The Wisconsin Ph.D. Program in Real Estate and Urban Land Economics prepares individuals
for careers in research and teaching at the university level. The program is highly quantitative,
providing a strong foundation in financial and economic theory, as well as in mathematical
statistical techniques. Through a customized program of elective courses and dissertation research, students specialize in a particular area of real estate economics and finance.
Core Areas of Research
Student research is supported by faculty in four core areas:
- Urban and housing economics
- Housing and asset pricing
- Securitization and real estate capital markets
- Financing and investment of commercial property
Our faculty members contribute to significant advancements in the field, as evidenced by our recently published journal articles.
Academic Requirements
All students must meet the general Ph.D. requirements of both the UW–Madison Graduate School and the Wisconsin School of Business. Ideal candidates for our program have the following background:
- Introductory coursework in microeconomics and macroeconomics
- Three semesters of calculus, two semesters or mathematical statistics, one semester of linear algebra, and one semester of real analysis*
- A master’s level course in real estate and an audited course in Real Estate Finance
*Applicants who have not taken a course in real analysis are strongly encouraged to take Analysis I in the mathematics department at UW-Madison no later than the fall semester of the second year.