Why This Matters
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REAL ESTATE BROKERS MAKE $50,730 PER YEAR
The median U.S. salary for all occupations is $39,810, which is $10,920 less than the median salary of real estate brokers.
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11,300 MORE BROKERS AND AGENTS WILL BE NEEDED
With an expected job growth rate of 2%, brokers and agents are needed to assist businesses that want to buy property and people who are looking to purchase new homes.
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THERE WILL BE 368,700 PROPERTY MANAGERS BY 2029
Managers are needed to oversee operations for apartment buildings, planned communities, and housing developments.
Our Research
This list covers master’s in real estate programs that offer coursework in asset management, ethical issues, financial modeling for real estate, and property analysis. Degrees offered include Master of Science in International Real Estate, Master of Real Estate Development, Master of Professional Studies in Real Estate, Master of Business Administration in Real Estate, and Master of Science in Architecture in Real Estate Development. Students can choose on-campus, online, or hybrid learning formats.
National and regional accreditation is given to graduate real estate programs that uphold high academic standards and prepare students for occupations in real estate. Schools on this list have received national accreditation from the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET), International Accreditation Council for Business Education (IACBE), or Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
We evaluated each program on the basis of flexibility, faculty, course strength, cost, and reputation. Then we calculated the Intelligent Score for each program on a scale from 0 to 100. For a more extensive explanation, check out Our Ranking Methodology.
- 78 hours to write this article
- 154 universities and colleges we assessed
- 343 education programs we compared
The Top 50 Master’s in Real Estate Degree Programs
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What You Should Know About This Degree
When choosing a graduate program, it’s important to consider pursuing a Master of Business Administration (MBA) or Master of Business Administration in Real Estate. If you’re looking to get a generalized understanding of business management and gain knowledge that can be applied to senior-level positions across many industries, think about a graduate program in business administration. MBA in Real Estate programs specialize in how real estate applies to multiple business verticals, such as finance, operations, marketing, and strategy. All programs provide advanced skills that can be used for investment strategy, property appraisal, and operational management. When choosing a graduate program, determine if you want to specialize in a career in real estate or expand your job outlook to include other industries.
Real estate is a competitive industry, and certifications can help graduates verify their expertise in the field for potential employers. A license is needed to sell, broker, or rent real estate. Additional credentials — such as Senior Real Estate Specialist (SRES), Seller Representative Specialist (SRS), and Certified Real Estate Brokerage Manager (CRB) — are valuable designations for real estate graduates.
What’s Next?
Ask yourself these questions when pursuing a master’s degree in real estate:
- Am I eligible for this program? Graduate programs in real estate are open to students from all educational backgrounds. Some programs might require a minimum GPA and Graduate Record Examination (GRE) score.
- How long does it take to complete this online degree? Most master’s in real estate programs require two years of full-time study to complete. Students must earn between 31 and 61 credits to complete the programs on our list.
Each program has entry requirements and application deadlines. Detailed information can be found on a program’s webpage or through the admissions department at the school to which you are applying.
Consider how you will cover the cost of your graduate degree. You might be eligible for federal student aid as well as scholarships and grants. Research funding opportunities, and be sure to turn in all financial support applications on time.