Best Online Master’s in Real Estate Programs of 2023
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- A master's in real estate can lead to more managerial opportunities than just a real estate license.
- Earning your master's only takes 1-2 years and can lead to higher pay, and more diverse job options.
- You can choose a specialty to fit your interests, like real estate development.
The moment you close a deal for a first-time home buyer is special. But real estate is bigger than buying and selling property.
If you've thought about taking on more responsibility, consider fine-tuning your skill set. There are many paths for growth. You'll have access to every corner of real estate, from development and construction to investment funds and commercial lending.
BestColleges.com is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.
Ready to Start Your Journey?
If you're considering an online master's in real estate degree, here's what to do next:
- Explore this page to determine whether this path is the right choice for you.
- Check out the top-ranked online master's in real estate programs and our sponsored programs.
- Request more information from schools you're interested in to find the best fit for you.
Is a Master's Degree in Real Estate Worth It?
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.
You'll qualify for a diverse range of real estate jobs, including commercial, construction, and finance. And these jobs pay exceptionally well. According to Payscale, the average salary for someone with a master's in real estate is $81,000 as of Nov. 2022.
Master's in Real Estate Programs You Should Consider
Why Should You Get an Online Master's in Real Estate?
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 14% 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.
Read More: How to Become a Real Estate Appraiser
Best Online Master's in Real Estate Programs
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BestColleges.com is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.
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Liberty University
Lynchburg, VA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
100% Online | Self-Paced Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $565-$615
Out of State | $565-$615
Credits to Graduate
45
Program Information
Program Accreditation | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Liberty's master's in real estate program helps you jumpstart your new career in two years or less since the college accepts up to 50% of your required credits.
This 45-credit real estate master's degree from Liberty prepares you for jobs as an appraiser, assessor, real estate broker, and mortgage loan officer. Liberty welcomes applicants who hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited college with a minimum 3.0 GPA.
Georgetown University
Washington, DC - 4 years
- Online + Campus
100% Online | Self-Paced Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $1,527
Out of State | $1,527
Credits to Graduate
33
Program Information
Program Accreditation | Middle States Commission on Higher Education
Georgetown's online master's in real estate degree provides you with a holistic perspective of real estate and four concentration options. You can focus your studies on real estate development, global real estate, real estate finance, or construction management.
Georgetown's 33-credit program is led by seasoned industry experts, providing hands-on experiences and instruction in critical analysis through case study work.
Georgetown doesn't require the GRE. But you need to complete an application with your resume, statement of purpose, two recommendation letters, and transcripts.
University of Denver
Denver, CO - 4 years
- Online + Campus
100% Online | Self-Paced Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $1,535
Out of State | $1,535
Credits to Graduate
48
Program Information
Program Accreditation | Higher Learning Commission
DU's master's in real estate degree allows you to tailor your education and graduate in as few as 12 months. The online master's in real estate covers subjects such as income property finance, construction building systems, and legal issues and risk management.
New students start in the fall or spring. Part-time students take about 18 months to graduate. Credits from this program can go toward seven professional certifications.
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 property management, urban planning, sales, business development, and more.
| Jobs | Average Annual Salary (Nov. 2022) |
|---|---|
| Real Estate Broker | $62,210 |
| Property Manager | $51,480 |
| Urban Planner | $59,590 |
| Investment Manager | $102,470 |
| Real Estate Development Manager | $97,440 |
| Real Estate Asset Manager | $85,160 |
Having a master's in real estate improves your career potential. Since only 14% of realtors have a graduate degree, you'll be far more qualified than your peers. That means you'll have a better chance of earning a higher salary and having more options to choose from after graduation.
Read More: What to Know About Being a Real Estate Appraiser
How Much Does an Online Master's in Real Estate Cost?
Average Annual Cost of a Master's Degree | 2019-2020
Public Institution
$12,394
Private Nonprofit Institution
$26,621
The total cost for the average master's degree costs is more than $24,000. 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.
Read More: How Much Does an Online College Cost?
How Much Money Will You Make With a Master's in Real Estate?
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 depending on your circumstances, such as if you're in an accelerated program or on a part-time schedule.
Average Length of Time*
1-3 years
*Varies depending on your school/program
Required Course Credits*
30-60 credits
*Varies depending on your school/program
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.
Still Looking for the Right Fit? Discover Similar Degree Programs.
Everything Else You Need to Know About a Master's in Real Estate
What can you do with a master's in real estate?
With a master's degree in real estate, you can qualify for a leadership position, run your own business, or land a high-paying corporate job. This degree program can teach you the business skills and advanced real estate knowledge needed to advance your career.
What is the difference between an MBA in real estate and an MSRE degree?
A business degree provides training in business skills, such as accounting, finance, and marketing. These MBA skills can prove highly beneficial to real estate professionals — especially those interested in working in finance or for large real estate companies.
While a master's in real estate typically focuses more on construction, planning, and development, MSRE programs can be good fits for individuals interested in selling, building, and/or managing properties.
What does a real estate developer do?
Developers manage real estate construction projects from beginning to end. They locate and purchase building sites, design and finance projects, and hire construction companies and other workers needed to complete a building project.
