Edited By Julian Palacio
Review & Contribution By Emily Johnson
The real estate field offers diverse knowledge, from properties to finance. A Master’s in Real Estate Online provides essential tools for success in the industry.
The real estate industry involves various activities, including buying, selling, leasing, renting, developing, and managing properties. It plays a crucial role in the economy, serving as a critical driver of economic growth, investment, and wealth creation. A master’s in real estate online offers advanced education and specialized training for individuals seeking to advance their careers in the real estate industry. This program provides in-depth knowledge and skills for leadership roles in various real estate market sectors. Graduates of an online master’s in real estate program are equipped with property development, investment analysis, financial management, urban planning, and sustainable development expertise. They are prepared to pursue careers as real estate developers, asset managers, investment analysts, urban planners, consultants, and more.
Table Of Contents
Featured Online Programs
Find the Best Master’s in Real Estate Online Programs
Several colleges offer a real estate master’s program, but finding the best among them is challenging. To evaluate the best degree, students can check universities with good reputations, faculties with industry experience and academic experience, valuable tools and techniques in the domain, placements, and so on. Based on these several critical components and our proprietary methodology, here is the list of the best master’s in real estate online degrees:
Univ | Address | Tuition | Grad Rate |
Georgetown University | 37th and O St NW, Washington, District of Columbia 20057 | $58,848 | 95% |
Universities and programs are ranked by various factors, such as affordability, curriculum and coursework, reputation and availability, program length, statistics, the potential of employment, and return on investment for the students. For a more in-depth analysis, please read about our rankings methodology page.
What to Expect from a Master’s in Real Estate Online Program
An online Master’s in real estate is a multifaceted industry provided through this 36-credit curriculum. The course thoroughly examines real estate’s financial, financial, value, growth, and asset management components while allowing students to gain expertise in other fields crucial to their unique professions. The most essential facets of real estate finance, investing, legal concerns, economics, market research, and negotiation are covered in the core curriculum. This program is provided in traditional, online, and blended learning formats. The curriculum concludes with a capstone project that allows them to put what they have learned into practice utilizing professional-caliber techniques. Master’s programs often incorporate practical components such as case studies, real-world projects, internships, and experiential learning opportunities. This hands-on experience allows them to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world scenarios and gain valuable industry experience.
Curriculum and Coursework
An online Master’s degree in real estate’s core curriculum is meant to give students a solid foundation to support them throughout their careers. The course offers the groundwork for comprehending the accounting and legal framework in which transactions occur and the macro dynamics driving the present and foreseeable demand for different real estate types. They study the principles of corporate finance and discover how to assess the level of demand for a specific kind of property in a given area. Every stage of the process—from proposals to contracts to project completion—is covered in the Development Process course. They also learn how to improve their negotiation skills by exploring the variety of choices available in resolving conflict, including mediation and arbitration. Below are some courses offered for online Master’s degree in real estate.
Principles of Real Estate Accounting & Taxation
Students who complete this course will better grasp how accounting is used in the building and real estate sectors. It covers ideas, principles, laws, reporting requirements, and accounting and tax procedures to comprehend income reports related to management, operations, investments, and income tax analysis. As a result, it offers a basic introduction to appraisal and the idea of the Time Value of Money.
Real Estate Finance
This course covers real estate loan and equity funding, focusing on properties that generate revenue. It describes and identifies the legal tools used in lending underwriting and lending, the government’s role in financing residential and commercial real estate, the sources of personal and public capital in the form of debt and equity, and the funding of real estate renovation and development activity.
Real Estate Economics & Market Analysis
This course examines the relationship between the domestic and international economies and the real estate markets from theoretical and empirical angles. It investigates how particular property kinds perform during various macroeconomic business and economic cycles and shifting monetary situations. Indicators used to monitor economic and property investment performance are discussed in the course, along with essential policy concerns and their economic effects on real estate decision-making.
Legal Principles & Practices
In this course, students learn the fundamentals of real estate and construction law in this subject and when and how to use the legal system. It analyzes the duties, responsibilities, and liabilities of the key parties involved in transactions, such as the owner, designer, engineer, contractor, and associated professionals, as well as the contracts and difficulties that occur during construction, development, ownership, and operations.
