Cryptology  (Certificate)


Cryptology is necessary everywhere in today's technological world. Want to learn how to protect personal, financial and sensitive public sector information? This program helps prepare you 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.



Certificate Map

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At a Glance: program details

  • Location: Tempe campus
  • Additional Program Fee: No
  • Second Language Requirement: No


Program 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 the 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.

Enrollment Requirements

This certificate requires 18 credit hours.

Required courses: (12 credit hours)

MAT 440 Group Theory (3) or MAT 444 Intermediate Abstract Algebra (3)
MAT 445 Theory of Numbers (3)
MAT 447 Cryptography I (3)
MAT 448 Cryptography II (3)

Electives: (6 credit hours; select two courses)*

MAT 415 Introduction to Combinatorics (3)
MAT 416 Introduction to Graph Theory (3)
MAT 441 Ring Theory (3)
STP 421 Probability (3)
STP 427 Mathematical Statistics (3)

*may substitute MAT 484 Internship (3) (approved cryptology-related internship experience) for one elective

A "C" (2.00 on a 4.00 scale) or better is required in all upper-division course work.

Depending upon a student's undergraduate program of study, prerequisite courses may be needed in order to complete the requirements of this certificate.







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.