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Financial technology ("fintech") integrates digital platforms and services into the banking and financial services industries. Fintech bootcamps are compact tech education programs that teach targeted, job-ready skills using compressed timelines. Graduates often qualify for entry-level careers in high-growth areas like financial app development and blockchain development.
A 2022 report from Big Four accounting firm KPMG characterized 2021 as a banner year for fintech growth. According to KPMG, every major global economic region saw surging private equity and venture capital fintech activity in 2021. In total, KPMG tallied a total of $210 billion in fintech investment over the course of the year — a new annual record.
The global fintech industry appears poised to benefit from strong momentum and a massive injection of development capital. Use this online fintech course guide to research and compare learning opportunities in this burgeoning field.
What Is an Online FinTech Bootcamp?
Online fintech bootcamps provide intensive instruction focused on technologies relevant to banking and financial services. Topics include blockchain development, app development, machine learning, and data analysis. Some programs also teach finance essentials.
Bootcamps typically operate on much shorter timelines than associate or bachelor's degrees. Program lengths vary: According to a 2019 RTI Press research report, tech bootcamps average 16.5 weeks in length. Typical full-time programs span 13.1 weeks, while part-time programs run an average of 24.3 weeks.
Educational providers offer in-person and online fintech bootcamps. Online programs generally offer more scheduling flexibility. Some bootcamps combine live lectures and instructional sessions with assignments and activities to complete at your own pace. Others offer fully asynchronous learning, allowing you to engage with course materials around your schedule.
Skills Learned in Online FinTech Courses
Online fintech courses focus on developing technical skills relevant to banking and financial services. Some also instruct students in the fundamentals of finance to build their industry literacy. In general, students can expect to develop the following core skills:
- Financial Libraries and Programming: Fintech bootcamps include instruction in the programming language libraries and modules widely used in financial services and payment processing. Examples include Python, Pandas, SQL, Amazon Web Services, and PyViz. Course content may also cover financial modeling and statistical programming.
- Machine Learning: Machine learning powers a growing suite of intelligent, interactive, and automated fintech processes. Bootcamps equip learners with the tools to develop applications that evaluate credit applications, trade securities, and forecast outcomes. Topics may include algorithmic trading, linear and logistic regression, random forests, deep learning, and k-nearest neighbors.
- Blockchain Development: Many fintech bootcamps feature course sequences dedicated to emerging blockchain applications, including cryptocurrencies. These modules explore concepts like solidity, smart contracts, blockchain transactions, validation processes, distributed ledgers, and consensus algorithms. Students may also explore the technical structures of popular cryptocurrencies like Ethereum and Bitcoin.
- Application Development: Fintech companies and service providers often differentiate themselves with unique mobile apps powered with proprietary technology. Bootcamp programs may cover financial app development as part of their programming coursework. Some bootcamps feature dedicated sessions devoted to developing relevant technical skills.
What Will an Online FinTech Bootcamp Cost?
According to a 2019 RTI Press research report, the median price for technology bootcamps is $11,900. Actual costs vary depending on factors including:
- The provider
- The length and intensity of the program
- The program's delivery format
Tuition may not be your only cost. Other expenses can comprise application fees, prep modules, software, and computer equipment.
The RTI Press study also found that 89% of bootcamp educators offer some form of financial aid. Many also support flexible payment options, which may include:
- Securing a discount for upfront payment
- Installment-based payment plans
- Tuition deferment plans
- Income share agreements
Online fintech courses that offer tuition deferrals and income share agreements enable students to enroll at no upfront cost. Some programs may include job guarantees that only require learners to repay tuition if they secure a relevant job with a salary above a certain threshold.
If you are a veteran or military servicemember, you may also qualify for tuition and cost assistance under the GI Bill®.
Learn how to pay for a coding bootcamp Explore bootcamps with deferred tuition plans How do income-share agreements work? Which bootcamps are GI Bill eligible?
What Jobs Can I Get After Taking FinTech Courses Online?
Like other technology bootcamps, fintech bootcamps are generally designed to develop technical skills that qualify graduates for entry-level jobs. Career tracks with advancement potential may require additional credentials, such as a bachelor's degree or professional certifications.
This section profiles roles financial technology specialists frequently pursue.
Blockchain Developer
This specialized software development role focuses on the blockchain technology that powers money transfers, person-to-person transactions, and cryptocurrencies. Because of ongoing investments in fintech, jobs like blockchain developer are poised to experience strong demand in the coming years.
