Edited By Julian Palacio
Review & Contribution By Emily Johnson
The booming property market raises the demand for real estate professionals. A Real Estate Degree Online covers areas like green building, energy efficiency, and more, leading to diverse careers.
Students who are excited by property selling and owning are the best candidates for a real estate bachelor degree online. The degree makes them master the nuances of the real estate world and sharpens their interpersonal, communication, and, most importantly, negotiation skills. A bachelor’s degree in real estate offers a comprehensive education in the real estate industry’s principles, practices, and intricacies. A real estate degree online also opens up an array of job opportunities, owing to the increased demand for skilled professionals across various domains within the industry. Students can pursue various career paths in the dynamic and multifaceted real estate industry, including roles as real estate agents, property managers, developers, analysts, consultants, or investment professionals.
Table Of Contents
Featured Online Programs
www.findbestdegrees.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.
Southern New Hampshire University
PROGRAM: Find Best Degree
Southern New Hampshire University is a private, nonprofit, accredited institution with more than 3,000 on campus students, over 170,000 online students, making it one of the fastest growing universities in the nation. Founded in 1932, we’ve been relentlessly reinventing higher education ever since and have gained national recognition for our dedication to helping students transform their lives and the lives of those around them.
We’re proud to provide affordable, accessible education that students can pursue on our 300-acre campus in Manchester, NH, or via our innovative online platform.
SNHU has earned the GetEducated.com Best Buy and Best of Business – Best Online Degree awards and is consistently ranked as a top Military Friendly® School by G.I Jobs®.
Featured Online Programs
www.findbestdegrees.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.
Southern New Hampshire University
PROGRAM: Find Best Degree
Southern New Hampshire University is a private, nonprofit, accredited institution with more than 3,000 on campus students, over 170,000 online students, making it one of the fastest growing universities in the nation. Founded in 1932, we’ve been relentlessly reinventing higher education ever since and have gained national recognition for our dedication to helping students transform their lives and the lives of those around them.
We’re proud to provide affordable, accessible education that students can pursue on our 300-acre campus in Manchester, NH, over our innovative online platform or at our regional centers in Manchester, Nashua, Portsmouth and Salem, NH, and Brunswick, ME.
SNHU has earned the GetEducated.com Best Buy and Best of Business – Best Online Degree awards and is consistently ranked as a top Military Friendly® School by G.I Jobs®.
Find the Best Real Estate Degree Online
With new colleges cropping up and each claiming to be the best, choosing the best online bachelor’s degree in real estate programs might become a painful task for students and parents. Choosing the right university depends on various factors, including the quality of the faculty, the relevance of the coursework being taught, and the kind of jobs the university offers after completing the program. Based on these several critical components and our proprietary methodology, here is the list of colleges that are the best in the domain based on our research:
| Univ | Address | Tuition | Grad Rate |
| University of Memphis | Alumni Avenue, Memphis, Tennessee 38152 | $10,344 | 48% |
Universities and programs are ranked by various factors, such as affordability, curriculum and coursework, reputation and availability, program length, statistics, the potential of employment, and return on investment for the students. For a more in-depth analysis, please read about our rankings methodology page.
What to Expect from a Real Estate Degree Online
A bachelor’s degree in real estate offers many different career options to prospective undergraduates. Universities offer this program full-time, part-time, online, or offline. The degree will include courses like real estate finance, international real estate, housing markets, development, and real estate law. The degree requires 120 credit hours, and the coursework depends on the job students want to take up. Courses cover real estate law, regulatory compliance, zoning ordinances, environmental regulations, and fair housing laws. They also learn about the legal and ethical responsibilities of real estate professionals and gain an understanding of the regulatory framework governing real estate transactions. Those with an online degree in real estate might take up real estate agents or brokers, property managers, appraisers or assessors, and commercial real estate agents as their career options.
