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Ask HN: Should I get a physics degree to become a cryptographer?

4 points by throwy555 ↗ HN
Background: I'm a first-year undergraduate at a top-5 computer science university.

I'm interested in becoming a cryptographer eventually. I know that lately, the field of post-quantum cryptography is growing rapidly.

If I'm interested in pursuing cryptography, should I be focusing my studies on mathematics, computer science, or physics (for the quantum stuff)?

1 comment

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ecesena
Personally I did math, focus on number theory and algebraic geometry. I was also programming a ton on my own, meaning that this is typically not required for a math curriculum, but I feel you really need it for crypto. Feel free to email me if you want to chat more.