Online MBA in Real Estate Programs
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“I wish the public recognized that an online MBA in real estate is not merely a flexible alternative to on-campus learning—it is a rigorous, career-focused program that integrates the foundational strengths of an MBA with specialized expertise in real estate finance, development, and investment.”
Minrong Zheng, PhD, Assistant Professor, Longwood University
Housing is a basic necessity, and the real estate industry continues to flourish even after slumps and the Great Recession. Considering the vast number of industry opportunities, many universities now offer dedicated MBA programs with a concentration in real estate.
While there aren’t many online MBA in real estate programs, students can explore other options, such as a master of science in real estate. Courses in both types of graduate programs are taught by seasoned real estate professionals, with a top-notch record in research. Students learn the fundamentals of urban planning, real estate valuation, and finance. Additionally, they gain insight into sustainable development, finance & investment banking, design, deal structuring, and international real estate.
Since relationships are a vital aspect of a career in real estate, these programs also offer students the opportunity to build a community of national and local professionals. Students are encouraged to participate in conferences, learn from industry experts, and apply their knowledge to capstone projects.
An MBA with a real estate concentration can open up doors in the public and private sectors. From developing and selling residential properties to managing large-scale investment portfolios, graduates have a vast range of careers to choose from. They can take up jobs in market analysis, real estate brokerage, property management, real estate investment consulting, and development.
This guide examines standout MBA in real estate programs offered online, including two experts’ perspectives.
| Featured Real Estate Programs | ||
|---|---|---|
| Georgetown University SCS | Master's in Real Estate (Online or In-Person) | Visit Site |
| Purdue Global | BS in Finance - Real Estate | Visit Site |
| Boston University | MS - Insurance Management | Visit Site |
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For the 2023-2024 academic year, we have 118 schools in our BSchools.org database and those that advertise with us are labeled “sponsor”. When you click on a sponsoring school or program, or fill out a form to request information from a sponsoring school, we may earn a commission. View our advertising disclosure for more details. |
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Meet the Expert: Minrong Zheng, PhD
Dr. Minrong Zheng holds a PhD in finance from the University of Central Florida and is currently an assistant professor of finance at Longwood University. She has developed extensive academic experience in both real estate and finance, excelling in both teaching and research.
Dr. Zheng has taught various real estate and finance courses at several universities, demonstrating her adaptability and effectiveness as an educator. She embraces student-centered learning and is passionate about educating and mentoring young people.
Dr. Zheng’s research focuses on the factors influencing asset price discovery and uncertainty in both the housing and financial markets. Her work has been published in all three of the top real estate journals—Real Estate Economics, the Journal of Real Estate Finance and Economics, and the Journal of Real Estate Research—as well as in one of the leading finance journals, the Journal of Banking & Finance.
In addition to her research, Dr. Zheng is an active scholarly contributor. She has served as a reviewer for more than ten academic journals, including Real Estate Economics, the Journal of Real Estate Research, the Journal of Regional Science, Cities, the International Review of Economics and Finance, Financial Review, and the Journal of Housing Research, among others. She also serves on the editorial board of the Journal of Real Estate Research.
BSchools.org: What do you wish the public understood about online MBA real estate programs?
Dr. Zheng: I wish the public recognized that an online MBA in real estate is not merely a flexible alternative to on-campus learning—it is a rigorous, career-focused program that integrates the foundational strengths of an MBA with specialized expertise in real estate finance, development, and investment.
Flexible online programs like ours at Longwood University are particularly well-suited for working professionals who aspire to leadership roles in real estate while balancing career and family commitments. While the format offers convenience, the curriculum is just as challenging and industry-relevant as a traditional, on-campus MBA.
BSchools.org: What advice would you give to aspiring online MBA real estate students?
Dr. Zheng: Come in with a clear sense of your goals, and be ready to engage deeply with both theoretical and practical elements of real estate. This isn’t just about learning how to analyze properties or read market trends—it’s about understanding capital markets, urban development, valuation, and investment strategy at a high level.
