Real Estate and Land Development Law: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Designed for students seeking expertise in the legal frameworks governing property and urban growth, this program offers a rigorous exploration of the laws and regulatory systems that shape land use, development projects, and real estate transactions. It prepares learners to navigate complex legal environments with precision, emphasizing practical application in planning, zoning, environmental compliance, and property rights.
- Land Use Planning and Zoning Law: Examines the legal mechanisms that control how land is developed and utilized, including municipal zoning ordinances, comprehensive plans, and development review processes.
- Environmental Regulation and Sustainability: Focuses on legal standards governing environmental impact assessments, wetlands protection, endangered species, and sustainable development practices.
- Real Property Law: Covers ownership rights, title transfers, easements, covenants, and other foundational principles of property law essential to development projects.
- Development Finance and Incentives: Analyzes legal structures supporting public-private partnerships, tax increment financing, and other financial tools used in large-scale land development.
- Governmental Authority and Regulatory Compliance: Explores the powers and limitations of local, state, and federal agencies in overseeing land development and enforcing legal requirements.
- Dispute Resolution in Real Estate: Addresses legal strategies for resolving conflicts arising from land use, construction delays, title issues, and contractual disagreements.
Real Estate and Land Development Law Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Real Estate and Land Development Law Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Real Estate and Land Development Law degrees, including Lawyers and Law Teachers, Postsecondary. These career paths represent common employment outcomes but are not guaranteed for all graduates. Salary ranges vary by location, employer, experience level, and specific role requirements. Nationally, these occupations employ approximately 770,550 professionals.
National Average Salaries
| Occupation | Median Salary | Salary Range | Total Employment | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lawyers 23-1011 | $151,160 | $72,780 - $239,200 | 747,750 | $72.67 |
| Law Teachers, Postsecondary 25-1112 | $126,650 | $58,330 - $239,200 | 22,800 | N/A |
Real Estate and Land Development Law Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $79,245 in Mississippi to $172,710 in Delaware—a 118% difference. The highest-paying states include Delaware, Massachusetts, and Colorado. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 770,550 professionals across all states. Explore the interactive map below to compare regional compensation and identify optimal markets for your career goals.
Average Salary Range:
Top Universities for Real Estate and Land Development Law by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 2 institutions offering Real Estate and Land Development Law programs for the 2023-2024 academic year (the most recent data reported as of 2025), ranked by the number of graduates. The highest graduate enrollment in Real Estate and Land Development Law is found at Texas A & M University, College Station (15 graduates), and Fordham University (9 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 24 graduates across all degree levels. Program availability varies by award level, including Associate, Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral degrees at participating universities and schools.
| College Name | Award Levels | Graduates | Location | Control | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Texas A & M University |
Postbac Cert.
|
15 | College Station, Texas | Public | tamu.edu |
| Fordham University |
Master's
|
9 | Bronx, New York | Private | fordham.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Real Estate and Land Development Law programs
How much can I earn with a Real Estate and Land Development Law degree?
Salaries for Real Estate and Land Development Law graduates vary by role and location. Lawyers earn a median of $151,160 annually, while Law Teachers, Postsecondary earn around $126,650. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in Delaware average $172,710 compared to $79,245 in Mississippi. Approximately 770,550 professionals work in related occupations nationwide.
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS program, May 2024. Earnings vary by experience, employer, and market conditions.
Which universities have the largest Real Estate and Land Development Law programs?
Currently 2 accredited institutions offer Real Estate and Land Development Law degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include Texas A & M University, College Station (15 graduates), Fordham University (9 graduates).
Program size doesn't necessarily indicate quality—consider factors like faculty expertise, production opportunities, location, and available degree levels when choosing a school.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated.
What career paths are available with a Real Estate and Land Development Law degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as Lawyers, Law Teachers, Postsecondary, . Related occupations employ approximately 770,550 professionals nationwide.
Skills in project management, creative leadership, and collaboration also transfer to event planning, arts administration, marketing, and corporate training roles. Many professionals work freelance or on a project basis across theatre, film, and live events.
Career pathways mapped using CIP-SOC crosswalk from the National Center for Education Statistics. Employment data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
Related Law Programs
Explore similar degree programs within the Law field. These programs share the same academic discipline and may offer complementary skills and career pathways.
Legal Support Services
Any program in legal support services not listed above.
Legal Professions and Studies
Any program in law, legal services, and legal studies not listed above.
Pre-Law Studies
A program that prepares individuals for the professional study of law at the post-baccalaureate level.
Legal Studies, Other
Any program in non-professional legal studies not listed above.
Law
A program that prepares individuals for the independent professional practice of law, for taking state and national bar examinations, and for advanced research...
Advanced Legal Research and Studies
An integrated or undifferentiated program in one or more of the legal research or advanced practice fields.