Real estate is a dynamic field full of opportunities for aspiring business professionals. Earning an online real estate MBA can open the door to many career paths, including positions such as real estate manager, investment analyst, or development consultant, with median salaries ranging from around $60,000 to $100,000 per year.
These programs typically take 18 months to three years to complete — although some programs may allow students to take longer to accommodate professionals with a full-time job or other responsibilities. While costs vary depending on the institution, the average annual tuition for a graduate degree program is $20,513.
How to Choose an Online Real Estate MBA Program
Choose your area of study
Many online real estate MBA programs will allow you to select a concentration and focus your studies on a particular niche in this field, such as real estate finance, development, investment, or sustainable practices.
Be sure to carefully consider your career goals and interests when making this decision. For instance, students with strong analytical and financial skills may excel in real estate finance, while those passionate about construction or urban planning may thrive in real estate development. Investment-focused specializations suit students interested in portfolio management and risk analysis. Sustainable practices is an ideal concentration for individuals committed to environmental responsibility and green initiatives.
Research schools and programs
You should only apply to institutions that have been approved by a DOE-recognized regional accrediting organization, such as the New England Commission of Higher Education or Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities. These organizations evaluate schools to ensure they provide students with a high-quality education. Those who attend a school that isn’t regionally accredited may be unable to access financial aid or transfer credits to another institution if needed.
Ideally, your real estate MBA program will also be accredited by a respected industry group like the Association for the Advancement of Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) or the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP). These programmatic accrediting organizations have particularly high standards for business education.
Look for programs with a curriculum that supports your intended specialization. Carefully review course descriptions to ensure that your potential coursework will align with your professional and long-term goals, and read faculty profiles to discover instructors who specialize in your chosen field.
In addition, consider factors like program reputation, internship opportunities, and career placement services. Institutions that excel in these areas often provide exceptional learning experiences.
To learn more about any schools that you’re interested in, you can visit the school’s website, contact an admissions counselor, follow the school on social media, or attend an in-person or virtual open house.
Prepare for tests and applications
Now that you have compiled a short list of the schools you plan on applying to, you’ll want to prepare for tests and applications. A robust application with impressive test scores can significantly affect how an admissions committee perceives your potential in a program.
First, dedicate time to study for any required standardized tests, such as the GRE or GMAT, using practice materials. Enrolling in a test prep course can give you an advantage here, as these courses teach test-taking strategies and will help you familiarize yourself with the test’s questions.
Second, write a compelling personal statement that emphasizes your passion for real estate and aligns with the program’s values and specializations. Your statement is a unique opportunity to stand out to an admissions committee beyond your academic history and test scores. Be sure to dedicate ample time to this crucial aspect of your application.
Lastly, gather all necessary documents, including transcripts, letters of recommendation, and your resume, ensuring you meet application deadlines. Allow sufficient time for your potential recommenders to compose their letters, and keep an eye out for any specific application requirements, as these can vary by program. Always contact an admissions counselor to ensure you have the most accurate information regarding requirements and deadlines.
Select your program
Before making your final decision, review your needs and goals again. Do you plan to attend school full-time or part-time? Do you want your program to be as online as possible, or are you fine with a hybrid program that has a fair amount of in-person requirements? Some programs offer asynchronous courses, which can be completed at your own pace, while others only offer synchronous courses, which involve remotely attending lectures and completing assignments at the same time as other students — which of these two online learning formats do you prefer? Your school should accommodate your scheduling needs and learning preferences.
Determine how you’ll pay for your degree
Speak to financial aid counselors at the schools you’re interested in for the most accurate and specific information about program cost. Research scholarships and grants specific to real estate or MBA programs to determine how to pay for your real estate MBA — your school or private organizations may offer these opportunities and can cover a significant portion of your overall tuition without needing repayment.
Submitting the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is vital, as it determines your eligibility for federal aid, including loans and work-study programs. Exploring these options, alongside potential part-time work or tuition reimbursement programs offered by your employer, can help you create a comprehensive plan to fund your education.
Top 50 Online Real Estate MBA Degree Programs
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How We Rank Schools
This list includes the best online real estate MBA programs that are delivered fully or primarily online and offered by regionally accredited institutions. We also considered whether programs had specialized accreditation through organizations like the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) or the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP).
Programs that made the cut were evaluated based on reputation, flexibility, faculty, cost, retention and graduation rates, and more. Based on these evaluations, each school received an Intelligent Score of 0 to 100. For a more extensive explanation, check out our ranking methodology.
What Can You Expect From an Online Real Estate MBA Program?
A real estate MBA program provides students with an in-depth understanding of the real estate industry, combining core business principles with specialized courses on real estate finance, development, investment, and management. Students learn about market analysis, property valuation, legal and regulatory aspects, and sustainable practices. These programs typically take two years to complete, although accelerated or part-time options are often available to meet each student’s unique needs.
