UNF celebrates inaugural fintech master’s program graduating class

The University of North Florida's spring commencement ceremony for graduate students marked a defining milestone for the Coggin College of Business as the inaugural Master of Science in Financial Technology (FinTech) cohort graduated.

For the first graduating cohort, the experience was both rigorous and transformative.

"This program is grounded in real, hands-on experience with the most in-demand skills shaping finance today," Chance Harnage, one of the graduating students, said. "In just a year and a half, it's transformed how I approach technology, data and the financial world. I feel more prepared than ever to step into, and help lead, this fast-evolving, tech-driven industry."

Launched in 2024 to meet the growing demand for professionals who can bridge finance and technology, the 30-credit-hour program was designed for a rapidly changing industry where data, automation and digital systems are reshaping how money moves and markets operate. The interdisciplinary curriculum combines advanced financial theory with hands-on technical training in tools such as Python, SQL, machine learning, financial modeling and blockchain applications, preparing students to operate at the intersection of finance, data science and emerging technologies.

Throughout the program, students explored critical areas driving modern financial innovation, including digital banking systems, algorithmic trading strategies, cybersecurity frameworks, regulatory compliance and the expanding role of artificial intelligence in financial decision-making. Coursework emphasized applied learning, with real-world case studies and project-based assignments that challenged students to solve complex problems faced by today's financial institutions and fintech startups.

"FinTech is not a replacement for finance, but the evolution of it," said Pieter de Jong, FinTech program director and full professor in the Department of Accounting and Finance. "The companies hiring today are looking for professionals who can speak both the language of business and the language of technology. That combination creates tremendous opportunities for UNF students and positions them to lead in an industry that is changing at an incredible pace."

The Jacksonville region is a major hub for financial services and technology innovation, with more than 55,000 people employed in financial services across Northeast Florida. For UNF students, that proximity to a thriving fintech ecosystem that is home to some of the world's largest fintech companies creates opportunities to connect classroom learning with one of the faster-growing sectors in the financial industry.

Housed within the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business-accredited Coggin College of Business, an international designation held by fewer than 6% of business schools worldwide, the program also emphasizes flexibility and accessibility, welcoming students from both business and technical backgrounds.

The FinTech program also reflects a broader shift in how business education is evolving to meet workforce needs. As financial institutions and technology companies continue to converge, demand is rising for professionals who can combine analytical thinking with technical fluency and strategic insight. UNF's program was built with that future in mind, positioning graduates to pursue careers in investment firms, fintech startups, traditional banks, consulting organizations and data-driven financial services companies.

As the first cohort of Master of Science in Fintech graduates moves into the workforce, their achievement marks the beginning of a new pipeline of talent trained specifically for the evolving demands of modern science.

For more information on the Master of Science in Financial Technology program, visit the Coggin College of Business website.