Are you interested in being successful in an industry with a six-figure income potential and flexible work hours? If so, real estate may be a great industry for you to explore.
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Earning your masters in real estate online can help you develop the critical skills and knowledge necessary for success in the competitive market.
Online Master’s in Real Estate Degrees
With the ever-expanding real estate market, it is no wonder more and more accredited academic universities are offering an online master’s degree in real estate. This degree usually consists of 30-39 credit hours and contains a variety of concentrations to suit your needs.
A preview on subject matters likely covered by the online real estate degree includes sustainable development. This area introduces methods on how to reach real estate development goals while simultaneously working alongside the environment to create a green workspace.
Another subject area likely covered is real estate laws. The courses may address not only the various laws accompanying real estate but also cover the technical lingo associated with them.
Obtaining a masters in real estate online could help aid you in effectively starting your own business, landing a coveted high-wage position, or a promotion to a leadership role within the industry.
Starting a business is a heavy burden even for the most seasoned entrepreneurs. For those who are unprepared, starting a business could be a burden too heavy. A masters in real estate may provide you with the financial, economic, and industrial wisdom needed to succeed.
If you prefer a corporate job with big money, then expect a big company. Big companies come with many employees and tall corporate ladders to climb. A masters in real estate may distinguish your resume from the rest of the corporate masses landing you a coveted position.
If you believe that a real estate master’s degree qualifies only for buying/selling properties, and that idea does not excite you, that is okay.
Entrepreneurs, such as yourself, that obtain their real estate master’s degree often pursue other careers. These careers may include investment fund managers, community developers, construction project managers, and many more.
Real Estate Careers and Salaries
As mentioned above, real estate is not just buying/selling properties. One such area potentially available to those who prefer a management position is property manager. These positions mainly govern corporate, private, or community properties.
Responsibilities include finding tenants, ensuring maintenance occurs in a timely manner, and collecting rent to name a few. Another area that may become available for you is real estate asset manager. This position may be highly lucrative and suited for those who enjoy the financial side of things.
These experts are not tied up with the day-to-day tasks of a property. Instead, they create budgets, can lease the property, and generally work towards increasing the property’s value.
If neither a broker, management, or financial position interest you, then a real estate development position may be for you. This position requires the ability to envision and outline plans for either the private or commercial sector.
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These developers usually implement strategies to improve the property, ensure timelines are met for building projects, and secure a client’s satisfaction by meeting their standards.
The above are just a few of the areas and job titles that may be available to you should you obtain a master’s degree in real estate. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, some careers in the Real Estate field include:
| Careers | Annual Median Salary |
| Sales Managers | $132,290 |
| Top Executives | $107,680 |
| General and Operations Managers | $103,650 |
| Administrative Services Managers | $98,890 |
| Construction Managers | $97,180 |
| Market Research Analysts | $65,810 |
| Real Estate Asset Managers | $59,660 |
| Property and Real Estate Managers | $57,410 |
The best part about these careers is that they have a projected 5% growth, according to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics. That is faster than average growth.
Master’s in Real Estate Curriculum & Courses
Below is a sampling of the most common classes you may encounter:
- Development Process: The credit hours spent here can help you learn how to conceptualize the stages in the real estate development process.
- Impact of Globalization on Real Estate: This course aims to give you the proper understanding of global currency markets, political considerations, and capital markets.
- Sustainable Development and Construction: This class focuses on the historical, technical, regulatory, and financial areas for green building development.
- Real Estate Finance: Business is business, and businesses need to make money. This class addresses how to monitor investment returns, debt leverage, income tax, and cash flow.
- Real Estate Data Analytics: The analytics course can help you gain hands-on experience by developing statistical models that drive real estate investment and development.
- Legal Principles and Practices: There are a considerable number of laws attached to real estate, and this class will attempt to give you a better understanding of them all.
- Corporate Finance: If you plan on working in a corporate environment, this course can help you examine financial management of large businesses.
