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James A. Graaskamp Center for Real Estate


Preparing a new generation of real estate leaders

The James A. Graaskamp Center for Real Estate at the Wisconsin School of Business was created to foster excellence in real estate education, research, and outreach. The curriculum is distinguished by its hands-on approach to learning, including a one-of-a-kind, student-managed Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT) fund, premier real estate conferences, and case competitions. Students benefit from access to industry leaders and an extensive global alumni network. Scholarships and fellowships are available, along with occasional opportunities to work on consulting projects with faculty.

A connection to the real estate industry thrives through an active advisory board and passionate global alumni network with over 1800 members who often serve as mentors and guest lecturers. Center events bring students, faculty, and industry leaders together for lively discussions on real estate trends and premier networking. From hands-on learning projects to recruiting, we invite you to get involved and look forward to collaborating.

Inspired by the late Professor James A. Graaskamp, a true pioneer in real estate education, we pride ourselves on academic excellence, a commitment to ethics, and real-world experiences for our students.

Programs We Support

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Undergraduate Program

#1 in the U.S. for undergraduate real estate programs
—U.S. News & World Report, 2025
Real estate majors learn to appraise property values, oversee development programs, manage properties, and plan and regulate communities.

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MS in Real Estate

Enhance or expand your career opportunities with this one-year program in commercial real estate development with focused tracks in applied real estate investment and private equity.

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MBA Specialization in Real Estate

Ranked #5 best real estate MBA program by U.S. News & World Report, 2024. The specialization features high-level coursework in real estate development, investment, and analysis, along with fundamental business courses.

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Global Real Estate Master (MS)

Designed specifically for non-U.S. graduate-level students and alumni, this program blends rigorous classroom instruction with interactive learning experiences outside the classroom.

Industry and Alumni Engagement

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Hire Our Students

Our students have access to employers across the country via relationships cultivated by our center and career services offices.

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Alumni and Friends

With one of the industry’s most engaged alumni networks, you will connect with over 2,000 alumni. The generous support of alumni, industry partners, and other friends is vital to the Graaskamp Center as we prepare the new generation of real estate leaders.

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Advisory Board

The Graaskamp Center’s advisory board gives students direct access to senior real estate executives and is a hub of critical information-sharing and networking for our members.

UW Real Estate Club

Current undergraduate business students learn from industry leaders, gain leadership skills, and network with alumni.

Learn more about the Real Estate club

Women in Real Estate (WIRE) Club

Join a community of women devoted to professional development and gaining commercial real estate acumen through professional and social events.

Learn more about the Women in Real Estate club

News and Events

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Real Estate News

Read the latest about what’s happening with our students, faculty, and alumni.

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Listen to Our Podcasts

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Upcoming Events

Our events and conferences bring together industry leaders for lively discussions and premier networking.

Explore the James A. Graaskamp Center

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Faculty

Accomplished faculty and lecturers with substantial industry experience work together, delivering a curriculum that integrates proven theory and application.

Grainger Hall

History

For over 100 years, the Graaskamp Center has been known for a rich tradition of leadership in real estate education and research.

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Make a Gift

We are grateful for your support to benefit students and colleagues.

Connect With Us

Contact Us

Contact us to learn more about the Graaskamp.

Join our mailing list

Join the Graaskamp Center mailing list to receive invitations to events.