Best Online Master’s in Real Estate Programs of 2024
Editor & Writer
Editor, Business Education
Editor & Writer
Editor, Business Education
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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
We use trusted sources like
Peterson's Data
and the National Center for Education Statistics to inform the data for these schools.
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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Georgetown University
Washington, DC - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $1,573
Out-of-State | $1,573
Credits to Graduate: 33
Georgetown University's online master's in real estate program includes asynchronous courses focused on helping students build leadership skills, real estate knowledge, and understanding of global trends. Enrollees must take two core courses, five foundational courses, and four electives. Students have the option to enroll in one of four concentrations, including real estate development, global real estate, real estate finance, and construction management.
Attendees can take courses as part-time or full-time students, but the program must be completed within five years. The school hosts events to help enrollees network, find internships, and meet like-minded individuals.
University of Denver
Denver, CO - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation: Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $1,612
Out-of-State | $1,612
Credits to Graduate: 48
The University of Denver's MS in real estate and the built environment focuses on real estate and construction management. Enrollees can choose 12 courses from 36 options to build a customized curriculum. Students can earn credits toward seven different professional certifications, including certified property manager, certified commercial investment member, and designated design-build professional.
Individuals can sample the master's degree by taking a 4-6 course certification in real estate development, real estate investment, or construction project management. Certification graduates can apply their credits towards a future master's in real estate degree.
How We Rank Schools
To create this ranking, BestColleges sourced the most recent data available from the National Center for Education Statistics and the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. We then ranked each school according to the top variables college students selected in our College Choice and Admissions Survey. To learn more, check out our full rankings methodology or read the summary below.
Ranking Methodology Summary
To qualify for our rankings lists, each school must be an accredited public or private, nonprofit institution. Each eligible school was then ranked based on a formula measuring:
- Affordability (30%)
- Student outcomes (30%)
- Reputation (20%)
- Diversity and social mobility (20%)
In addition, we only included colleges with graduation rates in the top third of all online colleges.
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 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 Time
1-3 years*
Required Course Credits
30-60 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
What can you do with a master's in real estate?
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.
What is the difference between an MBA and a master's degree in real estate?
An MBA in real estate 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, master's in real estate 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.
What type of courses can I expect in a master's in real estate program?
A great master's in real estate programs will expand your skills in financing, asset management, and valuation techniques through courses like real estate finance, real estate data analysis, and real estate economics. You will also explore topics like real estate law, modeling, risk management, and decision modeling.
