Key takeaways
- A real estate degree can help you become part of the thriving real estate industry in the United States.
- Aspiring real estate professionals can pursue a BBA, BS, or a BA in real estate from US colleges, either online or on-campus.
- For an on-campus real estate degree, explore Middle Tennessee State University, University of Pennsylvania, University of Baltimore, and more.
- Purdue University, Arizona State University, and Liberty University are some universities offering a real estate degree online.
- Real estate jobs you can get with a bachelor’s degree include Property Analyst, Property Appraiser, Property Manager, Real Estate Attorney, and so on.
- Real estate jobs no degree are limited to Real Estate Agents, and Real Estate Brokers provided you obtain the relevant license.
- The US real estate market is expected to reach $132.00 trillion in value by the end of 2024, with residential real estate dominating the market share.
Why pursue a real estate degree you ask? The simplest answer would be that the real estate industry is one of the fastest-growing industries in the United States. It is all set to reach an astounding valuation of $132 trillion by 2024. The growth is primarily driven by the rise in demand for residential real estate, which is the highest-valued segment within the real estate industry.
The staggering growth has brought an equal rise in demand for qualified professionals. With a real estate degree, you too can become a part of the lucrative industry. Read on for an in-depth guide detailing everything from how to get a bachelor’s real estate degree, to career opportunities you can explore, to industry trends, and more.
What is a real estate degree?
A bachelor’s degree in real estate features a comprehensive curriculum designed to impart knowledge of the real estate industry. The curriculum can include courses on finance, accounting, property development, market research, and marketing, as well as specific courses related to property development and the like.
With a real estate degree, graduates can apply for several job opportunities in real estate. Some of these jobs pay very well. So, if you want to enhance your career prospects in the real estate industry, a real estate degree is the ideal choice for you.
Levels of education within a real estate program
If you are going to pursue a career in real estate, you might as well do it the right way – with a formal qualification. The field is ripe with opportunity and aspiring professionals can choose a level of qualification based on their career aspirations. Here are the available options:
Associate
An associate degree is a two-year program, that students can pursue either online or on campus. Through the program, students build proficiency in various real estate topics such as licensing requirements, property management, real estate law, and more.
However, the scope of learning in the associate program is low, given the shorter time duration of the degree. Jobs you can get with an associate degree include real estate agent, leasing agent, real estate broker, and so on.
Bachelors
A bachelor’s degree in real estate development or the like spans four years and provides a comprehensive education in different areas of real estate. These range from property development to property appraisal, management, and so on.
A bachelor’s degree requires a lengthier commitment, but students can pursue a real estate degree online. That way they take advantage of the full scope of the program while building professional competencies that can enhance their career opportunities.
Job opportunities with a real estate bachelor’s degree include Property Management, Real Estate Investment Advisor, Mortgage Advisor, Estate Manager, and so on.
Masters
A master’s degree in real estate can expand the scope of career opportunities graduates can explore. Graduates can pursue job roles in and related to real estate. These include positions such as Building Control Surveyor, Properties Appraiser, Chartered Loss Adjuster, and more.
A master’s degree can take between 1 to 3 years to complete, depending on the student’s learning pace. Moreover, whether a student pursues a master’s program full-time, or part-time also impacts how long it takes a student to complete the degree.
Doctorate
Those with an inclination to become experts in their field can pursue a PhD in Real Estate and Development. Students can pursue a PhD part-time, full-time, on-campus, or online. The goal of the program is to enable professionals to conduct quality research in their respective areas of study within the real estate field.
PhD holders can then pursue job opportunities in the real estate research field or take up teaching positions at higher education institutions. Other job opportunities include Real Estate Analyst, Integrated Program Manager in Corporate Real Estate, and so on.
Types of real estate bachelor’s degrees
If you want to enter the real estate market as a professional, a bachelor’s degree is the ideal starting point. The reason being is, it offers the most comprehensive learning experience preparing graduates not just for entry-level roles, but for a successful career in the field.
Graduates with a bachelor’s degree are eligible for promotions to senior-level positions after they obtain relevant work experience. Their professional profile continues to improve as they progress in their career, gaining professional experience. So, here are 3 types of bachelor’s real estate degrees that you may come across during your college search.
BBA
A Bachelor of Business Administration in Real Estate will have general courses in Accounting, Finance, Economics, Management, and other business-related courses. Students learn the ins and outs of the real estate industry through relevant core-specific courses.
BA
General courses in a Bachelor of Arts include Mathematics, English, Sociology, History, and so on. Core-specific courses vary by program concentration, but students enrolled in a real estate major can expect to build expertise in the field through courses such as Real Estate Appraisal, Market Analysis, Property Management, and so on.
BS
A Bachelor of Science in Real Estate features Science, Mathematics, Engineering, and Technology-related courses in the general education section. It is considered a more technical degree than the other two and prepares students for careers in investment, financing, banking, land use and planning, and so on.
