In a world where risk is constant and complexity is the norm, Metropolitan State University of Denver is redefining how tomorrow’s business leaders are trained.
The secret? A specialization in internal audit.
“Historically, internal audit has not been a widely taught or emphasized field within universities,” said Amanda Jo Erven, a certified public accountant and director of Internal Audit Education at MSU Denver. “Institutions of higher learning have typically overlooked internal-audit programs, leaving a gap between industry demand and academic preparation.”
In March, MSU Denver launched the Risk Assurance and Advisory Center, positioning the University as a national leader in internal-audit education. MSU Denver is one of only 59 universities worldwide and the only one in Colorado honored with the prestigious Internal Auditing Education Partnership designation, awarded by The Institute of Internal Auditors. The University’s program exemplifies the power of academic-industry collaboration and sets a new benchmark for excellence in the field.
“Designation as an IAEP program signifies rigorous academic quality, alignment with industry needs and active oversight from The IIA’s Academic Relations Team,” Erven said. “It also elevates MSU Denver’s status for both current and prospective students and for employers sourcing talent.”
Real-world learning, real institutional impact
Through the Department of Accounting, the Risk Assurance and Advisory Center offers a structured curriculum that integrates high-demand topics such as cybersecurity, data analytics and enterprise risk management. Students can earn stackable credentials that enhance their résumés and support their transition into competitive careers.
Experiential learning is central to the program. Students conduct internal audits for MSU Denver itself, providing insights on areas such as information-technology security and grant compliance. Their work informs University-level decisions and has been presented to the Board of Trustees — a unique opportunity that fosters leadership, confidence and professional readiness.
Katie Scott, a graduate student in the program, exemplifies this approach. Through MSU Denver’s graduate courses in Risk Assurance, she contributed to live audits on campus while earning the prestigious Internal Auditing Education Partnership Certificate.
“Even if internal audit isn’t your long-term goal, this program changes how you think,” Scott said. “You start seeing how businesses make decisions, where they’re vulnerable and how controls can make or break operations. That insight is valuable in any role.”
Graduating this semester, Scott has applied the skills she has learned in the classroom to roles as an auditor at a small local firm and now a larger organization, where she is working as a staff accountant.
As internal audit evolves with emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, predictive analytics and risk frameworks, MSU Denver ensures that students are future-ready with required coursework in IT, data analytics and risk systems. The University is also developing continuing-education pathways to engage working professionals and expand its impact across Colorado’s risk-assurance landscape.
“Any student, whether they study Accounting or something completely outside the College of Business, is eligible for courses offered through the department’s center,” Erven said. “My hope is that students consider these offerings as they look for ways to differentiate themselves.”
