What Is a Fintech Degree? Where Finance & Tech Meet

What degree do you need for fintech? What kind of fintech program is right for you? And, is a fintech degree worth it?

If you’re interested in pursuing a career in finance, you may be wondering what degree you should earn. A growing field that combines finance and technology is fintech. But what is a fintech degree, and what can you expect to learn? We met with Dr. Theo Owusu and Dr. Donald DeSormoux, two experts in the field, to discuss the basics of fintech and why a degree in fintech is worth your while. So if you’re ready to learn more about this exciting field, keep reading!

What Is Fintech?

Fintech, short for financial technology, is a rapidly growing industry that refers to the use of technology to streamline and improve traditional financial services. Fintech companies typically use innovative technology to provide more convenient, secure, and affordable services to consumers and businesses than conventional financial institutions. In recent years, fintech has been one of the fastest-growing industries in the world, with new startups popping up worldwide.

What Is Fintech in Finance?

Fintech in finance represents how technology is transforming the way money is managed. It combines financial expertise with digital innovation to make banking, investing, and payments faster, smarter, and more accessible. Through AI in fintech tools and real-time data analytics, fintech helps individuals and organizations make informed financial decisions with greater efficiency and control.

What are Fintech Companies?

Fintech companies use technology to improve, streamline, or reinvent traditional financial services. They bridge the gap between finance and innovation by applying mechanisms such as artificial intelligence, data analytics, and blockchain to make digital banking faster, more transparent, and more accessible. Instead of waiting in line at a physical branch, customers can transfer funds, apply for loans, or invest directly through their devices in just minutes.

Examples of Fintech in Everyday Life

Some of the most common examples of fintech include:

• Mobile banking
• Peer-to-peer payments
• Investment management apps
• Digital currencies
• Cryptocurrency exchanges
• Budgeting and personal finance apps

Fintech Companies You May Know

Some fintech companies you may already do business with include:

• PayPal is a popular online payment system that allows users to make payments and send money securely over the internet.
• Square is a mobile payment system that allows businesses to process credit card payments using their smartphones or tablets.
• Mint is a popular budgeting and personal finance app that helps users track their spending and save money.
• Robinhood is a commission-free stock trading app that allows users to buy and sell stocks without paying fees.
• Wealthfront is an automated investment management service that helps users save money on investment fees.
• Acorns is a mobile app that helps users save and invest their spare change.
• Betterment is an online investment platform that offers users a simple and convenient way to invest their money.

How to Choose a Fintech Degree Program

No two fintech master’s programs are created exactly equal; that’s why it’s essential to measure the relative value of each. Before identifying a program that meets your unique wants and needs, however, consider a few key questions about the fintech degree in and of itself.

Is a Fintech Degree Worth It?

As businesses become more reliant on technology, the need for employees with both financial and technical skills will only grow. A fintech degree provides the perfect blend of training in both areas, making you a highly sought-after employee. As the finance and technology industries continue to merge, a fintech degree can be advantageous and lucrative.

There are many benefits to pursuing a fintech degree. Perhaps the most obvious is the earning potential. Fintech jobs are among the highest-paying in both the finance and tech industries, and as the demand for fintech workers grows, so too will salaries.

In addition to the earning potential, a fintech degree also provides excellent job security. As long as finance and tech continue to converge, there will be a need for workers with fintech skills. Even if you lose your job, finding another one in the same field will be easier than many other fields.

Finally, a fintech degree can be immensely satisfying. If you’re interested in both finance and technology, pursuing a fintech degree allows you to combine your two passions into one career. What could be better than getting paid to do what you love?

As its name implies, fintech stands at the intersection of the financial and technology sectors. Thus, the field is a great one for anyone with a serious interest in finance, tech, and the analytical elements that these fields share. While it is possible to break into this realm without a relevant college degree, it isn’t usually simple — especially given that fintech is a highly desirable field to enter. In fact, projections by global management consulting firm McKinsey & Company show that the fintech industry will grow at three times the rate of the banking industry as a whole through 2028.

So, while no college degree program can guarantee a rewarding job upon graduation, a fintech degree offers high chances of a satisfactory return on investment.

