5 free online blockchain courses provided by reputable institutions
Blockchain and cryptocurrency technologies are growing exponentially and becoming widely adopted, and as such, there are amazing career opportunities for those who take the time to become experts in this space. Thankfully, this doesn’t have to cost you an arm and a leg, as there are many high-quality courses out there that can be taken for free, all offered by reputable institutions. Below are some of the great free offerings available to help you become an expert in no time!
1. Blockchain and Money
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Open Courseware
Course Description
This course is for students wishing to explore blockchain technology's potential use—by entrepreneurs and incumbents—to change the world of money and finance. The course begins with a review of Bitcoin and an understanding of the commercial, technical, and public policy fundamentals of blockchain technology, distributed ledgers, and smart contracts. The class then continues on to current and potential blockchain applications in the financial sector.
2. Blockchain Technology
Berkley University of California via edX
Course Description
Developed by Blockchain at Berkeley and faculty from UC Berkeley's premier Computer Science department, this course provides a wide overview of many of the topics relating to and building upon the foundation of Bitcoin and blockchain technology.
Note: Although the course itself is free, you can add a verified certificate for $100 USD.
3. Smart Contracts
University at Buffalo – Via Coursera
Part of Blockchain Specialization
Course Description
This course will help you design, code, deploy and execute a smart contract – the computational element of the blockchain technology. Smart contracts allow for implementing user-defined operations of arbitrary complexity that are not possible through plain cryptocurrency protocols. They allow users to implement conditions, rules and policies of the domain applications. Smart contracts are a powerful feature that, when properly designed and coded, can result in autonomous, efficient and transparent systems.
Note: You can take this course for free if you select “Audit the course” when enrolling. This allows you to view all the lessons but does not give you the full course experience as you are unable to complete assignments. If you would like to get full access and enroll in the Blockchain Specialization that this course is part of, you can subscribe to the specialization for $50 USD a month.
4. Blockchain Opportunities Beyond Crypto Assets
Association of International Certified Professional Accountants via Coursera
Part of Introduction to Blockchain Specialization
Course Description:
This specialization offers the latest developments in blockchain technology through a highly engaging learning experience with animated video components and intuitive course flow to maximize your knowledge retention.
Note: You can take this course for free if you select “Audit the course” when enrolling. This allows you to view all the lessons but does not give you the full course experience as you are unable to complete assignments. If you would like to get full access and enroll in the Introduction to Blockchain Specialization that this course is part of, you can subscribe to the specialization for $50 USD a month.
5. Blockchain, Cryptoassets, and Decentralized Finance
INSEAD via Coursera
Part of Blockchain Finances in Financial Services Specialization
Course Description:
Today, large intermediaries establish trust in our economy and control the movement, storage, and allocation of money and assets. The status quo, however, is rife with inefficiencies. In this course, we’ll address the many challenges of the status quo and discuss how cryptoassets, smart contracts, new identity systems, and new financial business models can help overcome them. You’ll learn how blockchain technology empowers individuals, entrepreneurs, and businesses with the tools they need to help level the playing field and to participate in the value they create. By the end of this course, you’ll learn how and why transacting on the blockchain can help us bring about a future that is faster, fairer, and more distributed than the world we inhabit today.
Note: You can take this course for free if you select “Audit the course” when enrolling. This allows you to view all the lessons but does not give you the full course experience as you are unable to complete assignments. If you would like to get full access and enroll in the Blockchain Finances in Financial Services Specialization that this course is part of, you can subscribe to the specialization for $50 USD a month.
What is your favorite blockchain or cryptocurrency course? Tweet us at @Crypto_Altruism, we’d love to hear from you!
