Cryptocurrency Specialists

High School

Cryptocurrency specialists have extensive backgrounds in computer science, so you should take as many programming, software development, and other computer science classes as possible. Some schools even offer classes in artificial intelligence, machine learning, cryptography, computer security, and data analytics. Other important courses include mathematics, business, English, and speech.

Postsecondary Education

Many cryptocurrency specialists have bachelor’s degrees in software development, computer engineering, computer science, information security, web development, artificial intelligence, and related fields. Others enter the field after earning degrees in business, finance, mathematics, business intelligence, and other majors, and then augment their training by taking classes and/or earning certificates in software development, cryptocurrencies, cryptography, or blockchain development.

Colleges and universities such as the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Princeton University, Stanford University, and the University of California at Berkeley have introduced courses in cryptocurrency and blockchain technology. Industry experts predict that traditional colleges will begin offering degrees in these fields in the next five to 10 years.

Blockchain industry groups and vendors such as the Blockchain Training Alliance, Consensys, Ethereum Foundation, BlockApps, and Hyperledger also provide training programs.

Certification

A growing number of colleges, universities, and professional associations offer certificate programs in cryptocurrency, blockchain technology, artificial intelligence, and other emerging fields, as well as in long-popular fields such as software development and computer security. For example, Portland State University offers a business blockchain graduate certificate, and the University of California-Berkeley, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Georgetown University, and Cornell University offer blockchain certificate programs. ACAMS, an international membership organization for anti-financial crime professionals, offers a virtual currency and blockchain certificate to students who complete two interactive, virtual classes; pass a multiple-choice exam; and meet other requirements.

Other Education or Training

Postsecondary institutions, professional associations, and for-profit, online learning providers offer webinars, in-person and online classes, and other educational opportunities that help aspiring or current cryptocurrency specialists learn about new technologies and industry trends, build or expand their skills, and meet other goals. For example, online learning provider Coursera has partnered with Princeton University to offer Bitcoin and Cryptocurrency Technologies, a free class that provides a good introduction to these technologies. Coursera has partnered with other universities to provide additional cryptocurrency-related classes. Visit https://www.coursera.org/courses?query=cryptocurrency for more information. Professional associations such as the American Blockchain & Cryptocurrency Association, IEEE Computer Society, Association for Computing Machinery, and other IT associations also provide professional development opportunities.