Financial Technology (Fintech) Degree Program

Augustana University Fintech Program by Pathward™

What can you do with a fintech degree?

A Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in financial technology (Fintech) degree at Augustana University — the Augustana University Fintech Program by Pathward™ — prepares graduates for work at the intersection of finance, technology and data analytics. Students learn how emerging technologies are transforming banking, investing, payments, cybersecurity and financial decision-making in order to better understand risk management, portfolio theory, asset pricing and financial forecasting.

Throughout the courses, students focus on the history, current applications and future trends of fintech by applying a regulatory and ethical framework to financial innovations that ensures data security, integrity and privacy for all stakeholders.
Students learn in the classroom and alongside working professionals through guest lectures, internships and community connections.

Advisory Board

Along with Augustana University’s strategic partner, Pathward™, N.A. (formerly MetaBank, N.A.), Augustana University Fintech Program by Pathward is supported by a corporate team of organizations serving as an advisory board — MarketBeat, The Bancorp, CAPITAL Services, Goal Solutions, PREMIER Bankcard and Central Payments, as well as Pathward.

FINTECH MAJOR

RYDELL SCHOOL OF BUSINESS

FACULTY

VISIT AU

FINANCIAL AID, COSTS & SCHOLARSHIPS

STUDENT SUCCESS

Fintech FAQs

What makes Augustana University’s Fintech Program by Pathward™ unique?

The Augustana University Fintech Program by Pathward™ launched in Fall 2023 — the first program of its kind in the region. The program is designed to prepare students for the intersection of finance, banking, technology, regulation and innovation.

What will students study in the fintech major?

Fintech students take an interdisciplinary mix of accounting, finance, computer science, statistics and economics courses, along with courses created specifically for the Augustana University’s Fintech Program by Pathward™ program. Required fintech courses include Principles of Fintech, Financial Institutions, Banking as a Service, as well as an internship.

Does the fintech program include internship experience?

Yes. The fintech major includes an internship requirement, giving students the opportunity to apply classroom learning in a professional setting. Augustana also highlights career and internship opportunities connected to the financial technology field.

What companies support Augustana’s fintech program?

The Augustana University’s Fintech Program by Pathward™ degree program is supported by an advisory board that includes members from MarketBeat, The Bancorp, CAPITAL Services, Goal Solutions, PREMIER Bankcard and Central Payments. These industry connections help align the program with current financial technology and banking needs.

What careers can fintech students prepare for?

Fintech students prepare for roles connected to financial technology, financial institutions, risk management, compliance, data security, financial forecasting and technology-driven financial services.

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Latest News

Bill and Ellen Rydell Name Augustana School of Business, Bear Mother’s Philanthropic Torch

This year’s Viking Days festivities included a special dedication ceremony for Augustana’s School of Business — now the Rydell School of Business, supported by Bill and Ellen Rydell. The Augustana community celebrated on Thursday, Oct. 3, with a gathering in the Madsen Social Science Center, home of the newly-named school.

Beyond the Books: Finance and Fintech Major Banks on Unique Opportunities Through The Bancorp Internship

Kadin Groen ‘26, of Sioux Falls, is double majoring in finance and fintech — part of the Augustana University Fintech Program by Pathward™. This summer, Groen interned with The Bancorp in Sioux Falls. Because of Groen’s successful internship, he was offered a role at The Bancorp as a product development analyst.

Dr. Roxanne Stevens Named Dean of the Augustana School of Business

Augustana is proud to announce that Dr. Roxanne Stevens has been named the university’s new dean of the School of Business. Stevens began serving in her role in mid-August. Stevens is working on both a short- and long-term plan for the School of Business that includes growth initiatives, community partnerships and student engagement opportunities — such as additional internships, student organizations and honor societies.

Fintech Highlights

Fintech Career Opportunities

An Augustana University Fintech Program by Pathward™ major uses current technology and applies technical skills that are necessary for a career in fintech.

Opportunities for fintech graduates exist in the following career fields, including a(n):

audit & compliance specialist
commercial banker
digital banking specialist
entrepreneur
financial data analyst
fintech consultant
financial systems analyst
investment manager
product manager
risk analyst

Individuals can specialize in a particular field or broaden their skill set by moving between disciplines. Choices include moving into a management role or becoming a subject-matter expert as an individual contributor.

Hands-On Learning & Internships

Students gain experience working with financial software, analytics tools, industry projects and internship opportunities designed to prepare them for rapidly-evolving financial technology careers.

Courses & Organizations

The Augustana University Fintech Program by Pathward™ major is interdisciplinary as students will take accounting, finance, computer science, statistics and economics courses, along with several courses designed specifically for the program.

Students in these fields often participate in:

Augustana Student Association (ASA) as treasurer
Business Club
Call for Code Global Challenge
Computer Science Club
Investment Club
Hult Prize
Sigma Iota Epsilon (SIE), Eta Kappa Chapter
Women in STEM