Learning Decentralization: How to Become a Web3 Developer?

Blockchain Education: Why Are Universities Lagging Behind?

The internet is undergoing a massive transformation—decentralized applications (DApps), smart contracts, and blockchain tech are redefining digital interactions while creating new opportunities for developers. As demand for Web3 experts explodes, crypto firms are hunting for Ethereum developers and blockchain security analysts—but universities still haven’t caught up. 

In 2024 alone, the demand for Web3 developers jumped by 41%, according to CryptoJobsList. The shift is clear—Web2 skills are no longer enough to power the next era of the internet.

But here’s the problem: universities still don’t offer Web3 Developer degrees. And it’s not hard to see why. Academia moves at a slow pace, while blockchain innovation is happening in real-time. Besides, the best developers? They’re not sitting in lecture halls—they’re building the future in top crypto firms.

New programming languages like Solidity, Web3.js, and IPFS are still in flux, lacking widely accepted industry standards. Meanwhile, universities remain anchored in classical subjects like math, algorithms, and database structures, whereas Web3 development requires highly specialized, hands-on expertise that’s more suited to industry training programs than traditional academia.

The academic world values stability and structure, while the crypto industry thrives on constant reinvention and high-risk innovation. Developing an official curriculum, hiring experts, and gaining regulatory approval is a years-long process—but blockchain technology is evolving on a weekly basis.

For most universities, launching a Web3 curriculum is a gamble—who’s to say the material won’t be outdated in just a few years? Plus, blockchain labs and top-tier experts don’t come cheap.

That’s why Web3 developer education isn’t getting full degree programs just yet. Instead, universities are testing the waters with elective courses, research projects, and small-scale modules, leaving the heavy lifting to private platforms.

Want to Learn Web3? These Universities Are Already on It

Web3 is no longer just a niche subject—some of the world’s top universities are now offering blockchain education as part of their computer science programs. If you’re looking to build a career in decentralized development, here are six universities leading the way.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), based in the USA, has always been at the forefront of technological breakthroughs, with its alumni shaping the internet and AI. While Web3 Developer degrees aren’t on the menu yet, MIT offers electives like “Blockchain Lab” and “Cryptocurrency Engineering.”

These aren’t beginner-friendly courses—you’ll need a solid grasp of math and coding to even qualify. And with a flood of applicants, getting in is no easy feat.

MIT’s blockchain program isn’t just theory—students get hands-on experience with Ethereum, smart contract development, and cryptography.

And the best part? Graduates gain a direct pipeline to Silicon Valley, where companies like ConsenSys and Google are eager to hire Web3 talent.

With MIT’s strong startup incubators, students don’t just learn—they build. Many go on to launch their own projects, carving out their place in the expanding Web3 ecosystem.

University of Nicosia

The University of Nicosia (UNIC), Cyprus, isn’t just another institution jumping on the blockchain bandwagon—it’s been ahead of the curve for years. In 2017, it became the first university in the world to accept Bitcoin as payment for tuition.

Its Master’s program in Blockchain and Digital Currency is open both online and offline, teaching students how to build dApps and master Solidity programming. But don’t expect an easy entry—you’ll need an IT-related bachelor’s degree to qualify.

A course built for doers, not just learners. At UNIC, students gain hands-on experience with decentralized technologies by creating real projects or prototypes, rather than just absorbing theoretical knowledge. The emphasis is on practical blockchain interaction, preparing them for careers in crypto.

Graduates effortlessly find jobs in European fintech firms or leverage the support of their peers to launch their own startups.

By combining academic fundamentals with the latest industry trends, UNIC ensures students are prepared for the global market. Partnerships with European and American crypto exchanges grant them firsthand exposure to blockchain ecosystems, while hackathons offer real-world problem-solving experience. Graduates typically carve out careers in consulting and fintech.

ETH Zurich

ETH Zurich, Switzerland—A powerhouse of technological advancement, ETH Zurich is not only the alma mater of Ethereum’s creator, Vitalik Buterin, but also a driving force in blockchain innovation.

The “Blockchain Security” course, part of the Web3 developer education initiative, trains students to navigate smart contracts and decentralized networks at a professional level. Admission hinges on rigorous mathematics and computer science exams.

The program is research-intensive, encouraging students to explore Ethereum protocols through practical experimentation. Many contribute directly to the blockchain’s evolution by developing Ethereum Improvement Proposals (EIPs), which later become integral to the network.

ETH Zurich alumni are highly sought after in the blockchain world. Many join DFINITY and other Swiss blockchain firms, while those with a passion for research build successful academic careers, where their analytical thinking is greatly appreciated. The Ethereum Foundation also frequently hires developers certified by ETH Zurich.

