About the Course
Unlock the world of secret communication in this engaging, fast-paced introduction to cryptology. Over six weeks, during live weekly sessions with your classmates and instructor, we'll explore how mathematics serves as the foundation for encryption and decryption techniques. Designed to be approachable yet challenging, this course offers an accessible glimpse into the history and principles behind secret codes and ciphers, with a focus on real-world applications. We will uncover the logic, patterns, and problem-solving strategies that drive cryptographic systems, and deepen our understanding of how cryptology has developed throughout history to shape our modern encryption systems and secure our digital world.
The content in Cryptology: Cracking Codes overlaps with the CTY course Cryptology: Math and Codes. Students who have already taken Cryptology: Math and Codes may wish to consult with an enrollment advisor before selecting this course.
Learning Objectives
- Encrypt and decrypt messages with a variety of codes
- Invent your own ciphers
- Discuss relevant historical events and literature
- Apply number theory concepts to cryptology
About Advanced Enrichment courses
These courses offer above-grade-level material that is presented in a novel context, explored with other advanced learners, and guided by a CTY educator to help prepare students for higher-order thinking and college-style academic challenges. Students work individually and may finish the course early if they complete all requirements before the course end date.
Requirements
CTY courses have grade-level requirements and most require minimum test scores. Some courses may also have prerequisites.
Identification DetailsDates and Tuition
Online
You will be asked to join or sign in first.
Days: Every Tue for 6 weeks
Times: 6 - 7:30 p.m. (Eastern time)
Register by: August 11, 2026
Time Commitment:
Please acquire all course materials by the course start date, unless noted as perishable. Items marked as “perishable” should not be acquired until the student needs them in the course. If you have questions about these materials or difficulty locating them, please contact [email protected].
Families will be notified by email of any required materials one week prior to the course start date.
Time Commitment: 2.5-3.5 hours per week (1.5 hours of class time, 1-2 hours of independent work). The course will include 6 sessions over 6 weeks. All online course times are Eastern time.
You will be asked to join or sign in first.
Days: Every Mon for 6 weeks
Times: 7 - 8:30 p.m. (Eastern time)
Register by: September 15, 2026
Time Commitment:
Please acquire all course materials by the course start date, unless noted as perishable. Items marked as “perishable” should not be acquired until the student needs them in the course. If you have questions about these materials or difficulty locating them, please contact [email protected].
Families will be notified by email of any required materials one week prior to the course start date.
Time Commitment: 2.5-3.5 hours per week (1.5 hours of class time, 1-2 hours of independent work). The course will include 6 sessions over 6 weeks.
Registration Fee and Financial Aid
Tuition and fees will be waived or reduced for students who qualify for financial aid.
Learn more about Financial Aid