Online MBA Programs in Real Estate Management

    Real estate is a multibillion-dollar industry that intersects with every other sector. Opportunities abound in this field for highly educated, experienced leaders who can foresee and navigate the manifold complexities arising from financial crises, demographic shifts, ever-changing laws and regulations, emerging markets, and globalization. An MBA in real estate management from an accredited school could be the ticket you need to advance into higher real estate development positions, public policy, investment, or other prestigious careers. On this page, you’ll find guidance to help you decide about this educational option.

    Discover the benefits of an online MBA in real estate management, typical coursework, career options for graduates, and comparisons to similar degree programs.

    What is an Online MBA in Real Estate Management?

    An online real estate management MBA is designed to prepare students for senior leadership roles within the real estate sector. MBA programs provide a solid foundation of core business concepts in management, marketing, finance, accounting, ethics, and sustainability. A concentration in real estate management enhances this traditional platform with courses on real estate topics such as real estate law, urban policy, valuations, real estate market economics, and entrepreneurship. This program helps students cultivate and expand skills and knowledge in communication, leadership, and finance, opening doors to upper management professions in private and public agencies and entrepreneurial opportunities.

    Online MBA programs in real estate management can facilitate career promotions or transitions into strategic roles such as property appraiser, urban planner, broker, analyst, asset manager, and C-suite jobs.

    Online MBA in Real Estate Management Curriculum

    Curricula for online real estate management MBA programs combine general business concepts with courses unique to the real estate sector. Thus, students learn to apply advanced business principles in their high-level professional roles in this industry. Courses cover fundamentals such as property appraisals, residential sales, commercial transactions, property development, and management. Some real estate management MBA programs prepare students for their state Real Estate License Examination, while others may require a license before enrolling.

    Accredited real estate management MBA programs may cover these topics:

    • Entrepreneurial Real Estate Development
    • Real Estate Economies
    • Real Estate Finance and Investments
    • Marketing for Real Estate
    • Real Estate Law and Taxation
    • Urban Fiscal Policy
    • Real Estate Public Debt
    • Real Estate Technology
    • International Real Estate

    The business management core curriculum offerings in an online real estate management MBA program often include these topics:

    • Financial Accounting
    • Financial Management
    • Team Leadership
    • Marketing Management
    • Operations Management
    • Business Ethics
    • Business Strategy
    • Economics for Managers
    • Data and Decision-Making

    A closer look at course offerings reveals the knowledge and skills in demand of today’s and tomorrow’s real estate industry leaders:

    • Real Estate Finance and Investments: This course introduces principles, concepts, and analytical tools useful for making financing decisions on income-producing property. Students study property investment within the context of modern corporate finance and focus on institutional characteristics unique to the real estate sector.
    • Legal Issues in Real Estate: This class analyzes the real estate development process and provides context for sound decisions regarding legal services and counseling. It introduces an array of legal issues that real estate developers and managers may face, including land acquisition, real estate financing, environmental due diligence, ownership structures, zoning, and development incentives.
    • International Real Estate: This course emphasizes the importance of strategy and implementation in multinational real estate investments. Subjects include opportunities and risks, macro-market and micro-market factors impacting real estate markets, and the roles that legal rights, taxes, and transparency play in different countries.
    • Real Estate Technology: This class discusses how technological advances and real estate interact. Subjects may include the business model of data centers, AI in real estate, the impact of technology on mortgage underwriting, and the disruption of traditional retail and office space.

    What Unique Career Paths Can I Pursue With an Online MBA Specializing in Real Estate Management?

    Graduates of real estate management MBA programs are poised to progress into any of a host of exciting and lucrative employment opportunities within the real estate industry and beyond. The specialized, in-depth knowledge gained is invaluable for advancement into positions in fields such as property portfolio management, investment banking, public policy, or consulting.

    Real Estate Broker

    Real estate brokers assist others with purchasing or selling properties. They advertise and negotiate sales, often working with financial institutions to help clients secure funding for properties. These professionals advise clients on staging to increase their properties and act as middlemen for the sales process.

