Online degree in real estate
Real estate work can be gratifying. The happiness you can have from your profession can be unlimited, from selecting your own hours, being your own boss, and having no income cap to being able to actually serve people.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, overall employment of real estate brokers and sales agents is expected to increase by 5% between 2021 and 2031, while employment of property, real estate, and community association managers is expected to increase by 3% between 2021 and 2031. This will result in around 54,800 and approximately 33,300 job opportunities in these industries, respectively.
Obtaining a degree in real estate used to be tough, but with the rise of online education, an online degree in real estate programs has become simple and accessible to everybody.
Have you been thinking of getting into real estate? Have you been in search of an online real estate degree program? then continue reading as we dive deeper into this topic in this article
How To Choose An Online Real Estate Degree Program
Given that they typically have appealing websites, brochures, and a call center where you can make inquiries, it may be difficult to distinguish between genuine and fraudulent institutions. It becomes worse since accreditation mills, which are put up to give the appearance of legitimacy, frequently encourage diploma mills.
Before enrolling in an online degree program, the following factors should be examined to avoid the potential of being taken advantage of by diploma mills.
Accreditation. Educational accreditation is a quality assurance procedure in which an external agency evaluates and verifies the services and operations of educational institutions or programs to determine whether applicable and accepted criteria are satisfied.
These organizations assess the ongoing quality of educational institutions, colleges, and programs. In other words, accreditation serves as a mark of approval for institutions of higher learning from employers and, most significantly, students.
Before taking an online degree in real estate you should verify if the institution is accredited by an accrediting body. This will limit the possibility of you losing money
Entry Requirements. How easy is it for you to get admitted? If the admittance standards are not stringent and require you to submit academic transcripts, motivation letters, and a research proposal, it is worthwhile to delve deeper into the institution’s routes.
Quality of Education. Will you be required to undertake actual research, work under a supervisor, submit a thesis, and defend it at the end of your program, or will you merely be required to watch a few pre-recorded videos or submit some ungraded work? The online degree in real estate should have courses in finance, business, management, and more.
Faculty members. Who are the academic team members? Have they released any research papers that you can read? Are they knowledgeable about the subject? All good universities have fairly open staff registrations, so you may read their publications and even email them to discuss your program
Cost. The total cost of tuition and related fees levied by the university for each credit and the entire degree. You should take the time to find out if there are any hidden fees that you will be required to pay as a distance learning student.
Duration. The amount of credits needed to earn your degree at various schools, as well as whether full-time or part-time attendance is required.
Online Bachelor in Real Estate and its Curriculum
A real estate bachelor’s degree can help you get ready for a variety of job opportunities. While some accredited institutions provide a real estate bachelor’s degree online, others may offer real estate as a specialization or concentration within a business administration or a finance degree.
You can study fundamental real estate principles and foundations, taxation, and mortgages, residential and commercial real estate, selling and marketing, property management, and real estate evaluation by pursuing an online bachelor’s in real estate.
During the program, you may also study real estate-specific courses like:
- Real estate law
- Real estate investing
- Real estate appraisal
- Real estate management
- Real estate finance and economics
Online Degree In Real Estate Program Outcome
Graduates of an online degree with a real estate specialization will be well-prepared for all aspects of the finance, management, real estate law, and real estate-associated industries. Students will also be exposed to material that will help them pass the state licensure exam.
Most graduates with an Online Real Estate degree will:
- Recognize how the real estate sector functions and the services offered
- Examine in-depth various after-tax measures of return for various real estate investment types.
- Be able to use after-tax benefits, legal ramifications of real estate ownership, closing expenses, and alternative financing concepts for property owners and investors.
- Learn how to construct and present investment, financing, and tax concepts.
- Learn how to produce an appraisal report, use software packages for residential assessment, and conduct a valuation of real property, particularly single-family residential analysis.
- Analyze financial data using quantitative methods and concepts.
- Interpret financial statements and ratios.
- Examine financial risk and investment.
- Examine financial principles and procedures.
Now that we have discussed some of the basics let us look at some of the best Online Degrees in real estate and some of the Universities that offer them.
Best Online Degree in Real Estate
Purdue University Global
Purdue University Global, Inc., formerly Kaplan University, is a for-profit public online university part of the Purdue University system.
They presently offer more than 175 online programs at the certificate, associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctorate levels, taught by competent instructors who are working professionals in their fields. Business, criminal justice, information technology, health sciences, nursing, public administration, aviation, and psychology are among the most popular fields of study today.
Purdue University Global is certified by the Higher Learning Commission, a U.S. Department of Education-recognized institutional accreditation agency. Purdue Global’s business programs are accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP).
