Prepare for an exciting career fighting fraud and corruption. With an interdisciplinary curriculum that combines intensive study in criminal justice, accounting, economics, computer science, philosophy and psychology this remarkable program gives you the specialized investigative skills you need to pursue a rewarding career in:
- Law enforcement,
- Corporate security management,
- Forensic accounting,
- Private consulting, and
other professional opportunities that require a solid foundation in the principles of preventing and prosecuting economic crime.
Demand for Fraud Investigators and Forensic Accountants Greatly Exceeds Supply
The need for individuals who have the academic training to fight fraud and corruption is growing. U. S. News and World Report (1996) listed forensic accounting as one of the “20 hot job tracks” for the future. Their perception of the importance changed little in the intervening years because they included it as one of eight careers to count on in 2002. Allan Koltin, chief executive of PDI Global, stated that forensic accounting is currently the hottest area in the accounting profession saying that, “I think the industry has probably quadrupled in the last seven years, and over the
next decade, anything forensic or investigative will remain hot,” (Financial Week, 2007).
Economic crimes like fraud and embezzlement are major and costly social problems around the world. Very few individuals possess the skills needed to prevent, detect, and investigate these types of crimes. The required skills encompass expertise in sociology, accounting, information systems, and economics. This proposed interdisciplinary program draws from all of these areas to provide students with the knowledge and skills needed for entry level positions in this field. The extent of white collar crime is startling. The "2006 Report to the Nation" published by the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners estimates that fraud costs U.S. organizations $652 billion annually.
The Lynchburg College Difference
A key component of LC’s Economic Crime Prevention and Investigation Program is the opportunity to work closely with professors who have had extensive professional experience. The program faculty includes professors with law enforcement and fraud investigation experience as well as relevant professional designations.
“I have reviewed your . . . program and I am of the opinion that it is right on target. It appears to be an excellent program. The classes being offered will certainly aid in preparing any student interested in pursuing a career in this field. I am sure that law enforcement agencies at all levels of government will be highly interested in young men and women with this background.” -- Captain Terry, Director of the Virginia State Police Academy | “I think there would be a great demand. We are talking about an area of specialization - one not concentrating on getting the correct bean in the correct bottle - rather it is a focus on understanding how the beans can be stolen and that translates into protection. People and companies want to know that they are safe - that their assets are safe - that someone who has the knowledge and ability to keep them from harm is on the job. In the world of post-Enron, almost every American wants to know that ‘It won't happen to them.’ And I believe that is what your graduates would have to offer.” --Charles Raborn, CFS, Executive Director, Association of Certified Fraud Specialists |