Guide to Online Associate's Degrees in Property Management

If you’d like to get an associate degree that will allow you to work for a number of different industries including banking, real estate, and property investors, then you might want to explore getting a property management associate degree.

What Is Property Management?

Property managers are people that run and take care of real estate holdings owned by other people, who often don’t have the time or inclination to care for their assets. They assist property owners by ensuring that the property stays in good condition, and generates the largest amount of profit over the long term.

Property managers have a wide range of responsibilities, and these responsibilities vary depending on who they’re working for.

For instance, as a property manager for an apartment complex you might be in charge of showing apartments, managing the grounds crew, ensuring that resident work and repair orders are completed on time, and manage the overall upkeep for the entire complex.

If you work for a real estate company, then you might oversee dozens of homes that the agency rents out. You could be in charge of processing rental payments, evicting tenants that are untimely on their rent, showing properties, scheduling contractors for repair and lawn care, and much more.

What You’ll Learn In A Property Management Associate Degree Program

A property management associate degree is going to teach you a wide variety of skills. You’ll probably take courses similar to these:

Understanding Leases
Marketing
Tenant Relations
Economics of Property Management
Apartment Management and Operations
Systems and Reports
Managing Commercial Property
Accounting and Booking

Although you don’t have to have a degree in order to become a property manager, you’ll definitely find a job much easier if you do. And, having a degree means you’re more likely to get promoted, or get handed additional responsibilities (which means more money!).

Careers With An Associate Degree in Property Management

It’s easy to see that with a property management associate degree, you’ll be able to find work in a real estate firm, apartment or townhome complex, or with a private owner.

But, stretch your imagination a little. Picture managing a hunting lodge in northern Montana, or a campground in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Imagine working for an apartment complex in Hawaii, or managing condominiums in Puerto Rico.

Property management can take you anywhere you want to go, especially if that place is a resort destination.

Getting a property management associate degree is also a stepping-stone for many graduates, who use the skills they learn here to transition into selling real estate.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that job growth for property managers look excellent. The field is expected to grow by 15% over the next decade, which is good news.

Compensation for property managers is also pretty good. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the average income is around $43,000. But you can earn more than this, depending on who you work for.

For instance, the average income for property managers working for a large subdivision is $78,000. Property managers working for the government earn $55,000, and $37,000 for private owners.

If you decide to start your own business, there’s no telling how much you could earn. Over 50% of property managers are self-employed, so once you’ve gotten your name around and you know what you’re doing, this might be a great step to take in order to increase your income.

Guide to Online Associates Degree Programs

Associate degree holders generally have better job prospects than those with only a high school diploma. Earning an associate degree usually takes two years, and doing so in at an online school can be much more convenient than at a traditional campus. Below are the top accredited online schools offering associate degrees in the US.

	With one of the largest offerings of accredited online associate degrees, Post University is consistently highly rated by its students because of its flexibility and affordability. All associate degrees offered are fully accredited. Post was founded in 1890 and has been providing highly-rated degree programs to students ever since with an emphasis on practicality and application. Read full school profile » Request Information
	With an extensive number of online associate degrees to choose from, Kaplan University is an accredited university offering flexible and convenient programs. This unrivaled selection spans several industries, hundreds of specializations, and all degree levels of education, empowering students to choose their own path to a career. Read full school profile » Request Information
	DeVry University is a highly-regarded leader in education with campuses across the nation and several online degrees available. DeVry focuses on providing degrees centered in the technology industry or fields that require a broad understanding and need for technical skills. DeVry has several highly popular degrees like Accounting, Web Graphic Design, Health IT, and Network Systems Administration. Read full school profile » Request Information
	Virginia College offers a wide range of accredited associates programs. VC takes several steps in helping students pays for college by offering financial aid to those who qualify, including textbooks in the tuition cost, and providing online programs that can be completed under two (2) years, giving students a quick way to jump start their careers. Read full school profile » Request Information