Real estate is a complex business that requires agents and brokers to be proficient in finance, accounting, marketing, economics, and law. Commercial real estate can be even more complex.
To develop their careers, some real estate agents pursue master's degrees in real estate online. The National Association of REALTORS® reports that 14% percent of members held graduate degrees, with an additional 6% having completed some graduate school.
Professionals earn graduate degrees in real estate for a variety of reasons. Some want to expand their real estate law proficiency or earn certificates and licenses in the field. Others want to move from residential to commercial real estate.
Additionally, some students with bachelor's degrees in other fields may pursue postgraduate work in real estate. This is because some states waive the licensing exam requirement for agents who have completed college courses in real estate.
This guide discusses online master's programs in real estate, along with the financial and career growth potential this degree can offer.
Featured Online Real Estate Programs
Find a program that meets your affordability, flexibility, and education needs through an accredited, online school.
The Top 20 Online Real Estate Master's Degrees
These rankings include sponsored results from our partners. We use publicly available provisional datasets from Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) to inform the data for these schools. All data is current as of the date this article was published. Program-specific information may vary.
How Much Does a Real Estate Degree Cost?
Graduate school costs an average of about $38,200 per year. However, cost varies by school, learners' residency status, and program length. Students who complete a degree in less time may save on tuition costs.
Prospective learners should budget for extra expenses in addition to tuition. For example, many schools charge online learners technology and graduation fees. Students may also need to buy textbooks or a new laptop.
Learners can lower their education expenses by applying to school with institutional scholarships and grants. These awards may eliminate the need for student loans. Degree-seekers should also submit the FAFSA to determine their eligibility for federal grants.
How Much Do Real Estate Majors Make?
Graduates with a master's in real estate may work as real estate brokers or sales agents. These professionals earned a median of $48,770 annually as of May 2021, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The highest-earning real estate agents made $176,080 annually. Many factors influence salary, including employer and geographic location.
Earning a master's degree can help professionals qualify for high-paying jobs. For example, real estate graduates from the University of California, Los Angeles, made a median annual salary of $142,500 in 2022. This figure is nearly triple the median annual salary of $45,760 for all occupations.
Online Courses in Real Estate
Master's in real estate programs help prepare learners for licensure and professional certifications. Core classes may cover the real estate process, negotiations, and real estate market analysis. Some programs offer electives or specialization options. Degree-seekers may take a final-semester capstone.
See below for three common classes in real estate programs. Keep in mind that programs vary by school. Students should check with their prospective schools for information on specific offerings.
The Real Estate Process: This first-semester class covers residential and commercial real estate. Degree-seekers examine real estate professionals' roles and responsibilities. Programs using a cohort learning model require team-building exercises and networking sessions.
Negotiations: Real estate professionals spend much of their time negotiating deals. This class teaches negotiation best practices in different settings, such as dispositions, lease agreements, and operations and management. Students develop their skills through simulations with peers. Coursework may require students to consider ethical dilemmas workers face on the job.
Real Estate Market Analysis: This advanced class requires students to analyze how supply and demand affect the real estate market. Learners consider many factors, such as rising rents, land economics, and surrounding infrastructure. Degree-seekers explore the latest regulations real estate professionals must follow. Top master's in real estate programs invite experts to speak on these issues.
Frequently Asked Questions About Real Estate
What can you do with a master's in real estate?
Graduates may work as real estate investment bankers, portfolio managers, or developers. These and other well-paying careers may require additional education and training.
How long does a master's in real estate take?
Some accelerated programs take only 10-12 months for full-time enrollees. Part-time students may need 2-3 years to graduate.
How much does a real estate degree cost?
Tuition varies by school. Students attending in-state, public universities usually pay the most affordable tuition These schools may waive out-of-state tuition for online learners.
