Discrete Mathematics Online Course
    Online Program

    Discrete Mathematics Online Course

    by Stanford Pre-Collegiate Studies

    Study university-level mathematics through proof writing, graph theory, and cryptography, connecting abstract ideas with computer science applications.

    Last verified: 6 Oct 2026Reviewed by:SSSean Stevens

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    Discrete Mathematics Online Course at a glance: cost, dates and eligibility

    Current status

    Upcoming

    Eligibility

    Grades 9-11; completed pre-calculus

    Age range / Year group

    Ages 14-17

    Location / Region

    Online

    Cost

    $3,200

    Duration

    2 weeks

    Format

    Online

    Next deadline

    Not announced · Next cycle not announced

    Get next-cycle reminder
    MathematicsComputer Science
    Sessions / cadence: 10 × 2h Monday–Friday classes; 2–3h homework/day
    Assessment style: Daily problem sets, assignments, and projects
    Latest verified cycle: 2026
    Support model: Online office hours in third daily hour
    Time-zone model: Pacific Daylight Time meeting windows

    Discrete Mathematics Online Course summary

    Stanford's course explores mathematical structures behind cryptography, graph algorithms, and logical systems. It moves beyond routine school exercises into university-level topics.

    Students tackle daily problem sets and practice mathematical induction and proof by contradiction. The strongest fit is someone who enjoys explaining why a result holds, as well as calculating an answer.

    What is Discrete Mathematics Online Course?

    Discrete Mathematics is a Stanford Pre-Collegiate Summer Institutes course exploring non-continuous mathematical structures and their computer science applications. Topics include number theory, cryptography, complexity theory, combinatorics, the Pigeonhole principle, graph theory, Boolean algebra, and logic design.

    Students work through university-level ideas using daily problem sets and live online classes. They study RSA, Diffie-Hellman, and ElGamal cryptosystems, explore graph algorithms, and strengthen proof writing through induction and contradiction.

    Why Succeed highlights Discrete Mathematics Online Course

    • The course connects abstract mathematics with concrete applications in cryptography and graph algorithms.

    • Daily problem sets give students sustained practice with university-level mathematical ideas.

    • Explicit work on induction and contradiction develops reasoning beyond routine calculation.

    • Online office hours provide an additional opportunity to work through difficult questions.

    Who is Discrete Mathematics Online Course for?

    Best for

    Students who enjoy rigorous mathematical reasoning and want to understand the foundations of cryptography and computer science.

    Not ideal if

    You want light enrichment, routine school revision, or a coding-focused course rather than sustained mathematical problem solving.

    Is Discrete Mathematics Online Course worth it?

    This is a strong academic fit if you want to test your interest in proof-based mathematics and its computing applications. The combination of daily problems, cryptosystems, and graph theory offers a concrete way to move beyond familiar school topics.

    The workload requires sustained attention, so the value depends on whether you enjoy mathematical reasoning enough to engage fully. Participation does not guarantee admission to Stanford University; the more useful outcome is what you learn and can explain afterward.

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    Cost and what is included

    $3,200; includes Two-hour live classes, Monday–Friday., Online office hours in the third daily hour., Daily mathematical problem sets., Asynchronous assignments and projects..

    Dates and time commitment

    2 weeks; 10 × 2h Monday–Friday classes; 2–3h homework/day.

    Provider details

    Review the Stanford Pre-Collegiate Studies provider page and official sources before making a final decision.

    What the student gains

    Potential output: The main coursework output is a sequence of daily mathematical problem sets.. Check whether feedback, certificate, recommendation or application evidence is included.

    Online support and safeguarding

    Check how online sessions are supervised, how mentor communication works, and what support route exists if the student needs help.

    What to check before committing

    Confirm current dates, session schedule, payment terms, cancellation rules, support expectations and what output or certificate is included with the provider.

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    How much preparation does Discrete Mathematics Online Course need?

    Effort level

    High.

    Best started

    Allow several weeks for application preparation, then refresh pre-calculus a few weeks before your session.

    Main challenge

    Writing convincing proofs while keeping up with unfamiliar topics.

    Typical preparation

    • Gather recent grade reports and transcripts before completing the application.

    • Choose a work sample that meets the course-specific requirements.

    • Practice explaining mathematical arguments clearly rather than giving answers alone.

    • Convert the published Pacific meeting window to your local time and reserve daily study time.

    Useful if

    You want to explore further study in mathematics or computer science.

    What do students do on Discrete Mathematics Online Course?

    You attend live mathematics classes and work through daily problem sets, assignments, and projects. The course connects abstract structures with cryptographic systems and graph applications while developing proof-writing skills.

    Step-by-step process

    1. 1

      Join your assigned live online section Monday–Friday.

