Students’ interest in crypto and blockchain increases as more Universities offer crypto-courses
With the rise in interest towards cryptocurrencies, many ivy-league schools are adding more courses for a deeper understanding on crypto and blockchain. In 2018, Stanford topped the list of universities that deliver courses associated with cryptocurrency and blockchain. Currently, Cornell University took the lead, by providing up to 14 crypto-related courses; the previous year the University had offered 9 courses.
Source: Coinbase
As cryptocurrencies gain attention across the globe, major European universities joined the growing trend of educating students about the technology. International schools, including École Polytechnique Federale of Lausanne [EPFL] in Switzerland and the University of Copenhagen in Denmark were added to the list.
Source: Coinbase
Another reason contributing to the steady growth in education on Blockchain and crypto can be attributed to the students’ views and experience of the economy. Two-thirds of students labeled the existing financial model as unstable, inefficient and unequal, according to a survey conducted by Coinbase involving 735 U.S. students.
Source: Coinbase
The study shows that over the past year, twice as many students have reported having taken a crypto course.
Source: Coinbase
In 2018, only 42% of the universities offered at least one course either on cryptocurrency or blockchain. With the rise in adoption rate, the courses being offered by universities also boomed and currently, 56% of the universities offer crypto and blockchain-related courses.
Furthermore, the report shared that majority of universities are offering crypto and blockchain courses across various disciplines, such as, law, business economics, humanities and mathematics streams; as expected computer science students seem more inclined towards crypto-related course offerings.
Talking about students’ interest, Cesare Fracassi, Computer Science professor leading the Blockchain Initiative at the University of Texas stated,
“Definitely, some of the students interested in this topic are ones who feel mistrustful of the current banking system. So they want to create an alternative system where the decision-making process isn’t centralized. Those are the more idealistic ones. Others are maybe a little more pragmatic, and interested in ways this technology can be used to improve companies’ performance and efficiency.”
As the digital currency and blockchain systems are getting upgraded, it can be affirmed that the next wave of digital future will disrupt the existing model in the offing.
Joseph Ferrera, Cornell blockchain club co-founder said,
“There’s a lot of power for students to enter this industry and help take control of it. If you go to a big bank or a well-established consulting firm, you kind of know what you’re going to get. With crypto you get to shape the field and become a leader.”
