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PricewaterhouseCoopers, Lehigh University Create PwC Scholars Program to Groom Next Generation of Sarbanes-Oxley Leaders

Posted on: Tuesday, 21 March 2006, 12:00 CST

Lehigh University and PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP today announced the creation of the PwC Scholars program at Lehigh, a scholarship designed specifically for Lehigh's Computer Science and Business (CSB) students.

The CSB program at Lehigh offers students an understanding of computer forensics and corporate risk management by integrating computing and business skills at an unprecedented level. Students in the program--the only such dually-accredited program in the nation--are simultaneously enrolled in both the College of Business and Economics and the P.C. Rossin College of Engineering and Applied Science, and earn a degree jointly awarded by the two colleges upon graduation.

"Lehigh is devoting attention to the widening gap between technology and business operations by cross-educating students in its computer and business curricula," explained Griffith Welton, a partner at PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP. "With this program, Lehigh is addressing a significant need in the marketplace, which is why the competition to recruit these students is so high. They're well educated and able to make an accelerated start in a career where information systems and business process skills are essential."

Because of Sarbanes-Oxley legislation, there is a demand for professionals who understand where technology and business strategies intersect--and how both impact corporate internal controls and corporate governance issues. PwC Scholars program is among the first attempts by a "Big Four" accounting firm to aggressively identify students with these skills as early as their sophomore year in college.

Many students are trained in business and many others in computer science, but few are competent in both disciplines. "Because most computer science applications are designed specifically to solve business problems, this void of expertise is an anomaly," added Jim Hall, Peter E. Bennett Chair of Business and Economics at Lehigh. "We know there's a market demand for students who can walk into these roles and be productive, right from day one. Lehigh's Computer Science and Business students meet that need."

Participants in the scholars program will intern at a PwC location in Europe, either Prague or Budapest, during their sophomore year, then likely follow that up with an internship with PwC in the New York area after their junior year. Students who continue to meet the academic requirements and remain in good standing with the firm will likely be formally offered a position with PwC upon graduation from Lehigh University.

PwC Scholars at Lehigh will be offered a blend of real-world experience with an intensive study regimen. Like all CSB students, they will become uniquely equipped to analyze business-user information needs, understand management's governance responsibilities, design computer-based information systems and implement system solutions--a skill-set important to the public accounting profession. These skills are also highly-desired by companies as they look to strengthen their corporate risk management practices.

About Lehigh

For nearly 140 years, Lehigh University (www.lehigh.edu) has combined outstanding academic and learning opportunities with leadership in fostering innovative research. The institution is among the nation's most selective, highly ranked private research universities. Lehigh's four colleges - College of Arts and Sciences, College of Business and Economics, College of Education and the P.C. Rossin College of Engineering and Applied Science - provide opportunities to 6,500 students to discover and grow in a learning community that promotes interdisciplinary programs with real-world experience. Lehigh's campus is located in Pennsylvania's Lehigh Valley - in Bethlehem, PA (50 miles north of Philadelphia and 75 miles southwest of New York City).

About PricewaterhouseCoopers

PricewaterhouseCoopers (www.pwc.com) provides industry-focused assurance, tax and advisory services to build public trust and enhance value for its clients and their stakeholders. More than 130,000 people in 148 countries work collaboratively using connected thinking to develop fresh perspectives and practical advice. "PricewaterhouseCoopers" refers to the network of member firms of PricewaterhouseCoopers International Limited, each of which is a separate and independent legal entity.

Source: Business Wire

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