General curriculum of a bachelor’s degree in real estate
Real estate majors comprise three components – general, major, and elective courses. General courses vary by the degree type as mentioned above. Majors and electives provide a comprehensive education in different aspects of real estate. The BS in Real Estate from Arizona State University focuses on the following five aspects:
- Real estate development
- Financing
- Real estate management/brokerage
- Market analysis
- Investments
Students must complete 120 credit hours during the program. The credit hours are divided between general, major, and elective courses as well as internships or experiential learning requirements.
The general curriculum structure for all bachelor real estate degrees is essentially the same. However, the courses offered vary by program type and concentration. Make sure to view the program curriculum to learn the intended learning outcomes. You should determine whether they meet your career aspirations or not.
Colleges offering a bachelor real estate degree
Various colleges across the United States offer real estate majors. The list below contains a few options you can explore in different states. While some of these are costlier than others, they all offer excellent learning value. However, given that cost is a major consideration for college selection, we have included a range of colleges, some more affordable than others.
| College | Acceptance % | Graduation % | Tuition |
| University of Baltimore | 89% | 65% | $9,506 in-state
$22,956 out-of-state |
| University of Pennsylvania | 7% | 96% | $63,452 |
| Menlo College | 62% | 53% | $49,090 |
| Delta State University | 99% | 49% | $8,605 |
| William Paterson University | 92% | 55% | $14,624 in-state
$23,624 out-of-state |
| Middle Tennessee State University | 73% | 50% | $9,232 in-state
$28,264 out-of-state |
The Delta State University offers a specialized track in Insurance and Real Estate within its BBA program. The program catalog is linked in the table. Students wishing to pursue the concentration from Delta State University should contact the University prior to filing a college application to get additional information.
Can I get a real estate bachelor degree online?
In the aftermath of the pandemic, online education has emerged as a trend that is here to stay. So, yes! You can get a real estate bachelor degree online. In fact, a healthy number of colleges are offering distance learning programs to cater to the rising demand for online degrees.
Some major benefits of pursuing a real estate degree online include affordability, flexibility, convenience, and the lack of geographical limitations. Students from anywhere across the globe can get real estate degrees from some of the best colleges not just in the US, but across the globe.
Moreover, they can attend classes anytime, and anywhere they desire providing greater flexibility. Students can choose to pursue full-time employment alongside their bachelor’s degree.
The tuition fee for a bachelor’s program is not the only cost incurred during the 4 years you will attend an undergraduate. With commute, utilities, and housing, the cost of attendance especially for out-of-state students can be quite high.
International students, or those looking for a cost-effective undergraduate real estate program can explore the following colleges offering a real estate bachelor’s degree online.
Colleges offering a real estate degree online
However, when choosing online real estate programs, make sure to look for ones that are accredited by relevant accrediting bodies. Accreditations are an indication that the program meets the highest educational standards.
Here are a few accredited online real estate degrees you can explore.
| College | Acceptance % | Graduation % | Tuition |
| Arizona State University | 90% | 66% | |
| University of Memphis | 95% | 51% | $10,056 in-state
$14,280 out-of-state |
| Purdue University | 53% | 83% | $9,992 in-state
$28,794 out-of-state |
| Liberty University | 99% | 29% | $22,511 |
| Arkansas State University | 70% | 55% | $7,456 in-state
$13,312 out-of-state |
Is getting a real estate degree worth it?
The path to a real estate broker or sales agent typically doesn’t require a bachelor’s degree. Job applicants with a high school diploma or equivalent can obtain a real estate license. However, the career outlook for real estate professionals with a high school diploma is bleak. Jobs they qualify for include Real Estate Broker or Real Estate Sales Agents.
According to the United Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job outlook for said professions is 2%. The average job outlook for all occupations in the United States is 3%. That clearly indicates, just obtaining a license does not lead to a financially rewarding career path.
However, a bachelor’s degree opens career opportunities such as Property Managers and Property Appraisers. Said occupations have a job outlook of 3% or higher, clearly indicating pursuing a real estate degree is worth it.
With a real estate degree, you will be eligible for a wider range of job opportunities. Moreover, the minimum salary for entry-level positions seeking applicants with a bachelor’s degree is higher than those open for high school graduates.
Pros and cons of getting a real estate degree
Still on the fence if a real estate degree is right for you or not? Here are some pros and cons of getting a real estate degree that might help you make the decision.
| Pros | Cons |
| Qualified real estate professionals are in demand | Four years is a significant time commitment |
| Develop a comprehensive set of skills | Real estate is a specialized field not everyone may be interested in |
| Get access to diverse career opportunities | The cost of a bachelor’s degree may be a significant consideration |
| Positive job outlook for bachelor’s degree holders | |
| Availability of career advancement opportunities |
Real estate jobs you can get with a bachelor’s degree in real estate
According to the National Association of Realtors, the real estate industry offers the widest range of career opportunities. The real estate industry is divided into many subsections such as residential, commercial, industrial, and farmland brokerage.
Professionals who don’t want to go into the brokerage market can explore job opportunities in property management, land appraisal, land development, real estate counseling, market research, and urban planning.
