Blockchain is one of the most widely discussed phenomena in the world today, and for good reason. It has the potential to revolutionize the Internet and financial technology. The education sector recognizes this potential, and several top colleges are becoming the new best schools for blockchain technology.
Blockchain is growing significantly in the corporate sector, yet it is still finding its feet in academia. In this article, we’ll examine the best blockchain universities that are pioneering the adoption of blockchain as a field of study, as well as the types of degrees they offer. We will also explore some of the best blockchain jobs and their degree requirements.
Best Blockchain College and University Rankings: Top 10 Blockchain Schools at a Glance
| School | State | Formats Available | US News Ranking |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arizona State University | AZ | In-person, online | 177 |
| Cornell University | NY | Online | 17 |
| Fordham University | NY | In-person | 68 |
| Massachusetts Institute of Technology | MA | In-person, online | 2 |
| New York University | NY | Hybrid | 28 |
| Northeastern University | MA | Hybrid | 49 |
| Stanford University | CA | In-person, online | 6 |
| University of California, Berkeley | CA | In-person, online | 22 |
| University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign | IL | In-person | 47 |
| University of the Cumberlands | KY | Hybrid, online | 299-391 |
Blockchain School Rankings: Best Blockchain Colleges and Universities
Blockchain is an emerging technology and is not yet fully recognized as a formal field of study in most universities. Some of the best blockchain schools on this list make up for this limitation by embedding blockchain courses into the curricula of other accredited programs. Others provide blockchain certification programs that many corporate organizations hold in high regard.
The Best Schools for Blockchain: Types of College Degrees and University Programs Offered
From simple certificates specializing in singular aspects of blockchain to doctorates involving advanced research in blockchain concepts, blockchain can be learned at varying levels of complexity and time commitments. The following section highlights the various blockchain academic qualifications you can pursue.
Blockchain Community College Certificate
This certificate is proof that a student possesses a specific set of blockchain skills. Students enrolled in this program undergo four to five months of training in skills such as blockchain applications programming, smart contracts, and cryptocurrency mining.
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Blockchain Associate Degree
An associate degree program lasts for two years and awards students with one out of four kinds of degrees, including an associate of science, an associate of arts, an associate of applied science, and an associate of applied arts. The applied degrees focus more on practical workplace skills, in contrast to the other degrees that prepare students for further studies in the field.
A blockchain associate degree is a program taken at the undergraduate level before a bachelor’s degree. This degree equips students with the specialized skills that set them up for entry-level jobs in the blockchain space. It is also an affordable way to earn required credits that transfer towards a bachelor’s degree program.
Blockchain Bachelor’s Degree
A blockchain bachelor’s degree is an undergraduate degree that majors in blockchain technology and other related subjects. It typically exists as a concentration area in other programs like computer science, economics, and finance. Students can graduate with a Bachelor of Science, Arts, or Business Administration in Blockchain.
Blockchain bachelor’s students usually spend four years learning blockchain courses. They learn about cryptography, blockchain programming, network security, and digital currency. Depending on the type of degree, the curriculum may also include courses on the economics of blockchain and digital finance.
Blockchain Master’s Degree
This is a postgraduate degree given to students who complete a high level of study in blockchain. This degree instills in students advanced knowledge of theoretical and practical blockchain concepts.
A blockchain master’s program takes between one and three years to complete and culminates in a capstone project. It expands upon the experience gained during undergraduate study or employment. The types of blockchain master’s degrees include a master of science (MS/MSc), master of arts (MA), and master of business administration (MBA).
Blockchain Graduate Certificate
A blockchain graduate certificate is a qualification that demonstrates expertise in a specialized subject area. It involves study in blockchain concepts at a higher level than a bachelor’s degree but is not as advanced as a master’s degree. It can be completed in less time than a master’s degree and can help to improve employment outcomes.
Blockchain Doctorate
This postgraduate blockchain degree is the highest academic qualification you can receive in the blockchain field. There are two types of a blockchain doctorate, and they include the Professional Doctorate and the Doctor of Philosophy. The former involves applied research, while the latter focuses on theoretical research.
A blockchain doctoral program lasts for about five years and may extend by one or two years. During this period, doctoral candidates take courses in blockchain, pick a research area, conduct research, and write a dissertation on their results.
