The entire Master of Science in Banking Degree program is now available on the Internet. Call us for details

The purpose of this program is to prepare graduates for management roles with particular emphasis on real estate finance and management. The program is designed to meet the needs of financial services organizations for people who have the knowledge and skills to perform complex management functions in a rapidly changing environment.

 This unique Master of Science degree program is the result of a collaborative initiative between The Global Institute of Finance and Banking, the most experienced educator of bankers in the United States, and Mercy College, an institution of higher education with a history of developing and implementing creative and innovative academic programs designed to meet the needs of today's business professionals.

This course of study helps prepare financial services professionals for the requirements of today's financial environment, particularly real estate management and finance, and for the rapidly changing environment of the future.  In addition, this program can position you to continue on to earn a Master of Business Administration (MBA) focusing on additional areas of importance such as electronic banking and commerce, marketing and strategic management.

 The unique partnership between TGIF and Mercy College provides you with practical experience, academic excellence and innovative learning models continuing our tradition of success.

 The curriculum of the program is divided into six 6-credit courses, each of which covers an area of banking and relates to a general learning objective. The degree requirement is 36 credit. Students are expected to complete the program in two years, including two summer sessions.

 Admission Requirements

 1.     A Baccalaureate Degree from an accredited college or university.

2.     An acceptable record in academic work as reflected by official transcripts.

3.     At least two years of prior work experience.

4.     Two letters of recommendation that provide evidence of personal and professional qualifications for graduate study.

 Program

 Students will earn a Master of Science in Banking with a Real Estate Concentration Degree upon successful completion of this two-year, 36 credit, program. The entire program is available at both the New York campus at 80 Maiden Lane and Dobbs Ferry. 

Locations 

Classroom:     All courses in the program may be completed at either of the following locations:

 

·                 Mercy College, Dobbs Ferry Campus                                                

            555 Broadway, Dobbs Ferry, NY 10522

·                 The Global Institute of Finance and Banking                                      

            80 Maiden Lane, New York, NY 10038

 Online:  All courses in the program may be completed online through the Mercy College Long-Distance Instructional Network.  This option allows students anywhere in the world to participate in this innovative academic experience.

 Term Schedule

Students will take one 6 credit specific course in Banking with a Real Estate Concentration per semester as offered (see required courses). Variations of this plan are possible if students or banks have special needs (in-house, etc.).

Required Banking with a Real Estate Concentration Courses

MSR 510    The Financial System

MSR 525    Real Estate Law and Mortgage Lending

MSR 530    Bank Lending

MSR 540    Securities Markets

MSR 555    Real Estate Finance and Management

MSR 560    Strategic Bank Management

 

 Course Descriptions

MSR 510    The Financial System - 6 Credits

 This course provides an overview of the financial system.  It examines the fundamentals of banking, including the theory of interest rates, the functions of banks as financial intermediaries, and the financial markets in the financial system.  Included in this examination will be the basic business of banking, bank regulation, the banking system, central banking, monetary policy and the changing environment of banking. Topics include the role of banks as financial intermediaries, the process and rationale of interest rates, the role and impact of regulatory agencies, the role of the central bank in the financial environment, the essentials of monetary policy and the significant areas of change in the banking environment.

MSR 525    Real Estate Law and Mortgage Lending - 6 Credits

This course is a study of the regulatory context, theory, and practice of mortgage lending.  Topics include: law of agency; estates and interests; liens and easements; deeds, leases, and other real estate contracts; appraisals; titles; mortgage loan evaluation; loan closing; mortgage loan servicing; collections, foreclosure, and real estate owned; FAA/VA programs; and secondary mortgage markets.  Provides knowledge for management of mortgage lending operations. 

 MS 530       Bank Lending - 6 Credits

This course will be a study of bank lending.  It will present an examination of the techniques of financial statement analysis, with emphasis on interpretation and understanding of financial statements.  In addition, it will present an examination of corporate finance including the time value of money, asset valuation, optimal management of short term assets and liabilities, capital budgeting, capital structure, and risk concepts.  It will also focus on the structure of bank lending, including credit analysis, risk assessment, loan pricing and loan documentation.  Topics will include financial statement analysis; corporate finance; bank lending policies and procedures, risk analysis, market analysis, and loan pricing; calculations of interest rates; business lending, including the international dimension; consumer lending; real estate lending.

MSR 540    Securities Markets - 6 Credits

 This course will examine financial markets.  It will present a study of the brokering and trading activities of banks and securities firms.  In addition, it will provide detailed knowledge of how securities are issued in the primary market and traded in the secondary markets.  Topics include bank asset and liability management; the business of investment banking as a service to bank clients; and the role of banks as managers of personal and corporate trusts.

MSR 555    Real Estate Finance and Management - 6 Credits

 This specific course is a study of commercial real estate finance and management.  Topics include: land use regulations; real estate taxes and assessments; appraisal; real estate development, including design issues, economic analysis, zoning, and environmental issues; construction lending; project management; permanent financing; foreclosure and real estate owned; real estate investment; and real estate management.  Provides knowledge for commercial real estate lending and real estate management.

MSR 560    Strategic Bank Management - 6 Credits

 This course requires students to integrate knowledge acquired in the other courses under the perspective of strategic management.  Topics include leadership concepts and practices; strategic planning; organizational structure; marketing; budgeting; human resource development; and overall performance evaluation.  Students will work together in teams to develop a strategic plan for a bank or securities firm, the features of which will be presented in a case study.  In addition, each student will complete an individual research project.