Online Property Management Certification and Degree Program Information

Online degree programs in property management are available at the bachelor's and master's levels. The main topics covered in a property management program include marketing and leasing of properties, property management and customer relationship management.

Online Bachelor's Degree in Property Management Overview

Bachelor's degree programs in property management provide a theoretical foundation in disciplines such as communication, accounting, sales, marketing and operations management. Students complete research and application in maintaining satisfactory tenant relationships. Legal and ethical issues, as well as economic concepts are investigated.

Program Information and Requirements

Some institutions require bachelor's candidates to complete prerequisite coursework in organizational behavior, statistics or writing for business. Fully online programs are available, along with hybrid programs; incorporating a mix of distance and on-campus education. Online courses are completed using online learning management systems, such as Blackboard. Communication is conducted via discussion boards and chat rooms.
A computer, meeting hardware and software requirements, and a stable Internet connection are necessary. Online learners may also be required to possess a headset, webcam and audio equipment to participate in real-time discussions. Additional software such as, Microsoft Word and Excel, may also be required.

Common Online Courses

Bachelor's students examine logistical issues in managing commercial or residential properties. They gain knowledge in business practices associated with effective property management.

Property Manager Roles and Responsibilities Course

This online course introduces students to the basic roles and responsibilities of a property manager. Areas of study include an overview of the legal system, operational responsibilities and tenant relations.

Client Relations Course

Students develop skills in management of client relations and learn techniques in maintaining trust between managers and tenants. They also discuss evaluating and managing conflict and understanding the needs of the public sector versus the private sector, as well as legal and ethical issues.

Financial and Accounting Principles in Property Management Course

In this course, students explore the concepts of finance and accounting specific to property management. The course curriculum includes budgeting and capital planning, calculating depreciation and financial performance strategies .

Career Information

Graduates with a bachelor's degree are qualified for positions in commercial and residential property management, such as property manager, account manager or sales manager. The average annual salary for a property manager was $77,472 in October 2010, as reported by Salary.com.

Professional Certification Information

Some states require property managers to be licensed, depending on the individual state and its mandates. To that end, graduates of a property management degree program, as well as working professionals, can also earn an online professional certification through the National Property Management Association (NPMA). The NPMA offers three levels of certification including the Certified Professional Property Specialist, Certified Professional Property Administrator and Certified Professional Property Manager

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Online Master's Degree in Property Management Overview

Master's degree programs in property management are available fully online as a Master of Science in Real Estate with a concentration in Property Management or a Master of Science in Facilities Management. Graduate programs provide students and working professionals with advanced theoretical and practical knowledge in commercial and residential property management, such as contract processing, project management and strategic decision-making.

Program Information and Requirements

Applicants typically must hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university. Many classes are conducted online; however, students may be required to attend on-campus lectures or meet in-person with their professors. Most degree programs can be completed in two years. Some institutions may require a thesis or capstone project to compete the curriculum.
Online learning platforms require the use of a computer and high-speed Internet. Additionally, students should have plug-ins such as Java, Adobe Reader and Macromedia Flash Player.

Common Online Courses

Master's students examine topics in property management such as facilities management, financial analysis, risk management and property law. The program also discusses current issues found in the field.

Contract Management Course

Students examine the contract management process from both the buyer and seller viewpoints. They learn the roles and responsibilities of all parties involved in the contract process. Topics covered include pre-RFP (Request For Proposal) planning and development, negotiation and contract administration.

Building Energy Management Course

This online course examines the strategies and procedures used to choose energy savings options for buildings. The curriculum delves into areas such as space planning, cost analysis and environmental concerns.

Security, Emergency and Risk Management Course

Focus is placed on risk aversion strategies used by property managers to protect key stakeholders including tenants, employees, owners and the community. Students analyze best practices in security, communications and emergency response planning and implementation. State and federal laws applicable to property security, emergency and risk management are also explored.

Career Information

Graduates of a master's degree program are qualified for senior-level positions such as senior property manager or community manager. In October 2010, Salary.com reported that the average annual salary for a regional property operations manager was $90,970.