Be proactive: take advantage of networking opportunities, connect with faculty, and use every course to build your professional toolkit.
BSchools.org: How does a student prepare for an MBA in Real Estate program?
Dr. Zheng: A strong foundation in finance, economics, or business is helpful, but more important is a willingness to learn and apply quantitative skills to real-world problems. Students preparing for this program should familiarize themselves with key real estate concepts and sharpen their Excel and data analysis skills. Reading industry publications and attending real estate webinars can also help build context before the program begins.
BSchools.org: What kind of jobs could they expect after graduating from this program?
Dr. Zheng: Graduates from our online MBA in real estate are well-equipped for roles such as real estate financial analyst, asset manager, investment associate, development project manager, commercial loan officer, and property portfolio manager.
Our program is designed to open doors to both the institutional side of real estate—like REITs, private equity, and commercial banks—and the development and operations side, including residential and mixed-use development firms.
BSchools.org: How do they find a job or prepare for a job with an MBA in real estate?
Dr. Zheng: Successful students don’t just complete coursework—they build a network. They reach out to alumni, attend real estate conferences, and seek out internships or part-time opportunities in the industry.
In our program, we encourage students to apply what they’re learning to their own career goals and leverage our faculty’s industry connections. Tools like LinkedIn, job boards focused on real estate (e.g., SelectLeaders), and professional organizations such as ULI or NAIOP can also be incredibly helpful.
Meet the Expert: D.K. Malhotra, PhD
Dr. D.K. Malhotra is a professor of finance at Thomas Jefferson University School of Business, where he holds the Nydick Family Term Chair and directs the MBA programs. A leading scholar in finance, his research spans interest rate and currency swaps, mutual funds, and the integration of artificial intelligence in financial decision-making. He has authored over 160 peer-reviewed articles, with work cited by the SEC, Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia, and national media including The Wall Street Journal and The New York Times.
Dr. Malhotra is editor-in-chief of the Afro-Asian Journal of Finance and Accounting and serves on the editorial boards of several international finance and risk management journals. He holds a PhD and MA from the University of Alabama and an MS from the University of Delhi.
BSchools.org: What is something you wish the public understood about real estate?
Dr. Malhotra: Through my knowledge of finance as well as mortgage markets, I’ve discovered that this field extends well beyond basic property transactions. The field requires knowledge of local and global market trends while also understanding zoning laws and financing options, along with investment analysis and risk management skills.
I want more people to recognize real estate as a strategic field driven by data analysis, which demands analytical skills and long-term planning instead of intuition or chance.
BSchools.org: What advice would you give to potential MBA candidates considering a concentration in real estate?
Dr. Malhotra: For those thinking about pursuing an MBA with a real estate focus, consider building a strong foundation in finance and economics alongside developing data analysis capabilities from the start.
Develop strong skills in finance, economics, and data analysis as soon as possible. Real estate works across multiple disciplines, which means a broader skillset will serve you well.
The real estate industry values relationships; therefore, participating in internships and networking through alumni events and real estate clubs holds equal importance to education in the classroom. I encourage you to explore different real estate asset classes, such as residential, commercial, and industrial properties, to find your niche.
BSchools.org: What does the future of this area look like to you?
Dr. Malhotra: I predict that technology will transform the real estate sector through AI-enabled property valuations and blockchain-based transaction systems. The real estate industry is increasingly focusing on sustainability as green buildings and smart cities become more popular. Students can now explore career paths that merge innovative practices with urban planning and investment techniques. The coming years hold dynamic possibilities that promise to create significant tangible outcomes.
Featured Online MBA in Real Estate Programs
Thomas Jefferson University offers an online innovation MBA program providing students with the intellectual tools required for interpreting current issues in multinational firms, such as portfolio effects of capital markets, foreign exchange markets, associated risk, and more. Through This iMBA program, students will also learn about effectively analyzing venture opportunities and creating practical and viable business plans. The program has several specialization options, including real estate development.
