Application deadline
15 May 2026
General Brown Pre-College deadline; course enrollment is separate.
In-person Program
Number Theory: An Introduction to Higher Mathematics
Brown’s number theory course connects prime numbers, mathematical proofs and RSA cryptography through lectures, assignments and collaborative projects.
Last verified: 9 Oct 2026Reviewed by:SSSean Stevens
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Number Theory at a glance: cost, dates and eligibility
Current status
Upcoming
Eligibility
Grades 9–12; solid algebra
Age range / Year group
Ages 14-18
Location / Region
Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, United States
Cost
$4,482; $5,786
Duration
2 weeks
Format
In-person
MathematicsComputer Science
Accommodation: University residence halls or commuter
Meals: Residential: 3 daily; commuter: 1 daily
Certificate / Outcome: Digital certificate; Course Performance Report
Class schedule: Monday–Friday, 12:15–3:05 p.m. ET
Independent work: 2–3 hours daily
Instructor: Mehdi Khorami
Academic credit: Non-credit; no formal grades
Number Theory summary
Brown’s course introduces the mathematics of integers and prime numbers, then connects those ideas to cryptography through the RSA Algorithm.
You practice proofs and counterexamples through lectures, individual assignments, small-group discussions, projects and presentations.
It suits students curious about why mathematical statements are true and how abstract ideas become useful in computer systems.
What is Number Theory: An Introduction to Higher Mathematics?
Number Theory: An Introduction to Higher Mathematics is a Brown University pre-college course exploring integers, prime numbers and cryptography. It moves from the division algorithm and modular arithmetic to results such as Fermat’s Little Theorem and Euler’s Theorem, with particular attention to the RSA Algorithm.
Students learn on campus through lectures, discussions, individual assignments and collaborative projects. The academic emphasis is on constructing proofs, finding counterexamples and understanding how mathematicians reason. Summer@Brown combines that study with campus activities and opportunities to practice independent learning.
Why Succeed highlights Number Theory
The RSA focus gives abstract prime-number theory a concrete application in cryptography.
Proofs and counterexamples introduce the reasoning expected in higher mathematics.
Individual work, group projects and presentations give students several ways to engage with mathematical ideas.
The course offers college-level subject exploration without the pressure of formal grades.
Who is Number Theory for?
Best for
Students confident in algebra who want to explore proofs, prime numbers and the mathematical foundations of cryptography.
Not ideal if
You mainly want calculus preparation, formal college credit or a summer experience with little independent academic work.
Is Number Theory worth it?
This course has a clear academic purpose if you want to test whether proof-based mathematics interests you. Its connection between prime numbers and RSA cryptography can make unfamiliar theory easier to place in context. The mix of individual and collaborative work also offers a useful introduction to university-style learning.
The strongest reason to choose it is the subject experience, rather than an admissions advantage. It carries no college credit, and Brown explicitly says Pre-College is not a prospecting program for undergraduate admission. Compare the academic fit and campus experience against the family budget before committing.
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A practical overview of cost, accommodation, meals, dates and provider details to review before deciding.
Cost and what is included
$4,482; $5,786; includes One two-week on-campus course., Residential option: university housing and three meals daily., Commuter option: one campus meal daily., Fitness, athletic and aquatics center access., Program activities and excursions., Digital certificate after successful completion., Course Performance Report for the two-week course..
Accommodation
University residence halls or commuter
Meals
Residential: 3 daily; commuter: 1 daily
Provider details
Review the Brown Pre-College Programs provider page and official sources before making a final decision.
Dates and logistics
2 weeks; Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, United States.
What to check before committing
Confirm current dates, payment terms, travel arrangements, cancellation rules and what is included with the provider.
Compare this program with similar options before deciding on dates, cost, format and fit.
Compare with similar programsHow much preparation does Number Theory need?
Effort level
High for a short summer course.
Best started
Begin application preparation four to six weeks before the published deadline for your intended cycle.
Main challenge
Moving from calculating answers to explaining proofs and counterexamples.
Typical preparation
Review algebra, factors, remainders and basic properties of prime numbers.
