Reviewed by: Callie Morrison
How Auburn’s unique real estate program gives Birmingham developers the boost they need
Reading time: 5 minutes
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In the ever-evolving world of real estate, developers must have a robust understanding of the industry skills necessary to build transformative projects that can change communities for the better.
One way developers can make themselves stand out is Auburn University’s Master of Real Estate Development—an executive program offered in a flexible format that allows students to equip themselves with new skills without putting their careers on hold.
We spoke with faculty director Dr. Justin Benefield and graduate Thornton Ratliff to learn more about the program.
Auburn’s MRED degree gives graduates the headstart they need
In 2013, Thornton Ratliff was three years into his career in real estate when he learned about Auburn University’s Master of Real Estate Development (MRED) program from a coworker.
“The executive nature of the program allowed me to maintain my career track and apply what I learned in the classroom on a day-to-day basis. That was very appealing to me at that stage in my career.”
Thornton Ratliff, Principal and Founder, SRV Housing Partners
Fast forward to 2025, and Thornton is the Principal and Founder of SRV Housing Partners—a local developer pursuing multifamily acquisitions and development opportunities throughout the Sun Belt.
Thornton credits Auburn’s MRED program for helping him get where he is today.
“Auburn’s MRED program gave me the leg up I needed to break into the development world and gave me the understanding to achieve my ultimate goal of being a real estate developer.”
Thornton Ratliff, Principal and Founder, SRV Housing Partners
What is a Master of Real Estate Development?
Launched in 2010, Auburn’s MRED program teaches students how to produce real estate development projects that emphasize best practices in:
- Design excellence
- Economic resilience
- Financial feasibility
- Social responsibility
- Sustainability
A relatively new addition to Auburn University, the program is a joint offering from the Harbert College of Business and the College of Architecture, Design and Construction, and provides graduates with the robust foundation needed to hit the ground running in a thriving real estate development career.
“The MRED program attracts students from every aspect of real estate—from engineering or architecture backgrounds to capital providers and residential or commercial brokers—with one common denominator: they are all trying to break into real estate development.
That is who this program is geared for.”
Dr. Justin Benefield, Director, Auburn University Master of Real Estate Development
Have questions about the MRED program? Reach out to the MRED team to learn more.
Online courses and Field Studies help set Auburn’s MRED program apart
As an executive-styled program, the MRED program is carefully tailored for the busy schedule of a working professional.
“The MRED program was specifically designed and administered so our students can keep working: they don’t have to take a two-year break to get an MRED degree.”
Dr. Justin Benefield, Director, Auburn University Master of Real Estate Development
Over five semesters, students learn at a pace that works for them via a blend of online courses and six on-campus residencies, where they meet and become close with other members of their cohort.
“Each cohort is carefully selected to bring together professionals with a wide variety of backgrounds and skills. This peer-to-peer learning approach allows each student a chance to be the expert in their own niche and share their knowledge with the cohort.”
Dr. Justin Benefield, Director, Auburn University Master of Real Estate Development
During the five-semester program, MRED cohorts embark on four Field Studies—domestic and international trips to see real estate development sites and innovations first-hand, including:
- An architecture/design-focused Field Study in Philadelphia
- A construction-focused Field Study on the West Coast
- A capital markets-focused Field Study in New York City, the beating heart of real estate capital markets around the globe
- An international Field Study that wraps up learnings from each Field Study through meetings with development firms, general contractors, capital providers and more
“The Field Studies were always a treat. They force you to get out of your comfort zone and learn how other people do it, both large- and small-scale.”
Thornton Ratliff, Principal and Founder, SRV Housing Partners
How Thornton Ratliff uses his MRED degree at SRV Housing Partners
In 2022, Thornton Ratliff used his industry experience and MRED degree to found SRV Housing Partners in Birmingham.
“Our goal is to develop one institutional-sized Class A housing asset—a 200- to 300-unit residential apartment community—every 18 to 24 months in our market throughout the Southeast.”
Thornton Ratliff, Principal and Founder, SRV Housing Partners
Currently, SRV Housing Partners is working with another Birmingham-based developer on a new residential development on the corner of Dauphin Street and Sage Avenue in Mobile’s thriving Midtown Historic District.
“Auburn’s MRED program is a first-class experience from top to bottom.
When aspiring developers ask me if the degree is worth it, I give them the same answer: I am confident that I would not have the platform I have today without Auburn’s MRED program.”
Thornton Ratliff, Principal and Founder, SRV Housing Partners
Have questions about Auburn’s MRED program? Reach out to the MRED team to learn more.
Click here to learn more about Auburn’s Master of Real Estate Development program and check out the Harbert College of Business on Facebook and Instagram.
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