Blockchain and Cryptocurrencies: Technologies, Strategic Applications, And Emerging Trends

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Course Dates

STARTS ON

TBD

Course Duration

DURATION

6 weeks, online
4–6 hours per week

Course Fee
Course Fee

For Your Team

Enroll your team and learn with your peers

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Make Blockchain Part of Your Innovation Strategy

In today's fast-moving global market, organizations need to innovate constantly and understand the wide range of opportunities that technologies such as blockchain offer. In this six-week online program, you'll explore how practical applications of blockchain technology can be applied to your organization. You will learn by doing — creating a cryptocurrency wallet, adding funds to the wallet, and creating your own cryptocurrency and non-fungible token (NFT).

$3.1 Trillion

The business value-add that blockchain is estimated to contribute by 2030, with slightly more than $176 billion in business value added by 2025

Source: Gartner

395%

The increase in crypto-related job postings in 2021 – four times the growth than in the broader tech industry

Source: LinkedIn News

Enrolling in this program is the first step in your journey to alumni benefits.
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Key Takeaways

In this program, you will:

  • Gain a comprehensive understanding of blockchain, cryptocurrencies, decentralized finance (DeFi), non-fungible tokens (NFTs), and decentralized autonomous organizations (DAOs).
  • Explore current developments, emerging trends, and regulatory issues regarding blockchain technology and the crypto market.
  • Apply frameworks and strategic applications of blockchain technology to identify innovation opportunities in businesses, governments, nonprofits, or new ventures.
  • Build strategies that leverage blockchain and cryptocurrencies to address a challenge faced by your organization or industry.

Who is This Program For?

Progressive leaders in both the public and private sectors need to understand what new digital technologies such as blockchain can and can’t do for their organizations. If you find yourself asking what the opportunities and the limitations of blockchain are, then this program is for you. Representative roles and industries that can benefit include:

  • Business/technology strategists and consultants
  • Entrepreneurs who are interested in launching new ventures related to blockchain or cryptocurrencies
  • Financial and banking professionals, including those in risk management and regulatory roles
  • Government officials, policy makers, and civil servants from around the globe, as this program takes a truly global perspective
  • Insurance and real estate professionals
  • Investors who want to understand the developing blockchain ecosystem to inform investment decisions
  • IT and security professionals
  • Supply chain management professionals
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UC Berkeley (ranked the #1 public university by U.S. News & World Report).

Your Learning Journey

During this online journey, you will travel far beyond the theoretical underpinnings of blockchain. You will explore the practical applications of these technologies through many different learning methods. Live sessions with UC Berkeley Executive Education's expert faculty will bring you the latest insights and developments and answer your questions. Each module offers the opportunity to apply the concepts taught through a hands-on activity, serving as a real-time workshop. Taking a case-based approach featuring use cases from finance, health care, supply chain management, and consumer products, you’ll collaborate with your global peers by offering and receiving feedback through moderated discussion boards. Finally, there are live office hours available to supplement the live and recorded sessions.

Program Topics

As you build your understanding of what blockchain and cryptocurrencies are, you will examine many of their most practical and impactful applications across different industries. You will also become familiar with the policy and regulatory environment, which may shape your decision making. New ventures fueled by emerging concepts such as nonfungible tokens (NFTs) and decentralized finance (DeFi) will also be explored.

Module 1:

Overview of Blockchain Technology

In this module, you will learn what blockchain technology is and how it works. You will explore where it came from and who governs, owns, and manages it. You will also understand what unique value blockchain can offer as well as its broad implications for business, society, and government.

Module 2:

The Cryptocurrency Network

There are over 18,000 cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin. In this module, you will learn about the major cryptocurrencies in the global economy and their key features. You will examine how they evolved, what drives their growth, and the challenges they face. You will also explore innovations that are driving the creation of new coins and tokens and the role of crypto exchanges for rating, trading, and liquidity.

Module 3:

Strategic Applications of Blockchain Technology in Existing Organizations

Through a series of case studies, you will gain exposure to a wide range of applications of blockchain technology. You will examine how organizations in different industries, including finance and supply chain, are planning to use blockchain to reduce costs and time and to expand into new markets.

