PhD in Financial Technology (FinTech)

Doctor of Philosophy
Photo of student in front of computer screen with a finance and tech graphic overlay

Drive Innovation at the Intersection of Finance and Technology

The future of finance is here and it’s unfolding at an unprecedented pace. In an era marked by rapid technological advancements, the finance industry is undergoing a transformative shift, necessitating a new breed of professionals. Our program is dedicated to cultivating leaders who will pioneer the next wave of innovation in the financial sector.

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Why FinTech? 

The fusion of finance and technology, known as FinTech, represents one of the fastest-growing industry sectors globally. With a market capitalization exceeding $550 billion and more than 272 fintech unicorns, the potential for groundbreaking work in this field is vast. The rise of digital payments, mobile banking, cryptocurrencies, and beyond has reshaped the landscape of financial services, making FinTech an essential area of study and innovation. 

A Multidisciplinary Approach  

WPI’s FinTech PhD program is uniquely positioned to offer a comprehensive, multidisciplinary education that bridges finance, technology, computer science, and ethics. Leveraging the expertise of our distinguished faculty and the resources of our state-of-the-art FinTech Innovation Hub, students engage in cutting-edge research and practical applications of their studies. 
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Curriculum

Curriculum for PhD in Financial Technology (FinTech) 

The FinTech PhD program offers a rigorous curriculum designed to equip students with an in-depth understanding of both the technological and financial aspects of this evolving field. Our program emphasizes: 

Innovative Courses

Covering blockchain technology, Asset Pricing, Price Theory, Econometrics, Macroeconomics, digital payments, AI, and machine learning, our courses are tailored to meet the demands of the FinTech industry.

Interdisciplinary Collaboration with Leading FinTech Companies and WPI’s World-Renowned Faculty:

By working closely with regional FinTech firms and departments across the university, students gain a well-rounded perspective on the technical, regulatory, and business dimensions of FinTech. The collaboration with Worcester Polytechnic Institute's (WPI) world-renowned faculty presents a unique and invaluable opportunity for scholars to engage in cutting-edge research in the field of finance. WPI's faculty are leaders in their disciplines, known for their innovative approaches and contributions to technology and finance. 

 

Collaborating with world-renowned faculty at Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) significantly benefits students, especially in refining their research for publication in top finance journals. Working alongside leading academics offers students unparalleled access to advanced methodologies and insights into the finance field. This mentorship helps students navigate the complexities of research and publication, ensuring their work meets the high standards of prestigious journals. Such collaboration not only boosts students' academic profiles but also contributes valuable insights to the finance community. 

 

The benefits of this scholarly collaboration extend beyond individual achievements, contributing to the broader academic and professional communities by setting new benchmarks in finance research.

Ethical Considerations

Our curriculum incorporates discussions on ethics, data privacy, and financial inclusion to prepare students for the ethical challenges they may face in their careers.

Real-World Impact

Graduates of our program are poised to make significant contributions to the FinTech sector, whether in academia, industry research, or leading their own innovative startups. Our alumni network spans the globe, with members holding pivotal positions in major financial hubs and pioneering the development of new technologies and business models.

Important Dates

Next Start: August 22, 2024 

Application Deadline: Apply by May 1st

FinTech Education at WPI: An Interdisciplinary Approach

Dean Debora Jackson and Professors Kwamie Dunbar, Joseph Sarkis, and Robert Sarnie of the WPI Business School discuss how the university’s cross-disciplinary experiential learning and collaboration make it the ideal place to study FinTech.

Read More in iScience
Preview WPI Business School Dean Debora Jackson stands with the organizers of the FFEA conference.
WPI and FFEA Conference

FinTech for Inclusivity, Growth, and the Future

In partnership with Flame University, Boston Blockchain Association (BBA), and the Massachusetts High Technology Council, the WPI Business School and the Future Finance and Economics Association (FFEA) hosted their inaugural conference in October 2023—the first such FFEA event in the United States.

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WPI & Flame University FinTech Lab

In partnership with Flame University, WPI’s FinTech Lab recognizes the critical role of adept individuals in driving this transformation. By fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, it cultivates a dynamic environment where experts from finance, technology, data science, and entrepreneurship converge to develop cutting-edge solutions.

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Kwamie Dunbar
Kwamie Dunbar
Associate Professor of Finance, The Business School

Dr. Dunbar is currently a tenured Associate Professor of Finance at WPI. In addition to his extensive experience in teaching and research, he has a wealth of industry experience working with several fortune 500 companies in various capacities.

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Joseph Sarkis
Joseph Sarkis
Professor, The Business School

Joseph Sarkis is a Professor of Management within Worcester Polytechnic Institute's Business School. He previously served as a faculty member at Clark University and the University of Texas at Arlington. His teaching and research interests are in the fields of environmental sustainability, operations and supply chain management. He is the author or co-author of over 600 publications. His research is widely cited and earned the designation of highly cited researcher for eight years from 2016-2023 from Thomson-Reuters/Clarivate Analytics (Web-of-Science).

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Rob Sarnie
Rob Sarnie
Professor of Practice, The Business School

Rob joins WPI from Fidelity Investments, where he spent 23 years in the finance industry, holding multiple executive leadership positions including VP of Strategy and Planning, VP Human Resource Systems, and VP Finance, Procurement, and Accounting Systems. Rob also previously held positions in both the public and private sectors for companies in the manufacturing and nonprofit industries.

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