FAQ
Thank you for your interest in Northeastern University and the Security and Privacy Research (SPQR) Group. We are always glad to hear from students excited about security, privacy, embedded systems, and healthcare technology. We receive many inquiries from prospective students, volunteers, and collaborators. Because of the volume, we are not able to reply to every message individually.
For prospective students, the best way to get involved is to apply through the official Northeastern pathway that best matches your goals. The FAQ below provides links for PhD, master's, undergraduate, co-op, and research opportunities. Please check the answers below first, and click a question to show or hide its answer.
Apply to the Northeastern doctoral program that best matches your interests. SPQR spans computer science and electrical and computer engineering, so both of these official routes may be relevant:
In your statement, describe the research questions that motivate you. If the application asks you to name faculty or research groups of interest, list Prof. Kevin Fu / SPQR Lab among your top three choices when it is genuinely a strong fit.
You may also complete the SPQR PhD interest form when it is open. The interest form helps us learn about potential applicants, but it does not replace the official university application and does not guarantee admission or a position in the lab.
Choose the program that best fits your academic goals. For computer science, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and data science programs, start with Khoury College of Computer Sciences. For electrical and computer engineering and related engineering programs, use the College of Engineering graduate admissions page.
- Explore Khoury College of Computer Sciences master's programs
- Explore College of Engineering graduate programs
Admission to a master's program and selection for a research role are separate processes. After enrolling, watch for posted SPQR openings and other Northeastern research opportunities that match your preparation and interests.
Undergraduate students apply to Northeastern University through the university's central admissions process. Explore the application steps, deadlines, required materials, and first-year or transfer pathways on the official admissions site.
- Start your undergraduate application
- Explore Khoury College of Computer Sciences programs
- Explore College of Engineering undergraduate admissions and programs
Once enrolled at Northeastern, students can pursue research and co-op opportunities through their college and through lab announcements.
International applicants use the same college or program application above, with additional documentation where required. Follow the instructions on the official admissions page for your degree; those pages contain the current language testing, credential, deadline, and visa-related guidance.
AI tools can help you brainstorm, organize, and refine your writing, but your application should reflect your own experiences, ideas, and voice. Do not use AI to invent qualifications, experiences, or research interests, and do not use it where an application or assessment prohibits it.
Anthropic's candidate AI guidance provides useful examples of thoughtful AI use during the application process. This is an external reference, not a Northeastern admissions policy; always follow the instructions provided by the program or opportunity to which you are applying.
Northeastern co-op opportunities are coordinated through each student's college. Prospective students should first apply to and enroll in a Northeastern degree program. Current students should work with their co-op coordinator and follow the applicable college process.
- Khoury College of Computer Sciences undergraduate co-op process
- Khoury College of Computer Sciences graduate co-op process
- College of Engineering undergraduate co-op process
- College of Engineering graduate co-op process
SPQR research, engineering, internship, volunteer, and co-op openings are announced on this website when available. Follow the application instructions in the posting; please do not substitute an email for a requested application form.
We typically review opportunities around August, December, and April, depending on project needs and funding. When we are recruiting, the opening and its application form will appear on this website. Please apply through that form so every applicant can be considered in the same way.
You do not need a faculty invitation before submitting an official Northeastern application. The most effective first step is to apply through the correct admissions pathway and clearly describe your research fit in the application. Due to message volume, we cannot provide individual pre-admission assessments or guarantee a reply.
Read our publications, explore the Projects menu, meet our people, and review our values. Our healthcare and medical device cybersecurity work is also featured by the Archimedes Center. Referencing a specific paper or project in your application is a good way to explain the research connection you hope to pursue.