    Tasks include:

    • Consulting with sellers and documentation to ensure accurate listings
    • Connecting buyers and sellers, conducting market research, and facilitating price agreements
    • Identifying and cultivating long-term relationships with buyers
    • Visiting properties and assessing current value and potential and determining prices.

    PayScale.com states that the average yearly salary for real estate brokers is $54,6351. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, job opportunities for this occupation will increase by 7%2 as more people and businesses look to real estate brokers to facilitate transactions.

    Real Estate Analyst

    Real estate analysts manage real estate holdings for their company. They keep abreast of real estate markets where their company or clients have a property to help prepare for changes and capitalize on opportunities. These professionals research new locations to invest in and identify optimal times to divest of current properties.

    Tasks include:

    • Overseeing a real estate portfolio’s financial performance
    • Underwriting and negotiating real estate purchases, leases, and dispositions
    • Coordinating budgets and service agreements with property managers
    • Performing due diligence by reviewing public records and legal documents to determine status of titles.

    PayScale.com states that the average annual salary for real estate analysts is $59,4743. The BLS does not provide job outlook data for this occupation.

    Urban and Regional Planner

    Urban and regional planners develop plans for optimizing the effectiveness and efficiency of a community’s land and infrastructure. Some focus on urban development; others focus on zoning and land use requirements, environmental reclamation, or other factors. While these professionals work primarily with local governments, some find employment with private property owners, planning firms, and developers.

    Tasks include:

    • Devising short- and long-term plans for land utilization, maintenance, growth, and revitalization
    • Monitoring legislation and ensuring compliance of projects with pertinent regulations
    • Recommending funding allocations for projects and programs
    • Developing, overseeing, and reporting studies on housing, population, transportation, and air quality
    • Making recommendations regarding zoning regulations and location improvements

    According to PayScale.com, the average yearly salary for urban and regional planners is $55,9894. The BLS projects growth of 11%5 in this profession in response to increasing demographic, environmental, and transportation changes.

    Asset Manager

    Asset managers oversee the management, procurement, valuation, and disposition of their organizations’ property, documents, and data. They maintain records and generate reports related to the company’s assets. These professionals review property budgets and make recommendations regarding optimal steps to take with repairs and property retirement.

    Tasks include:

    • Developing and implementing strategies to improve asset returns
    • Generating statements and reports on the status of loans and loan workout plans
    • Managing a loan portfolio and assisting with processing complicated loans

    PayScale.com reports that asset managers earn an average annual salary of $70,6136. The BLS projects that employment for such financial managers may grow 16%7 with increasing demand for professionals who are adept at cash management, risk management, and other critical financial functions.

    Real Estate Appraiser

    Real estate appraisers assess the value of a property. Their duties vary according to property type and circumstances. These professionals typically perform inspections to establish strengths and flaws in a property.

    Tasks include:

    • Calculating estimates of property values for sales, loans, and mortgages
    • Drafting reports describing estimation process and results
    • Inspecting properties to identify issues which could affect property value
    • Researching property sales history, value of neighboring properties, and value of properties in the region.

    According to PayScale.com, the average yearly salary for real estate appraisers is $60,6428. The BLS projects that demand this occupation will grow at 7%9, especially in active real estate markets.

    Real Estate Development Manager

    Real estate development managers supervise a real estate company’s daily operations and direct its development and growth. They analyze and forecast trends in the real estate market and devise budgets accordingly. These professionals collaborate with architecture and engineering teams for existing and upcoming development projects.

    Tasks include:

    • Analyzing current demographic, economic, market, and environmental variables to identify potential locations for expansion
    • Drafting recommendations for proceeding with strategies, properties, and neighborhoods
    • Reviewing sites to determine costs and necessary steps for acceptability, zoning, and local ordinances

    PayScale.com reports that the average annual salary for a real estate development manager is $92,56310. The BLS does not provide specific data for this occupation. Still, the agency projects that the overall demand for real estate managers will grow by 7%11 as businesses seek more highly skilled leaders with advanced degrees.

