Best Masters to specialize in Crypto/Bitcoin/Blockchain?

[mtwelve]

I ALREADY know someone will say to "do it yourself", and I get the sentiment, but am primarily getting for employers - not for myself.

Personally I want to have a masters as well - as I feel my economics degree is not enough.

Basically I want to focus on the nontechnical side of cryptocurrency - so applications of blockchain, Fintech, token economics, economic policy even.

I know Bitcoin is inherently a cryptographic application and it's pretty technical so I'll likely have to learn a little bit, but economics is where my interest lies.

There's a few degrees out there and I've honestly only taken a look at two:

1. UNIC's Master program
2. This South Korean One - http://www.assist.ac.kr/MBA/Digital/curriculum_introduction.php

The reasoning behind the first one is simply the speakers there, namely Andreas.

Reasoning behind the second is a bit more deep:

- I've been studying Korean for a while now, so I think it's best to play to strengths.
- I'm bullish on Korea. I see Korea becoming a hub for crypto - just see what they're doing with Moon's Digital New Deal plans.

Again, I know the view on academic degrees in the community is not good but EVENTUALLY there will be a need for academia in Bitcoin - so please look past that stigma if you can

Thanks in advance

[mtwelve]

Anyone?

[mk4]

Probably most of the builders and investors in cryptocurrency-related businesses and platforms mostly have one thing in common — an entrepreneurial background; so probably an entrepreneurship course? Can't say for sure though as I haven't taken such course.

Even if you don't want to focus on the nontechnical side though, getting the technical basics will definitely benefit A LOT. I personally put myself in this category too(with more focus on the economic/business side), and not like super technically inclined like some of the people here; but I think I know enough of the technicals to explain things to the laypeople.

Also, not economics in general, but probably also look into Austrian economics. Check out Mises: https://mises.org/

[jackg]

I'd have no idea what to expect when applying for one of these jobs, I've seen @welsh giving information on some jobs like with blockchain explorers so it might be an idea to hit him up (I think it was him anyway).


Continental Europe (the part of Europe that doesn't have the UK) is probably a good place to look as well as South Korea and Japan if you want a masters in a blockchain application project. If it's Andreas Antopolopos I'm not sure how much he knows technically (could be completely wrong) but if you're interested in applications you could check innovative chains like ethereum to see if they have anyone interesting (on their github who also teaches) ...


If there are companies you don't like also they might be good to contact and ask for a recommendation as what they'd expect (like some banks or medical firms) because their information may be valuable and you don't have to deal with them again unless they ask you to and you think it looks like a good option.

Or you could talk to companies you do like since their hr probably changes every so often anyway... And instead of going down thst way you could see if they have anything in asset management or similar and try to work your way across.

In an innovative secrot I don't think you can get a job without talking to those hiring for what they'd be interested in. A lot of people hire based on very specific skills and an ability to mould people to what they'd like them to focus on.

[mtwelve]

Probably most of the builders and investors in cryptocurrency-related businesses and platforms mostly have one thing in common — an entrepreneurial background; so probably an entrepreneurship course? Can't say for sure though as I haven't taken such course.

Even if you don't want to focus on the nontechnical side though, getting the technical basics will definitely benefit A LOT. I personally put myself in this category too(with more focus on the economic/business side), and not like super technically inclined like some of the people here; but I think I know enough of the technicals to explain things to the laypeople.

Also, not economics in general, but probably also look into Austrian economics. Check out Mises: https://mises.org/

I'm fairly entrepreneurial don't worry - I've been doing side hustles since high school.

And yeah, I know the basics as well. I wrote for news outlets for years - explaining things in layman terms was like 95% my job LOL. I'm working on doing a bootcamp of some kind just so I can get into more technical writing.

Ah Austrian economics - thanks for the link.

I'd have no idea what to expect when applying for one of these jobs, I've seen @welsh giving information on some jobs like with blockchain explorers so it might be an idea to hit him up (I think it was him anyway).


Continental Europe (the part of Europe that doesn't have the UK) is probably a good place to look as well as South Korea and Japan if you want a masters in a blockchain application project. If it's Andreas Antopolopos I'm not sure how much he knows technically (could be completely wrong) but if you're interested in applications you could check innovative chains like ethereum to see if they have anyone interesting (on their github who also teaches) ...


If there are companies you don't like also they might be good to contact and ask for a recommendation as what they'd expect (like some banks or medical firms) because their information may be valuable and you don't have to deal with them again unless they ask you to and you think it looks like a good option.