Module 4:

Regulatory and Policy Considerations of Blockchain Technology

Regulations and policies have different implications for different groups. In this module, you will learn about the regulatory and policy developments in the use and governance of blockchain and cryptocurrencies in major markets. You will also gain an understanding of various legal, data, and financial policy issues related to these topics and how to address them.

Module 5:

Entrepreneurial Ventures Using Blockchain

The blockchain entrepreneurial ecosystem is robust and growing globally. In this module, you will examine various ways to build and grow new ventures in this space. You will explore sources for raising funds, including venture capital investments and initial coin offerings (ICOs), and learn the best practices in leveraging blockchain for massive social good in different sectors.

Module 6:

Emerging Trends in Blockchain and Crypto: Decentralized Finance (DeFi), Decentralized Autonomous Organizations (DAOs), and Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs)

The blockchain and crypto landscape changes quickly, and this module is dedicated to exploring what’s new and what’s next. Learn about three major emerging trends in blockchain and crypto: DeFi, which is poised to disrupt the financial industry; DAOs, which offer a new way of structuring an entity without central authority using blockchain; and NFTs, which are a unique, digital representation of an asset.

Module 1:

Overview of Blockchain Technology

In this module, you will learn what blockchain technology is and how it works. You will explore where it came from and who governs, owns, and manages it. You will also understand what unique value blockchain can offer as well as its broad implications for business, society, and government.

Module 4:

Regulatory and Policy Considerations of Blockchain Technology

Regulations and policies have different implications for different groups. In this module, you will learn about the regulatory and policy developments in the use and governance of blockchain and cryptocurrencies in major markets. You will also gain an understanding of various legal, data, and financial policy issues related to these topics and how to address them.

Module 2:

The Cryptocurrency Network

There are over 18,000 cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin. In this module, you will learn about the major cryptocurrencies in the global economy and their key features. You will examine how they evolved, what drives their growth, and the challenges they face. You will also explore innovations that are driving the creation of new coins and tokens and the role of crypto exchanges for rating, trading, and liquidity.

Module 5:

Entrepreneurial Ventures Using Blockchain

The blockchain entrepreneurial ecosystem is robust and growing globally. In this module, you will examine various ways to build and grow new ventures in this space. You will explore sources for raising funds, including venture capital investments and initial coin offerings (ICOs), and learn the best practices in leveraging blockchain for massive social good in different sectors.

Module 3:

Strategic Applications of Blockchain Technology in Existing Organizations

Through a series of case studies, you will gain exposure to a wide range of applications of blockchain technology. You will examine how organizations in different industries, including finance and supply chain, are planning to use blockchain to reduce costs and time and to expand into new markets.

Module 6:

Emerging Trends in Blockchain and Crypto: Decentralized Finance (DeFi), Decentralized Autonomous Organizations (DAOs), and Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs)

The blockchain and crypto landscape changes quickly, and this module is dedicated to exploring what’s new and what’s next. Learn about three major emerging trends in blockchain and crypto: DeFi, which is poised to disrupt the financial industry; DAOs, which offer a new way of structuring an entity without central authority using blockchain; and NFTs, which are a unique, digital representation of an asset.

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Live Sessions

This program brings the live classroom experience to you through biweekly sessions with Berkeley Haas faculty. Tap into their vast experience and their up-to-date knowledge of the industry through direct interaction, including Q&A. These live sessions are used to delve deeper into certain topics or explore what’s next.

Featured Speakers

Faculty Member Brian Forde

Brian Forde

CEO & Co-Founder, Numero

Elizabeth Rossiello

CEO & Founder, AZA

Faculty Member Jesse Proudman

Jesse Proudman

Vice President, Crypto Investing, Betterment

Paul Brody

Global Blockchain Leader, Ernst & Young

Pauline Adam-Kalfon

Chief Inclusion and Diversity Officer, PwC France

Jonathan Victor

Business Development and Product Lead at Protocol Labs

Case Studies

Image of a man operating a tablet computer to portray the case study of Deutsche Bank

Financial Case: Deutsche Bank

How does a financial institution with $1.7 trillion in assets under management begin to assess the opportunities that blockchain technology may offer? Learn how Deutsche Bank is executing its strategy to become a more digital bank by harnessing innovation in its internal incubator, Deutsche Bank Labs. Deutsche Bank is experimenting with blockchain technology to deploy "smart contracts" to make the life cycle of corporate bonds more efficient.

