Best Undergraduate Degrees For Property Managers
For students interested in a property management career it can be hard to choose a major or course of study. This is because four year degrees in property management do not really exist. As a result, students must figure out other courses of study to prepare them for a property management career.
Real Estate Specific Degree Programs
There are many colleges and universities that offer real estate focused undergraduate programs. While they are not entirely property management specific, they will offer great training and education for a property management career. Some of the top universities offering real estate programs, making them some of the best undergraduate degrees for property managers, include:
- DePaul University
- Florida State University
- University of Pennsylvania
- George Washington University
- Indiana University, Bloomington
- New York University
For a bigger list of colleges and universities offering undergraduate real estate programs, check out this list from NAIOP, the Commercial Real Estate Development Association.
Business School Degrees
While some colleges offer real estate programs, the reality is many do not. At these schools, students interested in a property management career should consider their school or university’s business school. For future property managers in this situation, here are three degrees to consider pursuing.
Accounting Degrees
Many property management roles require solid accounting skills. This is why an accounting degree will set students up for success in the property management industry. Accounting skills property managers regularly use include:
- Creating annual budgets
- Performing bank reconciliations
- Managing property cash flows
- Overseeing A/R and A/P
These skills and concepts are all taught during any undergraduate accounting program. For someone not yet in property management, but interested in the industry for its outstanding pay, going back to school for an accounting degree is a great way to start a property management career.
Finance Degrees
Similar to an accounting degree, a finance degree teaches skills that translate well to the property management industry. This is especially true for property management roles that involve leasing, financial reporting, and understanding how properties are bought and sold using debt. Students interested in these aspects of the property management industry will be well served by a finance degree. These tools are also great skills for any student with a broader interest in the commercial real estate industry.
Business Administration Degrees
General business administration degrees are a great option for students interested in a property management career. This is because most business degrees require students to complete courses in multiple areas. Often this includes accounting, finance, marketing, and business law. At the same time, many property management jobs involve all of these subject areas. As a result, a general business degree provides a good foundation and basic skill set for a property management career.
Other Undergraduate Degrees
While the courses of study above outline some of the best undergraduate degrees for property managers, there are plenty of other options. This is because no specific program or degree adequately touches on everything a property manager does in their daily role. Here are additional undergraduate degrees that will help prepare a student for a property management career:
- Economics
- Marketing
- Human Resources
- Entrepreneurship
- Construction Management
At the same time, there are plenty of very successful property managers with degrees from history and literature to Spanish and engineering.
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