Best Bachelor’s in Real Estate Programs 2021

The real estate industry involves the evaluation, purchase, sale, and management of properties. Many graduates of bachelor’s in real estate programs pursue careers as real estate agents. These professionals help people navigate the legal and financial decisions and documentation involved in buying and selling property.

Online real estate degrees can also lead to roles such as real estate assessor, analyst, broker, and property manager. Earning potential varies by specific position. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), property, real estate, and community association managers earn a median annual salary of $58,760. Real estate brokers and sales agents earn a median annual salary of $50,730, according to the BLS, while construction managers earn a median salary of $95,260 per year.

Top 10 Bachelor’s Programs in Real Estate

Best Online Bachelor’s in Real Estate Programs 2021

Why Pursue an Online Bachelor’s in Real Estate Program?

Online bachelor’s in real estate degrees can help individuals qualify for lucrative careers as real estate agents, real estate appraisers, building inspectors, and claims adjusters. The following list highlights several common benefits of completing bachelor’s in real estate programs.

Bachelor’s in Real Estate Specializations

Real estate often appears as a concentration within business-related bachelor’s programs. However, some schools offer bachelor’s in real estate programs with further specialization options, such as those below.

• Green Properties
• Foreign Investment
• Commercial Properties
• Luxury Properties

Green Properties

This specialization focuses on eco-friendly buildings that meet the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design energy-efficiency standards. A specialization in green properties often helps real estate agents position themselves well in relation to current and future trends.

Foreign Investment

Many real estate agents profit from an understanding of foreign markets. This specialization requires research skills, as smart foreign investments require awareness of list prices, inventory, and current demand.

Commercial Properties

Real estate agents specializing in commercial properties often earn higher salaries than other professionals in the field. Some corporate real estate employers provide salaries and benefits for agents, which often yields more stable earnings than a commission-based income.

Luxury Properties

Students pursuing this specialization often obtain the certified luxury home marketing specialist credential from the Institute for Luxury Home Marketing. Learners in this specialization develop the top-level customer service skills that luxury home buyers and sellers typically expect.

Courses in a Real Estate Program

Real estate bachelor’s programs typically require about 60 credits of general education coursework and 60 credits of business and real estate classes. Business programs with a real estate concentration often require more foundational business courses than specialized real estate programs.

Real estate curricula usually include core courses on topics such as property management, construction management, real estate financing, and law. Degree-seekers also learn how to analyze and evaluate properties and the real estate market. Learners may need to complete a capstone project or final examination.

Many programs prepare students to pass state real estate licensure examinations. Curricula vary by school, program, and concentration. However, most online real estate programs feature the following three courses.

• Property Management
• Real Estate Appraisal
• Construction Project Management

Property Management

Learners in this core course develop key skills necessary to manage property purchasing, marketing, insurance, and leasing. Students learn about the tenant cycle, branding techniques, and recommended marketing channels. Enrollees also explore techniques and processes for effective property maintenance. This course also may cover methods and manuals for ensuring compliance and effective operations management.

Real Estate Appraisal

This core class examines various methods for evaluating commercial and residential real estate. Learners explore topics such as maintenance costs, potential income, and various types of appraisal licenses. Some online real estate programs feature a curriculum concentration in real estate appraisal.

Construction Project Management

Many bachelor’s in real estate programs offer a specialization in construction project management. This subfield requires an understanding of construction management principles. Learners also explore the processes for cost estimating, bidding processes, planning, and scheduling. Enrollees learn about budgeting, cost management, field operations management, and construction documentation and contracting.

Real Estate Agent Licensing and Certification Requirements

Real estate agents must typically obtain licensure from their state’s board. Licensure requirements often include 60-90 relevant college credits from approved, accredited schools. Real estate coursework often covers topics such as property ownership, contracts, titles, and deeds.

Licensure requirements vary, so individuals should check their state’s real estate commission for details. Some states offer licensure by reciprocity, allowing licensed real estate agents to transfer their credentials to participating states.

Professional organizations such as the National Association of Realtors (NAR) offer certifications for professionals in the field. These specialized credentials can lead to increased job prospects and earning potential. Individuals can pursue the accredited buyer’s representative, accredited land consultant, certified property manager, and certified residential specialist credentials from NAR.

Scholarships for Realty Students

College students may qualify for scholarships based on factors such as financial need, academic performance, and membership in underrepresented groups. Some scholarship programs serve learners in particular fields, such as real estate. The awards below represent a sampling of the scholarships available to students pursuing online real estate degrees.