Master's in FinTech

The CU Denver MS in Financial Technology (FinTech) is a 30-credit hour program that delivers a comprehensive education in the rapidly evolving fintech landscape. Designed with flexibility in mind, this program offers both in-person and online course options to fit your schedule and learning preferences. By integrating finance, information systems, data analytics, and project management, the program ensures a multidisciplinary approach to developing expertise in financial technology.

Students also benefit from access to the Jake Jabs Center for Entrepreneurship, fostering innovation, sustainability leadership, and entrepreneurial thinking. The program’s anticipated STEM designation highlights its rigorous focus on financial analytics, blockchain technologies, and advanced technologies, preparing graduates to address complex global challenges.

Program Highlights:

Cutting-Edge Knowledge: Learn emerging technologies like blockchain, AI, and big data analytics, setting you apart in the competitive fintech job market.
Practical Skills: Gain hands-on experience with financial software, programming languages, and project management tools, building technical expertise aligned with industry needs.
Career Preparation: Prepare for diverse roles across finance, risk management, data analytics, and information systems through real-world application, industry-relevant training, and networking.
Innovation Focus: Solve complex financial challenges using design thinking, creative problem-solving, and tools like sustainable business strategies.
Global Perspective: Explore global fintech ecosystems and navigate regulatory environments, positioning yourself for leadership in an international business context.

As Colorado’s first Master’s in FinTech program, CU Denver positions you at the forefront of this dynamic and emerging field. With strong connections to the Jake Jabs Center for Entrepreneurship and opportunities to network with over 300 industry partners, this program provides the tools, network, and expertise to excel in careers that bridge finance, global supply chain management, and technology. Take advantage of this unique opportunity to become a leader in one of the fastest-growing sectors worldwide.

The MS in FinTech curriculum comprises 30 hours of core courses and electives. A three-hour prerequisite may be waived based on prior business education.

Courses Providing Foundation in FinTech (12 credits)

Required:

• Applied Economics for Managers
• Financial Management

Choose Two:

• Innovation in FinTech
• Financial Modeling
• Critical Software for FinTech

Courses Providing Area Expertise in FinTech (18 hours)

• Crypto and Blockchain
• Business Analytics
• Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning

FinTech Analyst Certificate (6 credit hours)

1. BUSN 6620 Applied Economics for Managers (coreq: BUSN 6550)                 
2. BUSN 6640 Financial Management (prereq: BUSN 6550; coreq: BUSN 6620)                   

Additional Certificate courses: Choose 2 of the following (6 credit hours):

• ENTP 6110 Innovation in FinTech
• FNCE 6480 Financial Modeling
• FNCE 6880 Critical Software for FinTech

Computational FinTech Badge

Computational FinTech provides learners with advanced knowledge and practical skills in computational techniques applied within the financial services industry. This program offers hands-on experience in using financial modeling, automated tools, and critical software to solve complex problems and streamline financial processes. Participants will gain expertise in utilizing computational methods to enhance decision-making, efficiency, and automation in the rapidly evolving FinTech sector.

Skils

• Capital Asset Pricing Model (CAPM)
• Capital IQ
• Financial Risk Modeling
• Valuation Methods

Earning Criteria

Completion of FNCE 6480 - Financial Modeling (3 credits) and FNCE 6880 - Critical Software for FinTech (3 credits), both with a minimum grade of C.

Crypto & Blockchain in FinTech Badge

Crypto & Blockchain in FinTech provides comprehensive knowledge and practical skills in cryptocurrency and blockchain technology applications within financial services. Designed for professionals and students, this program covers key areas such as crypto trading, mining, and Initial Coin Offerings (ICOs). Participants gain hands-on experience and insights into leveraging blockchain for innovative FinTech solutions, preparing them to navigate the evolving digital finance landscape.

Skills

• Bitcoin
• Cryptocurrency
• Crypto Mining
• Initial Coin Offerings (ICOs)

Earning Criteria

Completion of FNCE 6850 - Blockchain, Crypto Investing, and Trading Strategy (3 credits) and FNCE 6860 - Payments and Digital Banking (3 credits), both with a minimum grade of C.

Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning in FinTech Badge

AI & ML in FinTech provides cutting-edge knowledge and skills in artificial intelligence and machine learning applications specific to financial technology. This program offers practical insights and hands-on experience in leveraging AI and ML to develop innovative solutions in the finance industry. Gain expertise in using AI and ML techniques to optimize financial decision-making, enhance risk management, and drive digital transformation in financial services.

Skills

• Accounting and Finance Software
• Financial Analysis
• Investment Management

Earning Criteria

Completion of FNCE 6870 - Introduction to AI and ML in FinTech (3 credits) and BANA 6780 - AI for Business (3 credits), both with a minimum grade of C.

Business Analytics in FinTech Badge

Business Analytics in FinTech equips professionals and students with advanced skills in data analysis and decision- making within financial technology. This program provides practical insights and hands-on experience in applying business analytics to drive innovation in FinTech solutions. Participants gain expertise in leveraging data science techniques to optimize financial strategies, enhance risk management, and improve digital financial services.

Skills

• Business Analysis
• Functional Process Optimization
• Opportunity Analysis
• Value Chain Analysis

Earning Criteria

Completion of FNCE 6750/ISMG 6820 - Business Intelligence for Financial Modeling (3 credits) and BANA 6620 - Computing for Business Analytics (3 credits) or ISMG 6020 Programming Fundamentals with Python (3 credits), both with a minimum grade of C.

We offer this degree primarily online, requiring (2) courses offered in hybrid or Zoom formats.

(Note: Out-of-state students should contact a Graduate Advisor for more details.)

Tuition

The cost of tuition for the MS FinTech degree is different for in-state and out-of-state students.

Scholarships

Scholarships are available for students. As a current student, you can apply for scholarships every semester. Some awards are based on program and course enrollment.

Application Process

Applicants are required to submit all application materials. Interviews are not a part of the admission process. To receive priority admission, we must have received your online application and all other required materials including transcripts and GMAT/GRE scores by the deadline.

You can check your admission status online through the account you created for the online application. You will receive a final decision by email within two to three weeks from the submission of all materials.

Admission Requirements

• Applicants must have completed an undergraduate program at an accredited United States college or its equivalent in another country.
• No work experience or formal business education is required for admission, however, you may have to provide a GMAT or GRE score if you do not have enough work experience, see below.

The GMAT/GRE is not required for this program

The MS in FiinTech program does not require GMAT or GRE scores for their degree program as part of the graduate admissions requirements. The requirements are a cumulative GPA of 3.25 or better from a US accredited four-year undergraduate institution and three or more years of full-time professional work experience or the successful completion of a graduate degree.

However, if you received your bachelor’s degree with a grade point average of less than 3.25 or have less than 5 years of professional work experience, you will be asked to submit a statement that outlines other indicators of exceptional motivation, such as solid upper-division performance, GMAT or GRE scores, and other relevant professional experience. The MS Finance and Risk Management admissions committee may require a minimum GMAT or GRE score for students that do not automatically qualify by GPA and prior work.

How Decisions Are Made

The admissions committee considers each candidate’s entire record of achievement. This is demonstrated through:

No work experience or formal business education is required for admission. However, professional experience strengthens your application. Candidates with less work experience can show potential through academic and experiential success.

For any questions, please contact our admissions team at bschool.admissions@ucdenver.edu or call 303-315-8200.