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What is Real Estate?

Real estate is the area of study and practice that is involved with the sale and resale of land and properties for the purposes of residential or commercial development or ownership. Individuals in this field are responsible for providing customers with a variety of options in regards to their purchase as well as listing homes for sale on behalf of sellers. Individuals in this field will typically earn a commission based on the sale of a property. Individuals may be sales agents or brokers. Becoming a broker requires sales experience that varies by state and confers the ability to manage one's own business.

Students earning a degree or certificate in real estate have gone on to advance or start a career as real estate agents, appraisers, loan officers, project managers, analysts, planners, asset managers, property managers, community manager, assessors, and financial planners.

Career Summary

MEDIAN SALARY

$63,590

PERCENT ABOVE NATIONAL
INCOME AVERAGE

41.71%

TOTAL SECTOR EMPLOYMENT

192,690

Degree Median Salary vs Adjacent Degree Types

Source: BLS, US Census, and IPEDS

2024 Best Real Estate Classes

Named after its first donor, minister John Harvard of Charlestown, Harvard University is a private research university located in Cambridge, Massachusetts and is one of the top universities of the Ivy League. With a graduation rate of 97.1%, Harvard University is recognized as one of the first-class schools, providing high-level undergraduate and graduate courses and professional schools through well-equipped facilities, excellent lecturers, and a wide range of courses.

With the principle that sustainable, economic, and aesthetic real estate values are built through a thoughtful process of harnessing, addressing, and incorporating building development funding, form, and creativity, GSD MDes Real Estate and Built Environment degree equips its students with the skills and knowledge that are necessary in the real estate industry. It is designed to empower individuals to become decision-makers and leaders in the construction and financing, growth, and investment of real estate. The curriculum is also grounded by four program pillars, namely: Design Focus, Thought Leadership, Global Platform, and Social Impact. 

Acceptance Rate

4.64

Student to Faculty Ratio

7:1

University of Pennsylvania is an urban university which ranks among the top 10 universities in the United States and is known as the first university of America. The institution is globally recognized as a major higher learning and research institution and is home to the first medical school in the nation.

The Real Estate Department degree of Wharton’s School is dedicated to producing skilled professionals who have a wide perspective on the problems of working environments and maintaining and creating living. It offers undergraduate, MBA, and doctoral concentration programs allowing students to choose their area of focus. Production, finance, operations, public policy, and investments are some of the important and related issues that the department includes in the curriculum.

Acceptance Rate

7.66

Student to Faculty Ratio

6:1

Northwestern University, located in Evanston, Illinois, is a private research institution that is globally known for its academic excellence, with its undergraduate programs consistently ranking among the best in the nation. Offering an extensive range of programs bachelor’s to doctoral levels, Northwestern faculties has members who belong to the National Academy of Engineering, National Academy of Sciences, and American Academy of Arts and Sciences, to name a few.

Kellogg’s Real Estate program is organized in two phases – first, is where students build instruments that are essential to the study of real estate transactions in the first basic phase and second, is where they build a body of knowledge on the relationship of public policy, law, and urban planning with real estate markets. It is tailored to emphasize in the global economy the value and influence of real estate as an asset class. Moreover, the curriculum of the program is designed to train real estate practitioners of tomorrow to have a comprehensive understanding of the real estate industry's theory and practice.

Acceptance Rate

9.05

Student to Faculty Ratio

6:1

With advanced research programs, Cornell University is one of the greatest research universities that is committed to the transfer and application of university-based expertise in order to bring practical benefits and economic growth to the nation. Its Humanities, Social Sciences, Law and Technology, Life Sciences, and Sustainability are among the Cornell programs earning the highest reviews.

Cornell Baker degree in Real Estate is a two-year graduate program that incorporates experiential learning, internship, and preparation that prepares professionals for employment in the industry. It allows versatile opportunities for specialization to cross knowledge gaps and provide individuals with the unique instruments they need for success. They will graduate with boundless opportunities in the real estate sector through specialized internships, concentration, tracks, and the Cornell network.