Financial Case: Visa

What types of threats do cryptos pose for Visa? On the flip side, what opportunities may exist, especially if they consider partnering with other technology suppliers and blockchain innovators?

Supply Chain Case: Maersk

Could blockchain be the holy grail for the largest shipping organization in the world? Could this technology help to eliminate onerous paperwork and reduce fraud and shipping delays?

Supply Chain Case: Walmart

What product lines are the most ripe for implementing blockchain solutions? With such a large and complex supply chain, how should Walmart approach its suppliers about investing in these new technologies – as well as addressing ethical considerations?

Note: All product and company names are trademarks™ or registered® trademarks of their respective holders. Use of them does not imply any affiliation with or endorsement by them.

Participant Profile

Representative functions and industries of past participants include:

  • Business Manager, Advertising
  • President & CEO, Banking & Financial Services
  • Chief Technologist, Consulting
  • Managing Director, Education
  • Global Portfolio Services Manager, Electronics / Hardware
  • Service Advisor, Energy
  • CTO, IT Products
  • Executive VP, Telecommunications
  • Lead Consultant, Healthcare
  • Finance Manager, Retail

Program Faculty

Faculty Member Maura O'Neill

MAURA O'NEILL

Lecturer, Distinguished Teaching Fellow, Entrepreneurship

Maura is a lecturer and distinguished teaching fellow in entrepreneurship at UC Berkeley. In 2016, she received the UC Berkeley Earl F. Cheit Award for Excellence in Teaching.... More info

Faculty Member Devadutta Ghat

DEVADUTTA GHAT

CTO, Live Planet Inc

Devadutta Ghat is the CTO at Live Planet, where he builds VideoCoin Network - a blockchain powered video infrastructure platform. He brings over a decade of experience... More info

Participant Testimonials

Yogaraj Jayaprakasam

“This program was broken down into pieces that were manageable with my busy schedule! The clarity that instructor Maura and the other facilitators brought to the class was amazing. The industry case studies and capstone project to apply strategic needs made it relevant. I would absolutely recommend this course to others!
Thank you!

— Yogaraj Jayaprakasam, Vice President, Enterprise Platforms, American Express

Vinki Loomba

"A great overview of blockchain technologies and applications. For me, it was an enlightening experience to learn how an old concept is shaping the future in a new way. The program provided me with a great understanding of the blockchain concepts, applications, and solutions. My class project was on my investment firm, and the course has equipped me with the right tools to further explore this option. I am very positive that it will work. The course content was just perfect. Dr. Maura O'Neill and the mentors were great. I thoroughly enjoyed it and highly recommend it."

— Vinki Loomba, Founder and CEO, Loomba Investment Group LLC

Colin M Campbell

"The Berkeley Haas Blockchain program was life changing. It allowed me to develop my strategy for Southern California Edison, the city of Los Angeles (Mayor Garcetti's Green New Deal), Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) US Department of Energy (DOE), and others. I am very humbled to be part of this initiative. Thank you, Berkeley Haas Maura O'Neill, Devadutta Ghat, and the rest of the team!"

— Colin M. Campbell, Owner, Adapps, Inc.

Raul Leyva

"As a payment professional, it was very valuable for me to learn more about blockchain, a technology that is disrupting all types of industries. UC Berkeley Executive Education produces a very professional, well-thought-out and extremely organized program. The professors and mentors are blockchain experts and entrepreneurs, very well prepared and knowledgeable.They know how to teach the essential content in a progression that will quickly help you comprehend the subject and make you feel like an authority. I highly recommend the UC Berkeley Executive Education blockchain for business certification!"

— Raul Leyva, Senior Director of Digital Products, Visa

Path to Alumni Benefits

Enrolling in the Blockchain and Cryptocurrencies: Technologies, Strategic Applications, And Emerging Trends program can become your first step toward pursuing the UC Berkeley Executive Education Certificate of Business Excellence (COBE). The Certificate of Business Excellence gives individuals the opportunity to acquire and hone new skills and do it on a timeline that works with your busy schedule. Participants will earn a mark of distinction with certification from a world-class university, and enjoy the flexibility of completing the program in up to three years.
Learn more about the program and associated alumni benefits here.

