The finance industry is undergoing a profound transformation driven by the relentless progress of Financial Technology (Fintech). Fintech encompasses a suite of technologies designed to automate, enhance, and fundamentally reshape financial services, delivering swift, cost-effective, and secure solutions that outperform traditional methods. This dynamic sector is in rapid expansion, altering the financial landscape for businesses and consumers, while simultaneously presenting a wealth of lucrative career prospects for individuals possessing advanced fintech expertise.
In response to this surging market demand, we've developed a state-of-the-art master's degree program tailored to equip students with the essential skills required to excel in this ever-evolving field. Our recently introduced program places a central focus on data-driven finance, seamlessly integrating cutting-edge fintech elements like blockchain, data analytics, and artificial intelligence into its curriculum. To further align their education with their specific interests, students can select from a range of elective courses, including topics such as security analysis, financial institutions, venture capital, real estate, and more. With a total of 30 credit hours, this program strikes a vital balance between foundational finance principles and contemporary fintech courses, ensuring graduates possess the highly sought-after skill set demanded by the industry. Furthermore, students can choose from a flexible learning format, either 100% online asynchronous or HyFlex, which combines online and in-person lectures.
What sets this program apart is its unwavering commitment to fintech education, setting it apart from other master's in finance programs at regional, state, and national levels. In an era where financial institutions are making substantial investments in technology, embracing blockchain, data analytics, and artificial intelligence, fintech has emerged as the catalyst for innovation. Startups have played a pivotal role in fintech disruption, while established corporations and financial entities, including banks, trust companies, brokerage houses, hedge funds, and trading exchanges, are recalibrating their operations by integrating fintech tools into various facets of their services, from investment strategies to portfolio management, trust services, and securities trading. Consequently, there is an urgent demand for highly skilled fintech professionals.
Graduates of the MS in Fintech program enjoy a multitude of career pathways. They have the opportunity to secure positions in corporate sectors or financial services firms, where substantial investments are being poured into fintech innovation.
Remarkably, the entire program is currently available at a cost of about $20,000, making it a highly accessible and valuable investment in one's future.
The MS in Fintech program is a concise 30-credit hour course of study, with classes available in the fall, spring, and summer. All classes are offered online, allowing students the flexibility to pursue the degree on either a full-time or part-time basis. Individuals who prefer in-person classes can be accommodated through HyFlex delivery.
The following required courses comprise 24 credit hours, each with three credit hours:
* FIN 6500 course may be waived depending on the candidate’s previous educational experience. If so, the candidate will need to take an extra course from the elective course list. In total, a student is required to take a minimum of 30 credit hours.
In addition, students must select two elective courses (six credit hours) from the following list:
For additional information or answers to your questions, please contact the department chair: arshadi@umsl.edu. And for more information about program admissions and enrollment, see https://www.umsl.edu/degrees/masters/ms-fintech.html.
UMSL is the only public university in the region to carry dual AACSB accreditation for its business and accounting programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels.
