Hofstra University, Hempstead, NY – A team of Hofstra Computer Science faculty has received a $290,000 National Science Foundation grant to dintroduce entrepreneurship and leadership components into the computer science curriculum.

The project also seeks to develop modules about innovation, entrepreneurship, and global aspects in several required courses and development of an entrepreneurial computer science minor. In addition, students will work in global entrepreneurial teams with students at targeted universities in Germany, Romania and Korea. The project includes community building activities with faculty in the greater New York area to promote adaptation and adoption of the curricula models and resources developed.

"There is a clear need for such changes in computing education to prepare the upcoming generation of computing professionals," said Simona Doboli, a Ph.D., a member of the team and an Associate Professor of Computer Science. "The project has a strong collaborative team with entrepreneurial and educational experience and an enhanced evaluation component that should clearly demonstrate the impact of this innovative approach to the research and education community."

According to the Science and Engineering Indicators released by the National Science Board in the year 2000, the United States employs almost one-third of the world’s science and engineer researchers and accounts for 40 percent of the world's research and development expenditure. In addition, there has been a recent decline in U.S. college enrollments for undergraduate degrees in computer science, information technology and computer engineering.

In order to remain competitive, the computing education curriculum must address globalization through innovative solutions and go beyond technical skills and into communication, innovation, creative thinking and an understanding of the business world and global markets, Dr. Doboli said.

The project funded by the NSF, a joint venture with Stony Brook University, seeks to prepare a diverse student and faculty population to pursue entrepreneurial activities in high technology. "There is potential for national models that can help to develop a technology-savvy workforce which is vital to the nation’s continued prosperity and security," Dr. Doboli said.

The other Hofstra faculty involved in the project are Computer Science Department Chair Gerda Kamberova; Computer Science Professor Emeritus John Impagliazzo; Assistant Professor of Computer Science Xiang Fu; and Richard Hayes, Assistant Professor of Management, Entrepreneurship and General Business.

Hofstra's Department of Computer Science develops independent thinkers who can provide leadership in the computing industry or academia, with deep insights into the fundamentals of computer science, a broad perspective in the established and emerging fields of computing, and expertise in their field of choice. The department offers programs of study for students at all levels, from non-majors to minors to majors. Students may choose a course of study from computer literacy to the B.S. or B.A. in Computer Science or B.S. in Computer Engineering. At the graduate level, the department offers M.A. and M.S. degrees in Computer Science, including an online M.S. degree option.

Hofstra University is a dynamic private institution where students can choose from more than 145 undergraduate and more than 160 graduate programs in liberal arts and sciences, business; engineering; communication; education, health and human services;  and honors studies, as well as a School of Law. With a student-faculty ratio of 14-to-1, our professors teach small classes averaging 22 students that emphasize interaction, critical thinking and analysis. Hofstra offers a faculty whose highest priority is teaching excellence. The University also provides excellent facilities with state-of-the-art technology, extensive library resources and internship programs that match students’ interests and abilities with appropriate companies and organizations.  The Hofstra community is driven, dynamic and energetic, helping students find and focus their strengths to prepare them for a successful future.