Networking and events

  • Join local alumni chapters or clubs in your region.
  • Participate in the annual Berkeley Haas Alumni Conference.
  • Attend select Berkeley Haas and Berkeley Executive Education networking events open to the COBE community.

Exclusive Berkeley Resources

  • Activate an @haas.executivealumni.berkeley.edu email forwarding address.
  • 15% discount on the list price of future eligible Berkeley Executive Education programs.
  • 30% discount on the list price of future eligible programs after completion of your Certificate of Business Excellence.
  • Public visitor access to select campus libraries and university database services.

News and communication

  • A one-year complimentary digital subscription to California Management Review.
  • Berkeley Haas Alumni newsletter.
  • Berkeley Haas AlumniJobs Newsletter featuring job postings from distinguished employers.
  • Haas Insights offering the latest research and thought leadership from industry experts and faculty.

Note: All benefits are subject to change.

Certificate

Example image of certificate that will be awarded after successful completion of this program

Certificate

Get recognized! Upon successful completion of the program, UC Berkeley Executive Education grants a verified digital certificate of completion to participants. Participants must complete 80% of the required activities including a capstone project (if any) to obtain the certificate of completion. This program also counts toward a Certificate of Business Excellence.

Successful completion of this program fulfills two curriculum days (minimum requirement of 17 curriculum days) towards the UC Berkeley Certificate of Business Excellence (COBE).
Learn more on how it works here.

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Note: This program results in a digital certificate of completion and is not eligible for degree credit/CEUs. After successful completion of the program, your verified digital certificate will be emailed to you in the name you used when registering for the program. All certificate images are for illustrative purposes only and may be subject to change at the discretion of UC Berkeley Executive Education.

Example image of UC Berkeley Certificate of Business Excellence
This program counts toward a Certificate of Business Excellence

Curriculum Days: Two days

Pillar(s): Entrepreneurship/innovation and finance/business acumen

A UC Berkeley Certificate of Business Excellence gives individuals the opportunity to create a personal plan of study structured by our four academic pillars. Participants will earn a mark of distinction with certification from a world-class university and enjoy the flexibility of completing the program in up to three years.

Learn more

FAQs

  • How do I know if this program is right for me?

    After reviewing the information on the program landing page, we recommend you submit the short form above to gain access to the program brochure, which includes more in-depth information. If you still have questions on whether this program is a good fit for you, please email learner.success@emeritus.org, and a dedicated program advisor will follow-up with you very shortly.


    Are there any prerequisites for this program?

    Some programs do have prerequisites, particularly the more technical ones. This information will be noted on the program landing page, as well as in the program brochure. If you are uncertain about program prerequisites and your capabilities, please email us at the ID mentioned above.


    Note that, unless otherwise stated on the program web page, all programs are taught in English and proficiency in English is required.


    What is the typical class profile?

    More than 50 percent of our participants are from outside the United States. Class profiles vary from one cohort to the next, but, generally, our online certificates draw a highly diverse audience in terms of professional experience, industry, and geography — leading to a very rich peer learning and networking experience.


    What other dates will this program be offered in the future?

    Check back to this program web page or email us to inquire if future program dates or the timeline for future offerings have been confirmed yet.

  • How much time is required each week?

    Each program includes an estimated learner effort per week. This is referenced at the top of the program landing page under the Duration section, as well as in the program brochure, which you can obtain by submitting the short form at the top of this web page.


    How will my time be spent?

    We have designed this program to fit into your current working life as efficiently as possible. Time will be spent among a variety of activities including:



    • Engaging with recorded video lectures from faculty
    • Attending webinars and office hours, as per the specific program schedule
    • Reading or engaging with examples of core topics
    • Completing knowledge checks/quizzes and required activities
    • Engaging in moderated discussion groups with your peers
    • Completing your final project, if required

    The program is designed to be highly interactive while also allowing time for self-reflection and to demonstrate an understanding of the core topics through various active learning exercises. Please email us if you need further clarification on program activities.


    What is it like to learn online with the learning collaborator, Emeritus?

    More than 300,000 learners across 200 countries have chosen to advance their skills with Emeritus and its educational learning partners. In fact, 90 percent of the respondents of a recent survey across all our programs said that their learning outcomes were met or exceeded.

    All the contents of the course would be made available to students at the commencement of the course. However, to ensure the program delivers the desired learning outcomes the students may appoint Emeritus to manage the delivery of the program in a cohort-based manner the cost of which is already included in the overall course fee of the course.

