Jim Helsel Scholarship could help PAR members earn a Master’s of Real Estate

A Master’s of Real Estate is not something many Realtors® have probably given much thought to. There aren’t many programs and it’s difficult for most Realtors® to commit the time to a traditional classroom master’s program due to the demands of their day-to-day work.

REALTOR® University has created a program that may open the doors for many Realtors®. The University recently became accredited and began enrolling students in their online Master’s of Real Estate program (MRR). A bachelor’s degree is required and students are selected based on academic criteria.

Donegal Realtor® Adrienne “Abe” Wagner was recently accepted into the new online master’s program. She feels online classes provide an ideal way for Realtors® to participate in the courses even with busy schedules.

“As a non-traditional student, I think taking online classes reduces the angst of getting to a class on time as well as the perception of the age of the other students and how my contributions may or may not be accepted,” Wagner said.

The PAR Board of Directors recently established a scholarship fund, offering a total of four, $10,000 scholarships over the next two years for PAR members, in the name of Jim Helsel, past PAR president, current candidate for NAR President, and author of Modern Real Estate Practice in Pennsylvania, a popular text book for pre-licensure courses in PA.

“Jim Helsel has shown a lifetime commitment to real estate education and PAR is honored to offer our members this opportunity,” said PAR CEO Dave Phillips.

REALTOR ® University scholarships are individual scholarships based on merit, academic excellence and career potential. Unlike loans, scholarships are funds that you do not have to pay back.

Students must apply and be accepted by the university before applying for a scholarship. Scholarship recipients are expected to meet certain continuing eligibility criteria and progress in a timely manner toward completing the program. To retain scholarship eligibility, recipients must remain in good academic standing, maintaining no less than a 3.0 grade point average.

The REALTOR ® University Board of Regents and a Scholarship Committee review applications and select recipients.

For more information about earning a Master’s of Real Estate and available scholarships, visit the REALTOR® University website.