Curriculum and Coursework
With a solid foundation in real estate-specific coursework and comprehensive business training, a real estate bachelor degree online provides students with a wide range of career-enhancing abilities. The most popular course topics are real estate fundamentals, finance, law, appraisal, and management. Some courses place a strong emphasis on investing in and marketing real estate. Below are the five most popular courses that are part of a real estate bachelor’s degree online
Real Estate Principles
The course delves into essential subjects critical to daily real estate operations. Students explore titles, liens, and closing procedures, gaining a comprehensive understanding of the legal and procedural aspects of real estate transactions. Through practical examples and case studies, they learn how these concepts impact real estate transactions and acquire the foundational knowledge necessary for success in the industry.
Real Estate Finance
This course teaches students the theories, strategies, and methods for residential and non-residential real estate properties. Topics covered include mortgage financing, investment analysis, financial modeling, and risk management. Through lectures, case studies, and hands-on exercises, they learn how to evaluate financing options, assess investment opportunities, and analyze financial feasibility in real estate projects.
Housing Markets
This course explores past and present patterns in house prices, factors influencing housing market trends, and the broader economic impacts on the real estate industry. Students examine economic indicators, demographic trends, and government policies affecting housing markets. Through data analysis and case studies, they deeply understand housing market dynamics and their implications for real estate professionals.
Real Estate Development
Designed for students interested in the intricacies of real estate development, this course provides a comprehensive overview of the development process. Topics covered include land acquisition, zoning regulations, project financing, construction management, and feasibility analysis. They gain insights into real estate development projects’ financial, legal, and logistical challenges and learn how to navigate complex development processes successfully.
International Real Estate
This course allows students to explore international real estate markets and the unique challenges and opportunities of purchasing property abroad. Topics covered include cross-border transactions, legal and regulatory considerations, cultural differences, and market analysis techniques. Through case studies and real-world examples, they gain insights into the global real estate landscape and develop the skills to navigate international transactions effectively.
Other additional courses students can find across curricula include:
- Urban Real Estate Economics
- Global Real Estate: Risk, Politics, and Culture
- Real Estate Investments
- Real Estate Computer Application
- Real Estate Brokerage
- Real Estate Investment: Analysis and Financing
- Real Estate Practicum II
- Interpersonal Communication
- Advanced Real Estate Investment and Analysis
- Business and Professional Speech
- Public Speaking
Learning Outcomes and Skills Gained
A Bachelor’s degree in Real Estate equips students with diverse skills essential for success in the real estate industry. Some of the critical skills students learn from pursuing such a degree include the ability to
- demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of real estate principles, practices, and terminology, allowing them to navigate various aspects of the industry confidently;
- demonstrate knowledge of real estate markets, assess property values, and identify trends, enabling them to make informed decisions regarding property investments and transactions;
- demonstrate skills in financial analysis, including investment analysis, cash flow analysis, and financial modeling, to evaluate the financial feasibility of real estate projects and assess investment opportunities;
- demonstrate knowledge of real estate laws, regulations, and contracts, ensuring compliance with legal requirements and protecting the interests of clients and stakeholders;
- demonstrate negotiation and communication skills, essential for effectively interacting with clients, negotiating deals, and resolving conflicts in real estate transactions;
- build and maintain relationships with clients, understand their needs and preferences, and provide personalized solutions to meet their real estate goals;
- develop problem-solving skills to address challenges and obstacles that may arise during real estate transactions, finding creative solutions to overcome them and achieve successful outcomes;
- demonstrate project management skills, including planning, organizing, and coordinating real estate projects from inception to completion, ensuring efficient execution and timely delivery;
- demonstrate leverage of real estate technology tools and software for market analysis, property valuation, client management, and marketing, enhancing productivity and efficiency in their work;
- demonstrate understanding of the ethical considerations and professional responsibilities involved in real estate transactions, ensuring integrity, honesty, and fairness in their dealings with clients and stakeholders.