Types of Fintech Degrees

If you’re looking to get into the exciting field of fintech, you’ll need the right education. No matter what type of fintech degree you choose, make sure a reputable organization accredits it. This will ensure that employers in the industry recognize your degree and that you’re getting the quality education you need to succeed in this competitive field. Here are some of the different types of fintech degrees that can help you land a job in this growing industry:

Undergrad

Students interested in pursuing a career in the fintech industry may wonder whether they need to get an undergraduate degree in fintech. The answer is that it depends. Although having an undergrad degree in fintech can undoubtedly give you a leg up in the job market, many colleges have yet to develop such a program, and there are many ways to break into the industry without one. Many fintech companies prefer hiring employees with a finance, computer science, or engineering background. The important thing is to make sure you have the foundational skills and knowledge in the finance and technology sectors that employers are looking for.

Master

A fintech master’s degree can provide students with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed in this rapidly changing industry. It will typically cover topics such as financial regulation, investment banking, risk management, and data analytics. Some programs may even explore blockchain applications, making them ideal for students interested in a blockchain degree with financial relevance. In addition, students will have the opportunity to gain hands-on experience, whether through internships or in-class lab assignments.

According to Dr. Owusu, this hands-on experience is vital to developing the practical knowledge students need to thrive in a fintech career. For example, in the data analytics course at Keiser University’s Master of Science in Financial Technology program, students have the opportunity to perform data analyses using the kinds of tools they will use in their future careers. There is a vast gulf between reading about how data analysis and visualization work in theory and actually doing it. A quality master’s program in fintech should therefore include these direct, active learning experiences.

Online Vs. In Person

There are a few key considerations to keep in mind when deciding whether to earn a fintech degree online or in person. One of the most important factors to consider is your learning style. An in-person program may be a better fit if you prefer a more hands-on approach. On the other hand, if you’re the type of learner who prefers to work at your own pace, an online program might be a better option.

Another key consideration is your schedule. An online program might be more convenient if you have a full-time job or other commitments that make it difficult to attend classes in person. On the other hand, if you can dedicate the time to attending classes on campus, an in-person program can provide a more immersive experience.

What Is a Fintech Certificate?

If you want employers to seriously consider your application, you need to demonstrate strong knowledge in the field. That is where a fintech certificate can be helpful. You might feel like you have learned enough about this field on your own, but it is still essential to earn a certificate or degree to demonstrate to financial institutions that you are committed to the field and have the knowledge to get the job done.

What Makes a Good Fintech Certificate?

As you explore available fintech education options, how do you know which ones are right for your needs? Some of the factors you need to consider when you are evaluating the strength of a specific fintech certificate include:

1. The Strength of the Brand Name

Just like you might evaluate a traditional graduate program, it is important for you to think about the strength of the brand name. The entire reason you are completing a fintech certificate is that it should help you get a better job once you are done. Therefore, you should consider the strength of that brand name in your chosen field.

2. The Quality of the Courses

In addition to increasing your appeal for potential employers, the certificate program should provide you with skills that you will actually use. You need to evaluate what other people have said about that specific certificate program. Do they feel like the program taught them various skills beneficial to their workplaces? If other people have had a good experience applying the skills they have learned, there is a good chance you will, too.

3. Time and Cost

Think about how long it will take to complete the program, so you can decide how much time you are willing to spend on a certificate program. When trying to calculate the value of your time & costs invested, don’t forget to account for the future growth of your expertise & career. Some certifications or graduate classes can transfer their value to future education, should you decide to pursue a degree in the future.

4. The Ability to Network

Be sure to consider the quality of the instruction as well. You want to be taught by professionals with experience in the fintech world. There is a chance you might even interact with teachers or alumni who have strong ties to the industry, creating relationships that could help get your foot in the door and compete for some of the best jobs out there.

How to Find a Fintech Internship

So, where do you even begin when it comes to finding and securing a fintech internship? First, it’s to understand what a fintech intern does and what to expect from the process. From there, you can determine when the best time to start applying for internships will be for you.

What Does a Fintech Intern Do?

The type of work a fintech intern will be responsible for depends mainly on the internship role you secure. Some examples of the kinds of fintech companies include venture capital firms, investment teams, financial markets, and software engineering firms.

An intern’s work in a venture capital firm will differ significantly from that of a fintech intern in a software engineering firm.

The best way to find out what a specific fintech internship will entail is to read the job description before you apply.

When to Apply for a Fintech Internship

The more fintech coursework you have, the better qualified you will be for an internship. If you’re a college first-year student still taking your general education courses, there’s a solid chance you should hold off on an internship until you’re further into your program.

College seniors usually apply for fintech internships during their final school year. However, internships can also be worthwhile to explore immediately after graduation or during a graduate degree program to put some of your coursework and study into practice.

If you’re interested in a summer internship, be sure to start submitting your applications sooner rather than later.