Comparing Popular Degree Options
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Best Blockchain Schools: Other Blockchain University Rankings
Blockchain is a broad field, encompassing many different topics. This opens up many areas of specialization and levels of education in blockchain. Each of the best blockchain universities offers a unique selection of blockchain degrees to prospective students. The list below outlines the best universities for each type of blockchain degree.
Best Blockchain Schools With Dual Degree Programs
Because blockchain and cryptocurrency are such modern concepts that are constantly evolving, there are very limited programs that offer official degrees or majors in blockchain. In the next few years, we expect more universities to offer cryptocurrency and blockchain dual degree programs.
Best Schools With Accelerated Blockchain Programs
- Arizona State University | Master of Science in Computer Science. This program enables undergraduates to earn a bachelor’s and master’s degree within five years. The curriculum also contains research coursework at the blockchain lab.
Easy Colleges to Get Into
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Is Graduate School for Blockchain Worth It?
Yes, graduate school for blockchain is worth it. You can obtain three forms of academic qualification from a blockchain graduate school. A graduate certification or master’s degree can immensely improve your career prospects in blockchain. On the other hand, a doctoral degree paves the way for you to contribute to developing blockchain technologies.
What Jobs Can You Do With a Blockchain Degree?
The jobs you can do with a blockchain degree include blockchain engineer, blockchain developer, cryptographer, and blockchain researcher roles. Many of the best blockchain schools have internship programs that can introduce you to the blockchain industry. They help you foster connections with blockchain experts and provide valuable work experience.
How Much Can I Earn With a Degree in Blockchain?
According to PayScale, you can earn as much as $114,000 per year on average with a degree or certified skill in blockchain. The exact salary you earn depends on your level of education, expertise, and job specification. Generally, the consensus is that a master’s degree offers the best blockchain jobs, and a PhD is only required for research positions.
Highest-Paying Blockchain Careers
| Profession | Minimum Education | Average Salary | US News Ranking |
|---|---|---|---|
| Software Architect | Associate degree | $135,842 | 177 |
| Information Research Scientist | Master’s degree | $131,490 | 17 |
| Software Developer | Bachelor’s degree | $110,140 | 68 |
| Information Security Analyst | Bachelor’s degree | $102,600 | 2 |
| Cryptographer | Master’s degree | $96,280 | 28 |
| Blockchain Engineer | Bachelor’s degree | $95,270 | 49 |
| Financial Analyst | Bachelor’s degree | $81,410 | 6 |
| Post Secondary Teacher | PhD | $79,640 | 22 |
| Web Developer | Bachelor’s degree | $77,200 | 47 |
| UX Designer | Associate degree | $75,895 | 299-391 |
Best Jobs With a Blockchain Degree
The best jobs with a blockchain degree are those that make optimal use of your academic qualification. They have very attractive salaries and working compensations, and many open positions for job seekers. The types of blockchain jobs available to you depend on the nature of your degree. The following section categorizes the best blockchain jobs by degree.
Best Blockchain Associate Degree Jobs
These types of jobs typically do not require a high level of blockchain expertise. They focus only on specific skills gained during the associate degree program. Some of the skills needed to obtain a blockchain associate degree job include UI/UX, programming, and blockchain architecture.
Top Blockchain Careers With an Associate Degree
Best Blockchain Bachelor’s Degree Jobs
Most blockchain bachelor’s degree jobs are entry-level jobs and often overlap with associate degree jobs. You will often need an additional blockchain certificate to gain an edge over your contemporaries in the job market. These kinds of jobs require a high level of programming, software development, and other IT skills.
Top Blockchain Careers With a Bachelor’s Degree
Best Blockchain Master’s Degree Jobs
These jobs are the most prestigious corporate blockchain jobs due to the high academic qualification required. Most of them are technical jobs and require expertise in advanced skills like cryptography. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that these jobs will grow by 22 percent over the next eight years.
Top Blockchain Careers With a Master’s Degree
- Information Research Scientist: $131,490
- Information Security Analyst: $102,600
- Blockchain Quality Engineer: $95,270
Best Blockchain Doctorate Jobs
The majority of blockchain doctorate jobs are research positions, either in academia or corporate organizations. They primarily involve examining and analyzing blockchain technologies to identify areas of improvement. They also research the impact of blockchain on various sectors of the economy and devise methods to capitalize on this impact.
