Executive Education
 Fintech Micro-Credential

Fintech

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? 

  • Value to Individuals

    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.

  • Organizational Value

    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

Program Components

  • Open/Close Core Curriculum

    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.
  • Open/Close Project Work

    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
  • Open/Close Certification Exam

    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.

  • Open/Close Program Faculty

    The faculty teaching in the program are:

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 2024 program. Please select your pathway below to learn more about the Spring 2024 program details, cost and application process. 

Program Dates

Autumn 2024: August 20 - December 12, 2024

Course Schedule

  • BUSFIN 7234 Fintech (1.5 credits)
    • Saturdays, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m., November 2, November 9, November 16 (online)

Stay tuned for Spring 2025 Course Schedule

Delivery Method

This program is an online offering that will utilize a combination of synchronous and asynchronous online learning. Synchronous classes take place on Saturdays. 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

May 23, 2024, 12:30 pm – 1:00 pm

During this session, you will learn more about the program curriculum, components and application process from the Executive Education team. 

Register

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 can be used to help cover the cost of this program. Ohio State University employees and dependents can learn more about Faculty and Staff Tuition Assistance here.

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 2024

  • Deadline Date: December 1, 2023
  • Decision Date: December 6, 2023

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

  • Open/Close Current Ohio State University Graduate Students seeking Micro-Credential

    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 December 1, 2023. 
    • You will be advised of your admission status via email by December 6, 2023.

    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 can be used to help cover the cost of this program. Ohio State University employees and dependents can learn more here.

     

  • Open/Close Professionals seeking Micro-Credential and not currently enrolled at The Ohio State University

    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

    1. Apply to the Micro-Certification in Fintech Fundamentals program by December 1, 2023 to be considered for the Spring 2024 session. You will be advised of your program admission status via email by December 6, 2023.
    2. 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 December 6, 2023. This application must be submitted by December 15, 2023. 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 can be used to help cover the cost of this program. Ohio State University employees and dependents can visit OSU's Faculty and Staff Tuition Assistance site to learn more.

Contact

Jennie McAndrew
Education Program Senior Specialist

614-688-0853

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