Many facets of our lives have become increasingly digital and commerce is no exception. The term “fintech” has become more popular as of late, being a portmanteau combination of “financial” and “technology.” With this field growing alongside other rapid developments in the digital world, specializing in the discipline through fintech certificates is a wise career choice.
A fintech certificate program is typically done before, during, or after completing a bachelor’s degree. Though there are standalone, non-degree programs, fintech college certificates that coincide with undergraduate studies offer a wider variety of career opportunities. Read on as we discuss the different types of fintech certificates and the high-paying jobs you can get upon successful completion of your studies.
What Is a Fintech Certificate College Program?
A fintech certificate college program is a course of study that teaches students about the latest innovations in the financial technology sector. These certificates can be done as standalone programs for non-degree students or in preparation of, during, or after baccalaureate studies. An undergraduate fintech certificate will usually consist of about 15 credits, which would take one semester if studied full time.
A graduate fintech certificate is typically completed by a professional in financial services who has a bachelor’s degree. These certificates are much shorter, consisting of only a couple of semesters.
What’s the Difference Between a College Fintech Certificate and Professional Certification in Fintech?
The difference between a college fintech certificate and a professional certification in fintech is that the former consists of studying through a university, while the latter is a fintech training program completed through a professional organization.
A college fintech certificate is usually taken before, during, or after a student’s undergraduate studies and involves taking specialized fintech courses they wouldn’t otherwise take in their major. A professional certification in fintech teaches students industry-specific skills required for working in the financial sector, often necessitating students to pass an examination stating they are permitted to work in the field.
Fintech College Certificate vs Fintech Certification: Key Differences
| Fintech Certificate | Fintech Certification |
|---|---|
| Issued by a college or university | Issued by a professional organization |
| Do not expire | Expire after a certain number of years |
| Designed for students with interest in the field of financial technology | Designed for finance professionals needing certification to lawfully work |
How Long Does It Take To Get a Fintech Certificate at College?
It typically takes 15 credits to get a fintech certificate at college, which would be one semester if studying full-time as a non-degree student. However, many students break their certificate classes up across their bachelor’s degree, so they usually complete it at the end of their four years of undergraduate studies.
Best Fintech Certificate Undergraduate Programs
| School | Program Name | Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Columbus University | Fintech Undergraduate Certificate | $182/credit (in state); $642/credit (out of state) |
| Georgia Southern University | Financial Technology (Fintech) Certificate | $182/credit (in state); $643/credit (out of state) |
| Golden Gate University | Certificate in Finance | $462/credit |
| University of Central Florida | Fintech Certificate | $105/credit (in state); $616/credit (out of state) |
| University of Georgia | Fintech Certificate | $326/credit (in state); $961/credit (out of state) |
| Princeton University | Certificate in Finance | $1,913/credit if taking 30 credits per year |
| Thomas Edison State University | Certificate in Finance | $411/credit (in-state); $535/credit (out of state) |
Best Undergraduate Fintech Certificate Programs: Explained
Fintech is a booming industry and there are an increasing number of programs that can teach bachelor’s degree and non-degree students about the transformation of finance. See more about the best undergraduate fintech certificate programs below, including their costs, length, and other requirements.
This certificate program at Columbus State University is available both to those that are pursuing a degree and to those that already have a bachelor’s degree. Students that are in any major and those not in a degree program can pursue the 12-credit certificate split across four fintech courses. Tech topics covered include machine learning, financial accounting, mobile computing, and AI.
Fintech Undergraduate Certificate Details
- Cost: $182/credit (in state); $642/credit (out of state)
- Length: 12 credits
- Learning Format: In-person
- Minimum Education: High school; bachelor’s degree if non-degree student
- Other Requirements: Academic transcripts, $40 application fee; if you have less than 30 college hours to transfer, must send SAT or ACT scores
While this certificate program is open to those studying any major, students will need to have completed prerequisites for certain courses. For example, students need to have taken business applications and database design for the fintech business intelligence class. Some classes covering topics like the foundations of fintech, commercial banking services, traditional banking, digital banking, and information security don’t have prerequisites.
