An undergraduate with a bachelor’s degree in business management does better and accesses more job opportunities by getting a Master in Business Administration (MBA). The same can be said about getting a Master in Real Estate (MRE) diploma. An MRE degree is a graduate-level degree, which carries the same recognition as having an MBA. Some schools call this degree a Masters in Business Administration in Real Estate (MBARE) to indicate the MRE degree is equivalent to an MBA.
Why get a Masters in Real Estate degree?
The real estate market is over-saturated with agents focused on property sales to consumers and investors. There is a steady flow of new candidates for entry-level positions as a real estate agent because it is fairly easy to get a real estate license by studying for a few months and passing an exam.
Top 5 Masters in Real Estate
| Rank | School | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of Missouri – Kansas City | Kansas City, Missouri |
| 2 | University of Florida | Gainesville, Florida |
| 3 | Florida State University | Tallahassee, Florida |
| 4 | Baruch College | New York City, New York |
| 5 | University of Arizona | Tucson, Arizona |
If you want to take your MBA career in real estate to the next higher level consider getting a Master in Real Estate (MRE). You can get an MRE online as long as you already have an undergraduate degree. For those with an MRE degree, many job opportunities are available. For example, a person with an MRE can qualify for a career as a real estate analyst, asset management advisor, master planner, REIT executive, or a major development project manager.
Even though many real estate positions do not necessarily require an MRE, when you have an MRE degree and seek a high-level position with a major real estate company, you have a much better chance of getting the job.
An example of how this degree offers a career benefit would be when a real estate broker gets an MRE to qualify to work for a large investment firm managing an extensive real estate portfolio. It is possible to get this degree by studying while currently employed.
How much do those with a Masters in Real Estate degree make?
AdventuresinCRE.com reports that newly-graduated MRE professionals earn from $110,000 to $180,000 per year. If you work your way up to become a senior partner/owner managing a multi-billion portfolio for a REIT and you could earn millions annually if the REIT performs well.
Tips on Getting a Masters in Real Estate Degree
We took a look at the best college and university programs to attend on-campus or take courses from online schools to get a Masters in Real Estate degree. Part-time students can complete the coursework in 18 months to two years. Full-time students on an accelerated program can complete the coursework within a single calendar year by taking classes during the fall, spring, and summer.
Reviews of Schools Offering a Masters in Real Estate Degree
We selected the top programs to get a Masters in Real Estate degree based on the tuition cost. Having an MBA from Harvard is a significant “brand name” degree. However, having an MRE from Harvard is not as impressive. Many terrific schools cost a fraction of what it costs to attend Harvard. Those MRE degrees are well-accepted too. If you are looking for a brand name degree, consider the REALTOR® University program or Georgetown University as being well-recognized and medium tuition cost, for a good value.
The 15 best schools for getting a Masters in Real Estate degree
University of Missouri – Kansas City
University of Missouri – Kansas City offers a Master of Science in Entrepreneurial Real Estate (M.S.E.R.E.) degree program. This program is designed for working real estate professionals with classes offered in the evenings. Examples of classes in this program include securitization, statistical analysis, and real estate development.
- Tuition per Credit: $407 (MI resident), $610 (Midwest Exchange WI, KS, MN, MS, NB, IL, IN, and ND residents), and $1,050 (non-resident).
- Total Tuition: $12,210 (MI resident), $18,300 (Midwest Exchange WI, KS, MN, MS, NB, IL, IN, and ND residents), and $31,500 (non-resident).
School Overview
University of Florida
University of Florida has a full-time in residence program to earn a Master of Science in Real Estate (MSRE). Under this program, students take classes in real estate law, real estate valuation, and learn the best practices for sustainable development. Students will learn about the real estate capital markets, urban real estate, and development processes.
- Time to Complete Program: Ten months. This program begins each year in late June and ends the following year in May.
School Overview
Florida State University
Florida State University offers a Master in Business Administration with a specialization in real estate. The program does not require a student to have previously earned an undergraduate business degree. Any bachelor’s degree is acceptable for admission. The school recommends that students do prep work in accounting. Students learn about development, urban policies, and managed investments. Florida residents get extremely low tuition by taking courses on-campus.
- Tuition per Credit:
- On-campus $479 (FL resident) and $1,111 (non-resident).
- Online $780 (FL resident) and $810 (non-resident).