Acceptance Rate

10.85

Student to Faculty Ratio

9:1

Located in Washington, District of Columbia, Georgetown University has a Roman Catholic affiliation and has a wide range of degrees that are available for students to choose from. The institution enrolls approximately 17,000 students annually.

Master of Professional Studies in Real Estate is guided by a faculty of experienced industry practitioners that prepares their students for success in today's real estate industry with the industry insights and fundamental skills needed. Through a mix of case studies and realistic, hands-on implementation, they can research active real estate markets throughout the United States and around the world. Upon completing the real estate curriculum, students will be trained to effectively navigate the industry's changing challenges, developments, and complexities.

Acceptance Rate

14.36

Student to Faculty Ratio

11:1

Known as a world-class institution in research, education, and healthcare, Johns Hopkins University provides full-time and part-time undergraduate degree programs and full-time graduate degree programs that are also ranked as first among universities in the United States. The university has three major campuses to date, with the main campus located in Baltimore, Maryland.

Master of Science in Real Estate and Infrastructure not only gives the opportunity to acquire new, creative approaches to the real estate development industry but also allows students to boost and improve their business skills. It also allows students to establish useful ties within the industry and understand essential concepts and principles of the industry. The program can be completed in a span of 1 year after taking 36 credits.

Acceptance Rate

11.17

Student to Faculty Ratio

7:1

University of Southern California, noted as the West’s oldest research university, has different options in minors, majors, and degree programs, allowing the students to choose and follow the path that they aspire to study. These programs are offered though the different colleges and schools on the university, which includes but is not limited to USC School of Cinematic Arts, USC School of Theatre, Keck School of Medicine of USC, and Keck School of Medicine of USC.

In Master of Real Estate Development, students are prepared for top roles in real estate development through the meticulously integrated program that combines design, finance, and policy, the three main elements of the development of real estate. In addition to the full spectrum of development functions, students are introduced to residential, retail, commercial, industrial, and office products. Students are expected to show and apply their knowledge on marketing, real estate law, urban history, economics, planning, and architecture in the workplace once they are employed.

Acceptance Rate

11.42

Student to Faculty Ratio

9:1

University of Michigan – Ann Arbor is the main campus of the University of Michigan and is the oldest public university of Michigan State. Also known as one of the world's best public universities, the University of Michigan has one of the highest budgets for research universities in the nation.

Real Estate Development Minor is a 15-credit program offered by the Taubman College of Architecture and Urban Planning of U of M where students will be taught sustainable approaches to real estate in order to solve environmental, dependable, and environmental concerns. It provides the foundation of the concepts of history, economics, principles, and how social fields affect the development of sustainable real estate. Their main objective is to develop places that provide alternatives to self-oriented growth that boosts decisions for individuals of all incomes and reduces harmful impacts on the environment. 

Acceptance Rate

22.91

Student to Faculty Ratio

11:1

Villanova University, a non-profit university situated in Villanova, Pennsylvania, provides a range of program choices which enables students to choose the right major for them. The institution has a Roman Catholic affiliation which plays a vital role in the school’s vision and distinguishes it from others.

Villanova University’s online Real Estate major, minor, and co-major students will gain not only an understanding of the roles that real estate plays in the global economy and corporate strategy, but also an understanding of real estate modeling, investment, and accounting and law. Completing valuations for particular office buildings will be included in the course projects and a capstone construction project including site discovery, demand research, completion and resale of projects. In order to understand how the theory applies to practice, the program includes case studies, site visits, industry standard software resources and expert insights. 

Acceptance Rate

28.24

Student to Faculty Ratio

11:1

Initially constituted by merchants, bankers, and traders in 1831 to provide quality education to young men, New York University has progressed and expanded over the years and is now ranked by the Global University Ranking as the 22nd world’s top university. The university now comprises 16 institutions, schools, and colleges covering Tisch School of Arts, School of Social Work, Gallatin School of Individualized Study, and Education of Human Development.

