UMSL launches new master’s program in fintech – UMSL Daily
UMSL’s new MS in Fintech program is designed to build a highly educated fintech workforce, providing students with knowledge of not only traditional finance modules and data-driven financial modeling and analysis alongside fintech tools, such as blockchain, artificial intelligence and machine learning. (Stock image)
Technological changes have reshaped the world of finance, from the use of mobile payment devices, big data to perform analysis and forecasting, and artificial intelligence in wealth management to the use of blockchain technology that underpins cryptocurrencies and is applied to transactions such as real estate.
They are intended to produce and deliver financial services faster, cheaper and with greater security than traditional financial methods.
The University of Missouri – St. Louis is committed to preparing students to excel in this evolving world. UMSL’s College of Business Administration is launching a Master of Science in Financial Technology program that will provide students with technical training and skills that are in demand throughout the financial services industry.
Missouri’s Higher Education Coordinating Board gave final approval for the new fintech program in August, and the College of Business Administration will begin enrolling students in the spring semester.
“This program is designed to build a highly educated fintech workforce with knowledge of not only traditional financial modules and data-driven financial modeling and analysis, but also fintech tools, including everything from blockchain, artificial intelligence and machine learning to mobile payment systems, robo-advisory and more,” said Professor Nasser Arshadi, head of the Department of Finance and Legal Studies in the College of Business Administration, who has led the development of the degree. “This program will differentiate itself from existing master’s degree programs in finance in the region and the state by educating students in fintech tools that will give new graduates quick access to this exciting industry.”
It is believed that UMSL will join fewer than 15 universities across the country that offer a master’s degree with a focus on fintech.
The Norwegian Business School has already offered several elective courses in financial technology, and postgraduate students have had the opportunity to obtain a diploma in financial technology.
That’s one way Arshadi and his colleagues saw the demand for the master’s degree program. Last semester, there were 37 students enrolled in the Essentials of Fintech course, which is offered as an elective.
They also recognize St. Louis’ place as a financial hub with wealth management and investment banking firms such as Edward Jones, Commerce Bank, Northern Trust, Stifel Nicolas and Wells Fargo and large corporations such as Anheuser-Busch/InBev, Boeing and Enterprise Holdings. looking for knowledgeable professionals to serve in positions such as chief financial officers; management, investment or operations analysis analysts; and statisticians, who help inform business and financial decisions. All of these occupations are estimated to see growth of between 5% and 30% nationally between now and 2031.
The MS in Fintech is a 30-hour program that includes 24 required hours in financial management; financial modeling and computer applications; economic forensics; an introduction to fintech; financial data analysis; artificial intelligence and machine learning; blockchain; and a seminar in finance. UMSL will also offer elective courses in security analysis; property; financial markets and institutions; venture capital and private equity; and international financial management as part of the programme.
All courses will be offered completely online to provide maximum flexibility to working professionals.
Students in the MS in Fintech program will also have access to the Refinitiv Workspace for their calculations using real-time data on stocks, bonds, interest rates, exchange rates and environmental, social and governance (ESG) scores among others. Refinitiv Workspace, combined with R and Python as big data analysis tools, provides a powerful instrument for analyzing various financial strategies in the work environment. Most firms currently use Refinitiv Workspace for their financial analysis.
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