KENNESAW, Ga. |
May 12, 2026
A recognized leader in financial technology education, Kennesaw State University will
be the first Georgia institution to offer both undergraduate and graduate degrees
in the field with approval of a new Bachelor of Science in Financial Technologies.
Approved by the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia on May 12, 2026,
the program will launch in Fall 2026 and will be available in-person on the Kennesaw
Campus as well as online, providing flexibility for students pursuing careers at the
intersection of finance, technology, and data analytics.
Housed in the Michael J. Coles College of Business, the new degree builds on strong student interest in financial technologies, a field commonly known as fintech. Enrollment in fintech-related courses at KSU has more than quadrupled since 2021, and demand continues to grow. In addition to a popular minor in financial technologies, Kennesaw State in 2022 launched Georgia’s first Master of Science in Digital Financial Technologies.
“The Bachelor of Science in Financial Technologies advances a strategic priority identified by the University System of Georgia that is directly aligned with workforce needs,” said Ivan Pulinkala, KSU’s provost and executive vice president for academic affairs. “Fintech continues to emerge as a high‑demand field statewide, and with enrollment in KSU fintech courses growing exponentially in recent years, this program provides a complete undergraduate pathway for students.”
Financial technologies power systems such as digital payments, information security, blockchain, and financial data platforms. Georgia is uniquely positioned in the industry with Atlanta-based firms processing more than 70 percent of all credit and debit card transactions nationwide, earning the nickname “Transaction Alley.” Georgia is home to more than 250 fintech companies and more than 42,000 fintech-related jobs statewide.
Students in the program will complete an interdisciplinary curriculum that integrates
finance, information systems, analytics, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and
business strategy. Graduates will be prepared for roles such as financial analysts,
information security analysts, software developers, compliance officers, and digital
payments specialists.
Experiential learning is a core component of the program. Students will participate
in work-based learning opportunities, capstone projects and client-focused coursework,
collaborating with industry partners including the Ingenico, CDE, TOTVS, and Sapphirus
Systems, among others.
“Georgia’s fintech ecosystem is expanding at a remarkable pace, with hundreds of companies processing billions in transactions and creating thousands of new jobs,” said Robin Cheramie, dean of Kennesaw State’s Michael J. Coles College of Business. “This new bachelor’s degree builds on the success of our master’s program in Digital Financial Technologies and strengthens our ability to meet the growing statewide demand for talent with the technical, analytical, and ethical expertise needed to fuel Transaction Alley and beyond. We are proud to prepare students not just for today’s workforce, but for careers that will continue to evolve across digital payments, AI, cybersecurity, and emerging financial technologies.”
The new degree program aligns with the University System of Georgia’s strategic priorities by supporting student success, economic competitiveness and community impact. Many major-specific courses will utilize open educational resources to help reduce costs for students.
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A leader in innovative teaching and learning, Kennesaw State University offers undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degrees to its more than 51,000 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 ties, and entrepreneurial spirit draw students from throughout the country and the world. Kennesaw State is a Carnegie-designated doctoral research institution (R2), placing it among an elite group of only 8 percent of U.S. colleges and universities with an R1 or R2 status. For more information, visit kennesaw.edu.
