Cryptology (Certificate)


At a Glance: program details

Certificate Map

Cryptology is necessary everywhere in today's technological world. Want to learn how to protect personal, financial and sensitive public-sector information? Prepare for a career in national security, communication systems, electronic banking, internet commerce and just about any field that requires secure data.

Program Description

Cryptology is the art and science of making and breaking codes and ciphers. The certificate program in cryptology is designed to provide a strong foundation in the mathematical topics that are most applicable to modern cryptosystems. It also provides specialized knowledge required for understanding and working in the field of mathematical cryptology.


Program Requirements

This certificate requires 18 credit hours. A grade of "C" (2.00 on a 4.00 scale) or better is required for all courses.
Required Courses -- 12 credit hours
Electives (select two) -- 6 credit hours

Students may substitute an approved cryptography-related internship for 3 credit hours of elective coursework.
Prerequisite courses may be needed in order to complete the requirements of this certificate.

Enrollment Requirements

This program has additional admission requirements; students should see a college advisor for details. Applicants should be in good academic standing with a "B" or better (scale is 4.00 = "A") in MAT 300 Mathematical Structures or equivalent.

A student pursuing an undergraduate certificate must be enrolled as a degree-seeking student at ASU. Undergraduate certificates are not awarded prior to the award of an undergraduate degree. A student already holding an undergraduate degree may pursue an undergraduate certificate as a nondegree-seeking graduate student.


Learning Outcomes

  • Apply appropriate concepts from their elective courses in the certificate to cryptology.
  • Analyze security of contemporary cryptosystems, using results from theoretical mathematics.

Career Outlook

A certificate in cryptology offers a wide variety of career possibilities. Some students pursuing this certificate are interested in areas such as government, business, financial, medical and educational industries. These industries require skill sets to secure data, and this program assists students in developing these skills.

Example Careers

Students who complete this degree program may be prepared for the following careers. Advanced degrees or certifications may be required for academic or clinical positions.

Network and Computer Systems Administrators


  • Growth: 2.5%
  • Median Salary*: 90520

Information Security Analysts


  • Growth: 31.5%
  • Median Salary*: 112000
  Bright Outlook

Security Management Specialists


  • Growth: 4.1%
  • Median Salary*: 75990
  Bright Outlook

Security Managers


  • Growth: 4.6%
  • Median Salary*: 99030
  Bright Outlook

* Data obtained from the Occupational Information Network (O*NET) under sponsorship of the U.S. Department of Labor/Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA).




Program Contact Information

If you have questions related to admission, please click here to request information and an admission specialist will reach out to you directly. For questions regarding faculty or courses, please use the contact information below.