Florida State University’s MBA specialty in real estate ranks among the Top 10 public programs nationwide, according to U.S. News & World Report’s 2021 list of “Best Graduate Schools” released today.

“This is another honor for our faculty and affirmation of the college’s continued success in equipping students with key finance and investment skills that lead to thriving real estate careers,” said Michael Hartline, dean of the FSU College of Business.

FSU’s undergraduate Real Estate Program secured a No. 9 ranking overall – No. 6 among public schools – in U.S. News & World Report’s “Best Colleges 2020” guidebook last fall. This the first year that U.S. News has assessed real estate as an MBA specialty, and FSU placed No. 17 overall and No. 9 among public schools. According to U.S. News, its specialty rankings are based on ratings by deans and directors of accredited MBA programs, and each ranked school received at least seven nominations in order to make the list.

Real estate is one of eight MBA specializations offered at FSU. The college encourages all its MBA students to build an expertise by using their elective courses to specialize in a specific discipline. In addition to real estate, students can now specialize in business analytics, finance, human resources, management information systems, marketing, risk management and insurance or supply chain management.

Recently the college added the real estate specialization as an option for students in its on-campus Master of Science in Finance (MSF). Also, top undergraduates majoring in real estate can get a jump-start on an MBA or MSF with a combined pathway that allows them to take up to three graduate real estate courses (nine credit hours) as an undergraduate. The credits count toward the requirements for both degrees. Completing all nine credits fulfills the coursework to earn a real estate specialization and may streamline a student’s time in school.

In addition to its industry-vetted curriculum, the college offers numerous enrichment activities for all real estate students, including access to industry conferences, corporate tours and internships, said Dean Gatzlaff, Mark C. Bane Professor and executive director of the FSU Real Estate Center.

“All of these networking and leadership opportunities serve our students well by giving them a competitive advantage once they enter the job market,” Gatzlaff said.

Applications are due by June 1 to be considered for fall entry into FSU’s MBA program. FSU’s online MBA is ranked No. 27 overall, No. 22 among public schools, on U.S. News’ 2020 list of “Best Online MBA Programs.” It also ranks No. 18 overall, No. 21 among public schools, on the magazine’s list of “Best Online MBA Programs for Veterans.” Highly qualified applicants may be eligible for GMAT waivers. Learn more and apply at mba.fsu.edu.

-- Melanie Yeager