Real Estate Studies
Bachelor of Arts in Real Estate Studies

Learn the ins and outs of a fascinating industry with your Bachelor of Arts in Real Estate Studies earned online from Ashford University.
Degree Focus
The Bachelor of Arts in Real Estate Studies program prepares you to begin a career in mortgage lending, development, equity investment, brokerage and sales, valuation, or property management. This degree program provides you with basic skills in mortgage lending, development, equity investment, and brokerage. Examine the markets and financing methods for residential and commercial properties. Discover the trends that influence property valuations, and learn best practices to benefit and safeguard investors.
Career Opportunities
Just a few of the many professional careers that often begin with a Bachelor of Arts in Real Estate Studies include:
- Mortgage broker
- Property manager
- Real estate sales agent
- Property appraiser
- Commercial leasing manager
- Escrow officer
- Title insurance officer
- Real estate investment analyst
- Community association manager
- Homeowner's insurance claims adjuster / investigator
Special Terms and Conditions
This degree program may meet some educational requirements for certification in a specific career field. However, additional professional experience and examinations may be required. It is the student's responsibility to determine certification requirements. Ashford University does not guarantee that any professional organization will accept a graduate's application to sit for an exam for the purpose of professional certification. A criminal record may prevent an applicant from obtaining licensure, certification or employment in this field of study. For additional information, please refer to your state licensing board or agency.
Your courses in this Bachelor of Arts degree program are taught by advance-degreed instructors with real-world experience in the subjects they teach. In addition, you can transfer up to 90 approved credits toward your Bachelor's degree and accelerate your degree completion.
If this program fits your personal and professional goals, contact Ashford University at 866.711.1700 to learn more, or request additional information.
Bachelor of Arts in Real Estate Studies
Program Outcomes
Students who successfully complete the Bachelor of Arts in Real Estate Studies degree program will be able to:
- Assess real estate professional governance and licensing in the states and how such laws and systems benefit consumers.
- Examine essential real estate business practices.
- Apply real estate law, contract law, and Uniform Commercial Code in solving complex real estate problems.
- Discern how economic, demographic, dynamic, and market trends influence real estate and real estate valuations.
- Examine basic real estate financial markets and financing methods most commonly applied to single family residences, multiple family residences, and commercial properties.
Program Requirements
- Total number of credits required: 120 credits
- General Education Requirements: 52 credits*
- Major Course Requirements: 45 credits*
- Electives: 26 credits
You must complete 30 upper-division credits, of which 18 credits must be from the major program. A total of 30 credits must be completed at Ashford University to meet the residency requirement.
* In this program, 3 credits from the major may also satisfy General Education requirements.
Program Disclosures
Federal regulations published in October, 2010 require institutions to report certain information about students who enrolled in Title IV eligible educational programs that lead to gainful employment in a recognized occupation (GE programs). These required disclosures include a program’s 1) program costs; 2) on-time completion rates; 3) median loan debt; 4) links to O*NET SOC descriptions; and 5) placement rates. Please find all of the required information at this link: Program Disclosures.
Admission Requirements
- Have a regular high-school diploma earned through college preparatory or regular high school courses or GED equivalency recognized by the Department of Education of the state in which it was earned, completed secondary school through home schooling as defined by state law, or earned an equivalent to a US high school diploma at an international high school. An earned IEP or Special Education Diploma or Certificate of Completion based upon IEP goals does not meet the regular high school diploma requirement for admission to Ashford University. If no high school degree was earned, applicants may be admitted with a minimum of 60 transferable credits from an appropriately accredited postsecondary institution as defined by Ashford University transfer credit policies.
- Be 22 years of age or older, or a graduate of Ashford University's Associate of Arts in Business degree program, or receive documented approval from the Registrar's Office via the "Under 22 Appeal" process.
- English Language Requirement
- Successful completion of Student Success Orientation for students who indicate that they have fewer than twenty-four (24) traditional college-level transferable credits at the time of application.
- Have a regular high-school diploma earned through college preparatory or regular high school courses or GED equivalency recognized by the Department of Education of the state in which it was earned, completed secondary school through home schooling as defined by state law, or earned an equivalent to a US high school diploma at an international high school. An earned IEP or Special Education Diploma or Certificate of Completion based upon IEP goals does not meet the regular high school diploma requirement for admission to Ashford University. If no high school degree was earned, applicants may be admitted with a minimum of 60 transferable credits from an appropriately accredited postsecondary institution as defined by Ashford University transfer credit policies.
