KENNESAW, GA | October 1, 2024
Since graduating this spring, the first cohort of students in Kennesaw State University’s Master of Science in Digital Financial Technology program have thrived in Atlanta’s rapidly growing fintech sector. As Georgia’s first financial technology graduate degree, the online program has opened doors for students looking to advance their careers in the digital payments industry.
For graduate Devendar Bukya, the MS-Fintech program was a game-changer. Bukya works as an SAP consultant in finance, treasury and control at The Principal Consulting and says MS-Fintech has improved the way he does his work.
“The skills I learned, including blockchain, AI and cybersecurity, have enabled me to implement more secure and efficient financial processes within SAP environments,” said Bukya. “This program has positioned me at the forefront of digital transformation in finance.”
Another Class of 2024 graduate, Didier Lopez, found the MS-Fintech program instrumental in helping him transition to a new career. Initially working in the healthcare industry, Lopez pivoted to fintech after moving to Georgia and discovering Kennesaw State’s program.
“I worked as an ophthalmology technician for seven years, but after the pandemic, I wanted to change careers,” Lopez explained. “I studied different sectors and came across fintech. I applied for the program and started in July 2022.”
Since completing the program, Lopez has landed an internship as a technical product manager at Acuity Brands, leading financial technology and accounting projects.
“Every interview I had for product management, people were impressed by this degree,” he said. “They mentioned how people in the industry learn fintech on the job, but we learn the technology behind it, which gives us a head start.”
Lopez attributes her success in securing the internship to the program’s focus on emerging technologies such as digital payment systems and blockchain.
“The reason I got this internship, especially in the finance and accounting department, was because of this master’s program,” he said. “They loved that I had a financial technology background.”
In addition to her professional accomplishments, Lopez gives back to the KSU community by launching a mentoring program for graduates of the financial technology degree.
“I wanted to create a space for alumni to guide new students through the program and provide support throughout their fintech careers,” Lopez said.
Kennesaw State’s MS-Fintech program is becoming a vital resource for Georgia’s growing digital payments industry. The program’s flexible online format is designed to help students – including working professionals – gain the knowledge and skills needed to meet the needs of this expanding career path.
Nick Suppiah, interim director of KSU’s fintech programs, said the master’s program takes advantage of its strategic location near Atlanta and emphasis on creating career opportunities for students.
“Atlanta is a major hub for financial transactions,” Suppiah said. “This gives our students access to industry leaders and major institutions that they would not have had in another field.”
Suppiah is working to further expand the program’s reach by connecting with more industry players, including recently launching an advisory board comprised of fintech leaders.
Kennesaw State’s MS-Fintech program places a strong emphasis on experiential learning, through partnerships with leading financial companies like Truist and FIS Global. These partnerships allow students to work on projects solving real-world challenges while gaining experience with technologies that will shape the future of finance.
Reflecting on the impact of the program, Bukya highlighted its ability to connect theoretical knowledge with practical application.
“The program’s focus on emerging technologies and real-world problem solving ensures that graduates are not only knowledgeable, but also adaptable and capable of leading in the rapidly evolving digital finance landscape,” said he declared.
With strong industry connections, innovative learning opportunities, and a growing network of alumni like Bukya and Lopez providing mentorship, Kennesaw State University’s Master of Science in Digital Financial Technologies program is shaping the future of finance thanks to its graduates.
– Story by Daijah Sims
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A leader in innovative teaching and learning, Kennesaw State University offers undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degrees to its more than 45,000 students. Kennesaw State is a member of the University System of Georgia with 11 academic colleges. The university’s vibrant campus culture, diverse population, strong global connections and entrepreneurial spirit attract students from across the country and the world. Kennesaw State is a Carnegie-designated doctoral research institution (R2), placing it among an elite group of only 7 percent of U.S. colleges and universities with R1 or R2 status. For more information, visit kennesaw.edu.