Or you could talk to companies you do like since their hr probably changes every so often anyway... And instead of going down thst way you could see if they have anything in asset management or similar and try to work your way across.

In an innovative secrot I don't think you can get a job without talking to those hiring for what they'd be interested in. A lot of people hire based on very specific skills and an ability to mould people to what they'd like them to focus on.

I'll have to find this @welsh character you speak of.

And yeah, I literally talked about South Korea in the OP. Thanks for the other places - specifically continental Europe.

Asking HR is good too.

Thanks

[davis196]

So you want a Masters degree at Crypto/Blockchain?What's the point?To me,having practical experience is way better than having a diploma.
In the country where I live (in the EU),there's no such thing as a Masters program for Blockchain technology.The universities simply don't care about this technology.
If you ever apply at some cryptocurrency company,the boss won't ask you about a Masters degree in Blockchain technology.

[pakhitheboss]

I did some research on Google and found few universities that are offering nontechnical courses in Blockchain tech and crypto. You can read more about those courses here.

Out of the list, I found that M.Sc in Digital Currency from the University of Nicosia is highly recommended, it is an online course and you can find out more details about it here

[Ucy]

The reasoning behind the first one is simply the speakers there, namely Andreas.

Is that Andreas Antonopoulos?

Basically I want to focus on the nontechnical side of cryptocurrency - so applications of blockchain, Fintech, token economics, economic policy even.

Well, I thought a more proper and general crypto course schools should develop/adopt for Crypto related topics would be something like "Cryptocurrency and decentralized technology". This should cover more advanced cryptocurrencies in the future. Crypto is not just about Blockchain

[CryptoSites]

Pick a degree that would otherwise interest you and make blockchain your chosen industry.

Get a traditional finance or econ degree and go into fintech. Watch which banks get the new OCC charters and apply to work there.

Get a law degree or your CPA and focus on blockchain/digital asset issues. All the big 4 and most top law firms have groups that focus on blockchain. Top specialties would be securities, banking, tax, and contract litigation.

[mtwelve]

So you want a Masters degree at Crypto/Blockchain?What's the point?To me,having practical experience is way better than having a diploma.
In the country where I live (in the EU),there's no such thing as a Masters program for Blockchain technology.The universities simply don't care about this technology.
If you ever apply at some cryptocurrency company,the boss won't ask you about a Masters degree in Blockchain technology.

Did... you even... read the first line of my OP?

The degree isn't for me, it's more for employers. And not employers in crypto - ones in traditional industries.

The reasoning behind the first one is simply the speakers there, namely Andreas.

Is that Andreas Antonopoulos?

yes

[Haunebu]

There are just a couple of options available at the moment op since Masters in cryptocurrencies is not really sought after currently since BTC and crypto have not gone mainstream yet.

I did find the following options though apart from the ones you already talked about:

- University of Cumberlands in Kentucky offers a Masters in blockchain tech which is a first in the USA

- Studying CS in Cornell University will help you gain knowledge regarding blockchain tech thanks to popular crypto professors there

[buwaytress]

The UNIC one, really. Don't look any further, at least not until one of the other Top 200 unis (or whatever QE similar list you might want to believe in) completes a full curriculum (some Ivy Leagues offer a course or two but none a full programme). I've had contact with the people from there too and they're proper =)

Those employers already in blockchain already view UNIC as legitimate and, as far as educators go, there aren't any better than Antonoupoulos. They also have a sample course you can start for free already to get a taste of what it's like. UNIC isn't a ranked place, but their MSc is and will be the benchmark for many years to come.

Personally, I've despised the way employers still insist on ranked accreditations, and I'm en route to completing a Master's just to get better job prospects, reluctantly paying a lot of money to get a degree from a "ranked" place... so I know where you're coming from and why the need to get something that employers will look at.

It's one thing to fight the system, but we all gotta eat. Good luck!

[jerrison]

I ALREADY know someone will say to "do it yourself", and I get the sentiment, but am primarily getting for employers - not for myself.

Personally I want to have a masters as well - as I feel my economics degree is not enough.

Basically I want to focus on the nontechnical side of cryptocurrency - so applications of blockchain, Fintech, token economics, economic policy even.

I know Bitcoin is inherently a cryptographic application and it's pretty technical so I'll likely have to learn a little bit, but economics is where my interest lies.