Real Estate Valuation & Feasibility Analysis
With in-depth coverage of the highest and best use idea and application of discounted cash flows, income capitalization, and residual methodologies, this course introduces the revenue, market, and cost approaches. It places particular emphasis on investment, risk, and leasing valuation models. It examines how crucial they supply the income and cash flow metrics needed to make wise value-based decisions. It also covers a feasibility study using a cost vs value generation calculation that is realistically based on market analysis.
Some of the other courses included are
- The Development Process
- Corporate Finance
- Negotiation and Dispute Resolution
- Real Estate Capital Market
- Affordable Housing Finance and Development
- Analyzing Reit Securities
- Private Equity Real Estate
- Managing Bldg Systems & Operations
- Developing Residential Multi-Family Real Estate
- Acquisition Procedures & Analysis
- Real Estate Investing in a Distressed Environment
- Global Real Estate Markets & Investments
- Urban Economic Development
- Advanced Real Estate Development and Investment Transactions
- Comparative International Real Estate
Learning Outcomes and Skills Gained
A Real estate Master’s program equips students with all the required skills to deal with problems in the real world. Earning a degree makes individuals confident and capable of carrying out projects more efficiently and effortlessly. Moreover, they learn soft skills like appropriate communication and body language that go a long way in cracking a deal.
Some key skills that students can expect to develop include the ability to
- analyze complex data sets, market trends, financial statements, and property valuations to make informed decisions and recommendations in real estate transactions and investments;
- demonstrate a strong foundation in financial analysis, including cash flow modeling, investment analysis, risk assessment, and portfolio management;
- conduct market research, including collecting and analyzing data on supply and demand, demographics, economic indicators, and competitive landscapes;
- navigate the complexities of real estate development projects and bring them to successful completion;
- emphasize the development of negotiation and communication skills, including effective communication with clients, stakeholders, and team members, as well as negotiation strategies in real estate transactions and deals;
- navigate legal and regulatory issues related to property transactions, leasing agreements, land use regulations, and environmental considerations;
- usage of sustainability principles, green building practices, and environmental stewardship in real estate development and management;
- demonstrate project management skills, including planning, budgeting, scheduling, and risk management, to effectively oversee real estate projects from inception to completion;
- analyze complex issues, evaluate alternative solutions, and develop innovative approaches to real estate challenges;
- build and maintain professional relationships that can support their career advancement in the real estate industry.
Types of Master’s Degrees Real Estate Students Can Obtain
A master’s in real estate online is available under various names. The course content is more or less the same, but the emphasis and focus differ. Some types of degrees are available for a Master’s in real estate.
MS in Real Estate
Students will learn in-depth information on building development, functionality, and aesthetics. Prospective professionals comprehend facts about budgeting and running costs. As they must resolve problems between renters, negotiate prices when selling homes, and fulfill their client’s requirements, they develop negotiating and communication skills.
MBA in Real Estate
The diverse skills and knowledge in real estate investment and finance that are in high demand are anticipated by students in the Real Estate specialization of an MBA. Opportunities in investing in real estate, financing, asset management, valuation, brokerage, and other services are growing for investment firms, financial firms, private equity firms, portfolio lenders, and other service providers. These positions provide above-average pay in the rapidly expanding business and financial operations field.