- Public / Private Development: There are the public and private sectors in real estate. By attending this class, mechanisms and trade-offs will be outlined for both sectors.
- Affordable Housing Finance and Development: This part of the curriculum introduces concepts on how to create affordable housing in risky markets.
- Urban Economic Development: This class discusses in depth on theory and practices for economic urban development.
These courses, amongst others, are designed to show you an all-inclusive view of the field.
Admissions Requirements
In order to begin your educational journey towards earning a real estate master’s degree, there are a few application requirements you may have to provide:
- Resume: As a potential applicant, you will have to create an overview of your life’s accomplishments and works. This includes community service, awards, job experience, certifications, and anything else that makes you stand out.
- Interview: This portion is a series of questions in which you sell yourself to them and them to you.
- GRE or GMAT scores are sometimes required.
- Academic Transcripts: To be accepted into the program, you will have to submit your official collegiate transcript as well as the degree(s) you have acquired.
The above are just a few of the requirements that may or may not be necessary to apply. This varies by university.
Accreditation
Accreditation was put in place to ensure higher education establishments are providing quality instruction to you.
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To become accredited, an institution must undergo the following:
- Work with the accrediting agency to establish standards
- Create a self-report on how they compare to the standards.
- Accreditation officials perform an on-site evaluation
- If the standards are met, the accrediting agency publishes the institution as accredited.
- The accrediting agency will continue to monitor the institution
- The agency will periodically reevaluate the institution
In most cases, secondary education institutions are accredited by one of seven regional accrediting bodies in the United States.
Financial Aid and Scholarships
For those who have less financial maneuverability, various programs and scholarships exist to ease the financial strain that education has:
- FAFSA is a federal program that is designed to give you scholarships, grants, and/or loans should you meet the criteria.
- State Financial Aid Programs exist for all 50 states and provide at least one grant/scholarship for residents. Some restrictions may apply.
- Companies may have employer programs. These programs have money set aside for employees willing to further their education and continue to work for the sponsoring company.
- Other external scholarships may be available to you. Some scholarships are specific to certain degrees, states, or ethnicities while others are general. A simple web search should supply plenty of scholarships for you to apply to.
Just because finances are low, does not mean you have to give up your aspirations for acquiring a graduate degree.
What Can You Do With a Masters in Real Estate Degree?
There are three major routes that you may follow with a masters in real estate. Your first major option is to start a business. Earning this degree can help develop the tools, resources, and knowledge needed to jumpstart a successful business.
Your second major option is to work in a corporate business and land a high-pay position. The degree can help you stand out out among the corporate masses. Your final major option is to continue your educational journey and earn a doctoral in real estate. Most doctoral programs require a master’s degree as a prerequisite.
How Much Does a Master’s in Real Estate Cost?
As mentioned in the beginning, most online master’s degrees for real estate average between 30 and 39 credit hours. Credit hours in this degree typically cost between $350 and $600. The total cost for the degree usually comes out to be between $10,500 and $23,400.
Finding the best fit for you in terms of price, flexibility, and duration should all be taken into account when pursuing your online degree.
How Long Does it Take to Get an Online Master’s in Real Estate?
A typical master’s degree takes approximately two years to finish. For some people that is not enough time. If you have enough time to only take a few credit hours at a time, that is okay. Some programs allow their students up to five years to finish their requirements.
If you are pressed for time, that is also okay. Some universities offer fast track programs that typically average 10 months. Other universities offer flexible degree programs that last a mere 12 months.
Are There Any Affordable Online Masters in Real Estate Programs?
Yes, there are affordable programs. An online real estate master’s degree may cost as low as $10,500 total. That is $5,250 a year if you follow a typical 2-year program.
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If you follow a five-year program, the cost may drop to an even lower $2,100 per year. Additionally, you may earn scholarships, grants, loans, government aid and other external finances to lessen the cost. Earning a degree can help you increase your value as an employee and your pay. After some time, the degree may pay for itself.
Is a Master’s Degree in Real Estate Worth it?
