Cryptology ,Certificate
Ciphers, Codes, Encryption, analysis, math, numbers, theory
Cryptology is necessary everywhere in today's technological world. Want to learn how to protect personal, financial and sensitive public-sector information through encryption? Prepare for a career in national security, communication systems, electronic banking, internet commerce and just about any field that requires securing data.
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. Students also gain specialized knowledge required for understanding and working in the field of mathematical cryptology.
- College/school:
The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
- Location: Tempe
2025-2026 Catalog Year
| Requirement | Minimum Grade | Credit Hours |
|---|
| Requirement | Minimum Grade | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
|
This certificate requires 18 upper division credit hours. A grade of "C" (2.00 on a 4.00 scale) or better is required for all courses.
|
||
| Required Courses | ||
|
MAT 440: Group Theory
or
MAT 444: Intermediate Abstract Algebra
3 Credit
Hours
Minimum
Grade:C
|
C | 3 |
|
MAT 445: Theory of Numbers
3 Credit
Hours
Minimum
Grade:C
|
C | 3 |
|
MAT 447: Cryptography I
3 Credit
Hours
Minimum
Grade:C
|
C | 3 |
|
MAT 448: Cryptography II
3 Credit
Hours
Minimum
Grade:C
|
C | 3 |
| Elective Courses (choose two) | ||
|
Students may substitute an approved cryptography-related internship for 3 credit hours of elective coursework.
6 Credit
Hours
Minimum
Grade:C
|
C | 6 |
|
Prerequisite courses may be needed in order to complete the requirements of this certificate.
|
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 before the completion of an undergraduate degree. A student who already holds an undergraduate degree may pursue an undergraduate certificate as a nondegree-seeking graduate student.
Program learning outcomes identify what a student will learn or be able to do upon completion of their program. This program has the following program outcomes:
- Apply appropriate concepts from their elective courses in the certificate to cryptology.
- Analyze security of contemporary cryptosystems using results from theoretical mathematics.
A certificate in cryptology offers graduates a wide variety of career possibilities. Some pursuing this certificate are interested in working in government, business, financial and medical settings and in educational industries. These areas require individuals with the skill sets to secure data, and graduates of this program have developed these skills.
School of Mathematical and Statistical Sciences
|
WXLR 216
math@asu.edu
480-965-7195
3 year programs
These programs allow students to fast-track their studies after admission and earn a bachelor's degree in three years or fewer while participating in the same high-quality educational experience of a 4-year option. Students should talk to their academic advisor to get started.
Accelerated master's
These programs allow students to accelerate their studies to earn a bachelor's plus a master's degree in as few as five years (for some programs).
Each program has requirements students must meet to be eligible for consideration. Acceptance to the graduate program requires a separate application. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master’s during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