Technology Requirements
Competencies
Students must possess the following online competencies:
- Ability to access course and program material on the Internet;
- Ability to correspond with University staff, students, and faculty using email and the Internet; and
- Ability to use appropriate antivirus utilities so that files transmitted and received are virus free.
System requirements
The following minimum system configuration and software are required:
- Platforms: Mac OS X 10.2 or higher or Windows XP or higher;
- Hardware: 256 Mb RAM, CD-ROM, and 1 Gb free disk space;
- Productivity Software: Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and Excel 2003 or higher; Adobe Reader 8.0 or higher; Adobe Flash 10 or higher (Constellation users);
- Web Browser: Firefox 3.0 or higher, Internet Explorer 8.0 or higher, Safari 4.0 or higher, or Chrome;
- Networking: 56k dialup modem, DSL, or Cable modem;
- Email: Outlook, Outlook Express, Mac Mail, Eudora, Entourage, or Yahoo/Hotmail/Gmail.
Recommended for optimal performance
- Productivity Software: Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and Excel 2007 or higher;
- Networking: Broadband Internet connection (DSL, cable, or other);
- Constellation users: Windows Media Player 7 or higher, sound card and speakers.
Transferability
Put your college credits to work at Ashford! You can transfer up to 90 semester credits (135 quarter credits) to help fulfill your degree requirements.* That means all your past hard work will not be wasted.
If you enter the program with fewer than twenty-four (24) transferable traditional semester credits, you will be required to successfully complete an online orientation prior to enrolling in credit-bearing coursework. Following successful completion of orientation, you will be required to successfully complete EXP 105 Personal Dimensions of Education as your first course. EXP 105 is required if you have little or no previous college experience and is not recommended if you have high transfer credit. EXP 105 applies toward elective credit requirements so enrollment in EXP 105 may result in the reduction of three (3) potential transfer credits in the Elective category. If you take EXP 105, you are required to take PSY 202 as your second course.
If you enter the program with twenty-four (24) or more transferable credits, you will be required to successfully complete PSY 202 Adult Development and Life Assessment as your first course. PSY 202 is designed to help you acclimate to the online college environment, though you already have some college experience. If you have been out of school for a long time or feel that you need additional support to enter the online environment, you may appeal to enroll in EXP 105 as your first course, followed by PSY 202 as your second course. Unsuccessful completion of either EXP 105 or PSY 202 will result in the rescheduling of the course and revision of the future course sequence. See the Courses tab for descriptions of each course.
* The transferability of credits is subject to Ashford University’s transfer credit policies, and requires the submission of official transcripts. The official transcripts will be evaluated to determine the credits that will officially apply toward an Ashford University degree program.
Online Format
You will take your courses one at a time for 5 weeks each, accelerating your path to graduation. Your course content is delivered in a high-tech format, and you can complete your weekly assignments when and where it's convenient for you thanks to the asynchronous online environment.
Cost*
Your tuition rates are among the lowest available online at $390 per credit. You will also be responsible for fees to enroll. View complete cost of attendance. Call today to learn more at 866.711.1700.
* Tuition costs subject to change without notice.
Payment Options
- Cash Plan – 100% of tuition and fees paid on or before each course start date.
- Tuition Reimbursement – If your employer offers a tuition reimbursement plan, we'll work with you to apply this great benefit toward your education.
- Financial Aid – You may be eligible for financial aid. Talk to an Admissions Counselor to find out if you meet the requirements to qualify.
- Direct (Employer) Billing – If you work for a company approved for direct billing, you may qualify for this payment option.
- Military Tuition Assistance – Includes active-duty service and Veterans Affairs benefits, such as GI Bill and Vocational Rehab, if you qualify. Learn more about military benefits.
If this program fits your personal and professional goals, contact Ashford University at 866.711.1700 to learn more, or request additional information.
Bachelor of Arts in Real Estate Studies
Learn the ins and outs of a fascinating industry with your Bachelor of Arts in Real Estate Studies. Your online courses include appraisal, property management, finance, and economics.
Introductory Courses
Major Course Requirements
Introductory Courses
Depending on the number of credits transferred in, you may be required to take one or both of Ashford University's introductory courses: EXP 105 Personal Dimensions of Education and PSY 202 Adult Development and Life Assessment. If you enter the program with fewer than twenty-four (24) transferable credits, you are required to successfully complete EXP 105 as your first course, followed by PSY 202 as your second course. If you enter the program with twenty-four (24) or more transferable credits, you will be required to successfully complete PSY 202 as your first course.
