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

4 weeks to complete

at 10 hours a week

Flexible schedule

Learn at your own pace

4 course series

Get in-depth knowledge of a subject

4.3

(175 reviews)

Beginner level

No prior experience required

4 weeks to complete

at 10 hours a week

Flexible schedule

Learn at your own pace

What you'll learn

Gain a fundamental understanding of blockchain technology and its components. Learn how such applications as cryptofinance makes use of the blockchain for decentralized, peer-to-peer transaction processing. Apply your knowledge of blockchain technology to enhance your trust and confidence in cryptocurrency trading and other situations where the blockchain is used.

Applied Learning Project

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)

Skills you'll gain

Tools you'll learn

Details to know

Shareable certificate

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Taught in English

9 practice exercises

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Specialization - 4 course series

Applied Learning Project

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 hours

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

Cryptography and Hashing Overview

Course 29 hours

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

The Merkle Tree and Cryptocurrencies

Course 38 hours

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

The Blockchain System

Course 412 hours

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, Emerging Technologies, Data Sharing, Data Integrity, Distributed Computing, Version Control, FinTech, Cryptography, and Fraud detection