The new master’s degree in fintech prepares students for careers applying the latest technological innovations to the world’s financial services. Launching in Fall 2022, the master’s in fintech — or financial technology — is the first and only program of its kind in Florida.
“The evolving relationship between business and innovation is driving the need for highly trained professionals with both advanced financial skills and technological know-how,” says Christo Pirinsky, program co-director and an associate professor of finance. “UCF is uniquely positioned to offer a graduate degree program designed to promote entrepreneurial thinking, innovation and the fostering of relationships within the Central Florida business community and beyond.”
“The evolving relationship between business and innovation is driving the need for highly trained professionals with both advanced financial skills and technological know-how,” says Christo Pirinsky, program co-director and an associate professor of finance in the College of Business.
The master’s in fintech is a full-time, three semester program consisting of 10 courses — five finance and five computer science — with internship opportunities and a final capstone project. Students will have two program options: in-person evening classes on UCF’s main campus or fully online.
Jointly offered by the College of Business and the College of Engineering and Computer Science, the program admits applicants with an undergraduate degree in computer science, finance, business studies, mathematics, natural sciences, or the engineering disciplines.
The program blends finance and computer science courses to teach students how to harness the power of data, technology solutions, and financial services to reduce costs, improve customer experience, and create economies of scale. Its interdisciplinary curriculum will provide students with employable technical skills and the ability to think and function in cross-disciplinary teams.
Upon completion of the program, graduates will be well positioned for a wide range of jobs, including apps developer, blockchain developer, cybersecurity analyst, compliance expert, data specialist, financial analyst, investment manager and more.
Financial technology is widely regarded as one of the world’s fastest growing business areas. More than 95% of global consumers are aware of at least one fintech service and more than three quarters of the world’s population have used a FinTech service. Currently, there are more than 8,700 fintech startups in the Americas.
Central Florida is a prime region for a degree program in FinTech. Earlier this year, WalletHub ranked the City of Orlando first in Florida and No. 19 nationally among the best areas for STEM professionals. Global Finance magazine named Florida the new home for FinTech in 2019. In 2018, Forbes Magazine proclaimed Orlando as a FinTech hub. U.S. News & World Report consistently ranks UCF as one of the most innovative universities in the nation.