Top Blockchain Careers With a PhD
Best Internships for Blockchain Students
Several blockchain universities feature a cooperative education program in the blockchain curriculum. This program allows students to obtain internship positions in companies with a stake in the blockchain industry. Although the primary objective of internships is to gain work experience, students will often receive a monthly stipend as compensation for their services.
Top Blockchain Internships
- Sure Start Software Engineer Intern-Crypto: $84,000
- Polychain Capital Cryptocurrency Researcher Intern: $73,000
- EDF Innovation Lab Energy Blockchain Intern: $45,000
How Can I Pay for Blockchain School?
You can pay for blockchain school by applying for one or more financial aid options like scholarships, grants, and work-study programs. These options are available at every level of education, from undergraduate programs to doctoral programs. The following list outlines the best sources of funding for each blockchain degree.
- Scholarships. This can either be a full scholarship including a stipend, or a partial scholarship that only covers tuition and a few other costs. There are various scholarship options for all levels of education. Generally, you have to demonstrate exceptional academic ability or an acute financial need to be eligible for a scholarship.
- Assistantship or Research Fellowship. Graduate students can apply for a salaried assistantship position in their program. The income from this position is enough to pay the tuition and other living and schooling expenses. A research fellowship is very similar but is restricted to research-oriented graduate programs.
- Work-Study Program. The federal work-study program exists for students who want a part-time job as a source of income. This program runs in parallel with the blockchain degree. However, you must maintain a high academic standing to be eligible for this program.
- Student Loans. This is the most common method of financing your studies. Nearly all universities in the US provide loans to students. They also make provisions for students to clear their debt even long after graduation without any additional interest.
How to Pay for Your Chosen School Education Path
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Choosing the Best Blockchain School for You
To choose the best blockchain school for you, you should consider the types of degrees the school awards, the school’s accreditation, reputation, and the cost of attendance. You can combine these factors to make an educated decision on the optimal school for your blockchain degree. The following list explains some of the most important factors to consider.
Cost
When choosing a school for your blockchain degree, you should research the latest tuition and fees for your program. You should also note that most schools have different costs for in-state and out-of-state students. According to the Institute for College Access and Success, the average student loan debt in 2020 was more than $30,000. Therefore, cost should be a high-priority criterion when selecting a university.
Accreditation
An unaccredited blockchain school or program can severely undermine your chances of gaining employment or furthering your education. You should look for schools that have accreditation from an official body, like the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. You should also check if there is a program-specific accreditation for your degree.
Types of Degrees Awarded
Some of the best blockchain schools we have listed only offer blockchain degrees for certain academic levels. It is important to ensure that your choice school awards degrees at your desired level. The school should also award a blockchain degree in your relevant field of study.
How to Get Into the Right School for Your Profession
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Does It Matter What College I Go to for Blockchain?
Yes, it does matter what college you go to for blockchain. Blockchain is a very broad subject, composed of topics in computer science, mathematics, finance, economics, and law. As such, very few schools can teach all aspects of blockchain, and fewer still teach it all in one program. The college you go to for blockchain will determine the nature of your study and the type of degree you obtain.
Blockchain University Ranking Methodology: How We Ranked the Best Schools for Blockchain
We ranked the best blockchain schools by consulting the university rankings conducted by US News and World Report and Times Higher Education. To further refine our blockchain university ranking methodology, we gave special consideration to things like reputation, graduation rate, student-to-faculty ratio, and breadth and depth of blockchain degree program offerings.
Additional Reading About Blockchain
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Best Blockchain Schools FAQ
No, you don’t need to attend a university to get a blockchain certificate. There are several online mediums you can use to get a blockchain certificate, such as Coursera and Udemy. Many universities partner with these mediums to teach blockchain courses, so you can still obtain a university education without enrolling in one.
Yes, blockchain involves many concepts and subskills, including programming. However, there are other areas to choose from, like finance, business, and law. If you decide to go for a programming concentration, you can use some of the best coding bootcamps to get you started.
The best degree for blockchain is a computer science degree. Most universities that offer blockchain degrees do so from a computer science platform. Your best option is to choose computer science as your major and choose a minor in other fields, like business or economics.
Yes, blockchain is worth studying. Blockchain is the new Internet, and it is akin to what the Internet was in the 90s. There are many career opportunities in blockchain, and the number of jobs is on the rise. If you want to launch your career in blockchain, you can use online resources to guide you on how to learn blockchain technology.
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