Master of Science in Digital Currency and Applied Blockchain Technology (MSDCABT) Program

Program Overview

The main objectives of this program are the training of recent graduates to help them land their first job as entry-level blockchain and crypto analysts and of current professionals looking to transition into this exciting and disruptive industry. 

Problem-based learning is increasingly considered an effective instructional approach to facilitate students’ attainment of the high-level competences and transferable skills increasingly being demanded by industry and the public sector. Through this approach, students will progressively acquire and use a well-integrated and carefully targeted set of skills in Distributed Ledger Technology (bitcoin blockchain and other types of blockchains), cryptocurrency, macro-economic trends, cybersecurity, politics, and geopolitics related to blockchain and cryptocurrencies. The Problem-Based Learning approach is designed to deliver courses in three stages.

In Stage 1, students will learn a basic foundation of blockchain theory and technology. Students will acquire the knowledge necessary to understand any text, report, book, financial product, or project management resource about blockchain technology or cryptocurrencies. 

In Stage 2, students will master specialized skills such as the application of blockchain technology in the world of business, finance, and sustainable systems development. Students will deeply understand the implications of this new technology (highly theoretical) on essential sectors such as finance, banking, commerce, and cybersecurity. They will have the opportunity to demonstrate their skills by solving intermediate-level decision-making challenges. 

In Stage 3, students will apply all their skills to solve professional-level decision-making challenges. Furthermore, the students will apply the knowledge acquired in Stage 1 and 2 in a capstone project to demonstrate how they would incorporate DLT, blockchain and crypto technologies into legacy systems to solve specific business problems.

Program Outcomes

The student learning outcomes are grouped into the categories of analytical, technical, and communication, and there is a substantial intersection between categories. In completing the program, students will:

Analytical Competences

• Analyze the meaning and performances of existing blockchain models and understand their power and limitations.
• Design a project.
• Apply problem-solving strategies to open-ended questions.

Technical Competences

• Build blockchain systems.
• Manage and analyze blockchain and crypto projects.
• Use blockchain technologies to make decisions.
• Create a cryptocurrency and a Non-Fungible-Token (NFT).

Communication Competences

• Create relevant, impactful, and insightful reports for exploration, analysis, and communication.
• Collaborate within and across functional teams.
• Deliver analytic frameworks on DLTs and the validity, social and economic impacts of cryptocurrencies.
• Conduct blockchain and cryptocurrency activities aware of and according to policy, privacy, security and ethical considerations.

Program Summary

The program involves a total of 36 credits, incorporating 10 core courses, a Research Methods course, and a Capstone Project/Dissertation. All students must initiate their studies by completing the foundational course titled Fundamentals of Bitcoin and Blockchain Technology. They must also complete Cryptocurrency and Finance 1 before completing Cryptocurrency and Finance 2. However, to accommodate personalized learning paths, students have the freedom to undertake the remaining courses in their preferred sequence.

The Capstone Project/Dissertation serves as the practical equivalent of a master’s thesis, providing an opportunity to integrate the knowledge acquired throughout the degree program. Consequently, this course is pursued at the end of the program on its own or simultaneously with one other course if desired.

Program Requirements

In order to be eligible for the award of degree, students must:

• successfully complete and pass all core courses (30 credits);
• successfully complete and pass the Research Methods Course (3 credits);
• successfully complete and pass the Capstone/Dissertation project (3 credits);
• maintain acceptable program performance and remaining in good academic standing, which includes maintaining a cumulative GPA of 3.00 or above and no more than 2 “C” grades.
• have no outstanding student disciplinary sanctions or investigations; and
• be in good financial standing.

Course Descriptions

All courses will be offered either 100% online or in hybrid format, depending on the program format that students have selected.

Fundamentals of Bitcoin and Blockchain Technology (MTI-561)
3 credits

This course explores the multiple definitions and uses of bitcoin. It is not only seen as a new form of money but is also considered a better commodity than gold, a new asset class, and a borderless payment system. This course explores the technological features of the bitcoin blockchain. It’s a technical and theoretical course. It will start by explaining where it comes from, which pre-existing technologies were combined and what new technological breakthroughs were created.

We will also study the type of relationship that exists between bitcoin and its blockchain as well as the features that characterize them. Once the basics are assured, we will explore the deeper technological structures of bitcoin´s blockchain (Layer technology, scalability, security, energy consumption, etc.) and the different types of blockchains which are competing.