Areas of Specialization for Real Estate Students
Choosing a specialization helps students carve a niche for themselves and thus narrow their job search. Organizations are also in search of those who have mastered any one area. With a specialized workforce, businesses can maximize their productivity and reduce operational costs. A master of real estate online offers the following specializations:
Area of Specialization | Description | Career Options |
---|---|---|
Finance and Investment | Students who choose this emphasis will thoroughly understand real estate financing and investment. It includes courses ranging from international real estate investing to Real Estate Derivatives, Real Estate Finance and Investment Analysis, Risk and Portfolio Management, and Applied Projects in Finance and Investment. | Financial Analysis, Emerging Lead – Investment Performance Analysis and Wealth Investment Solutions Associate |
Real Estate Asset Management | Students who choose this emphasis will have the practical, hands-on skills to assess, buy, and manage corporate and family-owned real estate holdings. The course covers creating company plans and analyzing potential courses of action. Students gain knowledge of the advantages of portfolio diversification, value enhancement, and due diligence while purchasing properties. Also, they develop the skills and confidence needed to reposition, advertise, and rent real estate and propose their ideas to lenders and investors. | Manager Capital Markets, Property Manager, and Asset Manager |
Commercial Real Estate | Commercial real estate encompasses various properties, including investment properties, farming land, businesses, industrial facilities, medical facilities, and more. This specialization covers leasing, management, investment, and improvement of commercial properties, offering expertise in all facets of the commercial real estate market. | Commercial real estate specialist, Manager of Real Estate Transactions, and more. |
Construction Management | Construction management is a specialized service that effectively controls project budgets, timelines, scopes, qualities, and functionalities. It involves coordinating and overseeing all aspects of construction projects to ensure successful completion. Various project delivery methods are compatible with construction management practices. | Field engineer, construction superintendent, sustainability consultant, and more. |
Property Development | Property development, also known as real estate development, includes the commercial process of acquiring undeveloped land, developing it into usable areas or parcels, and selling or leasing the developed properties to third parties. It also includes renovating and re-leasing existing buildings to enhance their value. | Business development manager, real estate development analyst, real estate executive, and more. |
Full-Time and Part-Time Programs
Most universities and colleges offer real estate master’s degree online, both full-time and part-time. Many students opt for a full-time program, which is a 2-year-long program, but some pursue their degree along with some other obligations. These obligations could be family responsibilities that require them to work. A part-time real estate master’s offers the same knowledge base but is spread over a more extended period. This way students get ample time to carry on with their job and complete their studies. A part-time master’s program can be completed anywhere between 3 and 4 years.
Accelerated Real Estate Programs
Most of the time, universities do not mark their programs as accelerated programs. However, the faculties encourage students to complete their coursework as soon as possible to get into their jobs quicker and earn the ROI of the program. An online master’s in real estate, pursued in an accelerated mode, can be completed in as little as 13 months. It saves a lot of time and finances and also aids them to gain experience faster in their careers. Speeding up this process also offers quicker time to focus on personal responsibilities. Few colleges providing an accelerated real estate program include:
Admission Requirements for Master’s in Real Estate Online Programs
Every college has set criteria for student enrolment based on its reputation. The first thing to do is to look for the colleges offering their desired programs and then fill in the applications with the required fee in time. We have put together some of the standard requirements across colleges, but for exact admission requirements for master’s in real estate online, students must contact the admission office.
- Bachelor’s degrees with a CGPA of 2.25 and above
- GRE scorecard (not mandatory)
- A GMAT score of 500 (not mandatory)
- Statement of purpose
- Admission essay
- Letter of recommendation
- English Language Test (IELTS)
No GRE Master’s in Real Estate Online Programs
The GRE or GMAT is a test to evaluate a candidate’s writing, quantitative, and verbal abilities. Universities in the U.S. accept applicants for an online real estate master’s degree without requiring the GRE or GMAT. If the applicant’s GRE or GMAT score is the only concern, they should know that many colleges accept applicants without these scores while maintaining the highest standards for their courses and programs. These institutions offer easy access to stellar careers. Thus, it is essential to thoroughly research to chart a list of such universities and colleges. Some colleges providing a no gre master’s in real estate online include:
How to Ensure a Master’s in Real Estate Online Is Accredited
A university or a college must have proper accreditation. Accreditation proves that the college has met the criteria for its degree to be acceptable. Students need to make an informed decision while choosing a college; thus, this is one of the first things they need to evaluate while selecting a college. A master’s in real estate development online requires one of the following accreditations:
- New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE) [5]
- Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE) [6]
- Higher Learning Commission (HLC) [7]
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) [8]
- Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU) [9]
- Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC) [10]
Prospective graduates should also look for degrees that have received programmatic accreditation from RICS Accreditation[11] and Accreditation Council of Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP) [12]. For more details about accreditation, read the guide to college accreditation.