There's a few degrees out there and I've honestly only taken a look at two:

1. UNIC's Master program
2. This South Korean One - http://www.assist.ac.kr/MBA/Digital/curriculum_introduction.php

The reasoning behind the first one is simply the speakers there, namely Andreas.

Reasoning behind the second is a bit more deep:

- I've been studying Korean for a while now, so I think it's best to play to strengths.
- I'm bullish on Korea. I see Korea becoming a hub for crypto - just see what they're doing with Moon's Digital New Deal plans.

Again, I know the view on academic degrees in the community is not good but EVENTUALLY there will be a need for academia in Bitcoin - so please look past that stigma if you can

Thanks in advance

i am so glad i am seeing someone that has similar view with me on this. I have been looking at acquisition of skills set in the said tech area but more considered is a degree. Though it is not a regualr thing but then in its scarcity comes the glory of it. It might take me a timeframe to get on and  through it but I will definitely visit it.

[verita1]

I agree with Haunebu, Cornell University has earned the recognition of being the best in crypto education in the world.
You have made the right decision the future of the crypto space is finance.
I am coincidentally following the Avalanche project led by a Cornell professor Emin Gün Sirer.

I share these links. I hope they are useful.

https://cornellblockchain.org/

https://www.ecornell.com/certificates/technology/blockchain-essentials/

https://www.cs.cornell.edu/information/news/newsitem10429/cornell-blockchain-conference-future-and-potential-cryptocurrencies

Emin Gür Sirer.
https://twitter.com/el33th4xor/

[mtwelve]

The UNIC one, really. Don't look any further, at least not until one of the other Top 200 unis (or whatever QE similar list you might want to believe in) completes a full curriculum (some Ivy Leagues offer a course or two but none a full programme). I've had contact with the people from there too and they're proper =)

Those employers already in blockchain already view UNIC as legitimate and, as far as educators go, there aren't any better than Antonoupoulos. They also have a sample course you can start for free already to get a taste of what it's like. UNIC isn't a ranked place, but their MSc is and will be the benchmark for many years to come.

Personally, I've despised the way employers still insist on ranked accreditations, and I'm en route to completing a Master's just to get better job prospects, reluctantly paying a lot of money to get a degree from a "ranked" place... so I know where you're coming from and why the need to get something that employers will look at.

It's one thing to fight the system, but we all gotta eat. Good luck!

This is funny. I have someone that's messaged me privately and has asked to remain confidential telling me the exact opposite.

I like UNIC as it has  the first mover's advantage so I resonate with your thinking that it will be the standard which others are compared to simply because it was the first in the space.

I also think people are understating the fact that Andreas is one of the speakers - that alone would be resume worthy.

Indeed we do all gotta eat.

I do want to remain in Korea likely - if you read what they're doing with the Digital New Deal, you'd understand why.

The one from Kentucky is a contender I did see but it's a bit expensive and not well recognized me thinks.

Perhaps I'll go onto LinkedIn and talk to UNIC alumni.

[thesmallgod]

I do not know maybe you are looking at the prospect of getting a job in this field but if you want to be an entrepreneur maybe it is a good one for you. I have seen so many schools especially in Europes offering funding and scholarships on combine blockchain and artificial intelligence and I see alot of future prospects in this. With the growing adoption of the technology in banking and other financial institution, having such masters degree might give you and edge in getting your dream job so it is a yes for me

[buwaytress]

This is funny. I have someone that's messaged me privately and has asked to remain confidential telling me the exact opposite.

I like UNIC as it has  the first mover's advantage so I resonate with your thinking that it will be the standard which others are compared to simply because it was the first in the space.

I also think people are understating the fact that Andreas is one of the speakers - that alone would be resume worthy.

Indeed we do all gotta eat.

I do want to remain in Korea likely - if you read what they're doing with the Digital New Deal, you'd understand why.

The one from Kentucky is a contender I did see but it's a bit expensive and not well recognized me thinks.

Perhaps I'll go onto LinkedIn and talk to UNIC alumni.

Hmm, that is funny indeed that he would PM you instead of saying things out in the open. I can't think of why anyone wouldn't want to share actual experience if it would help others, now I'm curious to what they said to you!

I actually haven't spoken to any alumni, but the people working at UNIC. This was in 2018 though, so yeah, you'd definitely be better off speaking to former students AND one or two people from the faculty itself.

They're definitely understating the Andreas factor. I'm not just a fanboy, I happened onto him after spending a lot of time looking for good educators (and I found a lot!). Respectfully, many are decent, some are very good but Andreas is unique in that he actually speaks without agenda/motivation, other than to further Bitcoin, at least IMO. It's like having some of the forum stalwarts here who quietly go about their business teaching and educating.

