Develop the Future of Hospitality Real Estate

Hospitality real estate sits at the intersection of investment, development, and experience design. Hotels, resorts, mixed-use destinations, and experiential spaces are shaped by leaders who understand both financial strategy and guest experience.

As featured on BU Today, the Master of Science in Hospitality Real Estate (MSHRE) at Boston University School of Hospitality Administration prepares you to lead projects across the global hospitality real estate industry—from development and investment to asset management and strategy.

Designed for hospitality professionals and career changers, the program provides the financial and analytical skills needed to succeed in real estate—no prior finance or real estate experience require.

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Application Requirements
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Program At-A-Glance

[✓] 12 Months to Complete
[✓] STEM-Designated Program
[✓] No Finance Background Required

Additional highlights:

  • Minimum $14,000 guaranteed scholarship for admitted students
    • Returning BU students receive a minimum of 25% tuition discount via Double Terrier Scholarship
    • Additional package available for all applicants based on merit
  • No GRE or GMAT required for application
  • 36 credits + internship requirement
  • Full-time or flexible part-time study options
  • Located in Boston, a hub for real estate development and investment

What Sets the MSHRE Apart?

Real Estate Through the Lens of Hospitality
Learn how hotels, resorts, and experiential properties are developed, financed, and managed—combining real estate fundamentals with hospitality expertise.

Inclusive Entry
A background in finance or math is not required. We look for leadership potential and passion for the industry—we’ll teach you the financial and analytical tools needed to succeed.

Prepare for Career Success with Experiential Learning
The Hospitality Real Estate master’s degree encourages real-world practices. Our capstone project simulates the entire hospitality real estate cycle, deepening your understanding of the industry. To help you acquire professional experiences, the program also incorporates a 300-hour internship requirement in the curriculum. You may work at hotel brands, consulting firms, investment banks, or other related fields while pursuing the MSHRE degree.

Network with Real Estate Leaders
One of the key advantages of BU’s hospitality real estate program is the opportunity to network with and learn from senior leaders in the Real Estate Advisory Council. Through the extensive SHA Alumni network, you can meet our guest speakers and mentors who provide valuable insights and career guidance.

This exposure to industry experts enhances your industry knowledge and helps you build valuable connections for future career opportunities.

A STEM-Eligible Real Estate Program
The Master of Science in Hospitality Real Estate degree is designated by the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) as a STEM-eligible degree program. International students with F-1 student status may be able to apply for a 24-month extension of their 12-month Optional Practical Training (OPT) employment authorization. Contact BU International Students and Scholars Office (ISSO) for more information about STEM OPT eligibility.


Who Is This Program For?

The MSHRE program is designed for students interested in pursuing careers at the intersection of real estate, finance, and hospitality experience design.

Typical students include:

  • Recent graduates exploring careers in real estate development or investment
  • Hospitality professionals looking to move into asset management or finance
  • Career changers interested in commercial real estate and hospitality properties
  • Professionals seeking expertise in hospitality investment and development

Cohort Profile

Our students come from diverse academic and professional backgrounds. This diversity creates a collaborative environment where students bring multiple perspectives to real estate development and investment. Undergraduate background includes Hospitality & Tourism, Business & Economics, Social Sciences, Humanities, etc.


MSHRE Program Webinar

Watch the video to learn more about our Hospitality Real Estate graduate program.

 

Program Curriculum and Courses

Experiential Learning: From Acquisition to Development. The MSHRE curriculum emphasizes real-world learning that mirrors the hospitality real estate lifecycle, consisting of 36 credits (11 courses) plus the internship requirement. 

Students study the full hospitality real estate cycle, including: 

  • Financial modeling and investment analysis 
  • Hospitality asset management 
  • Real estate development and feasibility 
  • Deal structuring and capital markets 
  • Market analysis and valuation 
  • Environmental, social, and governance (ESG) considerations in real estate 

Through case studies, industry projects, and interactive discussions, students develop the financial and strategic skills needed to evaluate and manage real estate investments. 

Capstone Development Project 

Students complete a capstone project simulating the full real estate process—from acquisition and feasibility analysis to financing and development. 

Internship Requirement 

All students complete a 300-hour internship, gaining professional experience in roles across the hospitality real estate industry. 

Potential internship placements include: 

  • Hotel ownership groups 
  • Real estate development firms 
  • Consulting and valuation firms 
  • Investment banks 
  • Asset management companies

Review the MSHRE Program Curriculum


Meet Our Renowned Faculty

Leading the transformative Master of Science in Hospitality Real Estate program, our faculty members are industry experts with decades of experience in finance, hotel asset management, business development, and innovation. 

Grow your knowledge, build your expertise, and launch your career alongside BU’s distinguished faculty. You benefit from our tight-knit community at the School of Hospitality Administration and receive valuable one-on-one mentorship from your professors.

Meet Your Mentors

Careers with a Hospitality Real Estate Master’s Degree

By completing the master’s degree program, you unlock opportunities for rewarding careers such as asset manager, property and real estate manager, financial analyst or manager, and entrepreneur. 

According to Glassdoor, the annual salary of Hospitality Real Estate Analysts can range from $71K – $122K/year.

You may find professional opportunities in real estate development at:

  • Feasibility & Valuation Consulting Firms
  • Investment Banks
  • Hotel Ownership Groups
  • Hotel Brands
  • Transaction Advisory Firms
  • Hotel Management Companies
  • Asset Management Companies

To support your career development, Boston University SHA’s Marriott Career Center offers resources and networking opportunities that can assist your job search.

Learn more about career opportunities in hospitality real estate.

Student Success Story

From Operations to Real Estate Investment 

“I came from a front-of-house hospitality operations background and was initially concerned about the finance courses. The MSHRE faculty made financial modeling accessible and practical by connecting it directly to real-world deals.” — Mitchell Wade, MSHRE ’26

Hear more Alumni Success Stories


Featured Insight Card

In the News: Leading the Conversation

The hospitality industry is rapidly evolving at the intersection of real estate, investment, and experience design. In a recent feature by BU Today, learn why Boston University’s School of Hospitality Administration launched one of the first Hospitality Real Estate master’s programs—and how it’s preparing students to lead a $5.8 trillion global industry.

Read the Full Feature on BU Today


Tuition and Financial Aid

Learn more about the cost breakdown of the MS in Hospitality Real Estate program. All students (international and domestic) are eligible for merit-based scholarships at Boston University SHA. 

Explore our financial aid and scholarship resources that can help you afford your graduate education.

Application Requirements and Deadlines

Review the detailed admission requirements and deadlines to apply to the MSHRE program. No GRE or GMAT is required.

Apply to the Master’s in Hospitality Real Estate Program at BU SHA

If you have a bachelor’s degree and a passion for the real estate industry, Boston University’s Master of Science in Hospitality Real Estate program provides the perfect avenue to achieve your career goals. 

Apply now to develop your skills, network with industry leaders, and unlock exciting professional opportunities in international hospitality real estate.

Apply Fall 2026
Apply Fall 2027
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Frequently Asked Questions 

  • Do I need a degree in finance or business to apply?
    No. Applicants with a bachelor’s degree in any field are welcome to apply. The MSHRE curriculum is designed to provide the financial and analytical training needed for hospitality real estate careers, regardless of your academic background. 
  • Can I complete the program part-time?
    Yes. The program offers flexible scheduling for working professionals. Part-time students may complete the degree over multiple semesters. 
  • Is the program STEM-designated?
    Yes. The MSHRE program is STEM-designated, allowing eligible international students to apply for an additional 24-month OPT extension. 

See more Frequently Asked Questions