- Time to Complete Program: Full-time students can complete the program in three semesters or about 18 months. Part-time students taking two courses per semester can finish this program in seven semesters or about three to four years.
- Total Tuition:
- On-campus – $18,693 (FL resident) and $43,318 (non-resident).
- Online – $30,427 (FL resident) and $31,599 (non-resident).
School Overview
Baruch College
Baruch College in New York offers a Master in Real Estate that gives a student the analytical and financial training needed to succeed in the tough NYC real estate industry. Topics covered in this degree program include financial analysis, legal principles, and real estate finance.
- Time to Complete Program: Full-time 22 months and part-time takes three years.
School Overview
University of Arizona
University of Arizona has an online program to earn a Master of Real Estate Development. This degree program covers housing markets, finance, real estate law, and the real estate development process. Students also learn about site planning and construction management.
School Overview
Roosevelt University
Roosevelt University in Illinois has a Master of Science in Real Estate degree program. The financial subjects covered in this program include investment strategy, international investments, and financial management. This is a full MBA program that includes ten courses in real estate.
School Overview
Florida International University
Florida International University offers a Master of Science in International Real Estate. Students get in-depth knowledge of valuation, mortgage securitization, global real estate development, and commercial real estate.
- Time to Complete Program: There is a fast-track accelerated program that allows a student to complete the course requirements in 10 months. Most students study for this program at the rate of taking a couple of 8-week courses at a time and then complete the program in one year.
School Overview
Portland State University
Portland State University offers a Master of Real Estate Development (MRED) degree that teaches business planning for the development process with a focus on sustainability.
- Time to Complete Program: This program can be completed as a full-time student in 12 months or as a part-time student in 24 months.
School Overview
REALTOR® University
REALTOR® University offers a Master of Real Estate. This is the official university of the National Association of REALTORS®. Some of the subjects taught in this program include public & private sector developments, legal aspects of real estate, and leveraged investments. Students who earn this degree also can get a NAR certification, at the same time, such as Certified Property Manager (CPM). If you want a degree that has a lot of prestige in the real estate industry, this is the program for you.
- Tuition per Credit: $633 (NAR members), $499 (active-duty military and spouses), and $883 (non-NAR members)
- Total Tuition: $39,900 (NAR members), $31,458 (active-duty military and spouses), and $55,650 (non-NAR members)
School Overview
Georgetown University
Georgetown University offers a Master of Real Estate through its School of Continuing Education. Graduates from this program learn about real estate capital markets, taxation, and how to conduct a feasibility analysis. Required courses include construction methodologies, development processes, and designing real estate projects for sustainability.
School Overview
American University
American University in Washington, D.C. offers a Master of Science in Real Estate (MSRE) program. Students take courses in commercial and international real estate, real estate finance, and marketing.
- Time to Complete Program: The accelerated program is ten months. The full-time program is 12 months. The part-time program is 24 months.
School Overview
University of San Diego
University of San Diego offers a Master in Real Estate. This program is good for students interested in urban fiscal policy, fixed income markets, and operations management. Students learn how to develop commercial real estate, including site acquisition, project rent-up valuation, financing, marketing, advertising, and leasing.
School Overview
DePaul University
DePaul University in Illinois has a Master of Science in Real Estate program. This program focuses on real estate law, due diligence, and entrepreneurship. While studying for this degree, students work on real-world projects in Chicago to gain valuable experience.
School Overview
University of Denver
University of Denver offers an online degree program to earn a Master in Real Estate with a focus on construction. Topics covered in this program include mixed-income housing development, construction management, finance, and valuation.
- Time to Complete Program: Students can complete this program in 18 to 24 months.
School Overview
Brandeis University
Brandeis University in Massachusetts offers an MBA degree with a real estate concentration. Students acquire a working knowledge of real estate finance, contracts, and development dynamics. This program is designed for those seeking career advancement with jobs in the capital markets, market research, urban planning, and financial analysis.
School Overview
It is easy to get help if you have questions about any school on our list. Just ask us and we will be happy to help.
Our Ranking Methodology
We searched for programs that have the lowest tuition and those that offered an accelerated program to earn a degree quickly. Read our rankings to choose a school that will help you to get a degree as fast as possible for a modest investment.
If you find a mistake please let us know so that we can correct the information. If you are an administrator of a school that we did not include on our list or think there is a school we should include, please send us an email so we can review the school.