    2. 2

      Explore discrete mathematical topics through daily problems.

    3. 3

      Study public key cryptosystems and applications of graph theory.

    4. 4

      Practice mathematical induction and proof by contradiction.

    5. 5

      Complete asynchronous assignments and projects outside class and use online office hours for support.

    Discrete Mathematics Online Course dates and deadlines

    Next cycle not announced yet. These dates are from the latest verified cycle and should be used as a reference only.

    Session One

    15-26 June 2026

    Monday–Friday; 4:00-7:00 PM PDT window includes two hours of class and office hours.

    Reference date

    Session Two

    6-17 July 2026

    Monday–Friday; 8:00-11:00 AM PDT window includes two hours of class and office hours.

    Reference date

    Eligibility and requirements

    • Be in Grades 9-11 at the time of application.

    • Have completed mathematics courses through pre-calculus.

    • Domestic and international applicants may apply.

    • Attend only one Summer Institutes course.

    • Complete application responses independently.

    How much does Discrete Mathematics Online Course cost?

    Funding

    Financial aid — Domestic and international participants may receive aid.

    What's included

    Two-hour live classes, Monday–Friday., Online office hours in the third daily hour., Daily mathematical problem sets., Asynchronous assignments and projects.

    How to apply to Discrete Mathematics Online Course

    1. 1

      Create an account in Stanford's online application portal using the student's legal name and birthdate, or sign in to an existing account.

    2. 2

      Select Summer Institutes and indicate your course preferences.

    3. 3

      Complete the application responses yourself and choose a work sample meeting the course-specific requirements.

    4. 4

      Upload recent grade reports, transcripts, and required supplemental materials; standardized test scores are optional.

    5. 5

      Have a parent or legal guardian review and sign the completed application.

    6. 6

      Review everything before submitting and pay the application fee; submitted applications cannot be changed.

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    Learning format

    Classes meet live online for two hours each Monday–Friday, with online office hours in the third hour of the published meeting window. Students also spend approximately 2-3 hours per day on asynchronous assignments and projects and attend just one assigned section and time.

    Exact class times and office-hour schedules are set closer to the program start.

    Mentorship and feedback

    • Live online classes meet for two hours each weekday.

    • The third hour of the meeting window is used for online office hours.

    • The exact office-hour schedule is set closer to the program start.

    Time-zone considerations

    • Session One uses a 4:00-7:00 PM Pacific Daylight Time meeting window.
    • Session Two uses an 8:00-11:00 AM Pacific Daylight Time meeting window.
    • Each window contains two hours of live class and a third hour for online office hours.
    • Students attend one assigned section; exact class and office-hour times are set closer to the start.
    • Plan for 2-3 hours of asynchronous assignments and projects per day.

    Assessment style

    Coursework centers on daily problem sets, proof-writing practice, and asynchronous assignments and projects.

    • Work through daily mathematical problem sets.
    • Practice mathematical induction and proof by contradiction.
    • Complete assignments and projects outside live class time.

    Portfolio and outputs

    Main deliverable / output

    The main coursework output is a sequence of daily mathematical problem sets.

    • Practice written proofs using induction and contradiction.

    • Complete asynchronous course assignments and projects.

    Discrete Mathematics Online Course FAQs

    Topics include number theory, cryptography, complexity theory, combinatorics, the Pigeonhole principle, graph theory, Boolean algebra, and logic design. Students also practice mathematical induction and proof by contradiction.

    Students must have completed mathematics courses through pre-calculus. Course eligibility is based on Grades 9-11 at the time of application.

    There are two hours of live class Monday–Friday and approximately 2-3 hours of asynchronous assignments and projects per day. Online office hours occupy the third hour of the published meeting window.

    No. Standardized test scores are optional for domestic and international applicants, and there is no fixed test-score or GPA cutoff.

    Applicants must complete all responses independently. Parents or legal guardians review the completed application and sign it.

    Yes. Financial aid can be awarded to both domestic and international participants.

    No. Admitted students may attend only one course and one assigned section and time.

    No. Stanford undergraduate admissions are separate and independent from Stanford Pre-Collegiate Studies programs; participation does not guarantee admission.

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    Sean Stevens

    Content 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 and verification

    Source types reviewed

    • Welcome
    • Questions: Application - SI | Stanford Pre-Collegiate Summer Institutes
    • Discrete Mathematics | Stanford Pre-Collegiate Summer Institutes

    Succeed uses official provider information where available, but keeps this public page focused on comparison and planning inside Succeed.

    What we verified (on 6 Oct 2026)

    • Official course page checked

    • Grade eligibility reviewed

    • Mathematics prerequisite checked

    • Class and homework hours checked

    • Pacific meeting windows checked

    • Application requirements reviewed

    • Financial aid eligibility checked

    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.