A Real Estate degree under the Master of Business Administration program that provides detailed training in the financing, growth, and investment of projects in real estate. By recognizing the positions of different market actors as well as the legal, tax, and regulatory climate that these markets face, students will learn to think creatively about the workings of primary and secondary markets in real estate. Real Estate Investment Strategies, Urban Systems, and Real Estate Primary Markets are some of the courses that they will need to successfully complete before they venture into a successful real estate career.

Acceptance Rate

16.2

Student to Faculty Ratio

9:1

With more than 7,600 students each year, Pepperdine University provides a range of educational options, enabling students to select the major that is right for them. The university’s Churches of Christ affiliation is a significant part of the history, mission, and education that identifies itself from others. 

Master of Science in Real Estate is a 12-month term program with 34 units and is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) and the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC). Their curriculum is intended for individuals who are looking to gain and boost their economics, financial, law, and decision-making skills in the real estate investments and developments. The program is an educational experience, from local business collaborations to a global real estate tour, which will produce the next generation of leaders in the real estate industry.

Acceptance Rate

31.72

Student to Faculty Ratio

14:1

Home to 150 research facilities and centers and 16 colleges, University of Florida is among the three largest single-campus universities in the United States and provides 100 undergraduate degree programs and 200 graduate degree programs. Students from across the globe attend the university and are ranked as the 17th biggest international student body in the United States.

A Master of Science in Real Estate (MSRE) is a 10-month program under the College of Business which teaches students the methods of analyzing related case studies and allows them to interact with world-class real estate professors, mentors and career mentors. Students will get to work on a real estate project for a thesis. Upon completion of the program, students will have a firm real estate education background and wide professional network that will help them get into the workforce. 

Acceptance Rate

36.58

Student to Faculty Ratio

18:1

The University of Texas at Austin is ranked by the U.S. News & World Report as the 14th top public national universities in 2020 and is committed to attracting and producing well-educated graduates. Undergraduate and graduate degree programs, organized research units, and interdisciplinary units which includes but are not limited to Institute for Cellular and Molecular Biology and Texas Materials Institute are available at the university.

Students that are enrolled to the MBA program may select a specialization area among the options for their studies, including the real estate option. This program’s curriculum is designed for individuals who are looking to be employed in the real estate industry. They will be trained to acquire practical and technical skills that will help them succeed and become leaders of the career they decided to pursue. 

Acceptance Rate

31.82

Student to Faculty Ratio

N.A

University of Miami offers students with a selection of program choices to assist them in their growth and development and has about sixteen thousand attendees annually. The school is located and is run as a private institution in Coral Gables, Florida.

A one-year interdisciplinary graduate program, Master of Real Estate Development + Urbanism creates a first-class program that incorporates the fundamentals of real estate development with planning and design for living communities through integrating the strengths of the Schools of Business Management, Architecture, and Law of the institution. It trains individuals enrolled in the program to become capable of delivering development and better life quality to different communities. Students will get their master’s degree after successfully completing 36 credits.

Acceptance Rate

27.13

Student to Faculty Ratio

12:1

Located in Athens, Georgia, University of Georgia is a highly diversified academic institution that offers 22 bachelor’s degree programs with 140 areas of concentration. 34 master’s degree programs with 124 concentrations, and almost 20 degrees in Educational Specialist. These programs cover education, ecology, business, art, environmental design, and more.

Terry College of Business’ Real Estate degree program has been among the top five of US News’ yearly rankings since 2005 and is commended by publications as one of the first-class programs in the United States. The program gained such a reputation through providing high-quality educational experience and equipping their students with strong analytical skills which will be beneficial as they immerse themselves in the workplace. Career prospects of those who complete the program include financial analyst, risk analyst, appraiser, and real estate broker in banks, service networks, and different establishments. 

Acceptance Rate

45.3

Student to Faculty Ratio

17:1

Florida State University is not only known for its cultural arts excellence but also for being an outstanding research institution, with research facilities and centers in different fields including sociology, criminology, and physics. Now with 15 colleges with 275 different programs, FSU is the leading institution in the State University of Florida.

