My husband went to Hopkins. He really liked it. He doesn't use it, but the contacts were great.

OP here - thank you all.

Johns Hopkins is the best known/regarded program by those in the industry, although bith UMD and Gtown have good reputations also. Most I know pursued the degree at night as they worked their real estate day job, and they pursued it to be able to rise faster through their company and/or with other re companies.

My BIL did the Hopkins program. Believe he found it helpful, and he got a new job right after he finished.

I know someone at the UMD program. It's a good in to getting into the industry, and you do learn a wide range of topics, like zoning, property rights, and finance.

Nothing to that being a real estate developer-- if you think it is so easy just look at the vast number developers who have busted out. What an idiot! Of course an advanced degree would be helpful. The networking alone is quite valuable. The Hopkins Program is a good one and so is the program at American University. Georgetown, while a great school is not really known for their RE Program. Same with UMD.

Good question - I'm thinking that capital may be better obtained if investors have confidence in the developer. Also, an assumption (albeit possibly incorrect) is that some larger RE development firms may favor hiring someone with a degree (all else being equal).

Is a degree in this actually necessary? It seems one would just need capital and a good broker.

Any experience / reviews of U MD? Johns Hopkins? Georgetown?