Cryptology, Certificate
Cryptology is necessary everywhere in today's technological world. Want to learn how to protect personal, financial and other sensitive 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.
Quick facts
Locations
Credits
Additional facts
Accreditation
Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Certificate description
Cryptology is the art and science of making and breaking codes and ciphers. The certificate program in cryptology provides you with a strong foundation in the mathematical topics that are most applicable to modern cryptosystems. You also gain specialized knowledge required for understanding and working in the field of mathematical cryptology.
Courses
This undergraduate certificate includes courses focused on a specialized topic, so you can advance your skills for further professional opportunities. Explore all courses below:
2026-2027 Catalog Year
The certificate requires 18 credit hours. A "C" minimum is required for all courses in the certificate, although students must maintain a 3.00 GPA in the post-baccalaureate certificate program.
| Requirement | Minimum grade | Credit hours |
|---|---|---|
|
The certificate in cryptology requires 18 upper-division credit hours. A minimum of six upper-division credit hours must be completed through The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. When selecting courses, the college offering the course can be identified by viewing the course details in Class Search. Only courses completed with a grade of "C" (2.00 on a scale of 4.00) or better may be applied toward the certificate requirements. |
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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 |
|
Students may substitute an approved cryptography-related internship for three 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.
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What you'll learn
The following learning outcomes highlight some of the knowledge and skills you'll develop to support your future success.
- Apply appropriate concepts from their elective courses in the certificate to cryptology.
- Analyze security of contemporary cryptosystems using results from theoretical mathematics.
Apply appropriate concepts from their elective courses in the certificate to cryptology.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 higher (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.
Here are the admission and application details
Paying for college
Use our calculator to estimate your full-time or part-time tuition fees for this program prior to any financial aid. Keep in mind that most of our students receive financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs.
Get an estimateCareer opportunities
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 professionals with the skills to secure data --- and program graduates have these skills.
Contact information
Use the contact information below to get in touch if you're a current student or have general questions.
School of Mathematical and Statistical Sciences
|
WXLR 216
math@asu.edu
480-965-7195
Frequently asked questions about degree programs
Accelerated programs allow students the opportunity to expedite the completion of their degree.
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. 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.
Concurrent degrees allow students to pursue their own personal or professional interests, earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. To add a concurrent degree to your existing degree, work with your academic advisor.
Joint programs, or jointly conferred degrees, are offered by more than one college and provide opportunities for students to take advantage of the academic strengths of two academic units. Upon graduation, students are awarded one degree and one diploma conferred by two colleges.
ASU adds new programs to Degree Search frequently. Come back often and look for the "New Programs" option.
ASU Online offers programs in an entirely online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. See https://asuonline.asu.edu/ for more information.