Free Real Estate Courses
Gaining knowledge is always continuous and endless. Enrolling in a master’s degree can not offer an overall understanding of the subject. Most of the time students get enrolled in various free real estate courses to further their knowledge in their interest area. There is a plethora of short-term free programs and courses available online. These courses add value to the master’s degree and make a good impression on the employer. Some free courses available include:
Course | Provided by | Description |
---|---|---|
Successful Negotiation: Essential Strategies and Skills [13] | Coursera | Negotiation is part and parcel of daily life. No business is complete without negotiation. With this program, learners will learn to plan and strategize negotiation, tricks for successful negotiation, and end the game of negotiation successfully. |
Create Striking Real Estate Instagram Posts in Canva [14] | Coursera | In this course, learners will develop aesthetically appealing real estate social media posts using Canva in this project-based course. To make these images more appealing, they will also be taught how to render these graphics appealing using various elements, fonts, text, colors, and animations. |
Introduction to Personal Branding [15] | Coursera | Real estate professionals must build credibility. This course helps them build a brand and make a name for themselves. Establishing themselves on social media platforms is also a part of the program. |
Ways to Pay for a Master’s in Real Estate Online Degree
Most students don’t opt for higher studies due to financial constraints. A master’s program is not easy to afford; thus, they constantly search for available financial aid to facilitate higher education. There are funds available for payments of fees; some are returnable some are not. Below are some ways the fees for an online Master’s in real estate development can be handled.
Scholarships
These are offered to students based on merit and sometimes on their needs. This sum of money varies from organization to organization or institute to institute that offers them. Scholarships are not supposed to be returned after the completion of the program. It is one of the best ways to sponsor higher education.
Grants
Most of the time, grants are need-based and are offered to students whose families need assistance. The families’ financial status is supposed to be revealed to receive grants. Very often, expenses other than the fee are also taken care of.
Student Loans
Special loans with minimal interest rates are available for students. Banks, agencies, or other private institutions offer these loans. These loans are supposed to be paid back after the program is complete and the graduate starts earning.
FAFSA
Students should fill out the free application for federal student aid to know what kind of aid they are eligible for. These may include scholarships, loans, grants, and work-study opportunities.
Work-Study Programs
Work-study programs enable students to pursue part-time employment on or off-campus to help cover educational expenses. These positions are often tailored to align with fields of study, providing valuable work experience while offering financial support.
Part-Time Employment
Students can seek part-time employment outside their academic commitments to supplement their income and finance their education. It may include internships, freelance work, or other relevant employment opportunities within their chosen field, such as roles in advertising or marketing.
Employer Reimbursed Tuition
Some employers offer tuition reimbursement programs as part of their employee benefits. Students can inquire with their human resources department to determine if their workplace provides financial assistance for coursework related to their job responsibilities. However, it’s essential to note that there may be limitations and eligibility criteria associated with these reimbursement programs.
Graduate Assistantship
In exchange for their work, graduate assistants receive financial benefits such as a stipend, tuition remission or waiver, and sometimes health insurance coverage. These benefits help alleviate the financial burden of graduate education and allow students to focus more fully on their studies and professional development.
Read more about how to pay for college.
