Do You Need a Degree For Real Estate? 

By PropertyClub Team
Jun 12th 2022
No, you don't necessarily need a degree to work in the real estate industry, although it depends on what career you pursue. For instance, if you want to become an agent, all you need is a real estate license, which doesn't require any degree. But college may be necessary if you want to work for a development agency or architectural firm. Here are some of the degrees you should consider for a career in real estate. 

hash-mark9 Best Degrees for Real Estate 

  • Real Estate Management
  • Business Administration
  • Architecture
  • Marketing
  • Law
  • Accounting
  • Finance
  • Engineering
  • Construction Management

hash-markReal Estate Management

The best degree for real estate is a bachelor's in real estate management or real estate studies. Real estate degrees are highly focused and will help you start a career in real estate, including as a salesperson, broker, property manager, or property developer. 

Degrees focused specifically on real estate are relatively new, and not all colleges offer them, but they are becoming more popular due to increased interest in the real estate business.  

hash-markBusiness Administration 

Business administration is one of the best degrees for those looking to pursue real estate. It will teach you the fundamentals of the business world, including accounting, finance, marketing, communication, problem-solving, and more. It will also teach you the core skills you need to excel in any business field, including real estate. Plus, it's also helpful if you want to venture off into different industries.  

hash-markArchitecture

Architecture may be a good option if you are more interested in the creative aspects of real estate development, such as designing and planning buildings. By studying architecture, you will learn how to develop building concepts and create detailed construction plans. Architects also work closely with developers and contractors to ensure the construction is safe and functional. Architecture certainly isn't easy, but it is a lucrative and fulfilling field with plenty of job opportunities. 

hash-markMarketing

A marketing degree can be a great option if you're considering a career as a real estate salesperson or broker. Big parts of your job as a realtor will be to market yourself to clients and market the homes you are selling, and a marketing degree will help prepare you for this. 

Studying marketing will help you maximize your exposure, get you more clients, and ultimately, help you earn more money as a realtor. 

A degree in marketing can also be useful in other real estate businesses as property managers and real estate developers also need to market their properties effectively. 

hash-markLaw

Real estate attorneys are always in high demand, so if you are looking for a stable career path with high earning potential, law school may be a good choice. Every time a property or piece of land is bought or sold, an attorney is needed to draft contracts and transfer the ownership. Both buyers and sellers will need representation so that you will have no shortage of clients. But law school is a significant commitment and will require an extra three years of schooling. So, make sure you're up for the challenge. 

hash-markAccounting

Real estate transactions can often get complex, and there are a variety of tax laws relating to property transfers that investors and developers need to know. An accounting degree will come in handy if you want to cater to these types of clients. Or, if you want to start your own investing or property development journey, accounting is an excellent background to have. It will give you an advantage in identifying the earning potential of a property, which will make you a valuable asset to any team.  

hash-markFinance

Finance is also a good field for those wanting to enter the real estate industry. With a degree in finance, you could work at an investment firm, bank, or other institution as a portfolio manager, mortgage underwriter, commercial analyst, asset manager, or financial advisor. You may also choose to minor in real estate to give yourself an additional insight into the industry. Finance is a crucial part of the real estate business, so having a firm understanding of how the financial system works will make you a key player in any organization. 

hash-markEngineering

Engineers are responsible for designing, erecting, and maintaining complex systems, including buildings. A good engineer is needed for every real estate development project because an expert is required to ensure that a building is safe, secure, and functional. From civil engineering to construction engineering, there are many disciplines you can pursue within the field that can benefit you in the real estate industry. 

hash-markConstruction Management

Construction management is an often overlooked yet important profession within the real estate industry. A construction management degree will teach you how to plan and execute a construction project, including creating a budget and timeline, ordering supplies, hiring labor, managing a workforce, working with developers, and overseeing other essential tasks related to building construction. Construction management can be a hectic job, but it is also well paid well. Plus, you can easily use your skills to one day pivot into investing or development.

hash-markReal Estate Degree FAQs

What level of education is required to be a real estate agent?

To become licensed in real estate in the US, you need to have at least a high school diploma or equivalency. A college degree is not required, but you do need to take your state's real estate course and pass the associated licensing exam. 

What degree do most realtors have?

Although a degree isn't required to become a realtor, most agents have completed an associate's degree or bachelor's degree. The most common degrees for realtors include real estate management, business administration, and marketing.