Newswise — AUSTIN, Texas — The McCombs School of Business at The University of Texas at Austin has added a new Blockchain and FinTech track to its 10-month Master of Science in Information Technology and Management program. The new 12-credit-hour track allows students interested in blockchain to take coursework that emphasizes the application of the technology in financial services, including the development of smart contracts and applications in supply chains. With blockchain’s potential to solve many age-old business problems, this track will give MSITM students significant hands-on experience in developing business solutions and analyzing the strategic implications that this transformational new technology makes possible.
"Technology has become a core competency in the financial sector, says Associate Professor of Finance Cesare Fracassi, director of the McCombs Blockchain Initiative, who will be teaching a FinTech class in the program. “Understanding how blockchain, machine learning, and IoT impact financial service products will give students a competitive advantage to jumpstart their career.”
Associate Dean for Instructional Innovation Prabhudev Konana, who oversees McCombs’ MS programs, says this track is one of the first such programs in the country. Both blockchain researchers and practitioners will teach in the program.
“We are addressing the increasing demand for talent while connecting research and practice in innovative ways,” Dean Jay Hartzell said.
Professor Sriram Vishwanath, a leading researcher in blockchain technology from the Cockrell School of Engineering and a faculty member teaching in this track, says "Blockchain is poised to change the way we interact, reach agreements and transact with other another.”
The MSITM degree is one of five 10-month Master of Science degrees offered at the McCombs School of Business. Emerging technologies such as blockchain, the Internet of Things, and deep learning are at the core of the MSITM program, which is designed to prepare business leaders for disruptive innovation.
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