Wharton just released an online fintech course for the masses

Looking to make moves in the financial technology — aka fintech — space, but not sure where to start? The Wharton School’s digital learning platform wants to help.

On Thursday, the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton Online announced its new virtual fintech specialization program, “FinTech: Foundations and Applications of Financial Technologies,” for students and professionals who want to learn about the rapidly changing tech.

The four-course financial program is available via online education platform Coursera, and will detail the use of cryptocurrency, robo-advising, crowdfunding and modern investing.

The specialization course comes soon after the March announcement of the Stevens Center for Innovation in Finance, named after alum and CEO of the Stone Ridge Holdings Group, Ross Stevens. Each course includes both lectures and case studies from Penn faculty such as Wharton professors Chris Geczy, Jessica Wachter and Natasha Sarin and Stevens Center leader David Musto. There will be additional guest speakers from Vanguard, CommonBond and Square.

The four-course specialization is available to try for free for a week, but costs $79 per month to complete the full program. Users can arrange their own schedule and deadlines based on a recommended 10 hours per week study.

Wharton is no stranger to fintech. The school hosts the student-run fintech initative Wharton FinTech and offers 10 certificate programs and over 50 courses in fintech to its students.

Representatives from the business school said this course is ideal for both current students and recent graduates as well as curious small business owners and investors.

“Wharton is committed to leading the future of finance,” Musto said. “The fintech specialization leverages the knowledge of our renowned Wharton faculty providing real-world knowledge to the benefit of learners around the globe.”

Coursera offers a multitude of career-building resources for local (and indeed, global) professionals:

• In addition to fintech, Penn engineering students can complete a master’s degree completely through Coursera.
• The school also offers singular courses and specializations in entrepreneurship, robotics and viral marketing.
• Drexel University offers an “Introduction to the Orbital Perspective” specialization.
• Rutgers University has multiple courses in supply chain management and one in social media data analytics, offering plenty of opportunity for resume building.