Cristina Nita-Rotaru Professor of Computer Science Khoury College of Computer Sciences Northeastern University email: c.nitarotaru@northeastern.edu office: ISEC 626 Directions lab: Network and Distributed Systems Security [nds2] Research: network security, resilient distributed systems, automated testing and verification; applications: critical infrastructure, connected cars, blockchains

``There is only one success - to be able to spend your life in your own way.'' Christopher Morley

Research for MS Students

[How]   [When]   [What]  

This page is intended for MS students who would like to know how to get involved in research, the best time to do so, and the possible outcomes of such a research activity. If you are not convinced why you should do research, read this. For further information, direct your questions to c.nitarotaru@northeastern.edu.

How you can do research as an MS student.

• Take an independent study
• Take an apprenticeship class
• Take an advanced class
• Do an internship
• Do a co-op
• Work on a project outside class
• Do a thesis

When is the best time to do research as an MS student.

MS degrees typically take 2 years so the sooner you start, the better. A thesis will take a year, and sometimes requires a bit more exploration. You can start with a project in a class and continue pursuing it in depth afterwards. Plan early so you can take advantage of all learning and funding opportunities. Talking with a faculty can provide better guidance on choosing the best path for you.

What are the outcomes of an MS research project.

• Code
• Report
• Thesis
• Peer-reviewed published paper

As a faculty at Purdue University and Northeastern University I have worked with many MS students. Often this research resulted in peer-reviewed published papers and theses. Below are just some examples of papers from my group which have MS students as co-authors, or theses. If you want to get involved you can learn more about my projects [here].