Online Master’s In Real Estate Programs
Real estate describes property fixed to a specific location, such as land and permanent structures. Real estate professionals such as property, real estate, and community association managers increase property’s value through contracting maintenance and upgrades. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that these professionals earn a median $59,660 annual salary. Also, the BLS projects little to no growth changes for this field between 2019-2029.
Experienced real estate professionals increase their employability in a static job market with a real estate master’s degree. Coursework prepares graduates for industry certifications. Also, real estate degree online programs provide the academic flexibility workers need to advance their education without sacrificing their career.
What to Know Before Enrolling in a Real Estate Program
A real estate degree may feature numerous benefits, including networking with peers and employers, specializing in a real estate subfield, and qualifying for a promotion.
Most real estate professionals need a state-issued license to practice. Candidates complete an approved real estate degree or certificate program to meet licensure requirements.
Graduates’ career paths depend on their specialization. Popular careers for professionals with a real estate master’s degree include real estate loan officer, mortgage broker, and real estate developer.
Factors such as education, employer, and experience level determine professionals’ salaries. Workers in New York, New Jersey, and Colorado earn the highest annual mean salaries.
How Much Does a Real Estate Degree Cost?
Although tuition differs by university, institutions charge either per credit or per semester. Prospective students should explore in-state public schools, as they may offer residents competitive rates. Also, private universities charge the same tuition to all real estate master’s degree-seekers, but they may cost more than comparable public schools.
Online learning can offer unique financial benefits, depending on the university. Some public schools waive out-of-state tuition and specific fees for real estate degree online learners. Distance students do not need to budget for on-campus housing or meals either. Parents of young children can enjoy significant savings, as they avoid childcare costs.
Online schools offering an asynchronous curriculum allow students to continue working full or part time while in school. Students may use part of their salary to pay for a real estate degree, consequently needing less financial aid, such as private loans.
How Much Do Real Estate Majors Make?
Although typical property, real estate, and community association managers earn nearly $59,000 annually, salaries vary by geographic location. Workers in the Charleston, New York City, and Boulder metropolitan areas make significantly more than their peers in other cities.
Other factors influencing salary include professional certifications. Multiple private organizations offer certification programs to recent graduates and experienced workers. A certification may lead to an automatic pay raise or qualify professionals for additional career opportunities. Like certifications, a state-issued real estate license opens up new careers, as licensed workers help individuals buy and sell property.
Real estate managers increase their salary potential through professional experience. Options include working as an assistant manager responsible for only one property, such as a single apartment building or office complex. During this time, workers hone the communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills necessary to attain a higher-paying position.
Courses in Real Estate
Over approximately two years, real estate degree online students master advanced topics such as property management, real estate market analysis, and strategic asset management. In a final semester capstone course, degree-seekers develop and present a business plan. Learners remain in good academic standing by maintaining a satisfactory GPA or meeting each course’s grade cutoff.
The following sample curriculum describes three typical real estate master’s degree courses. Please keep in mind that course and graduation requirements vary by school. Most colleges and universities post detailed curriculum information on their website. If not, please contact an admissions or academic counselor to learn more.
Property Management
Property management involves the day-to-day tasks managers complete to maintain land and accompanying structures, including scheduling maintenance, settling disputes between owners and tenants, and drafting budgets. Students examine how these responsibilities differ between residential and commercial property. Professionals use the skills the course emphasizes to increase property values.
Real Estate Market Analysis
Real estate market analysis concerns the economic forces affecting property values, such as rental rates, nearby public transportation, and surrounding properties’ overall condition. Students also analyze how federal, state, and local laws impact property values. Some real estate online programs invite experienced market analysts to speak to degree-seekers.
Strategic Asset Management
Strategic asset management emphasizes how real estate professionals’ decisions influence property’s value. Course topics include predicting future cash flow, planning expansions and renovations, and managing and refinancing debt. Students also explore how companies and individuals use real estate as part of their long-term investment portfolio.
Certifications and Licensure for Real Estate
Professionals may need more than a real estate degree to qualify for a new job or promotion. They demonstrate mastery of one or more topics through certification. Requirements include obtaining relevant experience, taking a course, and passing an exam. Most certifications require periodic renewal.
Certified Commercial Investment Member
The CCIM Institute awards this certification to candidates who take four courses, possess relevant experience, and pass a day-long comprehensive examination. Most candidates complete the certification process in 1-3 years, with less time required for professionals who hold other industry certifications. Interested individuals must join the CCIM Institute.
Certified Property Manager
Recent graduates and experienced property managers earn the CPM credential to increase their salary potential. Certification steps involve taking eight courses and passing a two-part examination. Earning the certification requires 1-2 years. Professionals interested in the CPM but not yet ready for certification join the Institute of Real Estate Management as an associate member.
Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Professional Credentials
Construction and real estate professionals passionate about environmentalism and sustainability explore the organization’s professional certifications. Candidates first pass a two-hour exam to earn the LEED Green Associate certification. Certified workers then obtain the LEED AP, an advanced certification featuring five specialties, including operations, neighborhood development, and homes.
Scholarships for Real Estate
A real estate college degree’s tuition may exceed a student’s budget. Fortunately, scholarships help learners avoid debt. The following scholarships accept applications from online degree-seekers and feature an application deadline.
Scholarship | Amount | Who Can Apply |
---|---|---|
$2,000 ‘No Essay’ Scholarship | $2,000 | Prospective and current college students should create a NICHE account to apply for the $2,000 “No Essay” Scholarship. NICHE does not require any additional application materials and selects one monthly winner at random. |
College Raptor Scholarship | $2,500 | Graduate students submit a brief essay to apply for the College Raptor scholarship. Applicants must be enrolled at an accredited college or university. |
Illinois Real Estate Educational Foundation | Varies | Illinois REEF sponsors multiple annual scholarships for in-state undergraduate and graduate students preparing for a real estate career. Application requirements and deadlines vary by scholarship. Illinois REEF accepts applications through the mail. |
Best Online Master’s in Real Estate Programs

Thomas Broderick is a freelance writer and the owner of Broderick Writer LLC. He creates study guides, informational websites, and blog posts for clients in the education field. Thomas is also a published author of over 20 short stories and a member of the Science Fiction & Fantasy Writers of America.
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