Purdue University Global offers 292 Programs, including 2 Bachelor’s in Real Estate which are
- BSBA – Real Estate
- BS in Finance – Real Estate
Program Overview
With a growing range of financial products and a need for an in-depth understanding of emerging markets, demand and opportunity for highly skilled financial professionals are likely to grow.
Purdue’s bachelor of finance program allows you to specialize in your degree by concentrating on general finance, real estate, asset management, or FinTech.
Purdue Global’s Bachelor of Science will enhance your technical skills in Finance program in areas like financial planning, corporate finance, banking, real estate, economic markets, and investment management.
You will receive rigorous training in this online degree in real estate program, including assignments, reports, presentations, and group projects, to help you comprehend the variables that affect financial decision-making and get ready to solve financial problems in the real world.
Admission Requirements
In order to present a complete application, you must:
- You must be at least 18 years old. If you are at least 16 years old and meet all other requirements, you may seek permission from the Dean of the school you desire to attend.
- Complete an Enrollment Agreement and any other paperwork required for your selected program, as well as submit the tuition and fees schedule. If you are under the age of 18, you must have a parent or legal guardian sign the Enrollment Agreement.
- Fluently speak, read, and write English
- Complete all financial arrangements, including any required financial assistance documents, prior to the start of class. All essential financial documentation must be on file and approved at least two days before your start date.
- Complete any program-specific or international admissions criteria.
- Attest to specific technological abilities.
- You must have earned a high school diploma or an approved equivalent.
- In most cases, you are required to verify your address and also undergo criminal background checks
Tuition, Grants, and Financial Aid
Currently, the online degree in real estate program at Purdue University costs $371.00 current cost per credit.
There are numerous opportunities for students to benefit from fee reductions, financial aid, and government grants. Some of these opportunities are listed below.
- Federal financial aid is available to students for several of their degree programs.
- Additionally, government financial aid and loan programs might be accessible to students.
- Being in the military entitles you to discounts of up to 55% per credit for active duty personnel and 38% per credit for veterans enrolled in undergraduate programs.
- International students residing outside the United States are also eligible for a 25% tuition discount.
For detailed information about this online degree in real estate offered by Purdue Global University visit the program’s homepage
Liberty University
Liberty University is a private Christian university in Lynchburg, Virginia. Liberty University, founded in 1971 by Jerry Falwell Sr. and Elmer L. Towns, is one of the world’s largest Christian universities and the United States’ largest private non-profit university in terms of overall student enrollment.
Liberty University, a world-class liberal arts university with 15 schools and colleges, offers over 700 programs ranging from certificate to Ph.D. level in subjects such as medicine, biology, chemistry, engineering, design, music, theology, and law.
Liberty University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Liberty University offers 761 Programs, 1 Bachelor’s in Real Estate
- BS: Business Administration: Real Estate
Program Overview
Liberty offers flexible 8-week courses with no specific login times, allowing you to study wherever and whenever is most convenient for you.
They are also aware of the value of your professional experience. If you have prior real estate experience or a professional qualification in the sector, you may be able to transfer that expertise for college credit!
As an online student pursuing a B.S. in Business Administration – Real Estate, you can acquire both the fundamental and advanced principles required for success in this competitive industry. Leadership, real estate law, finance, and valuation are among the topics covered in the courses. The lecturers will also teach best practices for investors, making this curriculum extremely valuable whether you wish to invest in residential or commercial real estate.
You will also learn about residential and income-producing property valuation and appraisal procedures.
Additionally, you will understand contracts, mortgages, foreclosures, zoning, risk management, ethical issues, and all legal components of residential and commercial real estate.
Admission Requirements
To be admitted, applicants must have a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher.
All applicants must submit the following documents:
- Admission application
- Application fee*
- 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)
Tuition, Grants, and Financial Aid
Degree Level | Full-time per-hour rate | Part-time per-hour rate |
Undergraduate | $390 | $455 |
Liberty tuition rates are made even more inexpensive with scholarships and flexible payment plans. External and internal scholarship opportunities are available to students.
As a student, you also need to file your FAFSA to be considered for government grants.
Liberty is delighted to serve and support servicemen in their quest for online education as a thank you for their devotion and duty to our country by offering the following perks; tuition savings – $250 per credit hour for undergraduate courses and more.
For more information about the online degree in real estate program visit the University’s website
University of Arizona
The University of Arizona was founded in 1885, and Arizona became a state 27 years later.
Arizona, which has been repeatedly acknowledged for its superior academic programs and exceptional value, is a place where students work with renowned experts to address crucial challenges and make the world a better place via breakthrough research.
