What is a Fintech degree? How finance and technology meet

If you are interested in pursuing a career in finance, you may be wondering what degree you should earn. A growing field that combines finance and technology is fintech. But what is a fintech degree and what can you expect to learn? We met with Dr. Theo Owusu and Dr. Donald DeSormoux, two experts in the field, to discuss the basics of fintech and why a degree in fintech is worth the time. So if you’re ready to learn more about this exciting field, keep reading!

What is Fintech?

Fintech, short for financial technology, is a rapidly growing industry that refers to the use of technology to streamline and improve traditional financial services. Fintech companies typically use innovative technology to provide more convenient, secure and affordable services to consumers and businesses than conventional financial institutions. In recent years, fintech has been one of the fastest growing industries in the world, with new startups emerging all over the world.

Many experts believe that the global fintech industry will grow exponentially in the coming years and that fintech will revolutionize the financial sector as we know it. Fintech is already disrupting traditional financial institutions and providing new opportunities for both consumers and businesses. If you’re interested in the future of finance, fintech is definitely something you should keep an eye on. And as more and more people adopt digital devices and mobile apps for their daily banking needs, it’s likely that fintech will only continue to grow in popularity.

Examples of Fintech

Some of the most common examples of fintech include:

• Mobile banking
• Peer-to-peer payments
• Investment management apps
• Digital currencies
• Cryptocurrency exchange
• Apps for budgeting and personal finance

Fintech startups are constantly developing new and innovative ways to improve financial services. As the industry continues to grow, we can expect to see even more notable examples of fintech in the coming years.

How Fintech can already affect you

You may not realize it, but fintech is already affecting your life. From mobile banking apps to cryptocurrency, fintech is changing the way we manage our money. Here are some ways fintech can already affect you:

• If you’ve ever made a purchase online, you’ve used fintech. Online payments are processed using electronic means, such as credit cards or PayPal. This is a convenient way to pay for goods and services without having to carry cash.
• Mobile banking apps are one of the most popular fintech applications. These apps allow you to check your balance, transfer money and pay bills from your smartphone. If you use a mobile banking app, you are using fintech.
• If you’ve ever used a rideshare app like Uber or Lyft, you’ve used fintech. Rideshare apps use GPS technology to connect drivers with passengers. The price is calculated and paid electronically without cash.
• Fintech is also used to develop new types of currency, such as Bitcoin. Bitcoin is a digital currency that allows users to make peer-to-peer transactions without the need for a central bank or intermediary.

And while some aspects of fintech are still in the early stages of development, this technology is likely to continue to significantly impact our lives. As fintech continues to evolve, we are likely to see even more changes in how we manage our finances.

Fintech companies

Fintech companies are rapidly changing the financial landscape. From mobile apps that help you budget your expenses to online platforms that make investing easy, fintech companies offer new and convenient ways to manage your finances. By offering smart solutions to common problems, fintech companies are making it easier than ever for people to manage their money. Some fintech companies you may already be doing business with include:

• PayPalis a popular online payment system that allows users to make payments and send money securely over the internet.
• The squareis a mobile payment system that allows businesses to process credit card payments using smartphones or tablets.
• Mintis a popular budgeting and personal finance app that helps users track spending and save money.
• Robin Hoodis a commission-free stock trading app that allows users to buy and sell stocks without paying fees.
• Wealth frontis an automated investment management service that helps users save money on investment fees.
• Acornsis a mobile app that helps users save and invest their extra money.
• Improvementis an online investment platform that offers users a simple and convenient way to invest their money.

In many cases, fintech companies can offer these services at a fraction of the cost of traditional financial institutions. As a result, fintech companies are growing in popularity and will continue to significantly impact the financial services industry in the coming years.

Types of Fintech Degrees

If you are looking to enter the exciting fintech field, you need the right education. Whatever type of fintech degree you choose, make sure it is accredited by a reputable organization. This will ensure that employers in the industry recognize your degree and that you get the quality education you need to succeed in this competitive field. Here are some of the different types of fintech degrees that can help you land a job in this growing industry:

Undergraduate

Students interested in pursuing a career in the fintech industry may wonder if they need to pursue an undergraduate degree in fintech. The answer is that it depends. While having an undergraduate degree in fintech can undoubtedly give you a leg up on the job market, many colleges have yet to develop such a program, and there are many ways to break into the industry without one. Many fintech companies prefer to hire employees with finance, IT or engineering backgrounds. The important thing is to make sure you have the basic skills and knowledge in the finance and technology sectors that employers are looking for.

Master

A fintech master’s degree can provide students with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed in this rapidly changing industry. It will typically cover topics such as financial regulation, investment banking, risk management and data analysis. In addition, students will have the opportunity to gain practical experience, either through internships or laboratory assignments in class.

According to Dr. Owusu, this hands-on experience is crucial to developing the practical knowledge students need to thrive in a fintech career. For example, in the data analysis course at Keizer University’s Master of Science in Financial Technology program, students have the opportunity to perform data analysis using the kinds of tools they will use in their future careers. There is a big gap between reading about how data analysis and visualization work in theory and actually doing it. A quality master’s program in fintech should therefore include these direct, active learning experiences.

Certificate

If you are interested in pursuing a career in fintech, but don’t want the time commitment of a degree program, you may want to consider taking a certificate in fintech. There are a few different ways to get certified in fintech, but one of the most popular is online courses. These courses can be taken at your own pace and typically cover topics such as financial technology, digital banking and blockchain. With a certificate in fintech, you will be able to demonstrate your knowledge of this fast-growing industry and show employers that you are ready to work in this exciting field.

A disadvantage of certification in fintech is that they quickly become outdated. As Dr. Owusu pointed out, certificates can expire every five years, which means you then have to reapply for certification. A degree, on the other hand, never expires. So while the upfront investment of a certificate program may be attractive, remember to consider the long-term implications of this educational path.

Online vs. Personal

There are some important considerations to keep in mind when deciding whether to earn a fintech degree online or in person. One of the most important factors to consider is your learning style. A personal program may be a better fit if you prefer a more hands-on approach. On the other hand, if you are the type of learner who prefers to work at your own pace, an online program may be a better option.

Another important factor is your schedule. An online program may be more convenient if you have a full-time job or other commitments that make it difficult to attend classes in person. On the other hand, if you can dedicate the time to attend classes on campus, an in-person program can provide a more immersive experience.

Finally, it’s important to consider your budget when making your decision. In general, online programs are less expensive than in-person programs. However, there may be some additional costs associated with an online program, such as computer equipment and software. Ultimately, whether to pursue a fintech program online or in person depends on your individual needs and preferences.

Courses you can take in Fintech

A high-quality fintech program will offer courses that cover the spectrum of current and emerging financial services technologies, so that graduates are well-positioned for leadership roles in modern financial and digital currency environments. Standard courses you can expect to take in a fintech program include:

• Data analysis
• Artificial intelligence and machine learning
• Digital payments and marketplace lending
• Cryptocurrency and blockchain
• Data visualization
• Fintech law and policy
• Technology innovation
• Financial security

Potential jobs for your Fintech degree

The fintech field is growing rapidly, resulting in an increasing demand for workers with skills in this area. Competition for jobs can be fierce, so it’s important to prepare with a thorough understanding of technology and how it can be used for funding. Fintech is a constantly evolving field, so you should be comfortable with change and adapt to new technologies and trends. And many fintech companies are startups, so you should be prepared for a hectic work environment. With these things in mind, if you think a career in fintech would be a good fit for you, here are some common fintech positions you can apply for:

• Financial Technology Analyst
• Blockchain developer
• Quantitative Analyst
• AI developer
• Risk and compliance technology officer
• Chief technology officer
• And more!

Is a Fintech degree worth it?

As businesses become more dependent on technology, the need for employees with both financial and technical skills will only grow. A fintech degree provides the perfect blend of training in both areas, making you a highly sought-after employee. As the finance and technology industries continue to merge, a fintech degree can be beneficial and lucrative.

There are many benefits to pursuing a fintech degree. Perhaps the most obvious is the earning potential. Fintech jobs are among the highest paying in both the financial and technology industries, and as the demand for fintech workers grows, so will the salaries.

In addition to the earning potential, a fintech degree also provides excellent job security. As long as finance and technology continue to converge, there will be a need for workers with fintech skills. Even if you lose your job, it will be easier to find another one in the same field than many other fields.

Finally, a fintech degree can be incredibly fulfilling. If you are interested in both finance and technology, you can combine your two passions into one career by pursuing a fintech degree. What could be better than getting paid to do what you love?

Keizer University offers an excellent graduate-level financial technology degree if you are ready to start your career in fintech. Graduates of our 100 percent online, hands-on graduate program are prepared to provide enhanced financial services to clients and businesses by leveraging new technologies, help financial firms manage various financial aspects of their business, and provide strategic guidance regarding new technologies for companies in a number of industries. Contact us today to learn more about our master’s in fintech!