Financial Analyst
Financial analysts perform detailed evaluations of their employers' finances, spending habits, and investing opportunities. They collect and analyze data, curate information, and examine historical trends to identify both risks and opportunities. Fintech bootcamps equip learners with the skills needed to integrate technological tools into these analytical processes.
Quantitative Analyst
Quantitative analysts focus on using mathematical modeling, statistical modeling, and other forms of data analysis to guide business decisions. Fintech bootcamps offer instruction in tech tools that assist these processes. For job outlook purposes, note that the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics includes quantitative analysts in its category for mathematicians and statisticians.
Data Scientist
Data scientists assemble, arrange, and analyze large quantities of data to uncover trends and insights of value to their employers. Their roles function at the intersection of mathematical analysis and technology. Fintech programs often cover the algorithmic models and tech-powered analysis tools data scientists use.
UX/UI Specialist
User experience (UX) and user interface (UI) specialists apply targeted analytical knowledge to develop user-friendly applications. Many fintech companies develop their own apps, creating job opportunities for UX/UI professionals. Fintech bootcamp students can also enroll in bootcamps focused specifically on UX/UI to develop a deeper knowledge base.
Other Computer Science Education Options
Bootcamps are ideal for learners seeking fast-paced career training. These programs develop useful technical skills, but by definition, they also have a narrow focus. As such, they typically only prepare students for entry-level roles.
To advance in your career, you may need to combine experience with further education. Examples of other educational opportunities in the field include:
Associate Degree in Computer Science
Associate computer science programs generally take two years of full-time study. They offer detailed instruction in foundational topics and build a versatile base for future knowledge and skills development.
Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science
Four-year bachelor's programs cover a breadth of technical topics in greater detail than associate programs. They also offer concentrated learning opportunities through electives and specializations.
Master's Degree in Computer Science
Master's programs usually require 1-3 years of full-time study and facilitate the advanced study of specific technical skills and subjects. Master's program enrollees can use their deep knowledge of targeted topics to qualify for career advancement opportunities.
Ph.D. in Computer Science
Computer science doctorates are ideal for learners with interests in teaching and advanced research. These programs often take 3-5 years of full-time study and are the highest available degree in the field.
Explore Other Bootcamps
Educators offer bootcamp programs in many other targeted areas of technology and computer science. Examples relevant to the fintech industry include cybersecurity, software development, UX/UI development, data science, and data analytics.
Best Online FinTech Bootcamps
Discover popular online fintech bootcamps in the U.S. These intense training programs are designed for individuals without a technical background who want to enter a tech career. Classes are usually held online and require a significant investment of time and money.
Some of these bootcamps are partnered with Trilogy Education Services, a technology education company that offers technical training programs and courses through affiliate universities. Find out more about fintech bootcamps and how they might meet your career goals.
Founded in 1911 by the Methodist Episcopal Church, SMU is a private research university in Dallas, Texas. The institution is known for its liberal arts tradition and ranks among the top 100 universities.
SMU FinTech Bootcamp
SMU Continuing and Professional Education offers a hands-on, virtual bootcamp for aspiring financial technology professionals. The project-based curriculum helps students develop skills in various tools, such as financial libraries, Python programming, Blockchain, and machine learning. Learners also learn to apply these skills in a real-world setting.
The bootcamp, offered in partnership with Trilogy Education Services, features live interactive classes and flexible weekly content that students can fit into their schedules.
- Cost: $13,495
- Format: Online; Part time
- Length: 24 weeks
- CIRR Member: No
Other Courses Offered by Southern Methodist University
Web development bootcamp Data science bootcamp Product management bootcamp
Southern Methodist University’s Job Placement Assistance
SMU Fintech bootcamp includes career services like resume and portfolio reviews, interview prep, and one-on-one coaching to help students find jobs.
Washington D.C.-based George Washington University was formed in 1821 and is a top research university with 14 affiliated schools and colleges.
GW FinTech Bootcamp
GW University College of Professional Studies offers a part-time fintech bootcamp that combines live and self-paced content. This online program includes in-demand financial technology topics like blockchain and cryptocurrency, financial analysis and forecasting, plus popular programming languages.
The bootcamp, offered in partnership with Trilogy Education Services, has a flexible schedule and helps students maintain a work-life balance. Students who complete the program receive a GW non-credit professional certificate.
- Cost: $12,245
- Format: Online; Part time
- Length: 24 weeks
- CIRR Member: No
Other Courses Offered by The George Washington University
Coding bootcamp Cybersecurity bootcamp Data analytics bootcamp
The George Washington University’s Job Placement Assistance
GW bootcamps do not come with a job guarantee. However, students have access to career services that provide resumé and portfolio help, interview preparation, and personalized coaching.