With a curriculum that is designed to prepare students for employment, the Major in Real Estate major provides students with the critical and analytical thinking skills that would be beneficial to them as they join the real estate industry, specifically in real estate positions in government agencies, real estate investment, and appraisal, among a few others. To better the experiences and learning of the students, career and licensing, student organizations, specific industry events, and internship programs where they can further build and foster leadership skills and develop character. Since the program is limited, students must fulfill the requirements set by the college.   

Acceptance Rate

35.97

Student to Faculty Ratio

21:1

Founded as Columbian College in 1821 through an Act of Congress, George Washington University offers a comprehensive range of undergraduate and graduate programs in areas such as history and government, international studies, visual and performing arts, and religion and philosophy. The university is made up of three campuses and is now the biggest university in the District of Columbia, located within a short distance from the White House.

GWU’s Bachelor of Science in Business with Real Estate Concentration equips undergraduate students with the basic knowledge in development, finance, and real estate investment. they will be required to take three required field courses, namely: Real Estate Development, Real Estate Valuation and Investment, and Real Estate Investment. Graduates of this program are expected to have a deep understanding of real estate investment principles and finance to evaluate possible risks and returns of financing and investments. 

Acceptance Rate

40.84

Student to Faculty Ratio

13:1

Syracuse University, recognized as outstanding study abroad programs, offers undergraduate and graduate degree programs through a variety of schools and colleges including School of Architecture, College of Law, The College of Arts and Sciences, and more. Located in Syracuse, New York, Syracuse University also serves as a public academic and research institution.

Real Estate program is a part of the Finance Department and is an attempt to supply the increasing demand for individuals with specialized skills in making real-estate-related decisions, asset management, development, and investments. Providing individuals with the required skills and knowledge that they will use in and for the industry.  The real estate degree program provides real-world exposure in real estate via case studies, speaking events, field trips, and the annual Real Estate Symposium. A Real Estate Club is also open for students, a place where they can learn more about the industry that they will soon pursue. 

Acceptance Rate

44.38

Student to Faculty Ratio

15:1

Fordham University is a non-profit establishment with a Roman Catholic affiliation that plays a major role in the university’s vision. With more than 15,000 students annually, Fordham University ensures that the needs of their students are catered through offering a variety of programs for their students to choose from.

Real Estate Development studies the interdisciplinary nature of real estate development and the skills needed for a successful project output. Students enrolled in the program will be required to take 4 required courses in principles and process, construction loan finance, essentials, and pro forma analysis. Additionally, the Professional Certificate in Real Estate Development will be given to students who can complete four 6-week courses. 

Acceptance Rate

45.88

Student to Faculty Ratio

15:1

Established in 1870 as a land-grant university, Ohio State University is a public research institution and is the biggest single campus university in the United States. Approved by the Higher Learning Association of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, Ohio state University is committed to maintaining their reputation as a leading teaching and research institution in both Ohio and the United States.

Ohio State University’s Bachelor of Science in Real Estate and Urban Analysis provides students with strong problem-solving and analytical skills, comprehensive knowledge on human resources, and effective work ethics. After the completion of the program, graduates can apply to commercial banks, consulting firms, and property management firms, private appraisals, and other institutions. Individuals will be required to take major courses, such as Real Estate Finance, Introduction to Real Estate, Property Management, Real Estate Law, and some selected courses in Real Estate and Urban Analysis.

Acceptance Rate

53.74

Student to Faculty Ratio

19:1

Located in Washington, District of Columbia, American University offers various programs in different areas of study including social sciences, business and market research, and law. The university has over 13,000 enrollees annually and is affiliated to the United Methodist which is deemed as a great deal of education, the university’s curriculum, and the history that defines the institution. 

Kogod’s Master of Science in Real Estate is a program designed to teach people the business and financial features of the real estate industry. To ensure success, students participating in this program will visit the site, participate in social events, and have the opportunity to connect with large real estate organizations in the Washington metropolitan area. The course has a total of 30 hours and can be completed part-time or full-time.

Acceptance Rate

36.08

Student to Faculty Ratio

12:1

The University of Connecticut is the highest-ranked public research institution, engaging in different research activities in more than 100 research institutions and centers, in New England. Regarded as one of the best institutions in the country, UConn has more than 100 majors in different undergraduate degrees, 86 fields of research and professional practice in graduate degrees, and five professional degrees. 