The real estate development specialization introduces students to the social, physical, and economic issues inherent in fiscally and environmentally sustainable real estate and land-use development. This 45-credit program includes courses such as sustainable real estate development process; real estate finance and investment; real estate law and ethical practices; competitive technical intelligence; accounting for management decisions; financial policy and planning; and operations from a systems perspective.
| Location: Philadelphia, PA |
| Accreditation: Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP); Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools |
| Expected Time to Completion: 18 to 24 months |
Florida State University offers an online, part-time MBA specializing in real estate. As part of the program, students benefit from the school’s Center for Real Estate Education and Research. The organization holds several events, such as the Real Estate Trends Conference and other research symposiums.
A wide variety of practical opportunities, such as real estate internships and real estate licensing opportunities enriches the MBA program. Taught by faculty members well-known for their research, the program ranks among the “Best Online MBA Programs” in 2022, according to the U.S. News and World Report.
Admission requirements include submission of GMAT or GRE scores and proof of prior work experience. Comprising 39 credits, the program dedicates 27 to the core curriculum. It is designed to make students knowledgeable in business fundamentals such as financial reporting and managerial control; the legal and ethical business environment; marketing strategy; and business policy.
Students pursuing the real estate specialization need to take nine credits of elective courses. Courses include real estate valuation; real estate investment; and real estate finance. Students learn how to inspect a real estate valuation, mortgage instruments, market operations, and evaluate real estate investment opportunities. They develop competencies such as decision-making and analysis.
At the end of the program, graduates can pursue several opportunities in commercial real estate. They can take up roles such as real estate brokers, real estate investors, and real estate consultants.
| Location: Tallahassee, FL |
| Accreditation: Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB International); Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) |
| Expected Time to Completion: 42 months |
The University of Illinois at Chicago offers an online MBA program with real estate as one of its concentrations. This is not a 100 percent online program. They can take classes at night or on Saturdays, while some online courses are also available. This practical degree is the perfect option for working professionals who wish to take their knowledge and skills to another level. Students can start the program in spring, summer, or fall. To get accepted, they must have at least two years of work experience.
The program comprises 42 credits, divided into 26 credits of core curriculum and 16 credits of electives. The core courses take a deep dive into essential business concepts like financial accounting; corporate finance; microeconomics; marketing; organizational behavior; and operations management. The capstone project focuses on enterprise strategy.
The real estate concentration provides students with an understanding of urban planning and the economics and finance of real estate. It emphasizes urban real estate markets, using the city of Chicago as an example. Students study urban real estate and land economics; urban economics; investments; and real estate finance. The curriculum leans heavily on research and prepares students for a burgeoning real estate industry career.
On completion of the program, students have a strong grasp of the operation of real estate markets, methods of real estate finance, and systems for planning and regulating urban real estate. They can pursue myriad opportunities in the public or private sectors, doing real estate development.
| Location: Chicago, IL |
| Accreditation: Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB International); Higher Learning Commission (HLC) |
| Expected Time to Completion: 16 to 24 months |
The College of Business and Economics at Longwood University offers an online master of business administration program with a real estate track preparing students to be industry leaders, taking up management-level roles in real estate development, commercial and corporate real estate, and investment management and finance.
This 100 percent online program enables students to grow their careers while continuing to work. They will study real estate development and economics and gain expertise in financing and planning, market demand, and construction of development projects.
To get accepted into the program, applicants must have a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university, a minimum grade point average of 3.0, GRE or GMAT scores (waivers available), official transcripts from all colleges or universities attended, a current resume, recommendations, and a personal essay, among other requirements.
The program comprises 31 credits, out of which 25 credits are core MBA courses while the remaining are electives. The core MBA courses build essential business competencies, while the real estate concentration gives students a complete industry overview.
Students are trained to tackle challenges in real estate, as they learn real estate economics and development, and real estate finance and investment. The courses strongly emphasize practical application that helps students in their future jobs.
| Location: Farmville, VA |
| Accreditation: Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB International); Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) |
| Expected Time to Completion: Ten months |
Naveen Jindal School of Management’s Professional MBA program can be completed entirely online with no on-campus residencies required. This professional MBA includes a concentration in real estate, providing students with both an educational and practical basis for becoming skilled decision-makers within the industry.