Potential Jobs for Your Fintech Degree

The demand for fintech jobs is growing rapidly, opening the door to cryptocurrency careers, AI in fintech roles, and more. If you think fintech would be a good fit for you, here are some common careers in fintech you could apply for:

• Financial technology analyst
• Blockchain developer
• Quantitative analyst
• AI developer
• Risk and compliance technology officer
• Chief technology officer
• And more!

Consider the Fintech Master’s Program at Keiser University

Take the next step toward your professional goals with a graduate degree from Keiser University. The Graduate School offers career-focused masters, specialist, and doctoral programs designed to fit the lives of working professionals. With flexible online learning options, experienced faculty, personalized support, and nearly 50 years of academic excellence, you’ll gain the knowledge and leadership skills to make an impact in your field.

If you are serious about establishing or furthering a career in the fintech sector, consider pursuing a fintech master’s degree. At Keiser University, we offer an online Master of Science in Financial Technology program that takes a comprehensive, in-depth approach to examining the place and potential of tech in the modern financial and business sectors. Contact an admissions counselor today to learn more.

Contributing Authors

	About the Contributing Author: Dr. Ruxandra Kraemer, EdD as the Dean of FinTech 15+ years experience in higher education Ed.D from Argosy University. MBA from Keller Graduate School of Management B.S from DeVry University
	Dr. Ruxandra Kraemer brings experience from previous roles at ITT Technical Institute, Centerplate, Brown Mackie College and Transhire Group. Ruxandra Kraemer holds a Doctor of Education – EdD in Organizational Leadership.
	Keiser Faculty	LinkedIn

	About the Contributing Author: Dr. Donald DeSormoux Dean of Academic Affairs 20+ years of experience in academia & higher education
	Dr. DeSormoux holds an EdD in Educational Leadership and Management and became Dean of Academic Affairs in 2022. He is also an advisory board member for the Teaching Academic Survival and Success Conference (TASS). Dr. DeSormoux is passionate about supporting all students through mentorship and academic growth.
	Keiser Dean’s	LinkedIn

	About the Contributing Author: Theo Owusu, D.Sc 20+ years of combined experience in academia
	Dr. Theo Owusu is a full-time Graduate Professor at Keiser University’s Graduate Business School. He earned his Doctoral degree from Robert Morris University in Information Systems and Communications. Dr. Owusu has a wealth of experience, spanning over twenty-five years, in diverse spheres of Information and Communication Technology. As a consultant he spearheads Technology Advance Solutions Incorporated, which is aimed at resolving any Information Technology issues in business, designing and conducting usability tests for business and analyze Information Technology infrastructure to provide recommendations for improvement. Dr. Owusu is a co-author of two books Network Systems and Security, Principles and Practices as well as Network Systems Management. Dr. Owusu is drawn by research as he believes it is a prerequisite to innovation, professional improvement, and bandwidth. His research interest encompasses various sectors of Information Systems. Dr. Theo Owusu has a wealth of experience, spanning a decade and a half, in diverse spheres of Information and Communication Technology. He earned his Master of Science and Doctor of Science degrees from Robert Morris University in Internet Information Systems and Information Systems and Communications, respectively. In addition, he is highly qualified in Management Information Systems and Business Information Systems, Information.
	ResearchGate	Faculty

	About the Contributing Author: Dr. Lisa Ariella Kramer Dr. Lisa Ariella Kramer holds a Doctor of Computer Science degree and serves as a Subject Matter Expert (SME) in Financial Technology
	Dr. Lisa Ariella Kramer holds a Doctor of Computer Science degree and serves as a full-time professor and Faculty Lead Subject Matter Expert in Financial Technology at Keiser University Graduate School. Her expertise spans artificial intelligence (AI), artificial general intelligence (AGI), financial technology, machine learning, data analytics, and emerging technologies. She is an educator, researcher, author, international conference presenter, and curriculum developer dedicated to advancing innovation in business and higher education. Dr. Kramer’s scholarly and professional work explores artificial general intelligence, human–AI collaboration, responsible AI, agentic AI, and the transformative potential of emerging technologies. Her research also examines AI readiness, digital humans, and the evolving relationship between advanced artificial intelligence and human decision-making. Through her teaching, research, and academic leadership, Dr. Kramer is committed to preparing graduate students and future business leaders to navigate technological transformation, address complex organizational challenges, and contribute to an increasingly AI-driven global economy.
	Keiser Voices: Empowering Innovation with Dr. Lisa Kramer	LinkedIn