Blockchain Technologies

Blockchain Technologies and its various applications are extending into the mainstream business community at an exponential rate. Governments, banks, insurance companies, technology start-ups, and venture capital firms are all actively building new products and services on Blockchain technologies because the technology can work for almost every transaction involving value. Products such as smart contracts, financial agreements, and cryptocurrencies are creating massive hype for Blockchain technologies. Any online product or service that requires a coded transaction is ripe for a Blockchain application.

In this program, you will be introduced to Blockchain Technologies as a concept and their vast applications. But what is Blockchain Technology, and what makes it unique? A Blockchain is an online open ledger for anyone and everyone to see. This ledger has a serious level of encryption, through some sophisticated mathematics that makes it impossible to have its content altered. The most popularized example of a Blockchain technology product is Bitcoin, a peer-to-peer digital currency that has grown by a factor of 500% in 2017. But there are many other Blockchain applications, new products and services being built to capitalize on this new technology protocol. For starters, there are over 950 new cryptocurrencies, including Ethereum, Ethereum classic, Litecoin, Monero, Neo, Cordano and Eos, the list goes on. The applications for Blockchain technologies are limitless.

This program helps to meet the expanding needs of business and industry for professionals who can effectively utilize critical Blockchain Technology knowledge to add value to their businesses and future careers. According to PwC FinTech director Jeremy Drane, the number one issue facing the Blockchain industry is a lack of talent. An experienced Blockchain programmer can expect to earn $65,000 – $220,000 per year according to industry experts.

Who Should Enroll

This program is designed for professionals in a variety of industries and job functions who are looking to help their organization leverage Blockchain technologies. Specific job titles that would benefit from this program include: marketing, sales, business analysts, computer engineers, computer scientists, data scientists, researchers, and those professionals looking to broaden their skills in this high-demand field while leveraging their unique domain expertise.

Program Benefits

• Learn from industry experts on what Blockchain is, who is using it, and why it is so revolutionary
• Understand the mechanics behind Blockchain Technologies, how it works, and what the future holds for Blockchain applications
• Explain what kinds of technical applications, products and services are best suited to Blockchain Technologies
• Understand Cryptocurrencies and the Crypto Ecosystem, including Bitcoin and Ethereum
• Determine related software technologies that are used to build Blockchain products and services
• Learn methodologies and tools to apply Blockchain theories and use cases using a wide range of real data
• Explain a variety of Blockchain applications, products, services and what makes them unique from other online products and services
• Describe how a Blockchain works and how it functions
• Understand common misconceptions and challenges of Blockchain Technologies
• Understand what hardware is needed for Blockchain Technologies

Eligibility and Requirements

Apply to become a candidate for the program: A Declaration of Candidacy is required to establish candidacy in this program. Complete the application and pay the application and candidacy fee of $125 (non-refundable). Learn more about the benefits of becoming a candidate. Candidacy is not required to enroll into individual course in a program.

A candidate in the program is awarded a specialized studies certificate upon the successful completion of five (5) required courses and two (2) elective courses totaling 12 units, each with a letter grade of “C” or better. All requirements must be completed within five (5) years after the student enrolls in their first course. To receive the Certified Digital Certificate after completing all the program requirements, students must submit the Request for Certificate to initiate the certificate audit process. Students not pursuing the certificate are welcome to take as many individual courses as they wish.