Some programs may require students to attend in-person classes or participate in residencies, providing valuable networking opportunities and hands-on experiences. However, with the advancements in online education, many programs now offer flexible online formats to accommodate working professionals. As a prospective student, prepare to collaborate in group projects, engage in case studies, and apply your knowledge to real-world scenarios.
Potential courses you’ll take in an online real estate MBA program
- Real Estate Finance: A standard core requirement, this course teaches students the fundamental principles of real estate finance, including mortgage structures, investment analysis, and risk management. They will learn how to evaluate the financial viability of real estate projects, assess potential risks, and make informed decisions.
- Real Estate Development: Another standard requirement, this course focuses on the entire process of real estate development, covering land acquisition, entitlements, construction, and project management. Students will learn to navigate regulatory environments, conduct feasibility studies, and create sustainable and profitable development projects.
- Property Valuation and Appraisal: In this course, students will gain expertise in property valuation methods, including income, sales comparison, and cost approaches. They will learn to appraise various real estate assets accurately and analyze market trends affecting property values.
- Real Estate Law and Contracts: Frequently an elective, this course delves into the legal aspects of real estate transactions, covering contract law, property rights, leasing agreements, and zoning regulations. Students will learn about the legal frameworks governing real estate transactions and develop skills to handle legal issues in the industry.
- Real Estate Investment Analysis: This course focuses on advanced financial modeling and investment analysis techniques specific to the real estate sector. Students will learn to evaluate risk-adjusted returns, perform sensitivity analyses, and make strategic investment decisions to optimize real estate portfolios.
What Can You Do With an Online Real Estate MBA Program?
Career outlook
Although many professionals in this field start as real estate salespersons or brokers, several job options are available with an MBA. Your MBA will give you a strong foundation of skills in finance and management, and these skills may lead to jobs including the following:
- Real estate agent or broker — Helps clients buy, sell, and rent properties. Brokers are licensed to manage their own real estate business, while agents must work with a broker.
- Median annual salary: $56,620
- Projected employment growth (through 2032): 3%
- New job openings projected: 51,600 annually
- Property appraiser or assessor — Estimate the value of land and buildings to help facilitate sales, mortgages, tax assessments, and insurance coverage.
- Median annual salary: $61,630
- Projected employment growth (through 2032): 5%
- New job openings projected: 6,900 annually
- Financial analyst — Evaluate investment opportunities, assess the financial health of businesses, and provide recommendations for optimal financial strategies.
- Median annual salary: $99,890
- Projected employment growth (through 2032): 8%
- New job openings projected: 27,400 annually
Online Real Estate MBA Degree Frequently Asked Questions
How do I apply to an online real estate MBA program?
First, visit the program’s official website and locate the application portal. Complete the online application form, providing the required personal and academic details. As admissions requirements vary among institutions, ensure you meet prerequisites such as holding a bachelor’s degree, submitting transcripts, and providing standardized test scores if applicable. Some programs may require work experience in real estate or a related field.
While you’re moving through this process, reach out to an admissions counselor to gain insight into specific requirements and application deadlines and to address any questions or concerns about the program.
How much does an online real estate MBA degree cost?
On average, graduate school tuition costs $20,513 per year. Private schools are usually much more expensive than public schools, though public schools tend to charge out-of-state students a higher tuition rate than in-state students.
Besides tuition, it’s essential to consider additional costs like textbooks, technology requirements, and online course materials. Additionally, there may be fees related to virtual proctoring, online learning platforms, and other administrative expenses.
How long does it take to earn an online real estate MBA degree?
Most students complete their real estate MBA in 18 months to three years. Since online programs offer more flexibility in completion time compared to on-campus degrees, some students may take shorter or longer to graduate, depending on their study pace and personal circumstances. Those who study part-time will generally take longer to complete their degree, while full-time students often move quicker.
It’s also important to consider the total number of required credits, as this varies by institution and can impact program length. Most MBA programs require 36 to 54 credits, but some require even more. Consider this factor carefully when choosing your program, as it can significantly impact program duration.
Is an online real estate MBA program worth it?
An online MBA focused on real estate can be a worthwhile investment for students interested in the property and real estate sector. This field suits those with entrepreneurial interests, as several jobs allow for independent work. A real estate broker, for example, may start their own residential or commercial real estate business. In contrast, real estate consultants or assessors can work as freelancers, taking on clients as necessary while they build their reputation.
An MBA provides students with extensive knowledge about business practices, from finance to marketing, essential for those looking for career advancement. An MBA focused on real estate allows students to network with other like-minded individuals, mentors, and teachers and may offer opportunities for internships to aid in skills development.
Earning an MBA online can be a beneficial choice for those with other personal or professional responsibilities. It’s an especially good option for adult learners who wish to earn their degree quickly and efficiently.