Blockchain Platforms (MTI-562)
3 credits

This course describes and explains the functioning of blockchains derived from Bitcoin (Ethereum, Cardano, Solana, etc.), their consensus mechanisms, their assets, coins, tokens, and other financial products they develop. It explores the concept of Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT) and its applications in many sectors of the economy. It emphasizes the fact that there are many blockchains in the ecosystem and they have their one characteristics and purpose.

Implications of Blockchain Integration in Value Chains and the Global Economy (MEC-535)
3 credits

This course aims to explore the underlying principles that make blockchain a game-changer in various industries. The course will cover the most promising blockchain applications and the industries it is affecting now and into the future, including finance, healthcare, supply chain management, real estate, and data security. The course will also introduce technologies, concepts and developments related to decentralized autonomous organizations, Layer 2 and Layer 3, and web3.

Bitcoin and Politics (MSS-545)
3 credits

This course explores the political implications caused by the appearance of bitcoin not only in the relations that exist between the state and individuals but also those that are in the field of international relations. This course aims to clarify the relationships that traditionally exist between individuals and centralized institutions and how the emergence of decentralized systems disrupts the status quo.

The course also focuses on the implications that the acceptance of bitcoin as a legal tender in less developed countries can have on financial and social life and how this can affect international relations in the medium to long term and more specifically relations with the USA and the dollar.

Web3: Revolution or Regeneration? (MTI-563)
3 credits

This course considers the behavioral science implications of applying a web3 mindset for addressing societal and business needs as the industry moves toward mass adoption. A web3 mindset focuses on inclusion and equity when building technology products that solve business needs–on top of a blockchain, which is ultimately a ledger. It is forging inclusive and equitable governance models to incentivize both the awareness of the problem (i.e., the revolution) and the sustainable regeneration of the brand-consumer (i.e., societal) relationship to solve problems (i.e., opportunity creation), wherein all share in the benefits as co-collaborators.

Cryptocurrency and Finance 1 (MBU-535)
3 credits

This course explores the transformations that have happened in the banking and financial system since the creation of bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies. Students will study the transformations brought by cryptocurrency disruption and novelty. Nowadays, cryptocurrencies evolve in ecosystems and depend on communities. There are several fundamental differences between traditional finance and crypto, including the core concept of centralization vs. decentralization, which will be explained and explored in this course.

Cryptocurrency and Finance 2 (MBU-536)
3 credits

This course explores the transformations that happened in the banking and financial system since the creation of bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies. This new financial ecosystem is still in its infancy and lacks regulations as it is borderless. Building on the foundational knowledge gained in Cryptocurrency and Finance 1, we will study the implications of such a disrupting technology and explore the latest developments and trends in the world of cryptocurrency, including institutional adoption, regulation, stablecoins, and non-fungible tokens or NFTs.
Prerequisite: Cryptocurrency and Finance 1

Bitcoin Mining and the Global Energy Transition (MTI-665)
3 credits

This course will provide an in-depth analysis of the Bitcoin mining industry from both a technical and macroeconomic perspective. Students will gain a comprehensive understanding of the main technical features and hardware required for Bitcoin mining, as well as an understanding of the history of the industry. From a macroeconomic perspective, the course will explore the impact of Bitcoin mining on the global economy, including its potential for increasing financial inclusion and its role in the energy transition.

Cryptocurrency and Cybersecurity (MTI-666)
3 credits

This course looks at the evolution of cybersecurity and cybercrime in relation to Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT) such as Blockchain and to products and protocols such as Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs), Stablecoins, Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs) and Decentralized Finance (DeFi). The course looks at the history and view of the internet from a cybersecurity and hacking perspective and explores topics such as DLT vulnerabilities, fake trading platforms, malware variations, and money laundering along with governance risk, compliance and data protection.

Cryptocurrencies: Law, Intellectual Property, and Regulation (MLR-521)
3 credits

This course will explore the legal and regulatory framework surrounding cryptocurrencies, with a focus on intellectual property issues. The course will provide students with an in-depth understanding of the legal and regulatory challenges facing the crypto industry, as well as the intellectual property issues involved in the development and commercialization of cryptocurrencies.

Research Methods in Finance and Blockchain Technology (MAF-625)
3 credits

This course is designed to provide students with a comprehensive exploration of both traditional and quantitative methodologies for research in the digital finance and technology fields. Integrating classical research approaches alongside statistical analysis and econometric modeling, students will gain a holistic understanding of how to conduct rigorous research across the finance, technology, and business domains.

Capstone Project (MAF-731)
3 credits

In this course, you will apply the concepts, methodologies, and techniques from previous courses to provide a solution to a real business challenge. This course will allow you to consolidate your analytical skills and competences and gain real experience as an aspiring blockchain expert.