Accredited Colleges with Online Real Estate Degrees

Real estate brokers and agents are responsible for helping to guide clients to neighborhoods that fit their needs — proximity to schools, shopping and other conveniences — and budget best. As well, agents must be well-versed in the financial aspect of purchasing a home, commercial building, or land. Brokers and agents help to advise buyers about their best mortgages and financing options. Finally, real estate professionals must always keep current in their area's local zoning and tax laws. It is a busy field, but one that can be rewarding as you gain experience and become more knowledgeable in real estate.

Real Estate Online Colleges

While you don't need a four-year degree to enter the field, you will need training and the ability to pass a licensing exam. Many people look for all-day courses at community colleges or short-term courses at online schools to help them obtain the knowledge they need to pass a licensing exam. However, there are a number of online real estate programs that are available including the Bachelor's of Arts degree in Real Estate Studies. In this program, you can learn about appraisals, brokerage equity investment, mortgage lending, property management and other related subjects. More often, you'll find short-term programs available online that can lead to a diploma or certificate, and more importantly, the ability to pass a licensing exam. Often, these programs are available in topics such as home inspection, real estate appraisal, or property management. Other programs can help you to obtain a license in contracting or prepare you to study for or to renew your broker or real estate license.

Jobs for real estate brokers and sales agents combined are projected to grow by 14 percent, 2008-2018. The field for real estate agents is stronger than that for brokers with a growth of 16 percent, or some 60,000 new positions, potentially occurring. This could be a positive field to enter as nominal education and licensing could lead to good pay. Of course, experience is an asset. According to 2010 Bureau of Labor Statistics data, the mean earned wages for real estate agents in the U.S. were $52,090 while those for brokers were $76,060. Related occupations that could be of interest to those who like real estate include appraisal, insurance sales, and property management. Appraisers earned about the same annual income as real estate agents with mean annual wages of $54,230, according to 2010 BLS data.