Financial Technology (Fintech) Certificate Details
- Cost: $182/credit (in state); $643/credit (out of state)
- Length: 15 credits
- Learning Format: In-person
- Minimum Education: High school
- Other Requirements: High school transcripts, minimum of 1030 on SAT or 20 on ACT, $30 application fee
Golden Gate University offers fintech courses such as business analytics and intelligence, R and Python programming, financial regulations, and wealth management. Students can tune their certificate program to ready them for the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) exam.
Fintech Undergraduate Certificate Details
- Cost: $462/credit
- Length: 15 credits
- Learning Format: Online or hybrid
- Minimum Education: High school
- Other Requirements: High school GPA of 3.0 or above or college GPA of 2.0 or above, academic transcripts, statement of purpose, resume, $55 application fee
Undergraduate students at the University of Central Florida may enroll in this program upon getting at least a B in a business finance class. Students do not have options of classes to choose from, rather, they will all take a foundational class in fintech and in business analytics and “FinTech for Decision Makers.” A certificate is awarded to those who complete the nine credits and maintain at least a 2.0 GPA in all courses.
FinTech Certificate Details
- Cost: $105/credit (in-state); $616/credit (out of state)
- Length: 9 credits
- Learning Format: In-person
- Minimum Education: High school
- Other Requirements: For admission to school: SAT or ACT scores, $30 application fee, optional application essay, academic transcripts; for program: need to complete business finance class
Those enrolled in one of the University of Georgia’s undergraduate programs with a 3.0 GPA may participate in this interdisciplinary certificate. Students can learn about legal practices related to financial services, business, or cyber security management, though some courses have prerequisites. An internship is also available within this program, but students need approval from the Management Information Systems department.
Fintech Certificate Details
- Cost: If taking 15 credits, $326/credit (in state); $961/credit (out of state)
- Length: 12 credits
- Learning Format: In-person
- Minimum Education: High school
- Other Requirements: For admission to school: academic transcripts, SAT or ACT scores, statement of purpose, select first- and second-choice major, minimum GPA of 2.6, $70 application fee; For program: minimum GPA of 3.0 while enrolled at University of Georgia
This certificate is one of this Ivy League school’s most popular programs across all majors, having more than 2,000 graduates. In addition to teaching students fintech and online currency, undergraduate students at Princeton University will learn an overview of pricing assets, investing strategies, finance and governance of corporations, banking industry intermediation, and more.
The Bendheim Center for Finance states that this certificate is also great for economics and public policy majors as they’ll learn about core concepts like fiscal and antitrust policies, financial reform, finance taxes, and regulations.
Certificate in Finance Details
- Cost: $1,913/credit if taking 30 credits per year
- Length: Not stated
- Learning Format: In-person
- Minimum Education: High school
- Other Requirements: For admission to school: Princeton supplement, graded written paper, school counselor letter, two letters of recommendation, SAT or ACT optional; for program: prerequisite courses in mathematics, economics, and statistics are required for admission.
This undergraduate certificate is intended as an introductory program for those transferring to a finance program at this university. Non-degree students can have credits from another school transferred towards this certificate but must take at least half of the program’s required credits at Thomas Edison. Participants will take fintech courses in international, small business, and the principles of finance.
Fintech Undergraduate Certificate Details
- Cost: $411/credit (in-state); $535/credit (out of state)
- Length: 18 credits
- Learning Format: In-person
- Minimum Education: High school
- Other Requirements: Open admission policy, but need to be at least 20, or 18 to 19 and have more than 24 credits from another college
Fintech College Certificate Program vs Fintech Associate Degree
A fintech college certificate program differs from a fintech associate degree in that the former usually takes about 15 credits to complete, while the latter takes about 60. While some non-degree students can pursue a certificate on its own, many fintech certificate programs are linked to a university’s bachelor’s degree program.
Certificates may either be intended for prepping a student to enter their bachelor’s degree or for students to take certificate courses simultaneously with their undergraduate major. Typically the credits for a certificate count towards credits for a student’s major but extra classes may be required to graduate with a certificate and bachelor’s degree in four years.
An associate degree is an undergraduate degree program that typically takes two years to complete. Some students will later transfer credits from their associate degree to a bachelor’s degree but most often those who complete an associate degree will enter the workforce directly afterward. Find out more about the factors that differentiate these programs below.
- Duration. An associate degree program will take two years to complete, consisting of about 60 credits. Certificates are occasionally offered as a standalone program of about 15 credits, which could be done in one semester if studying full-time, but they are often tied to four-year bachelor’s degree programs.
