Universities have been helping with blockchain-related research for some time, and now, some of the world's top universities have incorporated the technology into their curricula.
Global adoption of crypto assets has seen a massive uptick in the last year. The total market capitalization of cryptocurrencies has reached $3 trillion, enabling more people, governments and universities to gain a deeper understanding of the asset class.
The presence of cryptocurrencies in the major economies of the world has created a big opportunity for different startups in the industry, resulting in a high demand for crypto assets. This newly born market has helped to develop more job and educational opportunities.
Additionally, some of the world's top universities and educational institutions, including MIT, Oxford, and Harvard, have included this emerging technology in their curricula.
Below are some of the world’s leading universities that have included blockchain-related subjects in their syllabi.
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
When it comes to research, few come close to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). MIT is known for its groundbreaking research and competitive academic programs. Undoubtedly, the institution is a leading university in blockchain technology, taking a research-led approach to the decentralized ecosystem.
The institution has an impressive academic staff, with current SEC Chairman Gary Gensler teaching blockchain courses at the university. On campus, it has one of the oldest Bitcoin (BTC) clubs, called the MIT Bitcoin Club, which is a hub for blockchain discussions at the university.
The university launched the famous MIT Digital Currency Experiment back in 2014 and distributed Bitcoin to students to promote cryptocurrency adoption. The university has begun work on a peer-reviewed journal on blockchain technology, cataloging the growing interest of researchers in the field. True to the spirit of decentralization, the magazine is distributed for free.
Programs offered by the university include:
Blockchain Ethics: Implications and Ethics of Cryptocurrencies and Blockchain Technology
B Digital Frontier: Emerging Blockchain Safe Haven
Shared Public Ledgers: Cryptocurrencies, Blockchains, and Other Wonders
Harvard University
Harvard University is one of the oldest universities in the United States and one of the most prestigious universities in the world. Founded in 1636, the Ivy League school has produced eight U.S. presidents, fourteen Turing Award winners and multiple Nobel Prize winners.
Based on the principles of excellence and innovation, Harvard University has incorporated blockchain education into its curriculum. To start, the university has partnered with Coursera to offer six free courses on cryptocurrencies, covering the basics all the way through to an intermediate level. An introductory online course titled "Breakthrough Innovation in Blockchain Technology" explores the combination of artificial intelligence and blockchain in several industries.
Harvard University also offers a thriving blockchain student community with over 200 members. Weekly "Cryptocurrency 101" discussions are held, and an on-campus incubator allows students to build and scale their cryptocurrency projects.
National University of Singapore
Singapore is one of the leading cryptocurrency hubs in Southeast Asia, and the National University of Singapore (NUS) is at the center of crypto adoption. Founded in 1905, the University's contribution to original research has kept it among the leading universities in the Asian continent.
The university's blockchain program is strongly centered around research and entrepreneurship, with noteworthy publications on leveraging blockchain for decentralized computing and improving distributed consensus and smart contracts. NUS offers in-depth blockchain courses across multiple fields and levels, from beginners to CEOs and middle managers.
The school has programs at both undergraduate and graduate levels and has a vibrant student-led cryptocurrency club. Additionally, these cryptocurrency clubs allow students to learn from their peers and publish papers on the use and future of blockchain technology.
Leading courses within the curriculum include:
Enterprise Blockchain and DLT for Executives
Primer on Blockchain, Digital Currencies, and Distributed Ledgers
Oxford university
The University of Oxford holds the leading position among world universities and holds the record for being the second longest-running university. The UK university is listed as having the largest university press and the largest academic library system, making it stand out among its peers.
When it comes to blockchain, Oxford University is one of Europe's leading centers of learning new technologies, thanks to a large research center. The blockchain research center has produced a string of interesting blockchain papers, with the Oxford-Hainan Blockchain Research Institute recording significant progress.
Oxford Foundry, an entrepreneurial hub at the University of Oxford, has partnered with Ripple to promote blockchain technology more broadly. The university has an advantage with a vibrant student-run community called the Oxford University Blockchain Association. In terms of studies, the university has one of the most comprehensive blockchain studies. Courses include:
Blockchain Software Engineering
Manager's Blockchain
Oxford University Blockchain Strategy Course
Cornell University
Founded in 1865, Cornell University has carved out a space for itself as one of the world's leading research universities. The university is one of the top five schools where graduates go on to doctorates, and with an average annual spend of more than $500 million on research and development, it's easy to see why.
The university boasts an impressive alumni list that includes 33 Rhodes Scholars, 10 CEOs of Fortune 500 companies, and 35 billionaires. Cornell University also offers undergraduate and graduate programs focused on blockchain technology. The level of academic staff is impressive, consisting of Emin Gun Sirer et al, with multiple papers published at blockchain conferences as far back as 2014.
Through the help of the Cornell University Blockchain Club, students have secured positions at leading blockchain companies such as Coinbase and ConsenSys. The club is run by students and has published interesting papers on blockchain technology, as well as hosting a prestigious annual conference with an impressive lineup of speakers from the cryptocurrency ecosystem. Programs offered by the university include:
Cryptocurrencies and Ledgers
Application of blockchain technology
Introduction to Blockchain, Cryptocurrencies and Smart Contracts
Cryptography Essentials
UC Berkeley
Founded in 1868, UC Berkeley is a leading institution for blockchain enthusiasts. The university's diversity is reflected in its 14 faculties and more than 350 degree programs, which it offers to thousands of students.
Research is one of the core reasons why the university is on the list, as it has the longest streak for blockchain research. The Berkeley Haas Blockchain Initiative is a major driver of blockchain research, primarily funded by Ripple Labs. Research grants are offered to students to delve into applications of this nascent technology, with particular inroads in the stablecoin space.
The university also offers a “Professional Certificate Program in Blockchain Fundamentals” through online education platform edX. In terms of courses, UC Berkeley offers students an extensive blockchain curriculum, including:
Lattice: Algorithms, Complexity, and Cryptography
Blockchain, Cryptoeconomics, and the Future of Technology, Business, and Law
Blockchain Basics