Types of Degrees Real Estate Students Can Obtain
The online degree real estate is known by different names. Any of these degrees is good enough, but the kind of jobs an individual is looking for will determine which degree type they must opt for. For example, a BA will focus more on the humanities and art side of the domain, a BS will lead to more technical jobs, and a BBA will offer managerial jobs to the candidate.
BBA in Real Estate
This degree focuses on making students the best decision-makers and sharpening their business acumen to make them the best leaders in the Real Estate Market. The program includes real estate development, Property management, financial management, and more. Students understand the market and can make good predictions for the future.
BA in Real Estate
This degree deals more with the generic knowledge of the domain, ignoring the technical and management aspects. The core knowledge of real estate was imparted to the students, and often, government recruitments happen for the BA program. They learn effective ways to problem-solve and also the meaning of silent satisfaction. Broad humanities and liberal arts subjects are a part of the program.
BS in Real Estate
As an online student pursuing a B.S. in Business Administration-Real Estate, students can acquire the fundamental and sophisticated ideas required for success in this cutthroat sector. Successful real estate agents are persistent, committed, and knowledgeable. While students may already possess patience and commitment, college classes and a real estate degree may help them gain the market knowledge they need to succeed.
Areas of Specialization for Real Estate Students
A specialization helps students narrow their job prospects and differentiate themselves from the general crowd. Employers also seek people with a niche and expertise in one particular domain. In the same way, a specialization in an online real estate degree offers students the edge required to become experts in that area. Concentrations or majors, whatever they choose to call them, should be chosen based on the area of interest and career goals. Below are some specializations offered at the bachelor’s level:
| Area of Specialization | Description | Career Options |
|---|---|---|
| Commercial Real Estate | Commercial real estate includes all facets of commercial properties, investment properties, farming, businesses, industries, medical facilities, and dozens of other forms of property, as well as leasing, managing, investing in, and improving these properties. | Commercial real estate specialist, Manager of Real Estate Transactions, and more. |
| Construction Management | Construction management is a specialized service that gives owners effective control over the project’s budget, timeline, scope, quality, and function. All project delivery techniques are compatible with construction management. | Field engineer, construction superintendent, sustainability consultant, and more. |
| Property Development | Real estate development, often known as property development, is a commercial process that includes everything from purchasing undeveloped land to selling developed areas or parcels to third parties. It also consists of the renovation and re-leasing of existing buildings. | Business development manager, real estate development analyst, real estate executive, and more. |
| Finance and Development | This concentration broadens the skills of a construction project manager to include an appreciation of economics and the math of money, which are crucial to every construction project. The time worth of cash, the concept and calculation of various interest rates, and the significance of Cash Flow Charts are among the subjects covered. | Business development executive, Business development manager, and so on. |
Full-Time and Part-Time Programs
A full-time bachelor’s degree in real estate online can be earned in 4 years. A total of 120 credits are required to complete the program. On the other hand, the students who opt for a part-time bachelor’s degree in real estate online also have to complete 120 credits in a longer period. A part-time degree may take around six years to complete. Those who work while pursuing their degrees usually opt for part-time programs. The learning is the same in both cases, but the credibility of a full-time degree is always better than a part-time one.