Practice explaining why a mathematical statement is true or finding an example that disproves it.
Gather current and previous academic-year grades and draft your original application essay.
Plan travel, health forms and any English testing early; request disability accommodations at least three weeks before the course starts.
Useful if
You want to test your interest in higher mathematics and cryptography.
What do students do on Number Theory?
You build an understanding of number theory and use it to explore cryptography based on large prime numbers. Lectures and discussions are paired with individual assignments, small-group work, projects and presentations.
Step-by-step process
- 1
Begin with the division algorithm and modular arithmetic.
- 2
Explore Diophantine Equations, prime factorization and the distribution of prime numbers.
- 3
Study Fermat’s Little Theorem, the Euler Phi-function and Euler’s Theorem.
- 4
Connect number theory to cryptography, with special attention to the RSA Algorithm.
- 5
Practice constructing proofs and counterexamples through assignments and collaborative work.
Number Theory dates and deadlines
Next cycle not announced yet. These dates are from the latest verified cycle and should be used as a reference only.
Reference date
Programme dates
22 June-2 July 2026
Applications open
14 January 2026
Brown Pre-College's 2026 application cycle.
Residential check-in
21 June 2026
9 a.m.–1 p.m. ET at Sayles Hall; student orientation follows.
| Milestone | Date | Timezone | Status | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Application deadline | 15 May 2026 | Local | Reference date | |
Programme dates | 22 June-2 July 2026 | Local | Reference date | |
Applications open | 14 January 2026 | Local | Reference date | |
Residential check-in | 21 June 2026 | Local | Reference date |
Eligibility and requirements
Complete grades 9–12.
Be 14–18 by June 14, 2026.
Have a solid background in algebra.
Calculus experience is not required.
Have strong English proficiency.
Gain Brown Pre-College admission and enroll separately in the course.
How much does Number Theory cost?
Residential program fee
$5,786 — Two-week course with housing and meals.
Funding or discounts
- Commuter program fee: $4,482 — One campus meal daily and facility access.
- Application fee: $80 — Non-refundable; eligible applicants may request a waiver.
- Enrollment deposit: $500 — Generally non-refundable; required before course enrollment.
- Required insurance: $80 — Applies to international students and uninsured U.S. students.
- Scholarship routes: Sibley or PPSD — Separate application and eligibility requirements apply.
What's included
One two-week on-campus course., Residential option: university housing and three meals daily., Commuter option: one campus meal daily., Fitness, athletic and aquatics center access., Program activities and excursions., Digital certificate after successful completion., Course Performance Report for the two-week course.
How to apply to Number Theory
- 1
Create one applicant account through Brown's Student Portal.
- 2
Complete the Brown Pre-College application form and original 250–500-word essay.
- 3
Submit current and previous academic-year grades in English and pay the application fee or request an eligible waiver.
- 4
Provide applicable English proficiency results and any recommendation you elect to submit.
- 5
Monitor your portal for additional requests and your admissions decision.
- 6
After admission, confirm your course choice before submitting the $500 non-refundable deposit.
- 7
Enroll separately in the course and complete the required payment and health forms.
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What does Number Theory cover?
The program covers the following focus areas.
Division and modular arithmetic
Study the division algorithm and arithmetic with remainders as foundations for number theory.
Primes and integer equations
Explore Diophantine Equations, the Fundamental Theorem of Arithmetic and prime-number distribution.
Fermat and Euler
Examine Fermat’s Little Theorem, the Euler Phi-function and Euler’s Theorem.
RSA cryptography
Connect large prime numbers and number theory techniques to the RSA Algorithm.
Proofs and counterexamples
Practice proving mathematical statements and finding counterexamples to false claims.
Curriculum may be adjusted based on participant interests and current developments.
What is a typical day on Number Theory?
A typical day during the program.
Course meetings
Lectures, discussions and coursework; the final week ends Thursday.
Independent study
Complete assignments or project work individually or with classmates.
Campus activities
Optional workshops, activities and events fit around academic responsibilities.
Residential check in
Check in face to face and remain on your floor until 6 a.m.
