Fintech Micro-Credential
Consumers now rely heavily on Fintech to access basic financial services such as money transfers, payments, savings, investments, financial planning and borrowing.
Fintech is a dynamic and rapidly scaling field that presents endless opportunities that exist at this intersection of the finance and technology industries. Because consumers are relying more and more on Fintech for basic financial services, having a fundamental knowledge of Fintech is desirable for a variety of occupations and industry sectors.
Comprised of 4.5 graduate-level credit hours, the program will provide introductory-level knowledge pertaining to the emerging technologies that organizations use to improve and automate the delivery of financial services. Those technologies include artificial intelligence, machine learning and blockchain. The financial services include mobile wallets and payment apps, crowdfunding platforms, cryptocurrency exchanges, stock trading apps, robo-advisors, mortgage services, insurance services and credit monitoring apps.
Why this program?
Currently valued at more than USD 200 billion globally, the FinTech industry has grown year after year. Familiarity with the industry’s terms, functions, regulations and innovations is essential for entrepreneurs and anyone working in finance, IT or customer service in their organization. This program will give you a chance to experiment with the latest tools and strategies you need to drive your career forward, faster. Learn from industry experts, accomplished faculty, and thought leaders in this dynamic, expanding field. By learning alongside ambitious professionals from other industries, benefit from the collaboration, networking, industry insights and innovative solutions others are using successfully in their industries so that you can help your organization be agile.
Fintech demands rapid skills such as data analysis, programming, blockchain technology, machine learning, cybersecurity, and digital banking. Having expertise in these areas can significantly enhance career prospects in the finance industry. Since Fintech is relevant to numerous industries from Banking to Healthcare to Logistics, participants in this program will get a well-rounded understanding of the impact Fintech can have on an organization and its place within the larger business landscape.
For organizations, sending employees to learn about Fintech, you will invest in their education and provide them with the necessary tools and agile mindset to stay on top of the latest trends and innovations. Organizations sending teams to earn a Fintech Certificate will inspire innovation using AI and machine learning to streamline and enhance customer service options to reduce costs and provide a better customer service experience to users.
Program details
The Core Curriculum for this program consists of four and a half (4.5) credit hours, across two (2) courses.
Courses include
- Introduction to Fintech (1.5 credits)
- Thursdays, 5:30 – 7:45 p.m. (online), January 8 - February 23, 2024
- AI and Machine Learning for Business (3 credits)
- Tuesdays, 6:15 - 8:15 p.m. (online), January 8 - April 22, 2024
High-level concepts covered in the curriculum include
- History of technology in finance and new trends, needed skills, and forces behind the growth of the Fintech industry
- The theory of blockchain and the mechanics of Bitcoin and how it works
- Apply Blockchain technology, including Cryptocurrencies, DeFi and NFTs
- Current uses of AI/ML in the Fintech industry and developments and trends in AI/ML and evaluate potential opportunities in Fintech
- The theory, landscape and future directions of AI and ML both in Finance and Business
- ML methods for three common types of learning: supervised, unsupervised, and reinforcement
- Creating business value with artificial intelligence
- Apply machine learning models in blockchain contexts, including forecasting price and volume of blockchain assets, trading automation, etc.
There will two projects that participants will need to complete as part of the Fintech Microcredential, one for each course. The projects will include:
- Applying machine learning (ML) in finance including credit modeling, investment, insurance, etc.
- Using data to build ML models using the Orange data mining software
- Applying core machine-learning methods for supervised, unsupervised and reinforcement learning to practical business problems
- Using Python to implement and deploy ML models and analyze complex data
In order to earn the Fintech Micro-Credential, after successfully completing both of the required courses students must pass a multiple-choice comprehensive certification exam that will be administered virtually during the Spring finals week. The exam will cover material from both Introduction to Fintech Fundamentals and AI & Machine Learning.
The faculty teaching in the program are:
- Taner Pirim, Academic Director and Senior Lecturer in Finance
- Nathan Craig, Associate Professor
Is this program right for me?
Obtaining a micro-credential is valuable to individuals at various career stages including those who want to expand their skill sets for their current jobs, are contemplating a returning to the workforce after an absence, are planning to make career switches or preparing for promotions, or those who are simply pursuing their passions. A quantitative background in statistics and finance is preferred.
What sets this program apart is its flexibility – we offer two distinct pathways to help you achieve your fintech education goals. Whether you're a currently enrolled Ohio State University graduate student seeking to enhance your academic journey or a professional who has completed a 4-year undergraduate degree eager to dive into the fintech landscape, our program caters to your needs. You can seamlessly integrate our fintech courses into your existing graduate program or opt for enrolling directly in the courses, making it accessible to both traditional and non-traditional students alike.
