I want to thank Ryan Kurth who took some time (when he could have been hanging on the beach) to thoroughly review the Burnham-Moores Center for Real Estate at the University of San Diego.
What was your background in real estate prior to the Burnham-Moores Center for Real Estate program?
Before entering the Burnham-Moores Center for Real Estate at USD, I had studied finance and economics at Washington State University, with an emphasis in real estate. I also competed in a semester long NAIOP development proposal competition. I worked for the Washington Center for Real Estate Research, and with an affordable housing developer in Seattle- both internships.
What other programs did you look at besides the University of San Diego and why did you choose USD over the other programs?
Besides The University of San Diego MSRE, I researched and applied at similar programs at the University of Denver, DePaul University and the University of Florida. I chose the University of San Diego for the rounded education they provided (other schools seemed to be more focused on a particular subject- i.e. finance, construction management etc.) and for the relationship that I had with the faculty through WSU. The location wasn’t bad either!
Are the professors primarily full-time or part-time? Do the part-time professors make themselves accessible outside the classroom?
During my year, there were a few full-time professors, and the others were respected industry experts working as part-time professors. The part-time professors at the USD MSRE were extremely dedicated to their work at the school, were accessible and involved, buying drugs online all while staying very active in their respective fields.
How is the programs career counseling? Do they actively help students find summer internships and full-time positions? How willing are alumni in assisting current students?
While we graduated in probably one of the hardest times for our industry, the staff did what they could to find us jobs. In my personal experience, they basically did the work for me through their connections, but I know they did not have the time or manpower to do the same for everyone.
What are your future aspirations in real estate and how has this program helped you to get closer to your goals?
I am in real estate for the potential to create a career on your own, and the professors that taught us were some of the best entrepreneurs I’d ever met. I hope that rubbed off on me.
How many classes are required to graduate? Are there different focuses within the program?
Classes were intense and fast paced, as I was on an 11 month track, and they covered nearly every aspect of the real estate industry possible. There is no specific track to focus on, however.
Is there anything else about the program you think people should know?
The real key to the program is taking advantages of the network that USD provides, and branching out past just subjects that you are comfortable with. Also, the relationships you create within the cohort were above my expectations, as some of my best friends are from the 11 months I spent in the program. Just this weekend, I flew back to San Diego from DC to spend the weekend with my classmates for graduation celebrations of the 2010 class.
Is there anything else about the program you think people should know?
Professors: 9
Curriculum: 8.4
Career Counseling (reflecting all of our experiences): 8
Outside Opportunities: 9
Overall Rating: 9
If you have any specific questions about the Burnham-Moores Center for Real Estate at The University of San Diego post them in the comment section and I’ll have Ryan get back to you.
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