KENNESAW, Ga. | Oct 1, 2024

Since graduating in the spring, the first cohort of students in Kennesaw State University’s Master of Science in Digital Financial Technologies program have been thriving in Atlanta’s rapidly growing fintech sector. As Georgia’s first graduate fintech degree, the online program has opened doors for students seeking career advancement in the digital payments industry.

For graduate Devendar Bukya, the MS-Fintech program has been a game changer. Bukya works as an SAP Finance, Treasury, and Controlling Consultant with The Principal Consulting, and says the MS-Fintech has enhanced how he does his job.

“The skills I gained, particularly in blockchain, AI, and cybersecurity, have allowed me to implement more secure and efficient financial processes within SAP environments,” said Bukya. “This program 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 in transition into a new career. Initially working in healthcare, 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 looked into different industries 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, spearheading finance and accounting technologies projects.

“Every interview I had for product management, people were impressed with this degree,” he said. “They mentioned how people in the industry learn fintech on the job, but we’re learning the technology behind it, which puts us ahead of the game.”

Lopez credits his success securing the internship to the program’s focus on emerging technologies like 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 fintech background.”

In addition to his professional achievements, Lopez is giving back to the KSU community by starting an alumni mentorship program for graduates of the fintech degree.

“I wanted to create a space for alumni to guide new students through the program and offer support as they navigate their careers in fintech,” 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 to meet the needs of this rapidly expanding career path.

Nick Suppiah, interim director of KSU’s fintech programs, said the master’s program leverages its strategic location near Atlanta and its focus on creating career opportunities for students.

“Atlanta is a large hub for financial transactions,” said Suppiah. “This gives our students access to industry leaders and major institutions they wouldn’t have had in another area.”

Suppiah, who has 26 years of experience in the payments industry and worked for Elavon and World Pay in technical data management and regulatory and compliance roles, is focused on expanding the program’s reach further by connecting with more industry players, including recently launching an advisory board of fintech leaders.

Kennesaw State’s MS-Fintech program places a strong emphasis on experiential learning, thanks to partnerships with top-tier financial companies like Truist and FIS Global. These partnerships allow students to work on projects solving real-world challenges while gaining experience with the technologies driving the future of finance.

Reflecting on the program’s impact, Bukya highlighted its ability to bridge theoretical knowledge with practical application.

"The program’s focus on emerging technologies and real-world problem-solving ensures that graduates are not just well-informed but also adaptable and capable of leading in the rapidly evolving digital finance landscape," he said.

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 through its graduates.

– Story by Daijah Sims

A leader in innovative teaching and learning, Kennesaw State University offers undergraduate, graduate and doctoral degrees to its more than 47,000 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 7 percent of U.S. colleges and universities with an R1 or R2 status. For more information, visit kennesaw.edu.