Who teaches on Number Theory?
Mehdi Khorami is the instructor named for this course section. Summer@Brown instructors offer office hours for questions about course content and assignments, with arrangements shared at the first class meeting.
Where do students stay on Number Theory?
Residential plan
- University residence halls: Furnished rooms include wireless internet and portable or central air conditioning.
- Three meals daily: Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included in Brown's dining halls.
- Residential staff support: Trained staff provide support with nightly check-ins and staff on call 24/7.
- Campus facilities: Residential fees include fitness, athletic and aquatics center access.
Non-residential plan
- Commuter attendance: Attend classes in person and participate in campus resources and activities.
- Commuter meals and facilities: Commuter fees include one campus meal daily and fitness facility access.
Rooms may be single, double or triple occupancy; roommate requests are not honored. Students should bring their own linens.
What happens after Number Theory?
After completing this program, participants often pursue:
Build a foundation for higher-level mathematics.
Develop confidence constructing proofs and counterexamples.
Understand number theory applications in prime-based cryptography.
Earn a digital CeCertificate after successful completion.
Receive an instructor Course Performance Report.
The course is non-credit, and participation does not confer an undergraduate admissions advantage at Brown.
Where does Number Theory take place?
The course takes place on Brown University’s campus in Providence, Rhode Island. Residential check-in is at Sayles Hall on the Main Green, and families arrange transportation to and from campus.
Students may explore Rhode Island independently while meeting class and curfew requirements; out-of-state travel requires parent or guardian authorization.
Number Theory FAQs
No calculus experience is required. You do need a solid background in algebra.
The course gives special attention to the RSA Algorithm and the number theory behind cryptography methods that rely on large prime numbers.
You will take part in on-campus lectures and discussions, individual assignments, small-group discussions, group projects and presentations.
No. Summer@Brown courses do not carry college credit or formal grades. Successful completion earns a digital certificate, and this two-week course also qualifies for a Course Performance Report.
Summer@Brown offers a commuter option with in-person classes, campus resources and activities, one campus meal per day, and fitness facility access. It does not include a campus room.
Summer@Brown students should plan for two to three hours of daily work outside class. This may include individual assignments, group projects and presentations.
Residential students have trained student life staff and a required face-to-face check-in at 10 p.m. Staff are on call around the clock, but students may travel independently within Rhode Island while meeting program responsibilities.
No. Admission is to Brown Pre-College; enrolling in an individual course is a separate step. Confirm your course choice before paying the non-refundable deposit.
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Save this program in Succeed to compare it with similar programs, dates, costs and formats in one place.
Compare with other programsContent reviewed by
Sean Stevens
Co-founder, Succeed | Founder, Immerse Education (2012–2026)
Sean works at the intersection of academic enrichment, program quality and university preparation, with expertise in evaluating pre-university experiences for ambitious secondary school students.
Sources & verification
Source types reviewed
- CeCertificate Access | Pre-College Program | Brown University
- Handbook of Pre-College Policies | Pre-College Program | Brown University
- Summer@Brown On Campus | Pre-College Program | Brown University
- Financial Policies and Payment Information | Pre-College Program | Brown University
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) | Pre-College Program | Brown University
- Admissions Decisions | Pre-College Program | Brown University
- Application Checklist | Pre-College Program | Brown University
- Apply | Pre-College Program | Brown University
- Summer@Brown
- Program Dates and Costs | Pre-College Program | Brown University
- 2026 Program Costs — Breakdown of Fees
- Number Theory: An Introduction to Higher Mathematics - Pre-College Course Catalog"
Succeed uses official provider information where available, but keeps this public page focused on comparison and planning inside Succeed.
What we verified (on 9 Oct 2026)
Course content reviewed
Algebra prerequisite checked
Course schedule checked
Residential and commuter fees checked
Certificate requirements reviewed
Application deadline discrepancy reviewed
How Succeed uses this information
We use source material to verify core facts, then show older cycle dates as reference when a current cycle is not available. Always check current application instructions before applying.
Number Theory: An Introduction to Higher Mathematics
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