Financial Technology
Step into the cutting-edge world of Financial Technology (FinTech), where innovation revolutionizes the financial landscape. Explore how advanced technologies are reshaping banking, investments, trading, insurance, accounting, and risk management. Discover how FinTech companies harness innovation to streamline processes, automate transactions, and deliver secure, affordable, and user-friendly services surpassing traditional financial institutions. Dive into this dynamic field, gain hands-on skills, and prepare to lead the future of finance with our specialized certificate program.
Program Overview
Required Courses
To complete this certificate, students will take three required courses:
- FINC 314 Introduction to Financial Technology (4 cr)
- FINC 315 Cryptocurrency and Blockchain (2 cr)
- FINC 316 Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning in Finance (2 cr)
Students will delve into the cutting-edge world of financial technology, gaining foundational knowledge that explores the forefront of innovation and its transformative impact on the financial sector.
Elective Courses
Students will also choose elective credits as needed to satisfy the 12 credit requirements from the following:
- FINC 475 Financial Modeling and Analytics (4 cr)
- ECON 311 Forecasting (4 cr)
- ECON 315 Introduction to Econometrics (4 cr)
- CISC 130 Intro. to Programming & Problem Solving in the Sciences (4 cr)
- CISC 131 Introduction to Programming and Problem Solving (4 cr)
- CISC 200 introductory Computer Technology & Business Applications (4 cr)
Why Add a Certificate?
This 12-credit certificate can be seamlessly integrated with your major, allowing many of the courses to count towards your degree or minor requirements. By pursuing this certificate, you will gain advanced digital readiness, equipping you with the skills to navigate and leverage cutting-edge technologies in finance. Ultimately, this program will distinguish you in the workforce as a forward-thinking professional prepared to harness innovation and drive transformation within the financial industry.
Certificate Awarded
Once you have completed the courses needed, you will receive a “Financial Technology” certificate.
Required Courses
Required Courses
To complete this certificate, students will take three required courses:
- FINC 314 Introduction to Financial Technology (4 cr)
- FINC 315 Cryptocurrency and Blockchain (2 cr)
- FINC 316 Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning in Finance (2 cr)
Students will delve into the cutting-edge world of financial technology, gaining foundational knowledge that explores the forefront of innovation and its transformative impact on the financial sector.
Elective Courses
Elective Courses
Students will also choose elective credits as needed to satisfy the 12 credit requirements from the following:
- FINC 475 Financial Modeling and Analytics (4 cr)
- ECON 311 Forecasting (4 cr)
- ECON 315 Introduction to Econometrics (4 cr)
- CISC 130 Intro. to Programming & Problem Solving in the Sciences (4 cr)
- CISC 131 Introduction to Programming and Problem Solving (4 cr)
- CISC 200 introductory Computer Technology & Business Applications (4 cr)
Why Add a Certificate?
Why Add a Certificate?
This 12-credit certificate can be seamlessly integrated with your major, allowing many of the courses to count towards your degree or minor requirements. By pursuing this certificate, you will gain advanced digital readiness, equipping you with the skills to navigate and leverage cutting-edge technologies in finance. Ultimately, this program will distinguish you in the workforce as a forward-thinking professional prepared to harness innovation and drive transformation within the financial industry.
Certificate Awarded
Certificate Awarded
Once you have completed the courses needed, you will receive a “Financial Technology” certificate.
Faculty Highlight
Dr. Jiang (Will) Zhang, lead faculty for the Financial Technology certificate
Dr. Jiang Zhang is an Assistant Professor of Finance at the Opus College of Business, University of St. Thomas. His research expertise lies in Market Microstructure and FinTech, where he explores emerging trends and their implications for financial markets. Dr. Zhang earned his Ph.D. in Finance from the University of Memphis and completed a Postdoctoral Fellowship at the University of Virginia (Darden).
Before joining the University of St. Thomas, Dr. Zhang gained valuable entrepreneurial experience across finance, education, and real estate sectors. His teaching portfolio includes courses on Investments, Financial Markets, and Financial Management, through which he has garnered recognition for his outstanding pedagogical skills. Notably, during his time at the University of Memphis, he was honored with the PhD Student Outstanding Teaching Award in the College of Business & Economics and the PhD Student Best Teaching Award in Finance.
Dr. Zhang is committed to bridging academic research with practical insights, preparing students to navigate the complexities of modern finance.
Career Paths
- Operations
- Trust and private wealth management
- Capital services and mergers & acquisitions
- Financial reporting
- Financial analysis
- Risk management
- Business Valuation
- New Venture Analysis
Take the Next Step
There is more to learn about St. Thomas; including our ranking as a Best Value School by U.S. News & World Report, the many classroom and extracurricular activities that will be part of your student experience and so much more. Schedule a visit to see our beautiful campus or start your application today.