How do I become a real estate developer/which degree is best?

[Mevlud Cukovic]

Hello BP Users,

It is my career goal to become a Real Estate Developer. I know this question has been asked a lot on this forum. I would really appreciate some insight from real estate developers. I am an architecture student from NYC with 2 years under my belt. I went into architecture with the intention of being a real estate developer as well as my own architect. Meanwhile construction, design, utilization of the space are fundamental in real estate development, none of that is possible without capital. Finding investors and structuring deals isn't something I'm going to learn in architecture school. I am currently making the switch to Construction Management, could someone tell me if that is a good degree to help me break into Real Estate Development. And if so which focus? cost, time, quality management, etc. I'm assuming it would be cost?

I know developers come from different disciplines and different walks of life so there's not just one correct answer. Is Construction Management the best route to go? I've read online that Finance is another good degree to pursue for becoming a developer. There is also Baruch and they offer a degree in Real Estate  (there are no colleges offering real estate development courses by me).

In the meantime I've been reading lots of articles and lurking on these BP forums for too long haha. I also recently picked up the book "Real Estate Development: Principles and Process". Anyone recommend any other good books on RED?