Online Master’s In Real Estate Programs

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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

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.

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.

Best Online Master's in Real Estate Programs

Thomas Broderick

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.