Applicants to the program must have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in the United States or its equivalent and submit application materials such as competitive GMAT or GRE scores, letters of recommendation, a current resume, an essay, and TOEFL or IELTS for international applicants.
Consisting of 53 credits, the program includes 32 credits of core MBA courses and the remaining 21 for electives. The real estate concentration includes courses such as introduction to real estate; real estate finance and investment; real estate market analysis and investment; real estate law and contracts; and special topics in real estate.
On successful completion of the program, graduates can take up roles such as real estate brokers, marketing managers or directors, financial analysts, knowledge officers, strategic planners, business managers, information analysts, healthcare executives, sales executives, and more.
| Location: Richardson, TX |
| Accreditation: Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB International); Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) |
| Expected Time to Completion: 21 months |
Liberty University offers a 100 percent online master of business administration program in real estate development, helping students develop business and real estate skills relevant to human resources, management, accounting, marketing, and finance.
For admission to the program, applicants must have a bachelor’s degree from a regionally or nationally accredited institution and a minimum grade point average of 3.0. Application requirements include a completed admission application, official college transcripts, undergraduate business prerequisites, and proof of English proficiency for international applicants.
The program consists of 45 credits, including courses such as strategic marketing management; managerial finance; real estate operations; investment analysis; real estate development; property law; operations management; and international business.
The program opens up several opportunities for graduates. They can take up roles such as real estate developers, property managers, construction managers, land development managers, mortgage loan officers, real estate brokers, and leasing agents.
| Location: Lynchburg, VA |
| Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) |
| Expected Time to Completion: 24 months |
Florida International University offers a specialization in real estate that helps students master real-world knowledge and real estate fundamentals in valuation & investment analysis.
The major admission requirements for the program include a bachelor’s degree or equivalent from an accredited college or university, a minimum upper-division GPA of 3.0, a current resume, a statement of purpose, and proficiency in the English language for international applicants. GMAT or GRE scores are optional.
The program comprises 42 credits and includes core courses such as competitive strategy; accounting for managers; corporate finance; management of information systems; organizational behavior; and strategic management. The real estate concentration includes courses such as real estate markets, institutions, and practices and advanced real estate investment valuation.
| Location: Miami, FL |
| Accreditation: Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB International); Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) |
| Expected Time to Completion: 18 to 33 months |
Purdue University Global has two related online programs: a bachelor of science program in finance with a concentration in real estate and a bachelor of science in business administration degree with a concentration in real estate. The BS in finance with a real estate concentration program helps students develop skills relevant to the real estate industry and real estate sales and apply them to various financial situations. Students in the BSBA in real estate program study real estate transactions while building foundational knowledge in loan, financing, negotiation options, and real estate laws that impact the public.
Both programs are made up of 180 credits each and the real estate concentration includes courses such as foundations of real estate practice, finance and ethics; and real estate law.
| Location: West Lafayette, IN |
| Accreditation: Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP); Higher Learning Commission (HLC) |
| Expected Time to Completion: 48 months |
Unlike MBA programs, Georgetown University’s online master of professional studies program in real estate focuses exclusively on real estate and related markets. The program uses case studies so that the material learned by students is applicable to real-world situations. Also, throughout the program, students will focus on global topics and trends, so they’ll be prepared to do business worldwide.
Made up of 33 credits, the program includes courses such as ethics in action; real estate fundamentals; foundations of real estate law; foundations of real estate finance; foundations of real estate markets; foundations of real estate accounting; real estate portfolio management; and development and construction project management.
Graduates of this program will be ready for roles such as real estate developers, investment fund managers, commercial real estate lenders, corporate real estate managers, site acquisition managers, senior consultants, and lease administrators, among many other such roles.
| Location: Washington, DC |
| Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE) |
| Expected Time to Completion: 24 months |
