience. No prior real estate experience is needed, and we do not require GMAT/GRE test scores for admission. Additionally, through our focus on the Jesuit value of community in diversity, Georgetown McDonough is committed to increasing diversity in the field of real assets – we strongly encourage women and those of diverse backgrounds to apply. The real estate and infrastructure industries are evolving, and diverse perspectives are vital in shaping a more inclusive and sustainable future.

Apply to the program to jumpstart your career:

Admission Requirements and Application Process: To join the MS-GRA program, you must meet the admission requirements set by Georgetown McDonough. These requirements include a bachelor’s degree, transcripts, letters of recommendation, and a personal statement. The application process involves submitting your application online and providing all the necessary documents.

Application Deadlines and Important Dates: Stay updated on the application deadlines and important dates for the MS-GRA program. There are six rounds of applications available in each admissions cycle for the program starting in October and ending in June of the following year. 

Tips for Crafting a Compelling Application: Make your application stand out by highlighting your relevant experiences, skills, and passion for global real assets. Craft a compelling personal statement that showcases your motivations and aspirations. Prepare for interviews by researching the program, speaking with current students and alumni, and practicing common interview questions.

Opportunities to Attend Information Sessions, Webinars, or Campus Visits: Stay connected with Georgetown McDonough’s MS-GRA program by attending information sessions, webinars, or visiting the campus. These events provide valuable insights into the program, curriculum, faculty, and student life.

Networking Events and Industry Conferences: Take advantage of networking events and industry conferences related to global real assets, such as the Steers Center’s Luminaries Series in the spring, which convenes over 500 industry leaders in Washington, D.C., and beyond to discuss critical issues related to the future of real estate. These events offer opportunities to connect with professionals in the field, learn about industry trends, and expand your network.

Engaging with Current Students, Faculty, and Industry Professionals: Connect with current students, faculty, and industry professionals to gain insights into the MS-GRA program. Attend guest lectures, participate in workshops, and join student organizations to engage with the community and enhance your learning experience.