    A dedicated program support team is available 24/5 (Monday to Friday) to answer questions about the learning platform, technical issues, or anything else that may affect your learning experience.


    How do I interact with other program participants?

    Peer learning adds substantially to the overall learning experience and is an important part of the program. You can connect and communicate with other participants through our learning platform.

  • What are the requirements to earn the certificate?

    Each program includes an estimated learner effort per week, so you can gauge what will be required before you enroll. This is referenced at the top of the program landing page under the Duration section, as well as in the program brochure, which you can obtain by submitting the short form at the top of this web page. All programs are designed to fit into your working life.

    This program is scored as a pass or no-pass; participants must complete the required activities to pass and obtain the certificate of completion. Some programs include a final project submission or other assignments to obtain passing status. This information will be noted in the program brochure. Please email us if you need further clarification on any specific program requirements.


    What type of certificate will I receive?

    Upon successful completion of the program, you will receive a smart digital certificate. The smart digital certificate can be shared with friends, family, schools, or potential employers. You can use it on your cover letter, resume, and/or display it on your LinkedIn profile.
    The digital certificate will be sent approximately two weeks after the program, once grading is complete.


    Can I get the hard copy of the certificate?

    No, only verified digital certificates will be issued upon successful completion. This allows you to share your credentials on social platforms such as LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter.


    What is the organizational structure of Berkeley Executive Education?

    UC Berkeley Center for Executive Education, dba Berkeley Executive Education, is a California nonprofit organization formed for the purpose of operating executive education programs in support of UC Berkeley and the Haas School of Business.


    Do I receive alumni status after completing this program?

    No, there is no alumni status granted for this program. In some cases, there are credits that count toward a higher level of certification. This information will be clearly noted in the program brochure.


    How long will I have access to the learning materials?

    You will have access to the online learning platform and all the videos and program materials for 12 months following the program start date. Access to the learning platform is restricted to registered participants per the terms of agreement.

  • What equipment or technical requirements are there for this program?

    Participants will need the latest version of their preferred browser to access the learning platform. In addition, Microsoft Office and a PDF viewer are required to access documents, spreadsheets, presentations, PDF files, and transcripts.


    Do I need to be online to access the program content?

    Yes, the learning platform is accessed via the internet, and video content is not available for download. However, you can download files of video transcripts, assignment templates, readings, etc. For maximum flexibility, you can access program content from a desktop, laptop, tablet, or mobile device.

    Video lectures must be streamed via the internet, and any livestream webinars and office hours will require an internet connection. However, these sessions are always recorded, so you may view them later.

  • Can I still register if the registration deadline has passed?

    Yes, you can register up until seven days past the published start date of the program without missing any of the core program material or learnings.


    What is the program fee, and what forms of payment do you accept?

    The program fee is noted at the top of this program web page and usually referenced in the program brochure as well.

    • Flexible payment options are available (see details below as well as at the top of this program web page next to FEE).
    • Tuition assistance is available for participants who qualify. Please email learner.success@emeritus.org.

    What if I don’t have a credit card? Is there another method of payment accepted?

    Yes, you can do the bank remittance in the program currency via wire transfer or debit card. Please contact your program advisor, or email us for details.


    I was not able to use the discount code provided. Can you help?

    Yes! Please email us with the details of the program you are interested in, and we will assist you.


    How can I obtain an invoice for payment?

    Please email us your invoicing requirements and the specific program you’re interested in enrolling in.


    Is there an option to make flexible payments for this program?

    Yes, the flexible payment option allows a participant to pay the program fee in installments. This option is made available on the payment page and should be selected before submitting the payment.


    How can I obtain a W9 form?

    Please connect with us via email for assistance.


    Who will be collecting the payment for the program?

    Emeritus collects all program payments, provides learner enrollment and program support, and manages learning platform services.

  • What is the program refund and deferral policy?

    For the program refund and deferral policy, please click the link here.

Didn't find what you were looking for? Write to us at learner.success@emeritus.org or Schedule a call with one of our Academic Advisors or call us at +1 864 668 8832 (US) / +44 121 387 3504 (UK) / +65 3129 7057 (SG)

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Early registrations are encouraged. Seats fill up quickly!