We are currently accepting applications for the Spring 2025 program. Please select your pathway below to learn more about the Spring 2025 program details, cost and application process.
Program Dates
Autumn 2024: August 20 - December 12, 2024
Spring 2025: January 1 - April 21, 2025
Course Schedule
Autumn 2024
- BUSFIN 7234 Fintech (1.5 credits)
- Saturdays, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m., November 2, November 9, November 16 (online)
Spring 2025
- BUSFIN 7234 Fintech (1.5 credits)
- Mondays and Wednesdays, 8:30 a.m. – 10:00 a.m., Gerlach Hall 355
- Thursdays, 5:30 p.m. – 7:45 p.m., online
- BUSOBA 7247, Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning for Business: Decisions from Data (3 credits)
- Tuesdays, 6:15 p.m. – 8:15 p.m., online
Delivery Method
This program has an online offering that will utilize a combination of synchronous and asynchronous online learning. Synchronous classes take place on Saturdays in Autumn 2024 and Thursdays in Spring 2025. There is also an in-person offering for BUSFIN 7234 in Spring 2025. Students will complete the program in one or two academic semesters, with the two required courses being taken one at a time, or simultaneously in the spring.
Information Session
October 15, 2024, 12:00 pm – 12:30 pm
During this session, you will learn more about the program curriculum, components and application process from the Executive Education team.
Cost
Current Ohio State University Graduate Students seeking Micro-Credential:
- For students who are completing the Fintech Micro-Credential as part of their degree- or certificate-granting program, the price per credit hour will be assessed at whichever is higher: their current program rate or the tuition rate detailed below.
Professionals seeking Micro-Credential and not currently enrolled at The Ohio State University:
- In-state tuition: $4,486.96
- Out-of-state tuition: $4,686.96
Tuition is subject to change in the event of an increase in The Ohio State University general fee. Tuition reimbursement benefits for Ohio State University employees and dependents can be used to help cover the cost of this program.
Prospective Student Profile
This program is best suited for...
- those currently enrolled in an Ohio State University Master’s Degree program who wants to earn a Fintech micro-credential in addition to a Master’s Degree by electing to take the two Fintech courses as electives.
or
- professionals in Finance, IT, Customer Service, Supply Chain, Purchasing, Compliance, etc. as well as entrepreneurs exploring how Fintech can streamline and enhance business operations using AI, machine learning, and digital currency.
Application Deadlines
Spring 2025
- Deadline Date: November 1, 2024
- Decision Date: November 15, 2024
Please note that admission into a graduate level program at The Ohio State University requires the following of applicants. For detailed information on the application process, please select your unique pathway below.
- Bachelor's degree from an accredited higher education institution before the program begins
- If you are a current graduate student, you must fulfill all prerequisites for the courses that make up the micro-credential
- If you are an industry professional, you must have an educational and/or professional quantitative background in finance and statistics
Additional Resources
Frequently Asked Questions Apply here
Apply Now
Who
Those currently enrolled in an Ohio State University Master’s Degree program who wants to earn a Fintech micro-credential in addition to a Master’s Degree by electing to take the two Fintech courses as electives.
Application
- Apply here to the Micro-Certification in Fintech Fundamentals program by November 1, 2024.
- You will be advised of your admission status via email by November 15, 2024.
Cost
- For students who are completing the Fintech Micro-Credential as part of their degree- or certificate-granting program, the price per credit hour will be assessed at whichever is higher: their current program rate or the Fintech Micro-Credential rate.
- Tuition is subject to change in the event of an increase in The Ohio State University general fee. Tuition reimbursement benefits for Ohio State University employees and dependents can be used to help cover the cost of this program.
Who
Professionals in Finance, IT, Customer Service, Supply Chain, Purchasing, Compliance, etc. as well as entrepreneurs exploring how Fintech can streamline and enhance business operations using AI, machine learning, and digital currency.
Application Process
- Apply to the Micro-Certification in Fintech Fundamentals program by November 1, 2024 to be considered for the Spring 2025 session. You will be advised of your program admission status via email by November 15, 2024.
- If admitted into the Fintech Micro-Credential Program, you must complete a short application for the Ohio State University Graduate School, just providing proof of a 4-year undergraduate degree. You will receive a link to this application in your admission email by November 15, 2024. This application must be submitted by November 29, 2024. Learn about Ohio State’s graduate non-degree study and the admission requirements.
Cost
- In-state tuition: $4,486.96
- Out-of-state tuition: $4,686.96
- Tuition is subject to change in the event of an increase in The Ohio State University general fee. Tuition reimbursement benefits for Ohio State University employees and dependents can be used to help cover the cost of this program.
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