UConn School of Business Center offers students access to a top rated degree in Real Estate. The program encompasses different disciplines necessary in the trade such as economics, finance, geography, and statistics. Students enrolled in this program will also be given the chance to gain experiential knowledge through engaging in student organizations such as the Finance Society and Real Estate Society, and the Business Connections Learning Community. Moreover, once the program is completed, they may find themselves employed as a Development Analyst, Junior Appraiser, Real Estate Investor, or Information Analyst.

Acceptance Rate

49.42

Student to Faculty Ratio

16:1

Texas Christian University is a private university which provides a variety of programs including Psychology, Business and Marketing Studies, and Health and Clinical Professions, with over 9,100 students yearly, located in Fort Worth, Texas. TCU has 717 full-time teachers and is committed to ensuring that they provide students with the best education full of Christian values. 

Finance with Real Estate fosters skills to plan and analyze real estate finance instruments, develop cash flow models, and evaluate investments. Their faculty is made up of experienced instructors in property evaluation and real estate markets. The school also offers financial assistance through student loans, scholarships, grants, and work-study.

Acceptance Rate

47.12

Student to Faculty Ratio

N.A

Originally known as Clemson Agricultural College of South Carolina, Clemson University has grown over the years and is now offering a wide range of programs, from bachelor’s to doctoral, in different fields of study. Interested individuals may follow through the competitive admission process of the institution.

The Master of Real Estate Development program that Clemson University offers is tailored to satisfy the industry’s increasing demand for real estate professionals who have great regard for responsible land use. Graduates of this program are expected to become contributors to sustainable growth and development in terms of the society’s economic and environmental aspects. Moreover, the program is designed to train students to become pioneers and leaders in the growth of sustainable communities.

Acceptance Rate

51.26

Student to Faculty Ratio

16:1

Guided by the mission to prepare globally competitive individuals, Baylor University is a nonprofit organization that offers extensive programs, giving the students the freedom to follow the path of their dreams. With over 15, 000 enrollees each year, Baylor University is committed to serving top-tier academic programs embedded with Christian values.

Baylor University’s Real Estate program is tailored to equip students with the required foundation that they need for different careers in the real estate industry. Students enrolled in this program will be required to take 3 major courses, namely: Real Estate investing, Principles of Real Estate, and Real Estate appraising. Additionally, once the program is completed, graduates may find career opportunities in real estate development, commercial, residential, or industrial brokerage, real estate appraisal, mortgage banking and brokerage, and more. 

Acceptance Rate

45.33

Student to Faculty Ratio

14:1

Top Real Estate Degrees

For students and working professionals looking to learn more about real estate from accredited colleges and universities, in-depth research is your best ally.  Taking the time to thoroughly research programs will bode well for your career and long-term success in real estate.  As a result, we have created an overview of the degree and certificate programs to help you understand the options in the field.  Earning a certificate or degree in real estate can help you move closer to your professional goals and career objectives.  Below you will find a list of programs that range from certificate to graduate degrees in the field of study.

Certificate Programs in Real Estate

Online certificate programs in real estate can be earned from a number of accredited colleges and universities.   Schools can provide certificate programs in real estate to help students become an appraiser, broker, sales agent, community association manager, property manager, of finance analyst.  Undergraduate certificate programs are designed to provide students with key principles and foundational knowledge to prepare for a career in the field.  In most cases, a certificate will allow students to study a series of courses to prepare them for a state-based examination and licensure in a specific area of real estate.  A full list of accredited certificate programs can be found below by connecting with top colleges.

Associate Degrees in Real Estate

Associate degrees in real estate can be earned online on in a classroom depending on the school’s offerings and your preferred learning modality.  Distance learning or online learning has key benefits to students such as cost savings, convenience, schedule flexibility, easy access, and quality curriculum with an accredited school.  Online associate’s degrees in real estate are most frequently conferred as an Associate of Arts (AA).  An AA degree will blend general education courses with core classes to provide a well-rounded education to students.  Liberal arts classes will generally include communications, history, philosophy, math, psychology, and creative writing.