- Job opportunities. Since an associate degree requires more time to complete, it often looks more impressive on a resume than a certificate alone. As such, those that solely have a fintech certificate without an accompanying bachelor’s degree will likely have fewer job opportunities than those with at least an associate degree.
- Specified studies. In the two years of an associate degree, students will take fintech courses alongside general education classes in the sciences and humanities. Since certificate programs are much shorter, the knowledge taught is specifically related to fintech, skipping the interdisciplinary general education studies.
Best Online Associate Degrees
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Best Associate Degrees
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Is an Undergraduate Fintech Certificate Worth It?
Yes, an undergraduate fintech certificate is worth it if you plan on pairing it with another degree. A certificate program can teach you the fundamentals of fintech in preparation for a bachelor’s degree or add a specialization to an undergraduate degree already in progress. With fintech being such a new field of study, having a certificate proving your competency in the area would be advantageous during your post-graduation job search.
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Best Fintech Certificate Graduate Programs
| School | Program Name | Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Boston University | Graduate Certificate in Advanced Financial Technology (FinTech) | $31,962/semester |
| Georgia State University | Fintech Innovation, Graduate Certificate | $4,058/semester (in state); $8,912/semester (out of state) |
| Oakland University | Graduate Certificate in FinTech | $834/credit (in state); $1,027/credit (out of state) |
| University of Missouri – St Louis | Graduate Certificate in Financial Technology (Fintech) | $548/credit (Missouri and Illinois residents); $1,346/credit (out of state) |
| The University of Texas at Dallas | Graduate Certificate in FinTech | $1,866/credit (in state); $2,765/credit (out of state) |
Best Graduate Fintech Certificate Programs Explained
Enrolling in one of the best graduate fintech certificate programs would be a great idea if you already work in finance or a related field and want to pivot to fintech specifically. Since fintech is a new industry and ever-evolving, a certificate would be able to introduce you to the latest developments to help you upskill in your current or future career. Read below as we list our picks for the best fintech certificate programs at the graduate level.
This graduate certificate program from Boston University is designed for students who wish to take on high-level positions in the finance industry. Courses cover economics, algorithms, programming, data analysis, and machine learning and how all of those topics relate to financial technology. Students are equipped to understand the theory and practice of financial technology.
Graduate Certificate in Financial Technology (FinTech) Program Details
- Cost: $31,962/semester
- Length: 4 months
- Learning Format: In person
- Minimum Education: Bachelor’s or master’s degree
- Other Requirements: Resume, GRE or GMAT scores, two letters of recommendation, application fee, online application
This fintech program at Georgia State University emphasizes taking an innovative thinking and design approach to financial technology. In addition to courses on the blockchain and the fintech ecosystem, students can select an elective in AI and machine learning, financial data analytics, or new technology in insurance markets.
Fintech Innovation, Graduate Certificate Program Details
- Cost: $4,058/semester (in state); $8,912/semester (out of state)
- Length: 2 semesters
- Learning Format: 100% online
- Minimum Education: Bachelor’s degree
- Other Requirements: Online application, application fee, video interview as part of the online application, college transcripts, personal statement, resume
Students in this program at Oakland University learn about data mining, artificial intelligence, crypto and blockchain technology, and machine learning. This program is designed for professionals who want to pursue careers in investment and finance with an emphasis on data and tech. Credits earned in this certificate program can be applied toward an MBA at Oakland University.
Graduate Certificate in FinTech Details
- Cost: $834/credit (in state); $1,027/credit (out of state)
- Length: 15 credits
- Learning Format: In person
- Minimum Education: Bachelor’s or master’s degree
- Other Requirements: Online application, CV/resume, contact information for two people who can provide letters of recommendation, official transcripts
This program at the University of Missouri - St Louis combines traditional finance topics with the technological updates to the industry. Students will learn about data analytics, blockchain, cryptocurrencies, and artificial intelligence. Graduates can go on to become investment bankers, financial planners, or systems analysts.
Graduate Certificate in Financial Technology (Fintech) Details
- Cost: $548/credit (Missouri and Illinois residents); $1,346/credit (out of state)
- Length: 2-3 semesters
- Learning Format: In person
- Minimum Education: Bachelor’s degree
Other Requirements: Proof of degree, GPA, undergraduate transcripts, online application, application fee
The University of Texas at Dallas offers this certificate through its Naveen Jindal School of Management. Students learn how blockchain, smart contracts, and databases can be used to provide financial services. The program is offered in a hybrid format with some classes on weekends to accommodate working professionals.
