About the Course
Cryptology is the study of the codes and ciphers used to create secret writing. This math course explores many early techniques in cryptology, such as cipher wheels, the Caesar shift, polyalphabetic substitution, and the Vigenère cipher, as well as modern techniques like RSA public key cryptography. You and your classmates will learn how data transmitted by computers can be secured with digital encryption, and how the vulnerabilities of each encryption system enable hackers to attack and decrypt messages using techniques such as frequency analysis and cribbing. You'll apply concepts while encrypting and decrypting your own secret messages. Though the course's central focus is on the mathematics of cryptology, you'll also learn the historical context of cryptography and cryptographic devices like the Enigma Machine, one of the most important cryptographic devices in history, so you develop a deep understanding of this branch of mathematics and its applications in the world.
Typical Class Size: 16-18
Learning Objectives
- Apply modular arithmetic, group theory and cycle structure to coding theory and cryptography
- Create schemes to encipher, decipher, and crypto-analyze in order to use cryptography to defend systems
- Test coding and decoding methods using frequency analysis and different ciphers
- Analyze the rudiments of elementary number theory to apply to Vigenére, substitution, and Enigma cracks, among others
- Formulate monoalphabetic and combinatorial exercises to solve ciphers
- Model affine ciphers and division algorithms by conducting labs to show their effectiveness
- Construct discrete log problems to formulate and solve pseudorandom numbers and modern cryptography schemes
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
In Person
Roger Williams University
Bristol, RI
Residential Site
You will be asked to join or sign in first.
Register by: June 14, 2026
Full Waitlist Available
Time Commitment:
Course Materials
Students should bring basic school supplies like pens, notebooks, and folders to their summer program. You will be notified of any additional items needed before the course begins. All other materials will be provided by CTY.
Sample Reading
These titles have been featured in past sessions of the course and may be included this summer. CTY provides students with all texts; no purchase is required.
The Code Book, by Simon Singh
You will be asked to join or sign in first.
Register by: June 8, 2026
Time Commitment:
Course Materials
Students should bring basic school supplies like pens, notebooks, and folders to their summer program. You will be notified of any additional items needed before the course begins. All other materials will be provided by CTY.
Sample Reading
These titles have been featured in past sessions of the course and may be included this summer. CTY provides students with all texts; no purchase is required.
The Code Book, by Simon Singh
Johns Hopkins University
Baltimore, MD
Residential Site
You will be asked to join or sign in first.
Register by: June 11, 2026
Full Waitlist Available
Time Commitment:
Course Materials
Students should bring basic school supplies like pens, notebooks, and folders to their summer program. You will be notified of any additional items needed before the course begins. All other materials will be provided by CTY.
Sample Reading
These titles have been featured in past sessions of the course and may be included this summer. CTY provides students with all texts; no purchase is required.
The Code Book, by Simon Singh
You will be asked to join or sign in first.
Register by: July 2, 2026
Filling up fast! 6 spots left
Time Commitment:
Course Materials
Students should bring basic school supplies like pens, notebooks, and folders to their summer program. You will be notified of any additional items needed before the course begins. All other materials will be provided by CTY.
Sample Reading
These titles have been featured in past sessions of the course and may be included this summer. CTY provides students with all texts; no purchase is required.
The Code Book, by Simon Singh
Loyola Marymount University
Los Angeles, CA
Residential Site
You will be asked to join or sign in first.
Register by: June 21, 2026
Full Waitlist Available
Time Commitment:
Course Materials
Students should bring basic school supplies like pens, notebooks, and folders to their summer program. You will be notified of any additional items needed before the course begins. All other materials will be provided by CTY.
Sample Reading
These titles have been featured in past sessions of the course and may be included this summer. CTY provides students with all texts; no purchase is required.
The Code Book, by Simon Singh
You will be asked to join or sign in first.
Register by: June 8, 2026
Time Commitment:
Course Materials
Students should bring basic school supplies like pens, notebooks, and folders to their summer program. You will be notified of any additional items needed before the course begins. All other materials will be provided by CTY.
Sample Reading
These titles have been featured in past sessions of the course and may be included this summer. CTY provides students with all texts; no purchase is required.
The Code Book, by Simon Singh
Dickinson College
Carlisle, PA
Residential Site
You will be asked to join or sign in first.
Register by: June 21, 2026
Time Commitment:
Course Materials
Students should bring basic school supplies like pens, notebooks, and folders to their summer program. You will be notified of any additional items needed before the course begins. All other materials will be provided by CTY.
Sample Reading
These titles have been featured in past sessions of the course and may be included this summer. CTY provides students with all texts; no purchase is required.
The Code Book, by Simon Singh
You will be asked to join or sign in first.
Register by: June 8, 2026
Time Commitment:
Course Materials
Students should bring basic school supplies like pens, notebooks, and folders to their summer program. You will be notified of any additional items needed before the course begins. All other materials will be provided by CTY.
Sample Reading
These titles have been featured in past sessions of the course and may be included this summer. CTY provides students with all texts; no purchase is required.
The Code Book, by Simon Singh
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