While the majority of real estate programs across the United States educate their candidates to become experts in financial feasibility and valuation, the MLPD program, in addition to these primary outcomes, prepares its candidates to become single-family lot developers. The MLPD program places an emphasis on land development, and it utilizes a much more practical approach of teaching. MLPD Candidates are challenged with real world projects that have been completed, or that are in the process of being completed, by its professors and alumni. Candidates are equipped with knowledge and tools that can be directly applied to the real estate industry, upon the completion their courses. In an effort to ensure candidates are readily equipped to enter an already competitive industry, the MLPD program undergoes a continuous review process. This process is not only conducted by its professors, but also by the program's Development Industry Advisory Council (DIAC), a group of practicing alumni who are leading professionals in the real estate industry. Through a Core Curriculum that is continuously reviewed, the MLPD program ensures that its candidates graduate with seventeen core competencies that are categorized as Disciplines, Skills and Values.
"Given the depth and breadth of real estate research and expertise; and the strength and size of the multi-disciplinary faculty, the Land Development program is potentially the strongest university based real estate offer in the world, with the possible exception of the University of Reading in the United Kingdom" - Dr. Michael Anikeeff, Professor and Chair of the Edward St. John Department of Real Estate at Johns Hopkins University