Master's in Financial Technology (FinTech)

Advance your career by mastering critical aspects of FinTech, including predictive analytics and programming applications for quantitative risk management, financial forecasting, corporate innovation, and financial modeling.

The WPI Business School’s STEM-focused, project-based approach prepares you for employment in the high-demand FinTech field with roles ranging from blockchain or application developer, quantitative analyst, and data scientist to financial analyst, business development manager, cybersecurity analyst, and risk control manager.

Career Outcomes

WPI's MS in FinTech programs blend finance, technology, and often elements of data analysis and entrepreneurship to prepare students for a wide range of cutting-edge careers. The curriculum typically includes a mix of finance principles, technology applications, data analytics, and regulatory frameworks. Below are four job opportunities for students pursuing an MS in FinTech, emphasizing the skillsets that can be acquired through our technology and analytical courses.

Developing algorithms and models to predict financial markets, personalize customer experiences, or improve financial advisory services.

Applied Artificial Intelligence Machine Learning: focusing on solving strategic and operational challenges through data.
Machine Learning Operations Engineer: playing a key role in deploying, managing, and optimizing machine learning.
Machine Learning Engineer: focuses on deploying machine learning models to production environments.

Skillsets: Strong analytical skills with proficiency in data mining, natural language processing, and predictive modeling. Understanding of algorithmic trading, risk management, and personalized finance solutions.

Average Salary: $125,216/year (PayScale.com)

Designing and implementing blockchain solutions for secure transactions, smart contracts, or to innovate traditional banking services.

Skillsets: Deep understanding of blockchain technology, cryptography, decentralized finance (DeFi) applications, and digital currencies. Ability to design and develop distributed ledger technologies that can revolutionize payment systems, supply chain management, and more.

Average Salary: $125,000/year (PayScale.com)

Overseeing the development and market introduction of new FinTech products or services, from mobile payment solutions to financial management apps.

Skillsets: Proficiency in agile development methodologies, user experience design, and market analysis. Ability to work at the intersection of technology and business to develop products that meet emerging financial needs.

Average Salary: $108,780 (Indeed.com)

Implementing technology solutions to comply with financial regulations more efficiently. This includes fraud detection, compliance monitoring, and reporting technologies.

Skillsets: Understanding of global financial regulations, data privacy laws, and cybersecurity measures. Skills in data analysis and reporting, with the ability to develop and deploy solutions that streamline compliance processes and enhance transparency.

Average Salary: $105,934 (Indeed.com)

Program Requirements for MS in Financial Technology

The MS in Financial Technology is a 33-credit hours program that includes core courses, courses from two of three specialty areas (advanced financial mathematics, FinTech analytics, or FinTech development), and a realistic capstone project. Applicants to the MS in FinTech program must have prior college-level statistics and finance/accounting preparation.

Requirements for the MS in Financial Technology (FinTech) include the following:

Three core courses (9 credits), as follows:

MIS 510 Business Application of Blockchain Tech
MIS 520 Artificial Intelligence and its Business Applications
MIS 587 Business Applications in Machine Learning

Three courses from any two of the three specialty areas (18 credits), as follows (note: one selected course from each specialty area must be FIN 530 or FIN 540):

FIN 530 Cryptocurrencies and Financial Markets
FIN 540 Financial Analytics
MA 571 Financial Mathematics I
MA 572 Financial Mathematics II
MA 573 Computational Methods of Financial Mathematics
MA 574 Portfolio Valuation and Risk Management
MA 575 Market and Credit Risk Models and Management
MA 590 Computational Statistics

FIN 530 Cryptocurrencies and Financial Markets
FIN 540 Financial Analytics
DS 502 Statistical Methods for Data Science
MIS 502 Data Management for Analytics
DS 503 Big Data Management
DS 541 Deep Learning
OIE 559 Adv Perspective Analytics: From Data to Impact
MIS 584 Business Intelligence
MIS 571 Database Applications Development

FIN 530 Cryptocurrencies and Financial Markets
FIN 540 Financial Analytics
CS 5007 Intro to Prog Concepts, Data Struct and Algorithms
CS 5008 Networks and Systems
CS 5084 Intro to Algorithms: Design and Analysis
CS 513 Computer Networks
CS 528 Mobile and Ubiquitous Computing
CS 573 Data Visualization
CS 578 Cryptography and Data Security
MIS 583 User Experience Applications

(For those who have taken CS 5007, CS 5008, or equivalent, we recommend taking CS 528)

OBC 505 Teaming and Organizing for Innovation
BUS 596 Capstone

About the MS in FinTech Capstone
One of the central priorities in WPI’s educational philosophy is the application of academic skills and knowledge to real-world problems. The capstone project represents a substantive evaluation and application of coursework covered in the program. Students are encouraged to select projects with practical significance for the advancement of their company’s competitive position as well as their own personal development. The project is administered, advised, and evaluated by WPI as part of the learning experience, but students are encouraged to seek mentorship from experienced colleagues in the FinTech profession. The presence of or degree of participation from a mentor is made at the discretion of the student or the organization sponsoring the program.

Application Requirements
Applications are considered on a rolling basis; international applicants should apply by June 15 for fall and November 6 for spring, while domestic applicants should apply by July 15 for fall and December 15 for spring. It's recommended that applicants complete their application within 15-30 days of submission.

A complete application consists of:

Resume
Transcripts for all post-secondary colleges or universities
Statement of purpose
Three letters of recommendation submitted electronically via the online application from individuals who can comment on your qualifications for pursuing graduate study
$70 application fee

Note: Applicants are required to have completed at least one prior college-level statistics and finance/accounting preparation course. GRE/GMAT scores are not required.

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Faculty Profiles

Kwamie Dunbar

Associate Professor of Finance, The Business School

Dr. Dunbar is currently a tenured Associate Professor of Finance at WPI. In addition to his extensive experience in teaching and research, he has a wealth of industry experience working with several fortune 500 companies in various capacities.

Joseph Sarkis

Professor, The Business School

Joseph Sarkis is a Professor of Management within Worcester Polytechnic Institute's Business School. He previously served as a faculty member at Clark University and the University of Texas at Arlington. His teaching and research interests are in the fields of environmental sustainability, operations and supply chain management. He is the author or co-author of over 600 publications. His research is widely cited and earned the designation of highly cited researcher for eight years from 2016-2023 from Thomson-Reuters/Clarivate Analytics (Web-of-Science).

Diane Strong

Professor & Department Head, The Business School

WPI provides an environment that values both teaching and research, which is ideal for me. I enjoy teaching at WPI because students are interested in learning and willing to work hard. My teaching focuses on how business, healthcare, and nonprofit organizations can best use computing technologies, such as database systems, electronic health records systems, and mobile apps. Students in my classes learn to design computing applications that meet the needs of organizations.

International Applicants

On-campus, international students are encouraged to complete up to three additional credits of internship experience to ensure their readiness for employment in the United States.

WPI’s International Student and Scholars Office

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