Anyway, yes, I hope you make the decision -- myself, I also have to complete a degree next year (delayed by Covid) and I was definitely considering another to complement it and UNIC was and still likely is my eventual aim.

P.S. I don't know much about the RoK situation except from what I read in the news, but my partner works in the other world of traditional finance and they seem to get conflicting views about how the goverment seems to be treating blockchain businesses, or crypto in any case.

Good luck!

[YuginKadoya]

I do not know maybe you are looking at the prospect of getting a job in this field but if you want to be an entrepreneur maybe it is a good one for you. I have seen so many schools especially in Europes offering funding and scholarships on combine blockchain and artificial intelligence and I see alot of future prospects in this. With the growing adoption of the technology in banking and other financial institution, having such masters degree might give you and edge in getting your dream job so it is a yes for me

And now that we are in a highly recommended. do it online thing because of the situations with the pandemic I think it is really a good time in learning technical and even non technical when it come to blockchain and even the stock markets in some reason, I can think of a situation where people would adopt cryptocurrency even the basic stuff and people are not really job hunting right now but searching for better way to earn or an easy way to switching up from their normal job to looking on the market of cryptocurrency.

[conhela]

So you want a Masters degree at Crypto/Blockchain?What's the point?To me,having practical experience is way better than having a diploma.
In the country where I live (in the EU),there's no such thing as a Masters program for Blockchain technology.The universities simply don't care about this technology.
If you ever apply at some cryptocurrency company,the boss won't ask you about a Masters degree in Blockchain technology.

Yeah, practical experience extends far beyond what any diploma will do, specially on a emerging industry like blockchain. I think programmers have an easier time, there's a BIG need for programmers in solidity in the space. Check projects based on ETH, RSK and maybe even EOS

[mtwelve]

This is funny. I have someone that's messaged me privately and has asked to remain confidential telling me the exact opposite.

I like UNIC as it has  the first mover's advantage so I resonate with your thinking that it will be the standard which others are compared to simply because it was the first in the space.

I also think people are understating the fact that Andreas is one of the speakers - that alone would be resume worthy.

Indeed we do all gotta eat.

I do want to remain in Korea likely - if you read what they're doing with the Digital New Deal, you'd understand why.

The one from Kentucky is a contender I did see but it's a bit expensive and not well recognized me thinks.

Perhaps I'll go onto LinkedIn and talk to UNIC alumni.

Hmm, that is funny indeed that he would PM you instead of saying things out in the open. I can't think of why anyone wouldn't want to share actual experience if it would help others, now I'm curious to what they said to you!

I actually haven't spoken to any alumni, but the people working at UNIC. This was in 2018 though, so yeah, you'd definitely be better off speaking to former students AND one or two people from the faculty itself.

They're definitely understating the Andreas factor. I'm not just a fanboy, I happened onto him after spending a lot of time looking for good educators (and I found a lot!). Respectfully, many are decent, some are very good but Andreas is unique in that he actually speaks without agenda/motivation, other than to further Bitcoin, at least IMO. It's like having some of the forum stalwarts here who quietly go about their business teaching and educating.

Anyway, yes, I hope you make the decision -- myself, I also have to complete a degree next year (delayed by Covid) and I was definitely considering another to complement it and UNIC was and still likely is my eventual aim.

P.S. I don't know much about the RoK situation except from what I read in the news, but my partner works in the other world of traditional finance and they seem to get conflicting views about how the goverment seems to be treating blockchain businesses, or crypto in any case.

Good luck!

Thank you for an answer that actually provided value and wasn't some fluff for a sig campaign lol.

You can take a look at what they're doing with the digital new deal - they've specifically said they plan to use blockchain for real estate transactions, governance, etc. It's INSANE (official PR from their ministry of finance).

On the other hand the tax on crypto gains is ridiculous so yeah... very conflicting.

I'm doing more research regarding UNIC. Basically the guy (who also was a legendary member, so give him some credit) said he was former student, and saw that interns and TA's were creating most other material, and doing most of the vetting and not much academic work was being done at the university.

Which is horrific to hear. Granted this is one student's experience, and could most definitely be falsified but I'll give him the benefit of the doubt.

I'm still looking, and if honestly nothing is better, either I'll land a full time job somewhere in crypto and get the "personal development" paid or get this masters in the next few years or so (i haven't even graduated college yet so still some time).