    Vice President, Real Estate Acquisitions

    A vice president of real estate acquisitions orchestrates the evaluation and selection of investment properties and strives to align the real estate portfolio with organizational goals. This professional sets direction and strategies for the primary line of business or function under their charge. A VP of real estate acquisitions also makes decisions regarding capital structure, financing, due diligence, and sales agreements for acquisitions and dispositions involving the company.

    Tasks include:

    • Managing assets and the acquisition of properties
    • Overseeing closings
    • Coordinating underwriting and due diligence procedures
    • Assisting in drafting and negotiating agreements and purchase terms
    • Devising and assessing financing, capital structure, and joint venture agreements

    According to PayScale.com, the average yearly salary for VPs of real estate acquisitions is $132,60612. According to the BLS, demand for such top executives is expected to increase by 6%13.

    Should I Get an Online MBA in Real Estate Management?

    If you are thinking of applying for an online MBA program in real estate management, consider whether this complements your career goals. People usually pursue this degree to advance their real estate career or switch to a new managerial path in real estate. Ask yourself:

    • Do you intend to stay with the same organization?
    • Are there opportunities for advancement where you plan to stay or go?
    • Are you considering starting your own company or taking over a business?

    As you address these critical questions, you can gain a clearer picture of what you’re hoping to achieve and how an MBA in real estate management would work to your advantage. Keep in mind that some career paths may require certifications or licenses in addition to the degree.

    Online MBA in Real Estate Management vs. Online MBA in Construction Management

    Construction management is an MBA concentration area that prepares students to oversee construction projects and manage pertinent business aspects. A construction management MBA will cover marketing, accounting, and finances that you would also find in real estate management MBA programs. These degree programs diverge as CM MBA classes dig deeper into construction estimating, construction planning and scheduling, and legal issues in construction.

    Online MBA in Real Estate Management vs. Master’s in Real Estate Management

    The coursework in online real estate management MBAs has much in common with online masters in real estate management curricula. Master’s degree programs provide the same academic rigor level but typically include more classes devoted to real estate topics and fewer management courses. If you have a passion for real estate, a master’s in real estate management may be an ideal option for you.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Pursuing an advanced degree calls for an enormous commitment of time and effort, so you will want to be sure that the program you chose will help you meet your career goals. Many people who have contemplated online MBA programs have asked these questions:

    How important is accreditation when choosing an online real estate management MBA program?

    Accreditation assures you that an institution offers a solid program that adheres to regionally and nationally recognized academic standards. This is essential as it could affect eligibility for federal financial aid or transferability of credits from another school. Generally, colleges will not accept academic credentials from an unaccredited school, and employers will not hire candidates with an unaccredited degree. The programs listed with DiscoverBusiness.us have all been regionally accredited by a CHEA-recognized body and nationally accredited by the AACSB, ACBSP, or IACBE.

    Will an MBA with a concentration in real estate management help me break into real estate from another industry?

    It may be challenging to switch from another career into real estate because this sector tends to be skeptical towards professionals who change jobs. Further, local markets typically have strong, loyal relationships and networks that may not be easily accessible to newcomers. As you work toward an MBA, you can cultivate relationships through case competitions, workshops, and trade events. With your academic credentials and tenacity, these connections can help make your entry into real estate easier.

    Is it better to obtain my online MBA in a classroom setting instead of online?

    Many online MBA programs are designed for working professionals who have limited time for studies. Digital learning offers flexibility that is not possible with traditional semesters and classrooms. However, online programs require a high level of self-discipline and internal motivation because most of the coursework is self-guided. It is essential to allocate time and focus on completing assignments and projects. If you can do so, an online MBA may be right for you.

    How long does it take to earn an online MBA in real estate management?

    The time frame for completing an accredited MBA in real estate management online can vary from 16 to 72 months. Accelerated programs typically require a full-time commitment.