Program Contact: Matthew O'Connor 203-582-8297
The STEM-designated Financial Technology (FinTech) major represents a dynamic and rapidly evolving sector that leverages technology to enhance and streamline financial services while also improving security and financial decision-making. FinTech encompasses a wide range of innovations and applications, from mobile banking and digital payments to robo-advisers, wealth management and blockchain.
Degree earners will learn about the emerging intersection between finance and technology including blockchain and machine learning applications, decentralized finance (DeFi), financial modeling and analytics, data mining and other technology-based financial innovations. Be prepared for cutting-edge careers in financial information technology, financial applications support and development, as well as traditional financial fields. Participate in GAME Forum, the Student-Managed Portfolio, Investments Club, Microlending Club and other student organizations.
BS in Financial Technology Curriculum
Graduation with a BS in finance requires that the student complete 122 credits.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
Business Course Curriculum | ||
| Complete the Business Core Curriculum | 43 | |
University Curriculum | ||
| Complete the University Curriculum for School of Business | 34 | |
| Financial Technology Core | ||
| CIS 245 | Programming With Python | 3 |
| FIN 301 | Introduction to Financial Technology | 3 |
| FIN 310 | Investment Analysis | 3 |
| FIN 320 | Financial Modeling | 3 |
| FIN 325 | Financial Analytics | 3 |
| FIN 331 | Decentralized Finance: Blockchain, Crypt | 3 |
| or CIS 371 | Intro to Blockchain Tech for Business | |
| FIN 425 | Advanced Financial Analytics | 3 |
| Financial Technology Electives | ||
| Select three courses from the following list: | 9 | |
| Data Mining for Business Insights | ||
| Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence for Business | ||
| Data Analysis with Excel (AC 350) | ||
| Tools for Data Science | ||
| Data Mining * | ||
| Machine Learning | ||
| Applied Time Series Analysis and Forecasting | ||
| Econometrics | ||
| Introduction to Fixed Income Analytics | ||
| Applied Portfolio Management | ||
| Trading Strategies and Practices | ||
| Derivative Securities | ||
| Open Electives | ||
| Select 15 Credits | 15 | |
| Total Credits | 122 | |
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this degree program, students will demonstrate:
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Business Knowledge: Students become familiar and competent with the major functions and areas of FinTech, such as the emergence of transformative technologies in the finance sector, including cryptocurrency, peer-to-peer lending, crowdfunding, blockchain and other technology-driven disruptive financial strategies. Students will learn FinTech applications in wealth management, insurance, banking, risk management and portfolio optimization. Students learn about the careers in the FinTech industry.
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Business Analytics: Students complete projects that analyze cryptocurrencies, peer-to-peer lending, crowdfunding, blockchain and technology-driven disruptive financial strategies. Students will apply their knowledge to automate traditional activities such as Wealth Management, Insurance, Banking, Risk Management and Portfolio Optimization through computer applications. Students will create and work on new FinTech applications utilizing the most up-to-date programming languages.
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Communication: Students communicate ideas effectively through oral presentations and written reports. Students develop investment ideas in traditional assets as well as new securities such as cryptocurrencies and communicate them effectively to clients and users.
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Critical Thinking: Students analyze current issues in relation to the FinTech industry, especially related to DeFi (Decentralized Finance). Students develop recommendations for new applications in FinTech. Students learn to evaluate the work of others. Students assess the benefits/issues with various new FinTech applications. Students evaluate and critique all new FinTech applications and make recommendations. Students think critically to evaluate legal aspects of new FinTech applications, such as cryptocurrencies.
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Business Ethics: Students apply ethical frameworks of FinTech applications to evaluate situations and determine appropriate solutions. Students focus on prevention of legal problems and good professional practice. FinTech has embedded programs and protocols that enforce compliance (RegTech). Students demonstrate an understanding of the role of SEC, FED, the legislature and the courts in regulating the FinTech industry. Students evaluate laws and policies designed to protect consumers.
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Cultural Adaptability: Students recognize and apply knowledge and diversity within and across individuals and groups.
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Professionalism: As with all School of Business programs, professional behavior, including a strong work ethic, will be emphasized. Student interactions with faculty, staff and colleagues, and team assignments are some of the ways in which this is inculcated.
Admission Requirements: School of Business
The requirements for admission into the undergraduate School of Business programs are the same as those for admission to Quinnipiac University.
Admission to the university is competitive, and applicants are expected to present a strong college prep program in high school. Prospective first-year students are strongly encouraged to file an application as early in the senior year as possible, and arrange to have first quarter grades sent from their high school counselor as soon as they are available.
For detailed admission requirements, including required documents, please visit the Admissions page of this catalog.
Seamless Transfer Agreement with Gateway Community College (GCC), Housatonic Community College (HCC) and Norwalk Community College (NCC)
Under this Transfer Agreement, GCC, HCC and NCC graduates will be guaranteed admission into a bachelor’s degree program with third year (junior) status at Quinnipiac University on the condition that they:
- Graduate with an associate in arts, an associate in science in business, College of Technology engineering science, nursing or an allied health degree with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (this may be higher in specific programs).
- Satisfy all other Quinnipiac University transfer admission requirements and requirements for intended major.
Suggested Transfer Curriculum for BS in Finance
A minimum of 60 credits is required for transfer into the BS in Finance program. Below is a sample plan of study for the first two years prior to matriculation at Quinnipiac University.
| First Year | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall Semester | Credits | |
| English I | 3 | |
| Introduction to Business | 3 | |
| Microeconomics | 3 | |
| Business Statistics | 3 | |
| History Elective | 3 | |
| Credits | 15 | |
| Spring Semester | ||
| English II | 3 | |
| Macroeconomics | 3 | |
| Financial Accounting | 3 | |
| Information Systems | 3 | |
| Marketing | 3 | |
| Credits | 15 | |
| Second Year | ||
| Fall Semester | ||
| Managerial Accounting | 3 | |
| Finance | 3 | |
| International Business | 3 | |
| Management | 3 | |
| Art Elective | 3 | |
| Credits | 15 | |
| Spring Semester | ||
| Operations Management | 3 | |
| Business Law | 3 | |
| Science Elective with Lab | 4 | |
| Social Science Elective | 3 | |
| Additional Elective (Business or other) | 3 | |
| Credits | 16 | |
| Total Credits | 61 | |