BIRMINGHAM, AL — The University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) School of Business has received final approval from the Alabama Commission on Higher Education to create a new program of study in forensic accounting and information technology auditing within the school’s Department of Accounting and Information Systems. The program will be a new concentration offered within the bachelor’s degree in accounting beginning in fall 2005.

The program’s curriculum is designed to prepare students for careers in the fast-growing field of forensic accounting. Forensic accounting includes fraud examination and a wide range of investigative services aimed at white-collar crime.

“Additionally, since the most costly frauds are perpetrated using computers, we have integrated IT auditing into our forensic accounting courses,” said Tommie Singleton, Ph.D., program director and assistant professor. “By doing this, we are giving our students the tools they need to be successful forensic accountants and fraud examiners in the future.”

Singleton said the forensic accounting and information technology auditing program will be comprised of a four-course series that includes Introduction to Forensic Accounting and IT Auditing, Fraud Examination, Legal Elements of Forensic Accounting and a practicum.

Frank Messina, D.B.A., chairman of the Department of Accounting and Information Systems, said the program already has support from Birmingham’s accounting community.

“Local firms specializing in forensic services are providing financial assistance, classroom resources and a steady stream of guest speakers for the program,” he said. “Being on the frontline, they recognize that fraud is a huge problem, and they see our program as a way to develop professionals with the unique skills needed to fight it.”