Degrees in Real Estate

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Real estate brokers and agents assist clients with buying and selling property. They work alongside property; real estate; and community association managers, professionals tasked with ensuring that properties grow in value. On average, both types of workers earn more than the median U.S. salary.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects 2% employment growth for budding real estate brokers and sales agents between 2019-2029. The BLS projects little to no growth in the property, real estate, and community association management field during this time. These projections indicate that individuals considering either career should advance their education, which increases their employability in a competitive job market.

Bachelor's in Real Estate FAQ's

What can you do with a bachelor's in real estate?

A bachelor's in real estate helps graduates start a career as a real estate broker, sales agent, or property manager. Attaining one of these positions may also require professional experience.

How do I start a career in real estate?

A bachelor's in real estate program lays the academic foundation students need to succeed in the field. Graduates must also meet their state's licensure requirements.

Does real estate pay well?

Real estate brokers and agents earn more than the average U.S. worker. Top-paying states for the profession include New Mexico, Massachusetts, and California.

What kind of degree do you need for real estate?

Although some careers in the real estate field do not require a college education, a bachelor's degree makes job applicants more attractive to brokerage firms and other employers.

Why Get a Degree in Real Estate?

Recent graduates and students earning a bachelor's in real estate experience benefits like those below. Academic and career advisors help learners make the most of their education.

Courses in Real Estate

Depending on the college or university, students earn a bachelor's in real estate or a bachelor's in business with a concentration in real estate. In the latter option, typical courses include financial accounting, real estate transactions and property, and the principles of management. In class, degree-seekers hone multiple skills aligning with their future career, such as evaluating a property's value and following relevant laws and regulations. 

The following sample curriculum includes typical core courses and electives. Not all bachelor's in real estate programs require or offer them. Please contact a college or university directly to learn more about the program's academic requirements and how it prepares learners for a successful career.

• Financial Accounting

  Introductory financial accounting courses introduce students to transactions, financial statements, and trial balances. Typical coursework involves memorizing terminology, analyzing sample transactions, and mastering accounting cycle fundamentals. Bachelor's in real estate programs require this course because workers deal with financial figures daily. Professors gauge learners' proficiency through independent projects, homework, and exams.

• Principles of Management

  Students without professional experience take principles of management to learn skills necessary for career advancement, such as planning and organization. Learning outcomes include identifying different management theories, summarizing the field's background, and applying different management functions in the workplace. Students develop these skills through contributing to a discussion board and answering essay questions.

• Real Estate Transactions and Property

  Numerous laws govern property rights and the role real estate professionals play when two parties conduct business. Real estate transactions and property introduces students to landlord and tenant law, due diligence, and legal representation. These topics prepare degree-seekers to navigate the law and provide clients with accurate advice.

• Real Estate Economics

  Real estate plays a significant role in the U.S. economy's function and growth. Real estate economics presents economic fundamentals through a real estate lens. Course topics include taxation, market cycles, and land use. Students use the knowledge they gain in this course to evaluate properties' worth, make predictions for future growth, and advise property buyers and sellers.

• Strategic Management for Real Estate Enterprise

  Students take strategic management for real estate enterprise or another capstone course during their senior year. Course requirements include applying new knowledge and skills in a real estate enterprise simulation. A successful final product demonstrates proficiency in multiple areas, and many graduates use the project as part of their portfolio.

Certifications and Licensure for Real Estate

Real estate resembles other professional fields in that workers need more than a degree to practice. The license and certifications below qualify workers for an entry-level position or increase their career potential. Students earning a real estate bachelor's degree consult with their school's career advisors to learn more about the licensure and certification process.

Most Affordable Online Bachelor's in Real Estate Programs