Degree Overview: Associate of Real Estate
Majors Overview June 6, 2013Students can earn Associate of Science (A.S.), Associate of Arts (A.A.), or Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.), or Associate of Applied Business (A.A.B.) in real estate. All of these programs will teach students how to work in the real estate industry, and the education acquired will be applied to different careers in the field.
Associate Degree Program in Real Estate
Students will study various aspects of real estate to gain an understanding of how transactions and functions of this industry work. Areas covered include real estate services, sales, and management. The courses will help students cultivate customer service skills, as well as develop a professional image. To gain admission to most associate degree programs, students are required to hold a general educational development (GED) certificate or a high school diploma.
Program Coursework
The real estate program curriculum covers sales techniques, customer service, professionalism, management, and business specific to the real estate industry. Students take courses in college math, public speaking, management, and communications as part of the basic education requirements. Students can also take courses that help them develop general business skills, including marketing, customer service, human resource management, and business law. Real estate program course topics may include the following:
•Real estate law
•Real estate marketing
•Property management
•Property investing
•Real estate brokerage
•Real estate appraisal
Career Options
Real estate associate degree program graduates can pursue careers in the real estate industry that involves management, finance, marketing, or sales. Graduates may obtain the following job titles:
•Property manager
•Real estate broker
•Real estate appraiser
•Property inspector
Information on Continuing Education
Depending on the chosen career, individuals will be required to obtain a licensed in their state, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS – www.bls.gov). The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics stated that real estate agents and real estate brokers need to be licensed in every state, licensing is initially based on successful completion of an examination along with work experience and completion of educational requirements. Renewal of licenses is generally needed at one to two years intervals.
Most real estate appraisers need to be certified to meet federal regulations. The requirements to earn certification and the actual certification are administered and set by each state individually, although the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics notes that some federally set thresholds need to be met. Real estate appraisers have various levels and types of certifications to select from. Real estate managers who sell and buy properties need to be licensed in all states. Federal housing unit managers are required to hold licensure.
Students who want to further their education should consider pursuing a four-year bachelor degree program in real estate. Most associate degree programs allow students to transfer credits earned from an associate degree program to a bachelor degree program.