Accelerated Real Estate Programs
Generally, a bachelor’s in real estate online is a four-year program. There is usually no official degree like an accelerated bachelor’s in real estate. It so happens that the faculty encourages the students to finish their programs faster so that their career progresses faster. Those who have completed their associate degree in real estate transfer their credits and finish the bachelor’s program faster. This accelerated program could be completed in three years. Those who opt for this must be prepared for rigorous coursework and just focus on their studies. Some colleges offer an accelerated degree in the form of a dual degree, including:
Real Estate Degree Online Admission Requirements
Students aspiring to do their bachelor’s in real estate must watch for the college’s application opening dates. Further, they must find out the essentials for securing a seat. Every college’s online real estate bachelor’s degree admission requirements will differ. While most requirements are the same, applicants should be ready with the following documents:
- Admission application
- Application fee payment receipt
- Official college transcripts
- Unofficial college transcripts may be accepted with a completed official transcript request form
- High School Self-Certification form and official high school transcripts within the first 12 credit hours
- Proof of English proficiency (for applicants whose native language is other than English)
- Letter of recommendation from previous college
- Personal essay
- Scorecards of ACT and SAT
How to Ensure Real Estate Degree Online Programs are Accredited
One of the most crucial factors for potential undergraduates is accreditation status. The U.S. Department of Education-approved organizations accredit universities in the country; the accreditation procedure entails thoroughly evaluating a school’s academic offerings and student support services [3]. A school’s accreditation impacts the transferability of course credits and qualification for federal aid, so prospective applicants should confirm that the institution delivering the program has received regional or national accreditation. It is also an assurance that the university is at par with the set standards and the knowledge imparted is worth the time and effort. Online real estate bachelor degree programs must be accredited by the following regional organizations including:
- New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE) [4]
- Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE) [5]
- Higher Learning Commission (HLC) [6]
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) [7]
- Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU) [8]
- Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC) [9]
The Accreditation Council of Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP)[10] typically provides programmatic accreditation for real estate degrees. To learn more about accreditation, read the guide to college accreditation.
Free Real Estate Courses
Enrolling in some free online courses will only benefit students. Universities and organizations offer free short-term programs; students can find a suitable match and participate in one. Free real estate courses will not add any benefit certification-wise, as they are unacceptable while applying for jobs. Still, the knowledge they offer will go a long way. Below are some free online courses available for real estate bachelor’s candidates:
| Course | Provided by | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Successful Negotiation: Essential Strategies and Skills [11] | Coursera | Negotiation is a part of daily life, but this course offers a detailed learning of the nuances of negotiation. Negotiating and getting the right price is the core of any business. With this program, individuals will learn the negotiation strategy, tactics for success, contract creation, and deal cracking. |
| Financing and Investing in Infrastructure [12] | Coursera | The course focuses on applying project finance, which includes the most popular financial strategies for infrastructure investments. Students can frequently use real-world examples and case studies to connect the theoretical basis to practical business activities. |
| Renewable Energy and Green Building Entrepreneurship [13] | Coursera | This course will sharpen learners’ skills in business modeling, startup companies, entrepreneurship, and renewable energy. Students master the art of starting a business in domains like energy, real estate, finance, engineering, design, or environment while considering that the new business positively impacts the surroundings. |
Ways to Pay for a Real Estate Degree Online
Paying for a degree program is not always easy. Some students struggle to bear the cost of their degrees. Some family responsibilities and obligations might impose financial restrictions. In such cases, they start looking for funding options to aid them in paying fees. The online degree real estate will cost comparatively less than the offline degree as the boarding and lodging expenses are not to be taken into consideration. Here are some ways in which students can get assistance with fee payment:
Prospective students can complete this application to learn which federal student loans they are eligible for. This application will ask for detailed family income and savings information. It is a tool to determine how much financial aid they qualify for.
The grant can vary from a few hundred to a few thousand. These are need or merit-based and need not be paid back. Grants are also given as fellowships or scholarships and are available for postgraduate and undergraduate students.
Employer Reimbursed Tuition
If employed, inquire with the HR department to learn if the workplace has a program that pays employees for attending classes related to their job responsibilities. Some employers don’t do this and have limitations on what can be repaid. Typically, there is a cap on the total amount of money students can spend on coursework each year, which has to be connected to the line of employment.
Scholarships
Scholarships are awarded to students based on their merit or needs. Universities, NGOs, or other organizations offer these scholarships. Unlike other loans, scholarships need not be returned.
Work-Study Programs
Work-study programs offer the opportunity to engage in part-time employment, either on or off-campus, to offset educational expenses. These positions are typically tailored to align with students’ fields of study, providing valuable work experience alongside financial support.
Part-Time Employment
Students can pursue part-time employment outside their academic commitments to bolster their income and finance their education. This can involve internships, freelance work, or other relevant employment opportunities within their chosen field, such as roles in advertising or marketing.
Scholarships for Real Estate Degree Online Students
Scholarships can motivate students to pursue a program of their choice. These financial aids are given based on either need or merit. Universities or organizations offer these scholarships. It is a great help to avail of scholarships, making the journey much easier. Scholarships are also known as “gift aid.” Below are some real estate bachelor degree online scholarships:
| Scholarship | Description | Award/Amount | Application Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Scholarship Program for Real Estate Excellence [14] | Spark Design is a design company that offers services to real estate companies. This organization provides scholarships to promote real estate studies. Students can enroll in a real estate degree in landscaping, real estate, engineering, appraisal, legal, development, accounting, insurance, etc. | Varies | 31st May annually |
| ICSC Undergraduate Scholarship [15] | This ICSC award is available to full-time, undergraduate, U.S. citizens or legal permanent residents who are sophomores, juniors, or seniors in college. Although there is no specified topic of study, candidates have a keen passion for real estate as a career objective. A minimum 3.0 GPA is required, and applicants must submit two essays for their application. | $5,000 | February |
| Home Light Scholarships [16] | Home Light is a company that believes in building the future of real estate. To encourage students to take up this degree, they offer scholarships. They want to create a workforce that shares their passion. | $1000 | Fall |
Career Opportunities and Salaries for Real Estate Degree Online Students after Graduating
A real estate degree online can fetch many jobs in the market. It is a fact that the real estate market is always on a high and booming, and finding a good job becomes very easy if an individual has a degree in place. The online bachelor’s degree in real estate offers students knowledge of the nuances of the market and makes them good problem solvers. A few career options graduates can choose from include:
- Real Estate Agent or Broker
- Property Manager
- Real Estate Developer
- Real Estate Appraiser
- Real Estate Analyst
- Commercial Real Estate Broker
- Loan Officer
- Real Estate Consultant
- Urban Planner
- Real Estate Researcher or Educator
Below are some of the jobs for degree holders:
| Occupation | Skills Required | Median Annual Salary | Job Growth (up to 2032) | Job Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Facilities Managers [17] | Analytical skills, commercial skills, commercial skills. And detail-oriented | $101,87 per year | 5% faster than average | Facilities managers play a crucial role in planning, directing, and coordinating activities to ensure the efficient operation of an organization’s facilities. They oversee maintenance, repairs, and renovations and manage budgets and resources to optimize facility performance. With a keen eye for detail and strong analytical abilities, facilities managers prioritize safety, compliance, and cost-effectiveness in facility management practices. |
| Loan Officers [18] | Decision-making skills, detail-oriented, and interpersonal skills | $65,740 per year | 3% as fast as average | Loan officers are responsible for recommending, authorizing, and evaluating loan applications. They assess the creditworthiness of applicants, analyze financial information, and determine the terms and conditions of loans. With strong decision-making abilities and interpersonal skills, loan officers guide clients through the loan application process, providing expert advice and ensuring compliance with lending regulations. |
| Property Appraisers and Assessors [19] | Analytical skills, customer service skills, math skills, and problem-solving skills | $61,560 | 5% faster than average | Property appraisers and assessors determine the value of real estate properties, focusing on residential or commercial assets. These professionals evaluate property attributes, consider market trends, and analyze comparable sales data to assess property worth accurately. With strong analytical and math skills, excellent customer service, and problem-solving abilities, appraisers ensure fair and accurate property valuations to support various real estate transactions. |
| Real Estate Sales Agents in Rental and Leasing [20] | Business skills, interpersonal skills, organizational skills, and problem-solving skills | $52,030 | 3% as fast as average | Real estate sales agents specializing in rental and leasing assist landlords in managing rental properties and locating suitable tenants. They handle property marketing, tenant screening, lease negotiations, and lease renewals. With strong business acumen, interpersonal and organizational skills, and problem-solving abilities, rental and leasing agents facilitate successful property transactions and ensure client satisfaction. |
Certifications and Licensing for Real Estate Degree Online Graduates
A certification proves the student is an expert in the domain. These are only awarded after they demonstrate a good and exceptional performance. An online degree in real estate can be boosted even further by earning some certifications and licensing. Every certification has some criteria varying from state to state that need to be met, and only then is the certification granted. Here are some certifications that bachelor’s of real estate undergraduates can pursue
Accredited Buyers Representative [21]
This certification offers hardcore real estate knowledge that helps evaluate properties. They directly deal with the clients for the purchase of homes and offices. This also provides rich networking opportunities for students.