Since 1917, the University of Arizona has been accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
The University of Arizona offers 240 Programs, 1 Bachelor’s in Real Estate
- Bachelor of Science in Sustainable Built Environments: Sustainable Real Estate Development Emphasis
Program Overview
Students in this program learn how to create and manage sustainable and responsible real estate development. It is a crucial goal of the Bachelor of Science in Sustainable Built Environments program
Sustainable practices, urban design, real estate finance, site development, and construction are among the topics covered in the coursework. Accounting, marketing, and economics are among the practical business skills taught to students.
The instructors are real estate development industry leaders, and their interdisciplinary approach to this curriculum includes collaborative learning spaces that foster innovative thinking, creativity, problem-solving, and teamwork.
Admission Requirements
The steps below will guide you on how to apply for undergraduate programs at the University of Arizona Online
- Visit the application portal and log in or make a new account to apply for admission to the University of Arizona Online.
- To access the Arizona Online application, select “Other Campus Locations” and then “Extended Campus Application” from the dropdown menu. Students will be charged $65 for this.
- Upload certified transcripts from every college and university you’ve ever attended, including any that you attended while in the military or as part of the Joint Service.
Tuition and Financial Aid
Online undergraduate programs at the University of Arizona cost $500 to $610 per credit and there is no out-of-state tuition this implies that you can pay the same, anywhere in the world.
Students can also apply for Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)Â
If you transfer from an Arizona community college, you may be eligible for a $500 per semester scholarship, renewable for up to three years or 60 University of Arizona credits.
For more information about the online degree in real estate visit the program homepageÂ
The University of Alabama at Birmingham
The University of Alabama at Birmingham is a public university established in 1969.
UAB is a world-renowned research institution and academic medical center noted for its innovative and multidisciplinary educational approach. The University of Alabama at Birmingham is ranked #137 among National Universities in the Best Colleges 2022-2023 edition.
The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) has accredited the University of Alabama at Birmingham to grant baccalaureate, master’s, doctoral, and professional degrees.
The University of Alabama at Birmingham offers 114 Programs, 1 Bachelor’s in Real Estate
- BS in Finance – Real Estate
Program Overview
This program will teach you how to solve an age-old problem: how to make more money and develop your business. With your BS, you will be prepared to provide value to a wide range of enterprises, including global banks, investment firms, real estate, and corporations in every industry.
But, before you can accumulate wealth, you must first lay the educational groundwork that will power your success. As a result, this curriculum begins with a look at financial planning, investing, real estate valuation, risk management, and other topics.
Following your basic courses, you will select a track (Financial Management, Investments, Institutions, or Real Estate) that best suits your career objectives.
Admission Requirements
UAB has robust admission requirements some of which are listed below.
- Applicants for the Collat Scholars Program must be admitted as incoming freshmen or transfer students to the Collat School of Business.
- Preference will be given to students who bring a wide range of racial, cultural, economic, and geographic backgrounds to the Collat School of Business student body.
- Furthermore, first-generation college students and students who demonstrate need as well as academic ability will be given priority.
- Applicants must show strong academic promise or achievement. Freshmen must have a minimum grade point average of 3.25 in coursework completed prior to the application deadline.
- Students transferring from another institution of higher learning should have a minimum GPA of 3.0 in all collegiate coursework and at least 24 hours of course credit.
- A 3.25 high school GPA and a 3.0 college GPA are the minimal standards for transfer students with less than 24 hours.
- ACT/SAT test scores are not necessary for consideration for the 2022 class, but if given by the student, they will be evaluated and considered.
- It is recommended that the student upload a résumé and/or cover letter to BSMART’s extra materials section.
Tuition and Scholarships
Level | Details | In-state | Out-of-state |
Undergraduate (Collat School of Business) | Each semester hour of coursework | $368 | $884 |
Undergraduates complete the general application through the Blazer Scholarship Management and Resource Tool (BSMART) and are automatically matched with scholarship criteria.
Accounting and finance scholarships are offered outside of BSMART through a separate application that will be made available to all accounting and finance students through Canvas
For details about this program visit the University’s website
Louisiana State University – Shreveport
The University of Louisiana at  Shreveport Institution is a public university located in Shreveport, Louisiana. It is affiliated with the Louisiana State University System.
It has a total of 2,477 undergraduate students (fall 2021). The academic calendar is semester-based. Louisiana State University—Shreveport is ranked #88 in Regional Universities South in the Best Colleges 2022-2023 edition.
LSUS, which began as a two-year college, has grown into a globally recognized school with 25 undergraduate degree programs, a dozen master’s degree programs, and Doctorates.
The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges has accredited Louisiana State University in Shreveport to grant degrees at the Baccalaureate, Master’s, Educational Specialist, and Doctoral levels.
Louisiana State University – Shreveport offers 34 Programs, 1 Bachelor’s in Real Estate
- B.S. in Finance – Real Estate
Program Overview
LSU Shreveport College of Business offers an online B.S. in Finance with a Real Estate focus. This specialty provides students with a comprehensive business background while emphasizing critical thinking abilities in finance and real estate.
