Will I earn university credit for completing the Specialization?

No, university credit is not available for this specialization.

What will I be able to do upon completing the Specialization?

Upon completing this specialization, you'll have a descriptive understanding of how blockchain technology works. This will enable you to pursue further study in such areas as computing (e.g. programming blockchain functionality) or build your confidence in applications built on the blockchain (e.g. cryptocurrencies).

Is this course really 100% online? Do I need to attend any classes in person?

This course is completely online, so there’s no need to show up to a classroom in person. You can access your lectures, readings and assignments anytime and anywhere via the web or your mobile device.

Can I just enroll in a single course?

Yes! To get started, click the course card that interests you and enroll. You can enroll and complete the course to earn a shareable certificate. When you subscribe to a course that is part of a Specialization, you’re automatically subscribed to the full Specialization. Visit your learner dashboard to track your progress.

Is financial aid available?

Yes. In select learning programs, you can apply for financial aid or a scholarship if you can’t afford the enrollment fee. If fin aid or scholarship is available for your learning program selection, you’ll find a link to apply on the description page.

Can I take the course for free?

No, you cannot take this course for free. When you enroll in the course, you get access to all of the courses in the Specialization, and you earn a certificate when you complete the work. If you cannot afford the fee, you can apply for financial aid.

Blockchain Specialization

Blockchain Specialization

Instructor: Stefano M. Stefan

Included with Coursera Plus

Learn more

4 course series

Get in-depth knowledge of a subject

4.3

(175 reviews)

Beginner level

No prior experience required

1 month at 10 hours a week

Flexible schedule

Earn a career credential

Share your expertise with employers

4 course series

Get in-depth knowledge of a subject

4.3

(175 reviews)

Beginner level

No prior experience required

1 month at 10 hours a week

Flexible schedule

Earn a career credential

Share your expertise with employers

What you'll learn

What’s included

Shareable certificate

Add to your LinkedIn profile

Taught in English

9 practice exercises

Advance your subject-matter expertise

Learn in-demand skills from university and industry experts
Master a subject or tool with hands-on projects
Develop a deep understanding of key concepts
Earn a career certificate from University of California, Irvine

Specialization - 4 course series

Throughout this course, you'll have opportunities for hands-on practice involving such blockchain elements as cryptography, hashing, and the assembly of blocks. You'll also have a chance to propose new uses of blockchain technologies for industries other than finance. The creative skills you'll learn and practice in this course will be useful both when using blockchain applications and when exploring new opportunities for applying blockchain concepts.

The courses in this specialization requires the purchase of two books for the completion of assignments:

Drescher, D. (2017). Blockchain Basics: A Non-Technical Introduction in 25 Steps. (ISBN-13: 978-1484226032)

Antonoupoulos, A. M. (2017). The Internet of Money, Volume Two. (ISBN-13: 978-1947910065)

The Blockchain

Course 19 hours4.1 (173 ratings)View course

What you'll learn

Begin your exploration of blockchain technologies with a look at fundamental blockchain concepts along with an application in which blockchain technology plays a critical role — cryptofinance. This course also introduces distributed digital systems in terms of software and network architecture, and shows how these systems underlie the functionality of the blockchain. In this and the following courses in the specialization you'll have a chance for hands-on-practice to cement your learning.

Skills you'll gain

Blockchain, Digital Assets, Software Architecture, Distributed Computing, Cryptography, Data Integrity, Computer Systems, Transaction Processing, Software Systems, Payment Systems, FinTech, Network Analysis, and Emerging Technologies

Cryptography and Hashing Overview

Course 29 hours4.6 (51 ratings)View course

What you'll learn

Continue learning about blockchain technology by diving into the nature of ownership and how the blockchain is one way to approach decentralized transaction handling. This course also demystifies cryptography and hashing, which are critical for authenticating users and guaranteeing transaction privacy.

Skills you'll gain

Blockchain, Encryption, Authentications, Cryptography, Data Integrity, Distributed Computing, Emerging Technologies, FinTech, Transaction Processing, and Data Security

The Merkle Tree and Cryptocurrencies

Course 38 hours4.8 (26 ratings)View course

What you'll learn

Apply what you have learned about cryptography and hashing in previous blockchain to the Merkle Tree, which underlies the process of adding new blocks — representing new transactions — to the blockchain. This course also introduces the concepts of proof of work and proof of stake, which play an important part in ensuring the integrity of the blockchain.

Skills you'll gain

Blockchain, Data Integrity, Network Security, Transaction Processing, Cryptography, Emerging Technologies, Encryption, FinTech, and Data Structures

The Blockchain System

Course 412 hours4.2 (39 ratings)View course

What you'll learn

Learn how the blockchain authenticates transactions and distributes data to peers — nodes connected to the network. This course shows you how multiple versions of a blockchain are reconciled into one, discusses blockchain limitations, and delves into organizational applications of blockchain technology.

Skills you'll gain

Blockchain, Data Validation, Transaction Processing, Distributed Computing, Data Sharing, Cryptography, Emerging Technologies, Fraud detection, Data Integrity, Version Control, and FinTech