Emerging Technologies
This course offers an overview of some of the world’s emerging technological practices, including: blockchain, cryptocurrencies, cybersecurity, robo-advising, lending and payment systems, and other emerging financial technologies.
Learners will explore the role cryptography plays in securing blockchain-based cryptocurrencies, and propose and evaluate new ways forward for a new blockchain. They will understand the scale, complexity, threats to, and solutions possible with cybersecurity, and analyze the opportunities and future directions for robo-advising and lending and payment systems.
- Credits: 3 credits
- Summer and Fall (subject to change)
- Course ID: FTA 722
What You'll Learn
Understand how distributed ledger technology and blockchain technology are impacting financial services and solving critical challenges.
Explore the role cryptography plays in securing blockchain-based cryptocurrencies.
Propose and evaluate new ways forward for a new blockchain.
Understand the scale, complexity, threats to, and solutions possible with cybersecurity.
Understand how risk impacts emerging technologies.
Analyze the opportunities and future directions for robo-advising and lending and payment systems.
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Course FAQs
What is asynchronous?
Asynchronous learning means that the instructor and the students in the course all engage with the course content at different times (and from different locations). The instructor provides students with a sequence of units which the students move through as their schedules permit.
What is the course structure?
Courses are offered fully online and are asynchronous. There is an optional, live interactive session offered weekly so students can engage with one another and with the faculty member. 

How long is each course?
Our mini-sessions (or terms) are 7.5 weeks long, and courses are offered in each mini. Each semester consists of 2 mini-sessions.
How many courses can I take in a mini-term?
We have structured our courses so students can take one course at a time; this is especially important for students balancing full-time employment. We do permit students to take a maximum of two courses in 1 mini-term (i.e. 6 credits over a 7.5 week period). While taking more than two courses in one semester may seem appealing, these online accelerated courses can be difficult to manage, especially while working full-time. In addition, taking more than one course in a mini session could cause conflicts in your weekly live sessions (i.e. they could be offered on the same day and time). 

What is a part-time course load vs. a full-time course load?
Part-time in SPS is defined as 3 credits (1 course) per semester, and full-time is defined as 6 or more credits (2 or more courses) per semester. Every course at SPS is 3 credits.
How fast can I earn a master's degree?
You can finish an SPS program in as little as 16 months if you take a course every mini semester*. If you need more time, that's okay too! We offer flexibility so you can go your own pace.
*This is for 30 credit hour programs only.
*This is for 30 credit hour programs only.