Experienced REALTORS® are among the real estate industry’s most-valued professional assets, particularly because of their ongoing commitment to continued learning. Since the nature of the real estate industry is always changing, professionals can benefit by expanding their knowledge base in a number of specialty areas within real estate. In addition to these important studies, learning big-picture, critical thinking skills relevant to the real estate business are equally vital to long-term success in the industry.
This is why the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) established the Master of Real Estate (MRE) degree through REALTOR® University. Professionals who obtain an MRE degree gain a diverse understanding of the real estate business as a whole. From there, graduates are better equipped to proactively manage their businesses using proven and cutting-edge strategies that drive long-term success.
First Graduating Class
REALTOR® University is pleased to announce its first class of 10 students who have graduated and earned their Master of Real Estate degrees. The graduates were awarded diplomas at a special commencement ceremony held in Washington, D.C., in May in conjunction with the REALTOR® Party Convention & Trade Expo.
“The graduation ceremony marks a significant milestone, not only for REALTOR® University, but also more importantly, for these 10 graduates as well,” says Sharon Millet, chairman of REALTOR® University’s Board of Regents. “The skills these graduates have learned with their MRE degree will help them better manage business issues, opportunities, and risks throughout their entire careers. An added benefit, as more REALTORS® earn higher degrees, they are raising the bar of professionalism for the entire real estate industry as well,” she adds.
In order to earn an MRE degree, students—who must already have a bachelor’s degree in any major—must receive credit for at least 12 courses (36 semester-credit hours), consisting of seven program-specific and five elective and concentration courses. A cumulative grade point average of 3.00 or higher (on a 4.00 scale) is required. As with any graduate degree program, the MRE at REALTOR® University also requires that students complete a final research project—a Capstone project—that integrates the knowledge and skills acquired throughout the program. The research project explores an original topic and makes a contribution to the field of academic and professional real estate.
Earning a degree from REALTOR® University is a significant achievement. While working toward their degrees, most students manage many additional responsibilities, including full-time jobs, caring for their families and managing community commitments. Use of technology is a key focus throughout the program. Students are required to use cutting-edge digital tools to complete required online coursework to help them learn about new technologies that can also be used to better manage ongoing business practices well-after the MRE program is complete.
About REALTOR® University’s Master of Real Estate (MRE) Degree
Launched in 2011 to provide an unparalleled Master’s degree program to real estate professionals, REALTOR® University is the only institution of higher education focused exclusively on real estate.
Its global online campus welcomes real estate professionals from all over the world. Students receive access to the largest real estate library on the planet, with the majority of materials available in a digital format. They are also extended an opportunity to explore and experience the world of real estate and discover new ways to advance their future.
The curriculum caters to the needs of real estate professionals on a day-to-day basis and the opportunities available to them. Tailored curriculum allows students to focus on the aspects relevant to their business and career goals, with five concentrations offered: Asset & Property Management; Association Management; Residential Sales, Marketing and Management; Appraisal and Valuation Services and Commercial Real Estate Investment and Analysis. Each concentration offers a series of core course focus. All online courses in the MRE program are created by highly-qualified PhD faculty practitioners in conjunction with NAR real estate officials and industry experts.
For more information, visit www.REALTORU.com and www.REALTOR.org/Education.