Scholarships for Master’s in Real Estate Online Degree Students
As the demand for skilled professionals in the dynamic and competitive real estate industry continues to rise, pursuing an online Master’s in real estate scholarships has become increasingly valuable for individuals seeking to advance their careers and expertise in this field. However, the cost of graduate education can pose a significant financial burden for many aspiring students. Fortunately, scholarships for Master’s in Real Estate programs offer a valuable opportunity to alleviate the financial strain and make higher education more accessible. These scholarships, awarded based on academic merit, financial need, or other criteria, provide financial assistance to deserving candidates, enabling them to pursue their educational goals and unlock new opportunities in the real estate industry. Some of these scholarships include:
Scholarship | Description | Award/Amount | Application Deadline |
---|---|---|---|
The Goldie Initiative Scholarship Application [16] | The CREW (Commercial Real Estate Women) Greater Philadelphia Chapter Annual Scholarship is a prestigious award offered to outstanding students pursuing higher education in fields related to commercial real estate. This scholarship aims to support and empower aspiring professionals by providing financial assistance and recognition for their academic achievements and commitment to the real estate industry. Recipients of the CREW Greater Philadelphia Chapter Annual Scholarship are selected based on their academic excellence, leadership potential, and involvement in extracurricular activities related to the real estate sector. | $1500 | June annually |
CREW (Commercial Real Estate Women) Greater Philadelphia Chapter Annual Scholarship [17] | The Goldie Initiative Scholarship is a prestigious program designed to empower and support women pursuing careers in commercial real estate. It provides outstanding female students financial assistance, mentorship, and professional development opportunities. | $5,000 | June annually |
Nellie Martin Carman Scholarship [18] | Exceptional graduating high school students from King, Snohomish, and Pierce Counties are encouraged to apply for this award, which will help pay for their tuition at the Washington state college of their choice. Through this scholarship, recipients receive financial support, mentorship, networking opportunities, and access to a community of scholars dedicated to positively impacting their communities and beyond. | $2,000 | April 15 |
Career Opportunities and Salaries After Graduating from a Master’s in Real Estate Online Program
Getting a good job after a Master’s degree is what every student aims at. The market is booming with jobs and opportunities regarding real estate. Some of the highest-paying jobs are offered to real estate graduates. The graduates of online Master’s in real estate can be absorbed globally in sectors such as housing, hospitality, retail, commercial, and Industrial & warehousing. A few career opportunities graduates can consider include:
- Real Estate Developer
- Real Estate Investment Analyst
- Property Manager
- Real Estate Asset Manager
- Real Estate Consultant
- Real Estate Broker
- Real Estate Finance Specialist
- Urban Planner
- Sustainability Consultant
- Real Estate Researcher or Educator
Here are a few other careers explained:
Occupation | Skills Required | Median Annual Salary | Job Growth (up to 2032) | Job Description |
---|---|---|---|---|
Property, Real Estate, and Community Association Managers [19] | Communication skills, interpersonal skills, listening skills, and problem-solving skills | $60,670 per year | 5% faster than average | Property, real estate, and community association managers play a vital role in overseeing the operations and management of various types of properties, ranging from residential complexes to commercial buildings and community associations. Their responsibilities encompass a wide range of tasks to ensure the smooth functioning and maintenance of properties while also addressing the needs of tenants, owners, and community members. These managers meet with prospective tenants or owners to showcase available properties, negotiate lease agreements, and explain occupancy or ownership terms. |
Financial Managers [20] | Analytical skills, communication skills, math skills, and organizational skills | $139,790 per year | 16% much faster than average | Financial managers play a critical role in the financial health and strategic planning of organizations. Their responsibilities extend beyond producing financial reports and overseeing investment activities to encompass various strategic and operational functions to achieve the organization’s long-term financial objectives. |
Purchasing Managers, Buyers, and Purchasing Agents [21] | Analytical skills, decision-making skills, math skills, and decision-making skills | $75,120 per year | -6% decline | Purchasing managers, buyers, and purchasing agents play a pivotal role in the procurement process within organizations. Their responsibilities encompass a range of tasks aimed at sourcing goods and services efficiently while ensuring quality, timeliness, and cost-effectiveness. They evaluate suppliers based on price, quality, and delivery speed, often conducting interviews and site visits to assess products, services, and pricing. |
Social and Community Service Managers [22] | Analytical skills, managerial skills, problem-solving skills, and time management skills | $74,240 per year | 9% much faster than average | Social and community service managers are instrumental in facilitating programs and services that meet the needs of communities and stakeholders. Their responsibilities encompass various tasks, including identifying needs, implementing programs, and evaluating their effectiveness. They collaborate with community members and stakeholders to assess needs and determine necessary programs and services. |
Certifications and Licensing for Master’s in Real Estate Online Graduates
Certifications and licensing allow students to gain expertise in their domain. Certifications are offered by organizations and institutes and are based on competencies. Students need to clear specific tests to gain licensing. With certifications, their resume becomes stronger, and they can grab the best jobs in the market. Here are some of the certifications real estate graduates can obtain:
Resort and Second-Home Property Specialist [23]
This certification is intended for students who focus on purchasing, selling, or managing real estate for development, retirement, or second residences in resorts or other tourist regions. Members participate in quarterly seminars on investments, second homes, and vacation property and receive monthly electronic bulletins.
