The Nancy and Douglas Abbey MRED+D: Frequently Asked Questions

Can I apply for fall or spring admission?

The Abbey MRED+D program only starts in the summer and all students must begin during the summer term. We do not admit students for fall or spring semesters. (note: due to COVID-19, we have moved the start of the Class of 2022 to the fall semester)

Are there concurrent degree or dual degree programs with the Abbey MRED+D?

No concurrent degree programs have been developed for the Abbey MRED+D. UC Berkeley does not offer ad hoc joint degree programs and applicants may only apply to one single degree program per admissions cycle.

How many students will be enrolled?

We expect to welcome a cohort of about 45 students for the next Abbey MRED+D class.

What type of quantitative background should Abbey MRED+D applicants have before starting the program?

The Abbey MRED+D program includes a rigorous quantitative curriculum. To ensure success, applicants should be well versed in using Microsoft Excel and have a foundation in finance. Applicants without this background are strongly ​encouraged to pursue training through community college or other online courses before the start of the program. If you are accepted to the Abbey MRED+D but the Program thinks you would benefit from additional Excel and Finance training, you will be asked to complete short online courses before your arrival.

How many hours do Abbey MRED+D students spend on the program?

The Abbey MRED+D program is a full-time on-campus program. Students can expect to dedicate full-time to the program during the 8-week summer term with a rigorous load of coursework - this includes 18 hours per week of class time plus 36 hours of outside class work. During the fall and spring terms, students can expect to spend a minimum of 12-16 hours of in-class time per week and a minimum of 24-32 hours per week of work outside the classroom. In the case of a semester that includes a studio, students should anticipate more hours in class since studio courses involve extensive studio work. The Abbey MRED+D usually does not run classes on Fridays.

Can students give special attention to a specific aspect of real estate?

Absolutely. Because students will come from varied educational backgrounds and have a range or work experience, students can opt to focus their electives on finance, law, and other technical aspects of real estate transactions, for example, or provide more in-depth training on aspects of design, housing, or urban development. In addition to the core curriculum, students in the Abbey MRED+D program are able to choose from among the rich offerings of the academic disciplines and professional programs on the Berkeley campus.

Can I apply if my work experience is not in real estate?

Students in the Abbey MRED+D program come from diverse backgrounds with a range of different levels of experience in the real estate field and in related industries such as architecture, construction, commercial real estate finance, law, city planning, and commercial real estate brokerage. 

Do I need a degree in a specific field to apply?

No. We welcome applicants from a variety of prior undergraduate and graduate fields of study.

Is there a strict requirement for the amount of work experience one must have in order to apply?

The Abbey MRED+D curriculum is designed to build upon your work experience. As such, we look closely at your career progression when making admissions decision. We also consider the combination of education, training, and work experience together. We typically look for a minimum of two years post-undergraduate experience, with exceptions made for extraordinary candidates.

Who are the faculty for the Abbey MRED+D program?

Abbey MRED+D Faculty include both College of Environmental Design professors and professionals including some of the most widely recognized real estate and urban development professionals in the San Francisco Bay Area.

Will the Abbey MRED+D program sponsor international student visas admitted to the program?

Yes. If an offer of admission is extended, then UC Berkeley will assist you in obtaining a student visa.

How do I apply for department admissions fellowships?

There is no separate application for our competitive merit-based fellowships. We ask applicants to indicate whether they would like to be considered for a fellowship. If awarded a department fellowship, we will notify recipients.