Six students became the first to graduate from the University of Utah’s new options to study financial technology (or fintech) earlier this year. Four earned a finance major with a fintech emphasis, and two earned a minor in fintech.
The degree programs were first announced in fall 2022. They are jointly offered by the university’s David Eccles School of Business and the John and Marcia Price College of Engineering. These colleges are working together to provide students with the interdisciplinary experience they need to learn about this quickly growing industry.
“We are excited to offer these degree programs to help students learn about fintech and the intersection of business and technology,” said Rachel Hayes, dean of the David Eccles School of Business. “Salt Lake City has a booming fintech industry, and our students will be ready to enter this career field as soon as they graduate.”
In a related development, the Eccles School and Price College recently announced the University of Utah’s new Stena Center for Financial Technology with the support of the Stena Foundation and a total funding commitment of up to $65 million over the next 10 years. The center is also working with multiple divisions of the university, including its S.J. Quinney College of Law, to engage all types of students.
The addition of the Stena Center on top of the new academic opportunities marks a big step toward the university’s goal to be a national leader in fintech education and research.
“The University of Utah is the place to be if you are interested in fintech,” said Richard Brown, H. E. Thomas Presidential Endowed Dean of the Price College of Engineering. “Our alumni are some of the people who made Utah a leader in financial technology. The joint fintech program gives students even better preparation to contribute in this area. I anticipate continuing growth in student interest from the engineering side as the opportunities in fintech become apparent.”
Donovan Martucci is one of the first students who graduated with a finance degree with a fintech emphasis. He wanted to study fintech to go beyond the buzzword and learn what it is and how he can use it to advance his career and make an impact. He also participated in the new student blockchain club at the university. Martucci is now applying his degree as a financial advisor at Elevated Private Wealth Advisors.
“In my financial career, my goal is to help bridge the gap between traditional finance and innovative technology,” he said. “By integrating contemporary knowledge, I aspire to create accessible and impactful financial experiences for individuals and businesses alike.”
Martucci encouraged other students to explore fintech. “Embrace the fusion of finance and technology,” he said. “Both finance and technology have played integral roles in all of our lives, and their influence is likely to persist indefinitely.”
All students at the University of Utah are welcome to register for fintech academic opportunities. They can choose from electives, the minor, or the finance major with a fintech emphasis. One option is to start with an introductory course then advance to one of the degree options.
Fintech students learn the range of business models and technologies disrupting financial services. They gain advanced knowledge and skills to succeed in the future, build a career, and improve financial accessibility. After graduating, students join a rapidly growing industry, fueled by the rising demand for digital financial services, including mobile banking, e-commerce, and digital wallets.
“We have already seen a lot of interest from students who want to study fintech, and we expect a lot more interest in the future,” said Gene Levinzon, a professor of fintech at the Eccles School. “Our students will be helping to build the future of the financial-services industry that now reaches every part of our lives.”
Learn more about fintech academic options and opportunities at the University of Utah at eccles.utah.edu/fintech.