Here are just some real estate jobs that aspiring professionals can explore.
| Job title | Average salary |
| Property Manager | $62,850/yr |
| Property Appraiser | $61,630/yr |
| Real Estate Broker | $56,620/yr |
| Real Estate Marketing Specialists | $64,853/yr |
| Loan Officer | $69,990/yr |
| Real Estate Attorney | $165,989/yr |
| Real Estate Developer | $146,353/yr |
Real estate assistant jobs
Applying for real estate assistant jobs is the best way to begin developing industry experience. Students enrolled in a bachelor’s degree hoping to juice up their resume before graduating, or associate degree holders can apply to the following job roles.
| Job title | Average salary |
| Real Estate Administrative Assistant | $58,383/yr |
| Real Estate Project Management Assistant | $63,000/yr |
| Assistant Estate Manager | $83,400/yr |
Practical work experience enables students and fresh graduates to develop hands-on work experience that enhances job applicants’ career prospects.
Real estate photography jobs
If you pursue digital photography as a hobby and have a passion for real estate, real estate photography jobs are ideal for you. The average salary for a Real Estate Photographer in the US as of November 2024 is $60,244 per year according to Glassdoor. A Real Estate Videographer in the United States earns on average $66,060 per year according to Glassdoor.
Within real estate photography jobs, professionals can specialize in commercial photography, industrial building photography, landscape photography, and so on. The pay rates and average salary figures vary by specialization with commercial and industrial property photographers being paid a lot more.
6 Best paying jobs in real estate investment trusts
Jobs in Real Estate Investment Trusts are some of the highest-paying jobs in the real estate industry. A Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT) is a company that manages, funds, or owns properties that generate income. These are profit-driven organizations that hire a multitude of professionals from different fields, particularly real estate and finance.
Real estate professionals in REIT are employed in different roles. Some of the best paying jobs in Real Estate Investment Trusts are as follows:
| Job title | Average salary |
| Real Estate Analyst | $99,567/yr |
| Property Accountant | $73,451/yr |
| Real Estate Broker | $153,981/yr |
| Investor Relations Manager | $101,954/yr |
| Quality Assurance Engineer | $91,836/yr |
| Asset Manager | $88,159/yr |
Real estate industry and job market trends
A market insights report by Statista states the US real estate market will value at USD 132.00 trillion by the end of 2024. Moreover, from 2024 onwards until 2029, the market is set to grow with a Compound Annual Growth Rate of 3.34%. At the end of 2029, we can expect the real estate market to value USD 155.60 trillion.
Residential real estate
The Residential Real Estate Market holds the highest share of the overall US market. Its total value is USD 106.70 trillion. The demand for real estate properties is a consequent result of the rise in popularity of remote work opportunities. Now that employees no longer have to commute to offices daily, an increasing number of workers are shifting to the suburbs.
However, given that land is a limited resource, the rise in demand for suburban housing is ‘weighing on the US economy’ according to a CNBC report. The report highlights how the limited supply of detached housing near job-opportunity-rich cities is driving up the prices for single-family detached housing. As a result, the dream of owning a home is becoming increasingly out of reach for lower-income households in the United States.
Rise in home prices
The persistent increase in home prices is a prevalent trend in the US Real Estate market. Forbes reports home prices in the US grew by 6.4% compared to that of a year earlier. A Business Insider reports, the average home prices in the US are increasing by 2.7% year over year.
Mortgage rates
The average mortgage rate for a 30-year period is 6.79% as of November 7, 2024. Even though the federal interest rates are dropping, mortgage rates are not showing a similar drop. Experts believe the rising employment statistics are a major factor impacting mortgage rates.
Commercial real estate
The commercial real estate market is set to make a comeback in 2025. Since the onset of the pandemic, the commercial real estate market took some major hits. However, the coming year is set to bring a new dawn for investors. According to Statista, it is set to reach USD 25.28 trillion by 2024 and continue to grow with a CAGR of 2.18% until 2029.
Frequently asked questions about real estate degrees
Here are the answers to some frequently asked questions about real estate programs.
What degree do you need for real estate?
If you want to pursue a career in high-paying real estate jobs, then yes, you need a real estate degree. Students can either pursue a BBA, BS, or a BA in Real Estate. Several colleges in the US offer a real estate degree such as ‘bachelor’s degree real estate development’. If you want to enter the real estate market as a qualified professional, a bachelor’s degree offers the best chances of success.
Do you need a degree for real estate?
Yes, you need a bachelor’s degree in real estate, or a relevant field for a successful career in the field. With an undergraduate degree, you become eligible for high-paying roles in real estate such as Estate Managers, Property Appraisers, and so on.
Do you need a degree to be a real estate agent?
No, you don’t need a degree to be a real estate agent. The minimum educational qualification required to obtain a real estate license is a high school diploma. As long as you have that, and can pass your real estate license exam, you can become a real estate agent. So, if you are looking for jobs in real estate no degree, a real estate agent is your most viable option.
Access diverse career opportunities with a real estate degree – Apply today!
From Property Developers, and Analysts, to Real Estate Brokers and Agents, a real estate degree really opens the full spectrum of career opportunities in real estate. Whether you are looking for the best paying jobs in real estate investment trusts or hoping to pursue your passion with real estate photography jobs, a bachelor’s degree in real estate can enhance your eligibility.
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