Certified International Property Specialist (CIPS) [22]
This certification is for people who wish to grow their business further in different countries. It offers the needed research, network, knowledge, and tools for global recognition. The students will be taught a lot of marketing tools, have access to related journals and newsletters, and will not forget the rich network.
Certified Property Manager [23]
This certification teaches the students to maximize the value of their property. They are also proficient in the language used in the community of property owners, tenants, buyers, and sellers. All in all, this certification will make an individual a property dealer in the real sense.
Additional Resources for Real Estate Degree Online Graduates
Some communities and associations comprise seasoned real estate professionals. Being a part of the same makes the students better at real-world problem-solving. Interacting with people who have been there and done that offers a lot of exposure that makes individuals understand much more than the prescribed books. Networking offers better job prospects after completing a bachelor’s degree in real estate online. Some popular associations to explore include:
| Title/Resource | Description |
|---|---|
| The American Real Estate and Urban Economics Associations[24] | The association ensures that the best information sharing happens while developing real estate. The focus is on urban economic research to maintain optimum quality. The three conferences they organize annually emphasize exchanging ideas and encouraging research in the domain. |
| Real Estate Student Association (RESA)[25] | Networking and making connections are the motto of this association. Networking is a boon not only to individuals but also to the industry. Monthly meetings with learned professionals allow real estate students to share knowledge and imbibe information. The speakers are from diverse domains, such as architecture, marketing, and finance. |
| National Association of Realtors [26] | This association is open to undergraduate and postgraduate students. The aim is to create batches of ethical and socially acceptable real estate agents. Those interested in investment, finance, brokerage, and land use can join this association. |
| IRME Certified Property Manager[27] | The IRME association members are equipped with the skill to upscale the market rate of any property. This skill helps them earn more money as compared to their counterparts. The meetings and gatherings ensure the members build a good network. |
| National Association of Industrial and Office Properties[28] | NAIOP is a Commercial Real Estate Development Association. The number of members it has exceeds 20,000 from North America. They are known for encouraging real estate development that is ethical and sensible. |
FAQs About the Real Estate Degree Online
Can you get a real estate degree online?
Yes. It is possible to get a real estate degree online. Numerous colleges in the U.S. offer this degree online. It does not require more practical learning, so it is an excellent idea to pursue it online and gain experience side by side.
What can you do with an online real estate bachelor’s degree?
Is an online degree in real estate worth it?
Do you need a degree in real estate?
Is there an accelerated bachelor’s degree in real estate?
Is being a real estate agent hard?
Citations:
U.S. Department of Education-approved organizations
New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)
Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)
Accreditation Council of Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP)
Successful Negotiation: Essential Strategies and Skills
Financing and Investing in Infrastructure
Renewable Energy and Green Building Entrepreneurship
Scholarship Program for Real Estate Excellence
ICSC Undergraduate Scholarship
Property Appraisers and Assessors
Real Estate Sales Agents in Rental and Leasing
Accredited Buyers Representative
Certified International Property Specialist (CIPS)
The American Real Estate and Urban Economics Associations
Real Estate Student Association (RESA)
National Association of Realtors