Founded in 1868, UC Berkeley is University of California's first campus and one of the country's top ten universities. UC Berkeley Extension, together with Trilogy Education Services, offers online, technical bootcamps for individuals who want to advance or change careers.
Berkeley FinTech Bootcamp
The multidisciplinary approach of this fintech bootcamp helps students develop proficiency in essential financial concepts and modern tools like Blockchain and machine learning algorithms. Though part-time and virtual, this program is intense and challenging, designed for a headstart in the fintech industry. This is a non-credit professional course that has no technical prerequisites.
Students have to complete an application process that includes critical thinking and problem-solving assessment. The earliest this fintech bootcamp can be completed is 12 weeks.
- Cost: $13,495
- Format: Online; Part-time
- Length: 24 weeks
- CIRR Member: No
Other Courses Offered by University of California, Berkeley
Data science bootcamp Tech project management bootcamp UX/UI bootcamp
UC Berkeley’s Job Placement Assistance
UC Extension bootcamps provide a host of career services to students, including resume and portfolio prep, interview help, and job coaching with a personal mentor.
University of Miami was established in 1925. The private research university with over 19,096 students and 12 schools and colleges.
FinTech Bootcamp
Offered through the University of Miami Herbert Business School, this fintech bootcamp is designed for working professionals seeking to start, change, or elevate a career in financial technology. The part-time Trilogy Education Services program combines synchronous and asynchronous modes of instruction to cover the fintech landscape, the programming and tools to conduct financial analysis, plus machine learning and blockchain.
Although no prior finance or programming experience is required, it is recommended that applicants have a bachelor’s degree. Classes are held virtually on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays.
- Cost: $10,995
- Format: Online; Part time
- Length: 24 weeks
- CIRR Member: No
Other Courses Offered by University of Miami
Coding bootcamp Data analytics bootcamp Data science bootcamp
University of Miami’s Job Placement Assistance
Bootcamp students have access to career services to help prepare them for interviews, provide assistance with resumé and portfolio creation, and offer personalized coaching.
The University of Minnesota is a public research institute with campuses in Twin Cities and Saint Paul. The land-grant university was founded in 1851 and has over 36,209 undergraduate students.
FinTech Bootcamp
The University of Minnesota's College of Continuing and Professional Studies and Trilogy Education Services offer a fintech bootcamp that explores how to automate and improve financial services with modern, cutting-edge technology.
Students gain insight into financial concepts and learn to apply them in real-world projects. Aside from training in key skills like Python programming, machine-learning, blockchain, and financial analysis, learners build a professional portfolio demonstrating their expertise.
Students get on-demand learning assistance through text or video chat and can request help from a personal tutor.
- Cost: $11,245
- Format: Online; Part time
- Length: 24 weeks
- CIRR Member: No
Other Courses Offered by University of Minnesota
Digital marketing bootcamp UX/UI bootcamp Cybersecurity bootcamp
University of Minnesota’s Job Placement Assistance
Bootcamp graduates have access to the 250+ global employer network. The services team helps students build a portfolio and blog, hone their interview skills, and polish their resumés.
Additional bootcamps offered in partnership with Trilogy Education Services
- Arizona State University
- Columbia University in the City of New York
- Northwestern University
- Rice University
- Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey
- University of North Carolina, Charlotte
- University of Washington
Questions About Learning FinTech Online
How do you become a fintech professional?
Because fintech combines finance with technology, job-seekers generally benefit from strong backgrounds in both areas. Targeted education programs such as fintech bootcamps and technology degrees with a finance minor can also help qualify workers for careers in this field.
Can I learn fintech online?
Yes. Multiple educational providers offer fully online fintech bootcamps. These programs run in a variety of modalities: Some programs are self-paced or asynchronous, allowing enrollees to complete coursework around their schedules. Others use live instructional sessions that mimic in-person classes.
Does fintech require coding?
Fintech positions may require coding and programming knowledge, so developing knowledge in these areas can prove beneficial during the job search. Many fintech bootcamps accept learners with no previous coding knowledge or experience, though some may require these students to complete prep courses to bridge their knowledge gaps.
Are online fintech courses worth it?
Rapid growth and strong rates of capital investment continue to define the booming fintech industry. Many fintech career paths offer higher-than-average salaries. Because of the combination of high demand and higher-than-average salaries, online fintech course enrollees may find pursuing a bootcamp offers a positive return on investment.
GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government website at https://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill/.
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