Graduate Certificate in FinTech Details
- Cost: $1,866/credit (in state); $2,765/credit (out of state)
- Length: 15 credits
- Learning Format: Hybrid
- Minimum Education: Bachelor’s degree
- Other Requirements: Transcripts, resume, letters of recommendation, unofficial transcripts, personal objectives statement.
Fintech Graduate Certificate Program vs Fintech Master’s Degree
The main differences between a fintech graduate certificate program and fintech master’s degree are cost, duration, and specificity of education. Financial services professionals that already have an associate or bachelor’s degree and want to catch up on the latest in fintech can take either a certificate or master’s degree program, both of which are taught by universities.
Those who do not have much time or money to spare juggling their careers and education might gravitate towards a graduate certificate, as they are more affordable and take a much shorter period to complete. Those that want a more well-rounded education not focused on one skill, but rather learn more interdisciplinary topics, might instead gravitate toward a master’s degree. Below, we’ll discuss in more detail the differences between these two programs.
- Length. A master’s degree typically takes students two years to complete while a certificate can be done much more quickly, often in two semesters. Master’s degrees usually consist of about 40 credits, meaning students will take 10 credit hours or three classes per semester, while graduate certificate students only take 15 in total.
- Knowledge. Since fintech certificates are highly specialized and focus on specific topics that can be directly translated to technical skills needed in the workplace. Master’s programs, by contrast, make students more well-rounded, giving them a wider depth of knowledge related to the financial services industry as a whole.
- Cost. The National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) states that on average tuition rates are $19,792 per year for graduate programs, totaling at about $40,000 total for the degree. However, since fintech certificates take less time to complete, students end up paying less in tuition.
Best Online Master’s Degrees
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Best Master’s Degrees
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Is a Graduate Fintech Certificate Worth It?
Yes, a graduate certificate in fintech is worth it, as it can be an excellent way to upskill in your current or future career. The field of modern finance is constantly evolving and with a graduate certificate in fintech, you can stay ahead of the curve.
One of the advantages fintech certificates have over master’s degrees is flexibility. With the ability to take classes on a part-time or hybrid schedule, you can gain in-demand skills while continuing to work. The skills taught in a fintech certificate are in high demand, allowing you to have a wide variety of potential jobs within reach upon successful completion of your studies.
Fintech Certificate Program Coursework
For those considering a fintech college certificate, you might be wondering about the types of classes you would take within the program. Typical coursework for a fintech certificate program will cover fintech products, financial technologies, cryptocurrency, business intelligence, machine learning for business, and financial data analytics. Below, we’ll discuss these classes within fintech certificates in more detail.
Financial Technology
With fintech being a new field, those that have been professionals in the financial services industry might not be familiar with its latest developments. This course would go over the fundamentals of popular technologies used within finance, like APIs, to allow students to dive deeper into the topics that interest them in future classes.
Cryptocurrency
Digital currencies have been dominating the fintech landscape and have confused many unfamiliar with its inner workings. A class on cryptocurrency would demystify the popular forms of money, like Ethereum and Bitcoin, and explain the process of mining for crypto and running purchases on blockchain networks.
Business Intelligence
A business intelligence course teaches students how to collect, analyze, and make reports on data to assist businesses in making informed decisions. Topics covered within the class would likely be data mining, data visualization, business analytics, and more.
Machine Learning for Business
Artificial intelligence will be indescribably influential in the coming years, so understanding how it applies to financial services through machine learning would be an invaluable asset. It involves programming algorithms to optimize its performance and can be used to help with tasks like anticipating financial data and fintech trends.
Financial Data Analytics
In order to ensure finance companies make the best moves, it is important to be informed on relevant data. By learning how to analyze financial information, students learn how they can one day assess the financial health of an organization and recommend measures for improvement in any weak areas.
Best Online College Courses for Credit
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What Can You Do With a Fintech Certificate from College?
You can do so many things with a fintech certificate from college paired with a relevant degree, as those with the skills taught in those programs are in high demand. For example, PayScale reports that the average fintech employee makes an annual income of $90,000.