Students in this bachelor’s degree program will study real estate law, appraisals, investment and taxation, financial services management, and other disciplines in addition to general finance.
With the skills learned from this empirically-based program that connects theory and practice with real-world applications, graduates will be able to further their careers in finance or prepare for employment in real estate.
Admission Requirements
LSUS offers multiple options to qualify for admission to undergraduate programs.
- If you are an instate freshman you will be required to have completed or are on track to complete the Board of Regents High School Core curriculum, a 2.0 cumulative High School GPA, An ACT English sub-score greater than or equal to an 18, AND an ACT Math sub-score greater than or equal to a 19
- If you are above 25 years of age then you will be required to have high school transcripts or proof of high school graduation sent to the Admissions Office and must meet the standardized test score requirements set for traditional first-time freshmen.
- If you are an out-of-state student then you will need to meet the requirements of in-state students or follow other options to be admitted.
- Transfer students also have a unique path to admission which requires a 2.0 GPA on all college-level coursework attempted, completion of a college-level English and a college-level mathematics course with at least a “C” grade, and more
Tuition and Scholarships
The Bachelor of Science in Finance with a Concentration in Real Estate online program consists of total credit hours per program of 120 credit hours and the cost per credit hour is $284
According to LSUS more than $12.4 million in scholarship money is awarded to students each year. So you can take time and analyze some of these scholarship opportunities to find the ones that best fit you.
Old Dominion University
Program Overview
Old Dominion University’s Strome College of Business Real Estate Major prepares you for a successful career in the real estate sector. You could soon be going on an exciting adventure in a one-of-a-kind program that mixes academics and practice with professors and practitioners in a collaborative effort to advance or kickstart your career.
The ODU Real Estate curriculum takes a multi-disciplinary approach to real estate education. The instructors offer real-world expertise to the classroom in order to engage you in a program that will help you develop the analytical and professional abilities required for a career in real estate or economic development.
Admission requirements
Students pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in Real Estate must complete the university’s basic entry requirements (Undergraduate Admission)
- Applicants for admission to any of the majors in the undergraduate degree program in business administration (Bachelor of Science in Business Administration – BSBA) should first apply to Old Dominion University’s Office of Admissions.
- Students cannot be admitted to business administration unless they are first admitted to the University. Admission to the University does not ensure admission to the BSBA program.
- Candidates seeking admission to the BSBA program should express their intention to pursue the undergraduate business administration degree program on their application to the University.
Tuition and Financial Aid.
The table below shows estimated rates for the 2022-23 academic year
Virginia Resident | Per Credit:$ 374 |
Active Duty Military Rate | Per Credit:$ 250 |
Non-Resident | Per Credit:$ 1,039 |
Technology Delivered Courses Outside Virginia and/or the United States | Per Credit:$ 407 |
Career Opportunities in Real Estate
A career in real estate may be a wonderful choice for you given the stable work market and the advantages of setting your own hours. Knowing the market, being able to negotiate and communicate well, and having integrity are all necessary for you to succeed in this line of work. After completing your degree in real estate you may work in diverse job markets, including realty, business administration, finance, and data science, and in different positions. Some of the most common include:
- Appraiser
- Assessor
- Commercial lender
- Construction manager
- Land development manager
- Leasing Agent
- Mortgage loan officer
- Property Manager
- Real estate broker
- Real estate developer
- Loan Officer
- Real Estate Investment Analyst
- Financial Analyst
- Real Estate Agent
A real estate degree doesn’t just allow you to the conventional career paths of a real estate agent or broker, as the bullet points above illustrate. You can pursue a number of options that are unrelated to direct real estate sales that pay well on an annual basis.
Can I Get a Real Estate Degree Online?
Yes, you can obtain any degree in real estate, including a bachelor’s and a master’s, online from a recognized university.
Coursework in real estate may be included in degree programs in a variety of ways, depending on the school. The bachelor’s in business, the bachelor’s in finance, or the bachelor’s in science program may all incorporate real estate degree study.
Is a Degree in Real Estate Worth It?
Yes, for many workers, a real estate degree is indeed worthwhile. Real estate may be a wise strategic major or emphasis to take into consideration if you have an interest in business, financial markets, or sales.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that employment in real estate-related positions is increasing steadily. Whether you like working in an office or out in the field selling directly to clients, there are various career routes you can pursue with a bachelor’s degree in real estate. Real estate experts frequently have the freedom to design their own schedules.
Conclusion
Enrolling in an online real estate degree program can be the best choice for you if you have an interest in real estate, especially its financial and business components. With an online real estate degree, you may be able to find employment not only in real estate directly but also in administrative, financial, and legal areas. You can start your journey by selecting any of the programs we have listed above!