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Earning a master of business administration (MBA) in real estate prepares you for career opportunities in the real estate industry. This degree equips learners with foundational knowledge and fundamental leadership, which are necessary business skills for a career in real estate.
This article covers general admission requirements, typical coursework and career options after earning an MBA in real estate.
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Admission Requirements for an MBA in Real Estate
Admission requirements for an MBA in real estate vary among programs. Generally, applicants must complete and meet the following requirements:
- Hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
- Complete business prerequisite courses, including economics, accounting, finance, marketing and statistics
- Meet a minimum GPA
- Submit all postsecondary academic transcripts
- Submit a résumé or CV
- Write a personal statement or admission essay
- Submit letters of recommendation
- Submit GRE or GMAT scores
- Complete an interview
Part-Time vs. Full-Time MBA Options
Students applying for MBA programs can often choose between part-time and full-time enrollment. Full-time enrollment typically suits students with less professional experience and those who can commit lots of time each week to coursework.
Part-time study offers more flexibility for working students. These learners typically take fewer courses each semester than full-time students. Some programs offer classes on evenings and weekends.
MBA in Real Estate Courses
Coursework for an MBA in real estate varies by program. Below are examples of course titles and topics included in the curriculum for an MBA in real estate.
Housing Markets
This course examines the relationship between economics and the housing market. Students learn how supply and demand affect the housing market, including price dynamics and cycles.
Urban Real Estate Economics
This course explores urban economic processes and theories, including determinants of urban growth. Students learn about urban real estate markets by applying economic models and methods. They examine concepts such as:
- Real estate cycles
- Commercial real estate
- Characteristics and determinants of real estate markets
- Determinants of urban structure
- Patterns of land use
- Land market regulation
- Homeownership
- Local public finance
Real Estate Law
In courses on real estate law, students learn traditional property law concepts, the fundamentals of real estate finance and development and the transactional components of real estate business. Course topics include:
- Leasing
- Management
- Investment
- Development
- Land acquisition
- Disposition of real estate property
- Foreclosures/Negotiations
- Tax implications
Students develop the knowledge and skills necessary to understand the laws governing their properties. They also learn to apply legal concepts in real estate transactional settings. Additionally, courses cover environmental compliance and zoning requirements when planning new developments.
Real Estate Investment
Real estate investment courses focus on investment and financing-related topics. Students learn about project evaluation, capital and real estate markets, financing strategies, investment decisions and risks. This course gives students the foundational knowledge and skills to make informed real estate investment decisions and assess the impact of financing and capital markets tools used in real estate.
Career Options for an MBA in Real Estate Graduate
We sourced salary data for this section from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics in December 2023.
Real Estate Manager
Median Annual Salary: $60,670
Projected Job Growth (2022–2032): +5%
Job Description: Real estate managers oversee the operational aspects of residential and commercial properties. They maintain properties and work to increase property value. Their responsibilities include preparing financial statements; negotiating contractor, supplier and vendor contracts; and supervising staff members and maintenance workers.
Financial Analyst
Median Annual Salary: $96,220
Projected Job Growth (2022–2032): +8%
Job Description: Financial analysts track a company’s financial performance and analyze financial reports and market conditions to predict outcomes for business decisions. They study bonds, stocks and commodities. These professionals also use data-driven insights to identify trends and assess risks to help their clients make strategic financial and investment decisions.
Real Estate Appraiser
Median Annual Salary: $61,560
Projected Job Growth (2022–2032): +5%
Job Description: Real estate appraisers assess and estimate the value of residential and commercial land and properties before they’re sold, mortgaged, taxed, insured or developed. They consider the intended use of the property; analyze the characteristics of a site, architectural quality and its surrounding location; and compare properties to create appraisal reports.
Asset Manager
Median Annual Salary: $60,670
Projected Job Growth (2022–2032): +5%
Job Description: Asset managers conduct risk analyses, prepare financial reports and develop strategies to optimize asset growth for their clients. Their responsibilities include:
- Researching relevant markets to identify trends and patterns
- Monitoring asset performance
- Reviewing policies to make recommendations for adjustments
- Developing strategies to increase return on investment and minimize risk and loss
Frequently Asked Questions About an MBA in Real Estate
What are the requirements for an MBA in real estate?
Requirements for an MBA in real estate vary depending on the institution and program. In most cases, an applicant must hold a bachelor’s degree or have completed specified prerequisite courses.
Do I need a real estate license if I have an MBA?
Most states require real estate agents to take a certain number of real estate courses to earn their licenses. Earning an MBA does not automatically qualify you to practice real estate, but it may help you meet the educational requirements to obtain licensure.
Is an MBA good for working in real estate?
An MBA can equip you with the foundational knowledge needed to work in real estate. In an MBA program, students develop managerial and leadership skills to help them navigate their careers in real estate.
