Best online master’s in real estate degrees 2021: Top picks
Real estate professionals help buyers and sellers find the right residential and commercial properties, negotiate purchase and sale contracts, and close the deal. In many areas, property values have remained strong even during the pandemic.
A Masters in Real Estate can take your career to the next level and qualify you for leadership roles in property buying and selling, construction, development, finance and town planning. The range of careers for master’s graduates attracts both young professionals and those with professional experience.
Check out the information in this guide and the program rankings to explore the possibilities.
The best online master in real estate degrees
ZDNet’s ranking methodology uses data compiled by industry experts and verified by our editorial team to offer readers the best school and program options. Institutions cannot pay to be included in our rankings to ensure the integrity of our selections.
Unless otherwise noted, data is from the Integrated Data System for Post-Secondary Education and the College Scorecard.
1. Georgetown University
Washington, DC
About the program: Georgetown University’s Master of Professional Studies in Real Estate offers 33 credits of online courses that prepare graduates for real estate careers and related positions in construction, finance, and sustainability.
- Acceptance Rate: 14%
- Graduation rate: 94%
- Average Annual net price: $ 29,000
- Years to completion: Two to five; Part-time study possible
- GRE / GMAT: Not required
- Minimum GPA: Not required
- Registration deadlines per year: Three
- Methods of course implementation: Asynchronous
Accreditation: Georgetown University is regionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).
2. University of Denver
Denver, Colorado
About the program: The University of Denver’s Master of Science in Real Estate and the Built Environment program begins with a business start-up to train integrated project leaders.
- Acceptance Rate: 59%
- Graduation rate: 75%
- Average Annual net price: $ 32,000
- Years to completion: 12-18 months; Part-time study possible
- GRE / GMAT: Not required
- Minimum GPA: Not required
- Registration deadlines per year: Two
- Methods of course implementation: Synchronous
Accreditation: The University of Denver is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
What to Expect in an Online Real Estate Masters Program
Online master’s programs in real estate usually offer asynchronous coursework that allows students to continue working or take on other tasks. The curricula also include experiential learning through internships and mentoring partnerships, which often require an on-site presence near the student dormitories. Programs usually culminate in a final project and a presentation.
Online masters programs come with demanding course loads and deadlines for completing tasks, and successful online students plan their time accordingly. Participants take core classes, but also choose a concentration area with course content tailored to the skills required in this specialization.
Real estate professionals and Masters level students tend to be highly self-motivated and have strong leadership skills.
Masters in Real Estate Courses
While program course content varies, Masters in Real Estate online learners can expect to take core courses such as those listed here along with electives in their specific areas of interest.
Real estate basics
With a focus on income generating commercial real estate, this course examines the processes and tools required to value real estate and make transaction decisions. Topics include financing, site selection, negotiation and development.
Real estate law
This introduction to commercial real estate law provides the basics of the principles, mechanisms, and conventions that apply to developers, contractors, lenders, investors, and owners, as well as identifying and correlating legal risk.
Real estate financing
The students get to know the business concepts and the technical skills of real estate financing and use a case study to create a pro-forma-pro-forma at the real estate level that analyzes the leveraged and unleveraged returns.
Real estate market basics
This course covers the real estate information analysis process and informed decision making using theory, analysis tools and real world examples. The class culminates in a case study report and presentation.
Real Estate Graduation Levels
If you are interested in learning the basics of the real estate industry to become a real estate agent or broker, an associate degree in a relatively short amount of time is what you need. A bachelor’s degree offers additional real estate management training and a well-rounded general education. A Masters in Real Estate prepares you for a high-level management career in development, analysis, construction and investment.
Associate in real estate
- Length: One to two years
- Costs: $ 85-647 per balance
- Professions after graduation: Real estate agent, real estate agent, certified real estate appraiser
An associate degree leads to entry-level careers in the real estate field that assist buyers and sellers in buying and selling real estate. It also provides a bachelor’s degree qualification, which employers may prefer in an increasingly complex real estate market.
Associate-level real estate students take core courses that prepare them for their state entrance exams. Topics typically include valuation, real estate law, real estate management and economics, as well as math, computer systems and composition lessons. Some programs include capstone projects or internships.
Bachelor in Real Estate
- Length: Three to six years
- Costs: $ 322- $ 419 per credit
- Professions after graduation: Real estate agent or broker, loan officer, property manager
Bachelor students complete around 120 credits in core real estate courses, general subjects and key topics such as commercial real estate, construction management, finance and real estate development. Enrolled students can do internships or team up with professional mentors for experiential learning.
Online course delivery can be asynchronous, synchronous or hybrid. Part-time and accelerated study opportunities are often available. Specializations depend on the programs, but graduates typically earn a Bachelor of Business Administration in Real Estate, a Bachelor of Finance in Real Estate, or a Bachelor of Science in Real Estate.
Masters in Real Estate
- Length: One to two years
- Costs: $ 565 to $ 1,758 per balance
- Professions after graduation: Real estate developer, real estate investment manager, senior real estate analyst
Master’s degrees in real estate are aimed at professionals seeking leadership and leadership positions in areas such as commercial real estate, construction, real estate development, finance and marketing. Programs offer specializations including integrated product delivery, global real estate, or a self-designed concentration. The students are proficient in tools and technologies customary in the industry.
Masters programs usually include online courses in an asynchronous format, although some scheduled synchronous sessions may be required. The curriculum also offers hands-on learning through case studies, capstone projects, mentoring, and internships.
Finally
Whether you want to start out as a real estate agent, city planner, or somewhere in between, a real estate degree can get you there. A Masters in Real Estate prepares you for careers in construction and development, finance and investing. It can also be combined with an MBA. Check the websites of the schools listed above for more information.