Add certified experience in blockchain to your list of qualifications through Duke Engineering’s Blockchain Application Certificate. This program is designed to provide a high-quality, university-issued career credential at a breakthrough price in an interactive format. 

This uncredited certificate consists of three courses provided by Coursera that are designed to help learners understand the history and context of the innovation of blockchain, understand how cryptocurrencies work, and learn about the consensus of shared data technology. The benefits of earning a certificate in Blockchain Applications through Coursera are learning a new, in-demand skill and ultimately, receiving an NFT-based certificate to show for it.

The courses in the program include:. 

• Foundations in Blockchain provides insight about the innovation that blockchain brings as a store of value and a tool for a broad range of business applications. 
• Transacting in Blockchain will cover the key elements of blockchain technology and how to apply it across business models. This section also will explain the value of “alternative” stores of value, such as cryptocurrencies. 
• Solving Problems with Blockchain will teach you when and how to use blockchain applications.

Learn why pursuing an education in blockchain with Duke Engineering can help take your career to a new level.

1. Employers Need Blockchain Expertise

There has been a significant increase in the number of job postings that request applicants to know something about blockchain applications. For the past five years (between 2017 and 2021), the blockchain skill has been a niche qualification in the job market, with over 36,000 job postings in the US that listed the blockchain skill as a top qualification. In the past year alone, according to labor market data from Lightcast (formerly Emsi Burning Glass), the number of job postings that include the skill “blockchain” have increased by 280% between June 2021 and May 2022, climbing from 1,642 to 6,252 postings. 

Many professional, scientific and technical careers are beginning to require blockchain application experience. Professions such as software developers, manufacturers and those working in computer operations all rely on blockchain applications to protect data and other private information when sharing it amongst their networks. The median annual salary of careers that require a blockchain qualification is about $120,000/year.

2. Study With Leading Faculty Members

This three-course Blockchain Application Certificate is instructed by Dr. Jimmie Lenz, the Director of both the Master of Engineering in Finance Technology and Master of Engineering in Cybersecurity at Duke University’s Pratt School of Engineering, and currently holds a position on the Board of Directors of the Zen Blockchain Foundation. Dr. Lenz has over 25 years of experience in finance and technology, beginning his career with equity and derivative trading, securing several managerial positions with top broker dealers and becoming the Head of Predictive Analytics for a major US Wealth Management firm.

Those enrolled in the certificate program will receive one-on-one office hours with Dr. Lenz where he will provide extended knowledge and feedback regarding the blockchain courses. Lenz will cover how to create a cryptocurrency wallet, develop a token for blockchain, create “Smart Contracts” and finally, how to create a blockchain application itself.

3. Flexible Program Design

No matter your work, school, or life schedule, the Blockchain Application Certificate through Coursera is designed to be flexible to fit every learners’ needs. Upon enrollment, you will be able to create your own study schedule with the ability to learn at your own pace. The certificate must be completed within 15 months, leaving ample time for you to stop and start lessons when needed.

4. NFT-based Certificate

Non-Fungible Tokens convey ownership of anything that can be represented with data, such as a deed to a home or broadcasting rights to a video. Once you complete the program and the certificate has been earned, you will receive a NFT-based certificate for proof of completion, proving to future employers that you actually completed the program. The NFT certificate will be depicted as a diploma and will be posted on the Open Sea web page under Duke University Certificate Program in Blockchain Applications.  Non-fungible tokens are part of the blockchain, therefore your certification will showcase your familiarity with blockchain systems. 

 5. Scholarship Opportunity for Masters Degree

You may decide that you want to further your education in financial technology after receiving a certificate in Blockchain Applications. Those who have completed the Blockchain Applications Certificate through Coursera are eligible to earn a scholarship that will cover 10% of the cost of Duke University’s Master of Engineering in Finance Technology if they apply and are accepted to the program. Though the Blockchain Applications Certificate is uncredited and will not count towards any credit for the degree program, those who earn the certificate will be prepared to succeed in the Master’s program. 

Enrollment for the Blockchain Applications Certificate Program opens in August 2022 and classes will begin in September. For more information concerning enrollment in the program, please visit coursera.org/certificates/blockchain-duke.