Best Online Master's In Forensic Accounting Degrees

Overview

Liberty University houses the best online Masters in Forensic Accounting. A conservative evangelical school in Lynchburg, Virginia, Liberty University is the largest Christian university in the world. Its distance-learning branch, LU Online, enrolls over 100,000 students.

Program Features

Students have the ability to finish this online MA in Forensic Accounting in as short as one year. Through a total of 30 credit hours, youll learn everything you need to know about monitoring illegal activity in business transactions and beyond. Some of the highlight coursework includes:

Accounting EthicsFraud ExaminationInformation Technology FraudCorporate Governance Fraudulent Financial Reporting

Notables

One key feature of this program is the possibility of getting the credentials to become a Certified Public Accountant. Paired together with an undergraduate degree in accounting, you can add your status as a CPA to your resume to increase your hireability.

Overview

A private university near Baltimore, Maryland, Stevenson University has a home campus in Owings Mills. The small enrollment size keeps classes intimate and academically rigorous. Aside from its traditional programs, Stevenson University offers accelerated onsite and online degrees through the School of Graduate and Professional Studies.

Program Features

At Stevenson University, youll complete 36 credit hours to earn an MS in Forensic Accounting completely online. Youll jump right into the curriculum in analyzing financial evidence, fraud risk, internal control structures, and more. A sampling of some classes youll take includes:

Foundations of JusticeInvestigation and Analysis: AuditingForensic Journal Research and ReviewWhite Collar Crimes

Notables

Since part of your future could involve presenting information in a courtroom setting, the capstone project for this degree is the Mock Trial requirement. This will be a dress rehearsal of the real deal when you graduate. You can either complete this online, or come to campus to Stevenson Universitys mock trial courtroom.

Overview

Florida Atlantic University is a large, public institution in Boca Raton, Florida. Within the states university system, it consistently ranks as the most racially and culturally diverse campus. It excels in research, and houses one of the twelve NASA Research Partnership Centers in the nation.

Program Features

At Florida Atlantic University, youll earn an online Executive Master of Accounting degree with a concentration in Forensic Accounting. This two-year program will not only give you the foundational accounting classes, but also expose you to specialized subjects in forensic accounting. Some of these include:

Writing in Forensic AccountingBusiness Valuation for Fair Value Accounting and AuditingAdvanced Digital Forensics in Forensic AccountingIT Auditing

Notables

FAU is well-equipped to not only give you an amazing education but also to send you away with resources youll use the rest of your career. The School of Accounting Executive Program maintains a Forensic Accounting blog that keeps students up to date with current industry trends, conferences, and networking opportunities.

Overview

Philadelphia is home to La Salle University, a private, Roman Catholic university that was started in 1863. Recently, it made enormous changes to its tuition policy, reducing the price of attendance by nearly 30 percent. As a result, it was named the #16 Best Value Schools in 2017 by U.S. News World Report.

Program Features

You can go one of two ways as you complete the MS in Economic Crime Forensics at La Salle University: Corporate Fraud or Network Security. Both tracks are offered completely online. Youll complete a total of 36-39 credit hours, depending on your focus. Some of the core courses include:

Corporate Ethics and ComplianceLitigation Support Practices and ProceduresOccupational FraudFraud Detection and Prevention: Special Cases

Notables

If you want to take this degree one step further, you can earn the Graduate Certificate in Cybersecurity. Youll take an additional five courses, but gain an immeasurable skill. This would give you an upper hand when it comes to computer crimes and information security, which is increasingly prevalent in our world.

Overview

A largely online institution, Strayer University is a for-profit, public university that is based in Herndon, Virginia. Out of its total of 48,000 students, over half of them attend programs that are operated 100 percent online. Aimed toward working adults, Strayer University has close to eighty different campuses throughout the United States.

Program Features

Packaged in just 12 classes, the Forensic Accounting concentration within the online MS Accounting at Strayer University will pack a punch. Youll leave this program confident and prepared to take on complex risk models and large-scale audits. Some of the classes to get you there are:

Forensic AccountingEmerging Auditing TechnologiesFraud Prevention and DetectionAdvanced Auditing

Notables

When it comes to online learning, Strayer University will not leave you stranded. Each and every student is paired up with a personal success coach. Whether youre having trouble signing up for classes or just need some motivation to study, your success coach will be just a phone call or email away.