Certified Real Estate Brokerage Manager [24]
For seasoned owners, agents, managers, and supervisors, this qualification is intended to elevate professional standards, improve employee and office productivity, and hone knowledge of brokerage management. It was the pinnacle of professional success in managing real estate brokerage firms.
Green Designation [25]
This certification is intended for real estate professionals interested in learning more about sustainability and energy efficiency challenges. Members-only marketing resources for building businesses and gaining a competitive edge are available to students. They acquire a thorough awareness of how green homes should be advertised differently from conventional homes.
Additional Resources for Master’s in Real Estate Online Graduates
Getting associated with professional associations related to real estate helps the students build a network that helps in more ways than one. Interacting with experts opens various knowledge avenues and broadens their understanding of the sector. Moreover, they also have access to conferences, peer journalism, and discussion forums that make them stay relevant and ahead of their batchmates. Here are some organizations that those with a master’s degree in real estate online can join:
Title/Resource | Description |
---|---|
Commercial Real Estate Development Association [26] | The Commercial Real Estate Development Association is a premier organization for real estate owners, professionals, and developers in the office, industrial, retail, and mixed-use sectors. NAIOP offers advocacy, education, and business possibilities by linking members in a strong North American community in the commercial property development and investment market. |
National Association of Appraisers [27] | The National Association of Appraisers (NAA) brings together professionals working in real estate assessment to impact the profession positively. It provides helpful services to the membership at a reasonable pricing structure. NAA works to increase member awareness through educational and informational services. |
National Association of Mortgage Brokers [28] | The National Association of Mortgage Brokers advocates for the mortgage sector and safeguards the rights of mortgage specialists. It is dedicated to encouraging members to uphold the highest professionalism and ethics. NAMB’s strong lobbying and advocacy activities frequently focus on national and state concerns. The association holds several meetings every year. |
National Association of Residential Property Managers [29] | The National Association of Residential Property Managers (NARPM) is an organization of real estate experts who manage modest and single-family homes. It provides resources for residential property management professionals who want to develop professionally and socially. The NARPM is a group of real estate professionals intimately familiar with the particular issues and difficulties of handling solitary and small residential properties. |
National Association of Real Estate Advisors [30] | The National Association of Real Estate Advisors aspires to be among the top professional associations for real estate education. They teach the best real estate agents in the country how to go beyond their roles as transactional agents and develop genuine client connections. |
FAQs About Master’s in Real Estate Online Programs
Why should you do a master’s in real estate degree online?
Real estate studies can be taken up online as online studies save students a lot of time and resources. The quality of education, both online and offline, is the same. Then there is also the added advantage of studying at your own pace from anywhere.
What can you do with a master’s in real estate online degree?
Is an online master’s in real estate worth it?
Why choose a career in commercial real estate?
Why choose a master’s degree in real estate over an MBA?
Is taking a degree to become a real estate agent important?
Citations:
University of Miami Patti and Allan Herbert Business School
Iowa State University of Science and Technology
New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)
Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)
Accreditation Council of Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP)
Successful Negotiation: Essential Strategies and Skills
Create Striking Real Estate Instagram Posts in Canva
Introduction to Personal Branding
The Goldie Initiative Scholarship Application
CREW (Commercial Real Estate Women) Greater Philadelphia Chapter Annual Scholarship
Nellie Martin Carman Scholarship
Property, Real Estate, and Community Association Managers
Purchasing Managers, Buyers, and Purchasing Agents
Social and Community Service Managers
Resort and Second-Home Property Specialist
Certified Real Estate Brokerage Manager
Commercial Real Estate Development Association
National Association of Appraisers
National Association of Mortgage Brokers