What is FinTech and What Makes it a Promising Career

As a USG eMajor collection of courses focused on preparing students for high-demand careers, FinTech is a shortened term for Financial Technology. What makes FinTech particularly important for students in Georgia is that the Atlanta area is the national capital for the financial payment and transactions industry.

Of all of the millions of electronic payment transactions occurring each day in the United States, more than 70 percent are handled by companies in Georgia. Among the more than 200 companies in Georgia’s so-called “Transaction Alley” are CashApp, Kabbage, Equifax, BitPay, Greenlight, Paymentus, and Patientco.

Endless Possibilities

These rapidly-growing companies work behind the scenes in most of our lives to make electronic transactions and payments possible and secure. Someone working for these companies may typically have an interest in traditional business or technology-related fields, but companies also need creative types who understand the language to market products.

“We have a unique opportunity in Georgia to build lucrative career opportunities in FinTech for our students, whether they are traditional students or those looking for new opportunities,” explained Dr. Sarah Kuck, Associate Dean of USG eCampus. “Our programs in FinTech often initially appeal to students looking for careers with high-income salaries, but then they realize that they thrive on the excitement of an area that is constantly evolving.”

Academic Pathways

Courses in Financial Technology are offered through USG eCampus at 21 institutions in the University System of Georgia. Students may begin by taking one or two courses as electives to determine if the field is of interest to them. Among course options are FinTech fundamentals, commercial banking, data analysis, and security for FinTech.

Another pathway to explore the career field is to take an introductory FinTech course through FreeCampus. The course provides a broad overview of FinTech, including a module on career opportunities. There is no charge to take this self-paced, online course.

A 5-course certificate program is available at Middle Georgia State University, and Kennesaw State University offers a 4-course minor focusing on digital payments. Additionally, a full associate’s degree in financial technology is offered at Georgia Highlands College, East Georgia College, Middle Georgia State University, and Atlanta Metropolitan State College.

Most courses are offered in fully online, 8-week sessions.

USG eCampus is a service unit of the University System of Georgia that assists SACSCOC-accredited USG institutions in administering quality, affordable, high-demand, post-secondary online degrees and credentials that address the workplace needs of Georgia and beyond.
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By Austen Clay, anclay@ecampus.usg.edu
Media Contact: Katie Black, kblack@ecampus.usg.edu

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