Core classes in real estate will depend on the school and degree program’s emphasis.  In other words, an associate degree in real estate sales will have additional communications and psychology classes versus a degree for an appraiser which would be more math-based courses.  Associate degrees in a general real estate course may include classes such as: legal, finance, economics, computer applications, income tax, property management, residential investment, commercial investment, escrow, accounting, loan brokering & lending, marketing, and psychology.

Bachelor Degrees in Real Estate

Online bachelor’s degrees in real estate are 4-year programs.  Bachelor degrees are conferred as a Bachelor of Arts (BA) or Bachelor of Science (BS) as a function of the program emphasis.  Both BA and BS degrees blend general education courses with core classes.  The net result of these courses is to build critical thinking skills and integrative problem-solving.  Curriculum in the core program will include mid-level classes in accounting, law economics, finance, investment properties, escrow, title reports, appraisals, tenant law, and business management.

Master Degrees in Real Estate

The online master degree in real estate is a 2-year program for most students with part-time students taking longer to complete.  Degrees at this level are conferred as a Master of Science in Real Estate (MS) or Master in Business Administration in Business Administration (MBA).  Upper-level classes may include courses such as corporate finance, statistical analysis, business leadership, development modeling, risk analysis, infrastructure development, project finance, construction feasibility, market feasibility, advanced valuation and analysis, trusts, and portfolio management.

Educational Requirements in Real Estate

A degree in real estate prepares individuals for a career by elaborating on the laws and practices necessary to sell and purchase property. Degrees in real estate are generally offered at the associate and bachelor level, though some programs are available at the master degree level. Many career schools and community colleges also offer certificate programs in real estate. In general studying real estate requires the student to learn about business, and then how business relates to real estate within the modern market. Courses designed to understand how to market and sell property are taught alongside economics and accounting courses.

A curriculum in real estate may include:

  • Real Estate Transactions
  • Geography & Cartography
  • Mediation and Negotiation
  • Land Use
  • Communications
  • Administrative Law
  • Income Tax and Real Estate
Schools Other Students Requested Information From:

Employment Opportunities in Real Estate

Individuals interested in a career in real estate do not need to pursue a degree in order to become a broker or agent; although an education in real estate or business with a focus in real estate can be quite beneficial. Real estate brokers and agents must be licensed by the state, requiring the passing of a state issued examination; this requirement may be waived in some states with an education in real estate through a post secondary institution. Additionally, as laws and transaction become more complicated, having a practical amount of knowledge in business and real estate laws through the courses provided in such a program are proving to be more and more valuable.

Individuals interested in becoming real estate brokers must first work between 1 and 3 years as a sales agent, the exact number of which is dependent on the individual's state of operation's laws. Brokers are licensed to manage their own business, assisting others in the sale or purchase of homes as well as maintaining properties, such as apartment buildings, if needed by a client.

Job Growth & Career Outlook for Realtors

Currently the job market for real estate is expected to grow steadily, though unlike some other professions, real estate is highly dependent on the market. In times of boon, plenty of job opportunities are to be had as people are more prone to purchasing properties. During recessions or stagnation, people are less likely to look for and purchase properties leading to limited job opportunities. That said, real estate is a relatively easy profession to enter, and more often than not, job opportunities are available.

The average salary for a real estate agent is $46,410 a year with many agents working part-time. The top 10% of real estate agents in the country average $112,750 a year. The average salary for a real estate broker is approximately $56,790 per year with the top ten percent averaging $162,260 a year.

Top Paying States for Real Estate Brokers

  1. New Hampshire $129,370
  2. District of Columbia $124,710
  3. Hawaii $120,310
  4. New York $116,980
  5. Ohio $116,640

Individuals interested in real estate may also be interested in business administration, finance, or accounting. National associations such as the NAR may be a great place for students to start learning about the industry. With data, resources, and trade publications for realtors across the country, the NAR is a popular group with a wide variety of members from coast to coast.

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