Some possible high-paying roles you can work in with a fintech college certificate include being a blockchain software engineer, business and development manager, cyber security specialist, financial analyst or manager, and data analyst. Read on for more info on these jobs as well as their typical salaries.
Best Fintech Jobs and Careers With a Certificate
| Job Role | Average Salary |
|---|---|
| Blockchain Software Engineer | $149,999 |
| Financial Manager | $131,710 |
| Business and Development Manager | $120,130 |
| Cyber Security Specialist | $107,765 |
| Financial Analyst | $81,410 |
Best Fintech Certificate Jobs and Careers: Explained
The best fintech certificate jobs and careers include being a blockchain software engineer, cyber security and data analyst, and business development managers. We’ll go through these jobs in greater detail below and their annual earning potential.
If you have a bachelor’s degree in a tech major and a fintech graduate certificate, you could work in an in-demand position in the cryptocurrency industry. Software engineers working in blockchain craft new applications in finance to aid in storing information on the transferring of digital currencies. You would work with an organization to assess their network needs and refine a blockchain best suited to their model of business.
- Average Salary: $149,999
- Job Outlook: 22% from 2020 to 2030 (for software developers, quality assurance analysts, and testers)
- Required Education and Experience: Bachelor’s degree
This role is similar to a financial analyst (discussed below), in that they assess information about financial trends to find the best course of action for a business to make. They are in a position of authority, oversee employees like financial analysts, and have the definitive say in some practices that the company will undertake.
- Average Salary: $131,710
- Job Outlook: 17% from 2020 to 2030
- Required Education and Experience: Bachelor’s degree
Since fintech is an ever-developing field that many struggle to keep up with, with a certificate in the discipline, you could share your knowledge gained with others in your organization. You could work on updating the company’s practices by educating them on emerging technologies like artificial intelligence, cryptocurrency, APIs, and more.
- Average Salary: $120,130
- Job Outlook: 11% from 2020 to 2030
- Required Education and Experience: Bachelor’s degree
Ensuring that financial transactions are secure is essential for businesses and the clients entrusting them with their money. Those working in cyber security in financial services continually update methods of deterring hackers from illegally accessing or stealing data and currency.
- Average Salary: $107,765
- Job Outlook: 33% from 2020 to 2030
- Required Education and Experience: Bachelor’s degree
Financial analysts use their technical know-how and financial savvy to interpret information about finance industry practices to determine the best course of action for a company. They work in organizations like banks or insurance companies to assess wise investments based on financial reports they’ve reviewed or written.
- Average Salary: $81,410
- Job Outlook: 6% from 2020 to 2030
- Required Education and Experience: Bachelor’s degree
Is a College Certificate for Fintech Worth It?
Yes, a college certificate in fintech is worth it if you also complete a bachelor’s degree. While some certificates are offered without requiring enrollment in a degree, you would have more job opportunities at higher salary ceilings with a bachelor’s degree. Some college certificate programs paired with undergraduate studies are taken before one commences their bachelor’s degree, while others are taken during the degree.
If you already have a bachelor’s degree in a field relevant to either finance or technology, then a college graduate certificate is a great option for furthering your education. While a master’s degree is ideal for those that want to learn about the fintech industry as a whole, if you are a financial sector professional and want to learn about the latest in innovation in finance and upskill in those respective technologies, a certificate might be a better option.
Fintech Certificates FAQ
Yes, the fintech industry pays incredibly well. In fact, according to ZipRecruiter, the average salary of a fintech specialist in the United States is around $85,000. That is far from the highest-paying career available to those with fintech knowledge. Many related jobs earn well above six figures, as it is a highly specialized field.
Yes, fintech can be hard to learn as it’s a combination of finance and rapidly-developing technology. If you are proficient in those fields of study, though, then joining the two together in a college certificate program would be an enriching experience.
Yes, fintech is a very promising career as financial services are facing a digital transformation and are becoming increasingly dependent on quickly-evolving technologies. Working in fintech would make you a very in-demand employee, as you would be on the cusp of technological discoveries that will greatly impact the future.
The largest fintech companies are Visa, Mastercard, and Paypal, according to Statista. Payment card companies Visa and Mastercard, both based in America, have market capitalizations of almost $478 billion and $368 billion, respectively.
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