Unlocking Secrets: The Science of Cryptography
- Grades 7-11
- CTY-Level
-
LIVE
- Mathematics
Explore the world of cryptography, the science of secret-keeping. From passing notes in class to keeping online banking transactions secure, the desire for confidential communication has remained through the ages. In this course, we will learn about important methods of encrypting information, from historical ciphers to modern-day public-key encryption. Then, we’ll make and break codes using online tools to conduct frequency analyses and crack messages that would otherwise be undecipherable. Along the way, students will gain enhanced knowledge of the mathematics and processes behind some of the most important secret-keeping methods throughout history.
Time commitment: 2.5-3.5 hours per week (1.5 hours of class time, 1-2 hours of independent work). Course will include 6 sessions over 6 weeks.
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.
The content in Unlocking Secrets: The Science of Cryptography overlaps with the CTY course Survey of Cryptography. Students who have already taken Survey of Cryptography may wish to consult with an enrollment advisor before enrolling in this course.
This course is
ungraded.
Classes
Register for an Online course by selecting an open class below. If no open classes are listed, then course enrollment is currently closed. Note: You will need to have an active CTY Account to complete registration through MyCTY.
Testing and Prerequisites
| Math | Verbal | |
|---|---|---|
| Required Level | CTY-Level | Not required |
Students must achieve qualifying scores on an advanced assessment to be eligible for CTY programs. If you don’t have qualifying scores, you have several different testing options. We’ll help you find the right option for your situation.
Sign up for Testing Learn MoreCost and Financial Aid
Tuition
- Varies
Application fee
- Nonrefundable Application Fee - $15 (Waived for financial aid applicants)
- Nonrefundable International Fee - $20 (outside US only)
CTY Financial Aid Availability for Online Programs
Academic Year 2025-26 (Course start dates July 1, 2025- June 30, 2026): Financial Aid funding is currently available for all eligible students while funding lasts. If interested in applying for financial aid, please select a course with start date of July 1, 2025, or later.
Course Materials
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.
Technical Requirements
This course requires a computer with high-speed Internet access and an up-to-date web browser such as Chrome or Firefox. You must be able to communicate with the instructor via email. Visit the Technical Requirements and Support page for more details.
About Mathematics at CTY
Our online Mathematics courses—spanning elementary through high school curricula—cover a wide range of topics, from algebra and geometry to chess, and cryptology and are guided by expert instructors. You’ll join group sessions with classmates to ensure you stay on track with challenging course content. Whether you’re looking for pure math fun and enrichment, to move up the math ladder and advance your academic standing, or to train for mathematics competitions, there’s a CTY course that’s right for you.
Uncover the Exciting World of Cryptology
Unlock the world of secret communication! In Cryptology: Cracking Codes you and your classmates will uncover the logic, patterns, and problem-solving strategies that drive cryptographic systems. Thorugh hands-on activities like encrypting and decrypting messages and creating your own ciphers, you’ll deepen your understanding of how cryptology has developed throughout history to shape our modern encryption systems and secure our digital world.