Program Overview

Introduction to Blockchain Technology Program

The growing interest in blockchain technology, with bitcoin valuation exceeding $11,000 and the development of new applications, has led to a demand for experts in this field. Students who can fulfill this demand will provide real value as industries and enterprises develop more applications for the technology.

Program Overview

The program provides students with a multidisciplinary understanding of blockchain technology, considering underlying ethical issues. Students create their own innovative applications and develop fully functional distributed crypto-ledgers, demonstrating broad applications of the technology.

Course Details

• The spring 2018 pilot class wrote a blockchain textbook, a first of its kind, with the working title "Blockchain: Technology, Application & Societal Implications."
• Each of the 30+ students in the class researched and wrote at least one section of the book.
• The book aims to educate readers to:
  • Recognize when a blockchain-based investment opportunity is a scam or based on an unsound technical footing
  • Identify situations where blockchain might be a good candidate for solving a problem in business, science, or any other domain
  • Make recommendations for choosing among different implementation strategies
  • Articulate the environmental, social, ethical, political, and economic ramifications of using blockchain in any particular context

Program Goals

The program aims to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of blockchain technology, enabling them to develop innovative applications and contribute to the growing demand for experts in this field.