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Master of Real Estate Development

From the Director

Robert Benedict

The Clemson University Master of Real Estate Development (MRED) program has been nationally recognized as an innovative and industry-relevant graduate school experience since 2004. Created to educate development, institutional, and entrepreneurial professionals, the MRED Program provides students with a broad skillset learned from courses focused on construction, finance, market analysis, law, and urban planning. A major area of emphasis is experiential learning with site visits, internships, and opportunities for directed studies in specialty areas such as the adaptive use of historic buildings, climate change resiliency, and affordable housing. The program’s geographical advantage enables it to have field studies and capstone projects in Upstate South Carolina, Charleston, Charlotte, Atlanta and other major markets.

The MRED Program is a proud and active supporter of the Urban Land Institute (ULI). ULI student memberships are included in tuition. The program also provides opportunities for involvement with ICSC and NAIOP, the Commercial Real Estate Development Association, and the Society of Industrial and Office Realtors® (SIOR®). During the 2024-2025 academic year, the students will have the opportunity to attend the ULI Fall Meeting (2024 – Las Vegas) and other national and regional conferences.  

MRED students come from diverse academic backgrounds including business and design disciplines, as well as applied sciences, liberal arts, and humanities. Some have extensive professional experience, others have less, but they are linked together by an interest in learning how to execute complex real estate development transactions that are financially feasible, socially responsible, and environmentally conscious. They gain an understanding of the risk-reward framework of development and learn how to properly analyze investment opportunities knowing that the returns must be measured against the risks.

Job placement is strong for all graduates, as evidenced by the 330+ alumni working in dynamic real estate markets around the world. While many graduates remain in the southeastern United States, alumni can be found in dozens of states across the country and abroad. These professionals are the foundation of an alumni network that actively supports current students. 

Yet another point of connectivity with industry is the Advancement Board for Real Estate Development (ABRED). Comprised of approximately 40 directors with notable professional accomplishments, ABRED helps ensure students matriculating in the MRED program receive an excellent education and have every opportunity possible to achieve their career goals. Directors guest lecture in courses, help students find both internship and full-time employment and provide invaluable mentorship when called upon to do so.

A major program strength is the industry experience of the fulltime and adjunct faculty. I have over 25 years of institutional and development experience and know firsthand the importance of relevant experience in the classroom. All of our faculty have strong professional backgrounds. Our adjunct lecturers range from prominent CEO’s, company owners, high-level finance executives to senior public officials. They also take a keen interest in the students and facilitate networking opportunities leading to enhanced chances for desirable employment.

If you have an interest is supporting the Clemson MRED Program or applying for admission, let us hear from you. It can be a gratifying profession by enhancing communities with responsible development.

Go Tigers!

Robert C. Benedict, Ph.D.