Yes, a master’s degree in real estate is worth it for many students. Jobs in the management field are projected to grow at a rate of 5% in the next 10 years (Bureau of Labor Statistics).
Common real estate careers in this field include property manager, senior financial analyst, real estate broker, construction manager, and real estate development manager. The best part is that you may be able to get your degree online in as little as 10 months.
Universities Offering Online Master’s in Real Estate Degree Programs
Methodology: The following school list is in alphabetical order. To be included, a college or university must be regionally accredited and offer degree programs online or in a hybrid format.
First opening in 1956 by the Methodist Church as a private college in Alabama, Auburn University is now a public university that is well known for its high research activity and top-notch academic programs. Auburn University enrolls more than 30,000 undergraduate and graduate students each year through traditional programs and online learning.
- Executive Master of Real Estate Development
Auburn University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
Opening in 1891, Drexel University has provided private education to students seeking undergraduate and graduate degrees in a variety of academic areas. Students looking to boost their knowledge in their field or looking to change majors and begin something new turn to Drexel University for guidance.
Online and traditional programs are offered at DU.
- MS in Construction Management – Real Estate Development
Drexel University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Offering comprehensive academic programs that suit all students’ needs since 1965, Florida International University is a leader in STEM education and much more. This public facility has undergraduate and graduate options available to students around the globe. Research and technology are an essential aspect of each program offered at FIT.
- Master’s in Hospitality Management – Real Estate
- MS in International Real Estate
Florida International University is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
Getting its start with the assistance pf public space and sea grants, Florida State University opened in 1851. Serving students throughout the world, FSU has a path to bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees in various academic areas.
Helping students through virtual and traditional classes, FSU is popular for programs such as STEM, real estate, and education.
- MBA in Real Estate
Florida State University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Getting its start in 1789, Georgetown University is the longest standing private educational facility in the US. Georgetown University focuses on educating a student’s mind, body, and soul and has a Jesuit foundation.
Students at GU can earn their undergrad, master’s, professional, law, or medical degree. GU provides education to students in more than 100 nations.
- Master’s in Real Estate
Georgetown is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Established in 1946, New England College provides private education through on-campus and virtual learning formats to thousands each year. NEC emphasizes the importance of practical learning experiences in each of its undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral programs.
Some examples of majors offered at New England College include real estate, healthcare, and business.
- MS in Management – Real Estate Management
New England College is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.
Providing private education since 1964, Nova Southeastern University has about eighteen academic colleges for students to gain a bachelor’s degree, graduate degree, or higher. Each program offered at NSU has a robust curriculum based on research and innovation and helps students learn to become leaders in their field.
- MS in Real Estate Development
NSU is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Founded in 1885, the University of Arizona provides more than a public postsecondary education; it also provides economic stability and medical care to its community. Offering an array of undergraduate, graduate, and professional degrees, students at UA, can study online or on-campus and have opportunities to work with top professionals in their fields.
- Master of Real Estate Development
The University of Arizona is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
The University of Denver opened its doors for private educational opportunities in 1864 and has strived to grow and develop ever since. Today, it offers more than three-hundred academic programs that give students access to undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degrees through online and traditional learning platforms.
Students around the world look toward UD for their educational needs.
- MS in Real Estate and the Built Environment
The University of Denver is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Commenced in 1913, the University of Illinois – Chicago is a global leader in public education and academic research. Thousands of learners every year turn to UIC to gain an undergraduate, master’s, or advanced degree in a multitude of academic areas. Some programs offered at UIC include education, business, and real estate.
- MBA in Real Estate
The University of Illinois at Chicago is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Getting Your Masters in Real Estate Online
Earning your masters in real estate online can help open up a myriad of opportunities for you. You may pursue a doctoral degree, start a business, or stand out for a coveted job.
Be sure to compare universities offering a masters in real estate online. The best part is that you may gain access to a wide-range of opportunities and complete your degree in as little as 10 months.