The university’s core strengths lie in blockchain programming and analytics, equipping students for innovation in the field.

University of Oxford

University of Oxford, United Kingdom—With an illustrious history spanning centuries, Oxford is the pinnacle of intellectual achievement. Home to numerous Nobel Prize winners and world-renowned academics, it has shaped the course of global scholarship and innovation.

An Oxford degree holds unparalleled value, opening doors to extraordinary career opportunities. Alumni thrive in top-tier corporations, government agencies, and academia, where their ability to turn knowledge into tangible success sets them apart.

Oxford’s alumni network extends to the highest levels of industry and governance. The university’s stringent selection process, emphasis on research, and deep-rooted connections place graduates in coveted roles at Goldman Sachs, McKinsey, and the United Nations, where its name is synonymous with excellence.

The MSc in Software Engineering offers a dedicated module, “Blockchain and Distributed Ledger Technologies”, providing advanced training in Web3 tools (Oxford CS). Entry requirements include a bachelor’s degree in IT and at least three years of relevant work experience. The program integrates Web3 developer education with practical applications, preparing students for careers in fintech and top consulting firms such as PwC (PricewaterhouseCoopers).

Oxford’s commitment to blockchain innovation is further demonstrated by its Blockchain Research Center, which it actively funds and develops.

Blockchain security and cryptographic encryption are at the core of Oxford’s Web3 curriculum.

RMIT University

RMIT University, Australia—Famed for its cutting-edge approach to digital economics and tech design, RMIT offers more than just academic instruction—its faculty members are deeply embedded in the blockchain industry, bringing real-world expertise into the classroom.

The Bachelor’s in Computer Science and the Master’s in Blockchain Enabled Business focus on practical dApp development within RMIT Blockchain, ensuring students gain the skills needed for the next wave of decentralized technology.

Admissions at RMIT are beginner-friendly, welcoming students with only basic IT knowledge. The learning process revolves around interactive workshops, online accessibility, and proven business cases. Graduates seamlessly transition into roles at Australian blockchain startups or multinational corporations like IBM, applying their skills in real-world scenarios.

RMIT’s core expertise lies in business blockchain integration. The RMIT Blockchain program offers a comprehensive understanding of Tokenization of Real World Assets (RWA) concept, private DLT frameworks, as well as the design and operation of crypto-based ETNs and ETFs.

National University “Kyiv-Mohyla Academy” 

National University “Kyiv-Mohyla Academy” (NaUKMA), affectionately known as “Mohylianka,” holds the distinction of being Eastern Europe’s oldest university. Originally founded in 1615 as the Kyiv-Mohyla Collegium, it was revived in 1991 as a pioneering force in technological innovation following the dissolution of the Soviet Union.

In 2022, NaUKMA took a major step into the blockchain space by launching Ukraine’s first Blockchain Technologies program in partnership with WhiteBIT. The program, housed within the Faculty of Informatics, reflects the university’s forward-thinking approach to education (WhiteBIT & NaUKMA).

This specialized elective within IT tracks equips students with expertise in blockchain architecture, Solidity programming, and crypto asset analysis. Over the course of a year, participants engage in expert-led lectures and real-world development projects, mastering dApp creation and practical work with existing blockchain protocols.

Upon completion, students earn Ethereum-based NFT diplomas, reinforcing NaUKMA’s pioneering stance in Web3 developer education. More than just credentials, these blockchain-stored certificates function as digital assets, providing access to Web3 networks and opportunities.

With a booming IT sector in Ukraine and beyond, graduates of this course are highly sought after for their practical expertise, which is valued above theoretical knowledge alone. NaUKMA fosters innovation through its startup incubator, “Mogulab,” and encourages students to gain real-world experience by attending major industry events like BlockchainUA and DevFest, where they build networks within the crypto community.

Beyond Universities: The Private Evolution of Blockchain Education

While universities work to define structured blockchain curricula, Web3 developer education private platforms are already setting the standard. With their agile, market-driven approach, these programs provide immediate online access to courses and hands-on project development, allowing students to build a portfolio of working blockchain applications.

Top platforms like ConsenSys Academy, Moralis Academy, and Alchemy University focus on transitioning Web2 developers into Web3 specialists. Their certifications are widely recognized within the blockchain industry, prioritizing practical training in areas such as smart contract engineering and decentralized finance (DeFi) application development. 

With tuition costs spanning from hundreds to several thousand dollars, these programs offer flexible options for professionals seeking to specialize in blockchain.

Through this blockchain education, students gain proficiency in cutting-edge development environments like Truffle and Hardhat, while opening doors to partnerships with established decentralized enterprises. The future belongs to those ready to step into the era of decentralization and build the next generation of digital solutions.

We’ll explore these platforms in-depth in upcoming articles—stay tuned!