What it is
Real estate is the study of property, its markets, and its transactions — buying, selling, financing, developing, and managing residential and commercial property. It ranges from sales (agents/brokers) to finance, development, and analysis.
What you'll study
The major blends business with property:
- Year 1–2Business core, economics, and real-estate principles
- Year 2–3Real-estate finance & investment, law, and appraisal
- Year 3–4Development, property management, and market analysis
Concentrations & focus areas
- Sales / BrokerageAgents & brokers
- Real Estate FinanceFinancing property
- DevelopmentBuilding projects
- Property ManagementOperating property
- Appraisal / ValuationAssessing value
- Commercial Real EstateBusiness property
Skills you'll build
- Sales & negotiationClosing deals
- Market analysisUnderstanding markets
- FinanceReal-estate finance
- Relationship-buildingClients & networks
- Business skillsRunning a practice
Careers & job titles
- Real-estate agent / brokerSales (~$56,620, commission)
- Real-estate analystFinance & investment
- AppraiserValuation
- Property managerOperations
- DeveloperBuilding (with study)
- Commercial real-estate rolesBusiness property
Job outlook & demand
The BLS projects faster-than-average growth for brokers and agents. Sales income is commission-based and varies widely; finance, development, and analysis roles offer steadier, often higher pay.
Pay: median, range & trajectory
Per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, real-estate brokers and sales agents had a median around $56,620 (commission-based, so earnings vary widely). Appraisers, analysts, and developers earn more; top agents can earn substantially.
Degree levels it's offered at
Offered across these levels — click a level to learn about it:
A bachelor's is the standard entry; a master's (often an MBA) accelerates advancement into management and leadership.
Is it right for you?
You might thrive here if you like working with people and organizations, are practical and results-oriented, and want a flexible degree with clear advancement.
Edge: business rewards internships, analytics skills, and a concentration — and the MBA is a well-worn path to leadership.
Explore further
Keep exploring:
Key facts
- FocusProperty markets & transactions
- StudyReal-estate finance, law, appraisal, development
- CareersAgent/broker, appraiser, property manager, developer
- OutlookFaster than average (BLS)
- Pay~$56,620 (agents; commission-based, BLS)
Where to learn more
Authoritative sources for careers and pay: