The IRS Criminal Investigation’s Citizen Academy Partners with College of Business

Texas A&M University-Commerce's College of Business partnered with the Internal Revenue Service’s Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI) unit to host an immersive Citizen Academy on September 26, 2024. This full-day event provided students with hands-on experience in real-world investigative techniques, giving them the opportunity to “follow the money” and catch white-collar criminals. Students participated in a simulated investigation alongside IRS-CI special agents, reenacting a financial crime case.

The event, led by IRS-CI special agents, allowed students to investigate a fictional crime and experience various aspects of the judicial process. This included issuing warrants, role-playing courtroom scenarios and participating in a simulated raid and arrest, giving students the chance to experience the duties of a special agent firsthand.

Dr. Robert Rankin, assistant professor of accounting and MBA for Veterans coordinator at the College of Business, highlighted the significance of this experience for students.

“The IRS Citizen Academy was an eye-opening experience for our students, allowing them to apply their classroom learning in a practical setting,” Rankin said. “It's one thing to study financial crime in theory, but to actually issue a warrant, conduct a raid, and work on an investigation? That's an experience that completely transforms their perspective on their future careers.”

Participating student Robert E. Cade, who is currently pursuing his undergraduate degree in accounting, shared his excitement.

“Being part of this academy was unlike anything I've ever experienced,” Cade said. “The hands-on simulation gave me a real understanding of how complex financial investigations can be, and it showed me how the skills I'm developing as an accounting student could be used to make a real impact. It also highlighted the diversity of job opportunities available in the field of accounting.”

College of Business Dean Scott Wheeler expressed pride in hosting the event.

“We are delighted to have hosted the IRS Criminal Investigation Citizen Academy once again at the College of Business,” Wheeler said. “This event is just one of the many ways we are committed to transforming our students' lives through experiential learning. By providing opportunities like this, we ensure that our students gain practical experience that prepares them for success in their future careers.”

This hands-on experience demonstrated how an accounting or finance degree can lead to a rewarding career in forensic accounting and criminal investigation, opening doors to meaningful opportunities in federal law enforcement.