Last month, the Muma College of Business hosted the USF and Sungkyunkwan University (SKKU) Joint Research Conference to great success. Faculty from both universities presented their research and discussed the future of fintech, a growing industry that has continued to progress rapidly. This joint conference comes just over a year since the new partnership between USF and SKKU was established through an Academic Transfer Agreement designed to create a clear pathway for graduate students to learn at both institutions. SKKU is one of South Korea’s most prestigious and oldest universities, evolving as a globally recognized research-intensive university.
“The partnership between USF and SKKU reflects our commitment to meaningful global engagement that benefits both student learning and faculty research,” Dr. Gary Patterson says, Dean of the Kate Tidemann School of Business and Finance. “We are proud to support collaborations that connect academic excellence with real-world impact.”
The joint research conference was held on January 13-14, during which seven scholars presented research on machine learning, market efficiency, investor behavior, and financial communication. Due to the success of the event, the conference will be hosted twice each year with USF hosting each January and SKKU each June, broadening participation to additional disciplines such as management, marketing, and information systems beginning in 2027.
“The joint conference reflects the strong momentum of the USF–SKKU partnership. It brings our faculty together around research and ideas shaping the future of business,” Dr. Jung Chul Park says, Professor and the Fintech Professor of Finance. “It reinforces our shared commitment to creating meaningful opportunities for students through continued collaboration.”
Jaesun MoonAn additional benefit of the partnership is that this collaboration gives students an opportunity to pursue advanced fintech education across both universities. As part of the partnership, SKKU MS Fintech students complete their first-year curriculum at SKKU before moving to USF to complete its MS in the Fintech Program, expanded to also include SKKU’s Fintech-MBA students in the same transfer pathway. This gives students the opportunity to engage with experiential learning and prepare for global careers in financial technology. Two SKKU graduate students, Keon Wook Kang and Jaesun Moon, are currently at USF as part of a student exchange program at the master’s level in fintech.
“I was first drawn to USF’s Master’s in FinTech Program after visiting the university last year through the certificate program,” Jaesun Moon says. “I was impressed by both the quality of instruction and the learning environment. My experience in the program has been highly enriching, particularly through opportunities that connect academic research across institutions.” He also notes that one of the most impactful aspects of his experience since arriving was participating in the joint conference. “Through this conference, I was able to engage with recent research papers on emerging trends in fintech, which helped me better understand the current landscape of the field,” Moon says. “Exposure to these discussions has been especially valuable in shaping my perspective on future academic research and the direction I hope to pursue in my studies.”
For Keon Wook Kang, the depth of the curriculum is what convinced him that USF was the right fit for continuing his education. “When I learned about the Dual Degree partnership between SKKU and USF, I didn’t hesitate to apply so I could immerse myself in this international academic environment for a year,” he notes. “Engaging in debates with classmates allowed me to hear diverse viewpoints on Fintech from around the world, and presenting my ideas helped me build immense professional confidence.”
Keonwook KangLaunched in 2025, the STEM-designed Master’s in Fintech Program provides students with the analytical, technical, and financial expertise needed to thrive in this industry. On USF Tampa campus, students can take advantage of the Fintech Center of the Kate Tiedeman School of Business and Finance at USF, which aims to be a leading Fintech Center and entrepreneurial ecosystem. Fintech—short for “financial technology”— refers to the technology used to support and deliver financial services, such as online banking or mobile payments.
For USF students interested gaining global perspectives in the world in fintech this summer, SKKU is hosting an International Summer Program in Seoul, the capital of South Korea. This program is taught by SKKU faculty, alongside faculty from university partners of SKKU, This includes USF professor, Dr. Seungbae Kim, Bellini College of Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity and Computing, who teaching Introduction to Algorithms this summer. This program was designed to immerse students in the culture and history of Seoul, while also providing exceptional academic programming, offering numerous courses across multiple disciplines: business, engineering, artificial intelligence, social sciences, humanities, and language. For students interested in gaining global perspectives, establish friendships with individuals from various cultural backgrounds, and delve into Korea's rich history, culture, and society, this is an amazing opportunity.