Would you be surprised to learn that real estate is one of the largest and most prosperous industries in the U.S.? According to the Bureau of Economic Analysis, real estate was a major contributor to the national GDP in 2022.
An online master's degree in real estate can help you stand out in the field and level up your career. In 2023, the median pay for real estate brokers was around $63,060, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). But the top 10% of earners — the folks with meaningful experience and high-level degrees — earned $160,980.
Learn how to earn your master's in real estate online. We've rounded up all the best programs of 2024 for you to choose from.
Master's in Real Estate Programs You Should Consider
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Best Online Master's in Real Estate Programs
Why Should You Get an Online Master's in Real Estate?
If you want to make a strong personal investment, getting your master's degree in real estate is worth it. You'll be part of a small percentage of realtors who have graduate-level degrees.
It's true that you don't need a master's degree in real estate to be a realtor or broker. But despite not being necessary, a higher degree comes with many benefits.
You'll stand out
Only 13% of realtors have a graduate degree or more, according to the National Association of Realtors. Having a master's degree will set you apart from the competition and catch the eye of employers.More job opportunities
A master's in real estate program goes beyond buying and selling property. You'll take courses that can prepare you to work in finance, management, development, and acquisitions, often at the leadership level.Fast-track to a certification or license
Some master's in real estate programs lead straight to real estate certification or licensure. In addition to becoming a more qualified and well-rounded realtor, you'll save time and money and avoid extra steps.Work full time and study
Online programs allow you to customize your schedule, so you can still keep your day job. You can work full time and study part time, balancing school whenever it works best for you.Learn from wherever you want
No trips to the classroom are needed. You can get a master's in real estate from the comfort of home, a library, or a coffee shop — wherever you want. It's far more convenient, saves time on commuting, and gives you more free time to finish your coursework.
What Jobs Can You Get With a Master's in Real Estate Degree?
Finance and real estate jobs are among the most popular positions you can get with a master's degree in real estate. Real estate skills such as negotiation and asset management also apply to jobs like real estate appraisal, property management, urban planning, sales, business development, and more.
| Jobs | Average Annual Salary (Aug. 2024) |
|---|---|
| Real Estate Broker | $77,156 |
| Property Manager | $56,052 |
| Urban Planner | $63,437 |
| Investment Manager | $123,380 |
| Real Estate Development Manager | $101,344 |
| Real Estate Asset Manager | $91,408 |
How Much Money Will You Make With a Master's Degree in Real Estate?
How Much Does an Online Master's in Real Estate Cost?
Average Annual Cost of a Master's Degree | 2021-2022
Public Institution$12,596
Private Nonprofit Institution$29,931
The average total cost of a master's degree is more than $57,000. National data on tuition costs for a master's in real estate is unavailable, but you can expect to pay around the same amount. Keep in mind: There are additional costs for getting a real estate license.
How Long Does an Online Master's in Real Estate Take?
It usually takes between 1-3 years to finish a master's degree. The timeline may change if you're in an accelerated program or going to school on a part-time schedule.
Average Length of Time1-3 years*
Required Course Credits30-60 credits*
Master's in Real Estate Concentrations
You can stand out to employers by choosing a real estate concentration that best suits your interests or skills. Concentrations vary by program, but common options include:
Real Estate Development
The real estate development concentration focuses on acquiring property for commercial and residential real estate projects, including building or renovating houses, offices, and retail stores.International Real Estate
International real estate concentrations explore how to find and facilitate real estate purchases for clients or help them get their homes ready for sale on a global scale.Real Estate Finance
A real estate finance concentration teaches you how to apply economic techniques to real estate markets and navigate pricing, building production, and investments.Construction Management
Construction management concentrations give you the tools to plan, manage, and facilitate construction projects, including working on a job site, maintaining schedules, and estimating costs.
Frequently Asked Questions About an Online Master's in Real Estate Program
A master's degree in real estate can prepare you to take on a leadership position, run your own business, or land a high-paying corporate job. You will learn the business skills and advanced real estate knowledge needed to advance your career.
