# Can I take cryptography after doing pure Mathematics $?$ [closed]

This is not a mathematics problem . May be it's not appropriate to ask this here but I don't know anywhere else to go for advice .

I have taken Pure Mathematics at the university and quite enjoying doing it . Since I was thinking about doing research work after this so I was talking with some of the professors . The ones with specialization in topics of pure said they may not appointing new scholars the next semester. So I talked with another who works in applications of algebra i.e. mostly in cryptography and combinatorial graph theory .

So , my question is , is it possible to do research work in those above after having studied only abstract and linear algebra and very little of commutative algebra $?$ I had this thought because he said those are applications of algebra and since we have to do a course-work for $1$ year in the chosen subject.

I mean I will have to learn a lot of new things any ways for research work , not like my knowledge from the degree courses will suffice at all. So , my not knowing the above two things at all this time , does that make it impossible to chose applications of algebra as research topics $?$ Not that all depends on my decision , it's his decision all that matters but should I request him at least $?$

## closed as off-topic by Najib Idrissi, user223391, Alex M., Henning Makholm, SchrodingersCatJan 20 '16 at 17:40

This question appears to be off-topic. The users who voted to close gave this specific reason:

• "Seeking personal advice. Questions about choosing a course, academic program, career path, etc. are off-topic. Such questions should be directed to those employed by the institution in question, or other qualified individuals who know your specific circumstances." – Community, Alex M., Henning Makholm
If this question can be reworded to fit the rules in the help center, please edit the question.

• It really depends on the course, so the best person to ask is the person who will be teaching the course... – Thomas Andrews Jan 20 '16 at 16:52
• @ThomasAndrews : Thank you. – user80631 Jan 20 '16 at 16:54

## 1 Answer

If you haven't taken a course in cryptography, have a look at the book An Introduction to Mathematical Cryptography by Hoffstein, Pipher, and Silverman. If you can follow it, you can probably start a study on the subject.