EXP 105 Personal Dimensions of Education
This course is designed to help adult learners beginning their university studies to achieve academic success. Students will explore learning theories, communication strategies, and personal management skills. Adult learners will develop strategies for achieving success in school and work. Students will also be introduced to the University's institutional outcomes and learning resources.
PSY 202 Adult Development & Life Assessment
This course presents adult development theory and links theoretical concepts of life and learning through a process of psychometric assessment and reflection. Both classical and contemporary adult development theories are examined. These theories then provide the paradigm for self-analysis and life learning, including a plan for personal, professional and academic learning.
Major Course Requirements
(45 credits, all courses are 3 credits unless otherwise noted. Courses are listed in the recommended sequence.)
MGT 330 Management for Organizations
This course presents an introduction to management theory and practice, including the inter-relatedness that the planning, organizing, leading, and controlling functions play in the multicultural, technology-driven and global organizations of the 21st century. The emphasis is on the application of management theory to real-life situations in the workplace.
BUS 311 Business Law I
Introduction to the legal environment of business in the United States. Examination of the Constitution, administrative law, contracts, agency, and the protection of competition, consumers, employees, investors, the environment, and international trade.
PHI 445 Personal & Organizational Ethics
This course studies the theories and paradigms underlying personal and organizational values and ethical principles; how personal values and ethical principles relate to the organizations in which people function; and the effects of the organizations ethics on its reputation, functioning and performance.
ACC 205 Principles of Accounting I
Introduction to the principles and procedures of general financial accounting with an emphasis on reporting to individuals outside the organization. Development of accounting reports on an accrual basis.
BUS 308 Statistics for Managers *
This course examines the application of statistical analysis, hypothesis testing, and regression analysis in business decision making. Additionally, the course focuses on the utilization of statistical methods as applied to business problems and operations.
RES 301 Principles of Real Estate
This course introduces students to the general principles of real estate, to include industry terminology, ethics, deeds, listing and purchase agreements, agency, contracts, and property valuation decisions. Emphasis will also be on factors impacting local and national real estate markets.
RES 325 Real Estate Practice
This course examines the basic job functions of real estate salespersons and brokers. Property listing, advertising, escrow, sales, and establishing a client base will be covered with practical applications for completing successful transactions.
RES 327 Real Estate Economics
This course is a study of the foundational economic principles of real estate with an overview of the US capitalist system. Focus will be on land use, markets, cycles and growth patterns, as well as property and income taxation.
BUS 330 Principles of Marketing
The methods used by producers of goods and services to determine and satisfy the wants of society. An examination of external and internal environments that impact marketing decisions, the basic elements of a marketing program, and issues in ethics and social responsibility.
RES 334 Real Estate Finance
This course primarily examines the residential real estate finance markets and their impacts on consumers, but will also cover facets of commercial real estate. Mortgage options and purchase costs will be highlighted with attention to theories of real estate investment.
RES 345 Legal Aspects of Real Estate
This course is a study of the legal system and its impact on purchase, ownership, sale, and leasing of real estate. Topics to be covered include contracts, wills, zoning, and environmental law, as well as Constitutional issues in real estate.
RES 429 Property Management
This course provides the framework for the management and development of inventory of private and commercial real estate properties on a large scale. Included emphases are the roles of the property manager, landlord duties and policies, leases, maintenance, reports, and insurance.
RES 431 Commercial Real Estate Investment
This course examines investment transactions, asset management, and enterprise management as the core components of commercial real estate investment. Methods for determining the value of commercial properties and the sources of real estate capital are also discussed.
RES 450 Real Estate Appraisal
A study of the functions and approaches to appraisal, which include cost, income, and the direct sale comparison approach. The social and economic factors that impact determination of value will be discussed with emphasis on analyzing market data.
RES 497 Strategic Management of the Real Estate Enterprise
This capstone course discusses the managerial decision-making and problem-solving processes that determine the failure or success of a real estate enterprise. Strategy formulation, implementation, and evaluation and control are key points of comprehensive focus. The course also incorporates program comprehensive demonstrations of knowledge.
* Math competency must be met before taking this course.
If this program fits your personal and professional goals, contact Ashford University at 866.711.1700 to learn more, or request additional information.
Ashford University Program Disclosures
Federal regulations published in October, 2010 require institutions to report certain information about students who enrolled in Title IV eligible educational programs that lead to gainful employment in a recognized occupation (GE programs). These required disclosures include a program’s 1) program costs; 2) on-time completion rates; 3) median loan debt; 4) links to O*NET SOC descriptions; and 5) placement rates. Please find all of the required information contained below.


