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Let’s Cut Through the “Noise” About Forensic Accounting and Fraud Investigation Programs

West Virginia University’s Forensic Accounting & Fraud Investigation (FAFI) program, in the College of Business and Economics, is one of the most recognized and respected programs in the world. Period.

At WVU, our program is:

• based upon knowledge gained from leaders in forensic accounting-public accounting, industry, education and government, including U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF)
• geared toward exposing students to best practices in an expanding field of opportunities
• created by our faculty, who facilitated guidelines for the National Institute of Justice
• leading research in forensic accounting and fraud examination through the Institute for Fraud Prevention (IFP)

And we’re tailoring our graduate certificate program to fit your life — by giving you the option of enrolling in a traditional classroom program or an online program (the on-program includes two, two-day residencies on WVU’s main campus). Either way, your residencies include moot court, pitching cases to prosecutors and CSI-F (Crime Scene Investigation – Financial) experiences exclusive to WVU.


There’s a lot of white noise out there about forensic accounting and fraud investigation programs, and most of it is just that.

When the Internal Revenue Service needed to train its people in best practices for detecting fraud, identifying the real thing and collecting evidence to use in court, the agency came to WVU. The WVU Forensic Accounting & Fraud Investigation program offers:

• hands-on case investigations
• experiential learning
• extensive exposure to outside professionals
• moot court experience
• CSIF event
• your choice: traditional classroom or online program with on-campus residencies

And if you’re a non-West Virginia resident, you are eligible for a $4,000 scholarship.

West Virginia University’s College of Business and Economics even has the nation’s first-ever Ph.D. program in accounting that offers a specialization in forensic accounting and fraud investigation. Credibility, curriculum, commitment. That’s WVU.

The bottom line is that you want a program that is going to dramatically increase your skill set, make you a more valuable asset to your company and help move your career upward. Done.

West Virginia University to Offer PhD Program in Forensic Accounting and Fraud Investigation

Did you ever have dreams of being a doctor that busted the bad guys? Something like Quincy. Or maybe Robert Langdon. When you opted to go into accounting, you probably thought those dreams were hopeless.

Well, we have good news for you aspiring number-crunching crime fighters who still yearn for the “Dr.” prefix. West Virginia University’s College of Business and Economics is announcing (later today, we’re told) that they will be offering the first doctoral program in Forensic Accounting and Fraud Investigation. The program will admit its first students in August 2012 and will prepare individuals for a career in accounting research and teaching at the university level.

Shall we hear from scholarly types? Okay!


“West Virginia University’s Forensic Accounting and Fraud Investigation program has been a model for other colleges and universities across the country,” said WVU President Dr. Jim Clements. “Our expertise has made us a national leader in this field, and the addition of the Ph.D. program will provide WVU with an important opportunity to create scholars in the areas of fraud, forensics and ethics. I applaud the faculty for all they have done to make this possible.”

Dr. Clements is referring to WVU’s Graduate Certificate in FAFI and the new PhD program will simply add to the University’s scholarly fraud-busting prowess. Dr. Jose V. Sartarelli, Milan Puskar Dean, of the school said, “This new Ph.D. program is the next logical step in building a complete educational offering in these specific areas, and that step is due to the commitment and expertise of our excellent faculty. This program is a reflection of their long and dedicated work.”

So this is a pretty exciting for the accounting sleuths (amateur or professional) out there if you’re interested in taking your wonkiness to the next level. Whether or not it has the Sam Antars of the world shaking in the boots is another question.

Anyone interested should contact Dr. Tim Pearson or check out the program on the WVU website. Get crackin’.