Top Universities Offering Blockchain Education Programs
Cryptography has been a major part of computer science. Therefore, universities worldwide have integrated it into their academic programs. With Bitcoin’s creation in 2008, cryptography has gained new meaning. New use cases and research areas appeared.
A growing number of universities started to expand their programs and adjust to the technology developments. Now, many of them offer programs for blockchain, digital currencies, and crypto application development. These include four-year degree education, as well as certificate programs, workshops, online courses, and more.
Read on to find out which popular universities offer blockchain education programs.
1. University of Nicosia
University of Nicosia. Source: www.unic.ac.cy
The largest university in Cyprus, the University of Nicosia (UNIC) is one of the leaders in academic blockchain education. It was the first university in the world to offer students a Master's degree in Blockchain and Digital Currency. The institution’s current blockchain programs include a Master of Science in Metaverse, a Master of Science in Computer Science – Blockchain Concentration, professional training, free online courses, academic certification programs, and more.
2. National University of Kyiv-Mohyla Academy
Kyiv-Mohyla Academy. Source: www.ukma.edu.ua
For those looking for university-level crypto education programs in Ukraine, the Kyiv-Mohyla Academy (NaUKMA) offers various courses, masterclasses, and guest lectures. Students can learn how to program smart contracts and create blockchain products and services. In 2022, the NaUKMA signed a memorandum with WhiteBit, a top European crypto exchange to work together on educational programs, and the development of blockchain technologies in Ukraine.
3. Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Source: www.news.mit.edu
The renowned university has been active in blockchain research and educational programs. In 2015, it established the Digital Currency Initiative. MIT’s blockchain courses include “Blockchain and Money,” “Blockchain: Disruptive Technology,” “Blockchain Ethics,” and more. Free MIT lectures are available online. One of the most popular ones is “Blockchain and Money, 2018,” taught by MIT professor and current head of the SEC, Gary Gensler. You can find the course comprising 23 lectures on YouTube.
4. ETH Zurich
ETH Zurich. Source: www.ethz.ch
ETH may seem to have a connection with Ethereum, but it doesn’t. The 169-year-old university was founded more than a century before Ethereum. The letters “ETH” stand for the German “Eidgenössische Technische Hochschule Zürich”, which translates directly to Federal Institute of Technology Zurich. The Swiss institution offers educational programs in blockchain, covering the basics of the industry and technically advanced topics. The Blockchain Initiative at ETH Zurich introduces research and educational programs in blockchain technology. Courses such as “Decentralized Finance and the Future of Money,” and “From Traffic Modeling to Smart Cities and Digital Democracies,” are among the offerings at this university.
5. Cornell University
Cornell University. Source: www.cornell.edu
One of the top universities in the US, Cornell has developed blockchain education programs as well. In 2017, the institution established the Cornell Blockchain Club for research and education purposes. Among the courses offered by the university are “Blockchain Essentials” and “Introduction to Solidity Smart Contract Language.” Cornell also hosts an annual blockchain conference in New York, bringing together professors, students, and blockchain founders.
6. National University of Singapore
National University of Singapore. Source: www.news.nus.edu
At the National University of Singapore (NUS), students can earn a Master’s degree in blockchain, with two main streams available: technical development and business management. The crypto programs offered by NUS are designed to meet the needs of everyone, from undergraduates to working professionals. The university collaborates with blockchain companies for extensive research and education initiatives. In January 2024, it received a $1 million grant from Ripple for fintech education. Earlier, in 2022, NUS was awarded a $20 million grant from the Klaytn to establish a Blockchain Research Center.
7. University of Cambridge
University of Cambridge. Source www.cam.ac.uk
The elite British university stays on trend. The Cambridge Center for Alternative Finance (CCAF) has been studying various aspects of fintech and blockchain technology since 2015. Cambridge offers blockchain courses such as “Distributed Ledger Technologies: Foundations and Applications,” along with online lectures and training programs. Another initiative by the university is the Cambridge Blockchain Society (CBS), which organizes hackathons for students, events, and networking opportunities.
Bottom Line
There are many great courses offered by universities around the world. For anyone who wants to earn a degree in computer science with a focus on blockchain, or simply improve their knowledge and skills, the possibilities are endless. The blockchain industry is changing rapidly, and regardless of the learning method you choose, self-education remains key.
Anahit Avetisyan
Author
Web3 writer and crypto HODLer with a keen interest in market trends and recent technologies.
