Learn cryptocurrency

What can you learn from cryptocurrency classes?

On edX, you'll find courses that can help you navigate cryptocurrency markets and the technology that powers them. In these courses, you can learn how to:

• Find the right cryptocurrency for your needs.
• Access the blockchain.
• Understand smart contracts and decentralized applications.
• Start a crypto wallet.
• Purchase and trade crypto.
• Monitor its value and navigate volatility.
• Determine cryptocurrency use cases.
• Assess the future of various cryptocurrencies.
• Mine for cryptocurrencies, such as Bitcoin.

How to get started in cryptocurrency

1. Decide on a cryptocurrency

   To get started with cryptocurrency, you should first research the various types of cryptocurrency, how to purchase and trade them, and which best suits your needs.

   Cryptocurrency can fluctuate wildly in value and typically isn't backed by real-world assets or government guarantees. As a result, those who want to invest in crypto should explore each coin's leadership, history, and market performance to ensure a sound investment.

   For example, many cryptocurrencies, such as Bitcoin, are highly volatile in price, while stablecoins like Tether are often backed by a traditional currency, like the U.S. dollar, to help maintain a more stable value.

2. Establish a crypto wallet

   Crypto wallets are software that allow you to access and trade your coins. A wallet stores the private keys you need to authorize transactions and manage your cryptocurrency holdings. The main types of wallets include:

   • Exchange or software wallets: Hosted by third-party services, these “hot," or internet-connected, custodial wallets are more user-friendly for beginners and can be downloaded onto a phone or desktop. However, they're also less secure because the exchange holds your private keys.
   • Hardware or cold wallets: These non-custodial, “cold" wallets are stored on physical devices like flash drives that aren't automatically connected to the internet. To use a hardware wallet, you'll have to connect it to approve transactions. Because a cold wallet "lives" offline, it can protect against online threats such as hacking or phishing.

3. Purchase your cryptocurrency

   Once you've established a wallet to store your private keys, you can purchase your desired share of a cryptocurrency. If you have a hot wallet, you can buy directly on this exchange using traditional virtual payment methods like debit, credit, or PayPal.

   If you choose a non-custodial, cold wallet, you need to connect it to the internet or software that connects you to the blockchain. Many hardware wallets come with companion hot software that you can use to buy assets.

   For security, only keep the amount of cryptocurrency you plan to use in your hot wallet, storing the rest offline on a hardware wallet.

4. Monitor its value

   Many cryptocurrencies experience significant fluctuations in value. If you purchased cryptocurrency as an investment opportunity, you should continuously monitor its performance over time.

   Consider using a cryptocurrency value tracker that provides reliable, frequently updated information along with historical data to help guide your decisions about buying and selling. These trackers may also compare different types of cryptocurrencies to demonstrate market trends.

   CoinMarketCap is widely regarded as the industry standard for monitoring cryptocurrency values. Other popular options include CoinTracker, Crypto.com, and LiveCoinWatch.

5. Trade cryptocurrencies

   As you monitor your crypto, you may be interested in trading or selling your shares of a coin when you believe it's at its highest price point. Most trading takes place on centralized exchanges such as Coinbase, Kraken, or Binance, which allow users to buy, sell, and convert different types of cryptocurrency.

   If an exchange hosts your wallet, you will likely be able to trade directly through that software. However, if you use a cold wallet, you'll need to connect it to exchange software or a compatible trading platform to complete a transaction.

   Before trading, be sure to review the exchange's fees, transaction limits, and security features, as these can vary between platforms.

Choosing the right cryptocurrency program for you

If you want to start a career in cryptocurrency, choosing the right educational program is important. Identify a program that helps you reach your goals and teaches you about blockchain and financial technology (fintech). If you want an introduction to cryptocurrency, a course may be the best fit. If you want to pursue a career in the industry, earning a degree could help you get there.

Courses

A cryptocurrency course can help you build the foundational knowledge necessary to invest in cryptocurrency yourself or start a career in the field. For example, you could take courses on digital currency, blockchain technology, fintech, and e-payments. Courses typically last a few weeks, and some may be self-paced.

Certifications

If you want to take your cryptocurrency education a step beyond courses, you can earn a certification in cryptocurrency or fintech. A certification program grants you a credential that can demonstrate your knowledge to future employers.

Executive education programs

Executive education programs are best suited for current or aspiring managers who want to grow their cryptocurrency skills and apply them to their current roles. Digital currencies are becoming more important in a variety of industries, so an executive education program in cryptocurrency or fintech may help you progress in your career.

Degrees

If you're interested in pursuing a career in cryptocurrency, a bachelor's degree program in computer science, business, or finance could prepare you for the industry. Advanced degrees, like a master's, could help you access senior roles with higher salaries.

Jobs in cryptocurrency

Many roles utilize cryptocurrency knowledge and skills. Consider a few below, including salary data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics:

Your next steps on edX

Interested in learning more about cryptocurrency? You can explore online courses on edX to find out how you can benefit from this growing investment opportunity. Get started with these next steps on edX:

1. Take a cryptocurrency course to gain foundational knowledge about investing in cryptocurrency.
2. Find a degree program that dives into the investment and finance industries.
3. Become an expert and lead a team of financial professionals in growing their crypto knowledge with edX Executive Education in cryptocurrency.