What You Should Know About This Degree
To work professionally as a real estate broker or sales agent, individuals must have a state-issued license. The licensure requirements vary, but they typically include completing a set number of classes in real estate before taking an exam.
However, this does not mean that you need a full master’s degree in real estate in order to become a licensed real estate agent. Therefore, it’s important to familiarize yourself with your state’s real estate license requirements and consider your own professional goals before committing the time and effort to a master’s degree.
Individuals should also keep in mind that licenses are typically not transferable between states. If you intend on practicing real estate across multiple states, or if you move to a different state, you should be prepared to take multiple exams. Real estate agents must also complete continuing education classes periodically to maintain their licenses.
The benefit of a master’s in real estate is that most programs allow students to go in-depth in areas like law, development, market analysis, and international real estate.
Although the programs on our list are primarily delivered online, some do have in-person requirements for residencies or experiential learning components. Review the plans of study carefully so that you are aware of any in-person requirements you must accommodate.
What’s Next?
Here are some questions to ask when researching Online Master’s in Real Estate programs:
- Do I possess the right qualities to be a real estate agent? A real estate master’s program can teach you the necessary skills for the job, but being successful as a real estate agent requires certain natural aptitudes. You must be adept at business management, communication, organization, customer service, and problem-solving. It’s important to assess your natural abilities to determine if this career is right for you.
- Am I eligible for this program? It’s also important to check minimum eligibility requirements before applying to a program. Some master’s in real estate programs require that students have experience in real estate, or coursework in business, finance, or a related field.
Other steps you should be taking at this point include researching application deadlines, gathering application materials, and considering options for funding your graduate degree. If you have questions about the admissions procedures for a program, contact their admissions department. Funding can come from institutional sources like scholarships and assistantships or from outside sources like federal student loans and employer tuition benefits.