Overview

West Virginia University is the most affordable school on our list, with a net price of $10,814. This public university is known for its research-intensive curriculum across fields. Based in Morgantown, WVU has cultivated a partnership with the FBI and houses on-campus facilities that aid in the hands-on portions of the Forensics and Investigative Science degrees.

Program Features

Youll earn an online MS in Forensic Fraud Examination at WVU. The curriculum is arranged in a total of ten courses, six of which focus on forensic accounting. The remaining four broaden the scope and cover business skills that are essential to the field. Finally, youll complete two case examinations that mimic a courtroom experience. Some of the core classes are:

Fraud InvestigationFraud Criminology Legal IssuesAdvanced Analytical TechniquesForensic and Fraud Examination Skills

Notables

Although youll take your ten classes online, WVU also requires two 2-day residencies that get you face-to-face with faculty members and let you experience a few elements of the degree that are easier to complete in person. Youll cover interrogation training, financial crime scene investigation, and advanced data mining.

Overview

A private university in Longmeadow, Massachusetts, Bay Path University is an innovative and unique school. It makes a gendered split between its undergraduate and graduate programs, both online and on-campus. Only women pursue its bachelor degree options, however the masters degree programs are co-educational.

Program Features

Forensic Accounting is one of three concentrations that you can choose within the larger MS in Accounting at Bay Path University. Divided between seven core courses and three electives, youll end up with 30 completed credits. Some of the core classes in this curriculum are:

Advanced Financial ReportingIT for AccountantsForensics Accounting/SystemsFraud Examination

Notables

Similar to other programs on this list, the classes included in this degree are designed to go toward the state requirements for a Certified Public Accountant licensure. This is an incredible opportunity for you to tackle two birds with one stone.

Overview

A Catholic university located in Pittsburghs Oakland neighborhood, Carlow University began as an all-female school in 1929. Though it is now co-educational, over 85 percent of the student body is female. The school offers traditional and online degrees at both the undergraduate and graduate level.

Program Features

You have the option of taking classes online or in the main Pittsburgh campus through this MS in Fraud Forensics program. Either way, all students will complete 30 credits in all the latest fraud prevention, risk assessment, and audit procedures out there. The curriculum is engaging and unique with classes like:

Scientific Inquiry in Fraud ForensicsAudit Procedures for Detecting FraudCybercrimeFraud Forensics Community Experience

Notables

Carlow University will offer you more than just an excellent array of classes. The school has a partnership with the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners that gives you access to a slew of anti-fraud resources. Students at Carlow University have gone on to work for the Department of Defense, the FBI, top accounting firms, and more.

Overview

Originally founded to educate military personnel after World War II, New England College has shifted to serve over 2,500 students from all walks of life in Henniker, New Hampshire. A private university, it is known for its liberal arts curriculum as well as its experiential learning opportunities.

Program Features

Youll complete this MS in Forensic Accounting degree in less than two years. The program at New England College is delivered fully online, which allows you to jump in at any 7-week increment throughout the year. Youll have small online classes that emphasize interaction and student application. Some highlight coursework includes:

Fraud Risk Management and InterrogationBusiness Crime and Ethical BehaviorLitigation ServicesFinancial Reporting Fraud

Notables

One of the huge benefits of online learning at New England College is the tight-knit feel the school achieves even from afar! Your class sizes will be be anywhere from twelve to fifteen students. Even more, the school will pair you up with an enrollment advisor, a student services advisor, and access to 24/7 technical support. Youll be in good hands!

Overview

Established in 1966, SUNY Polytechnic Institute is New Yorks public polytechnic college. Though it specializes in engineering and biosciences, SUNY Polytechnic Institute also delivers a range of other degree programs including business administration, nursing, and more.

Program Features

SUNY Polytechnic Institute recognized the rapidly-growing interest and need for forensic accountants and added on four unique electives in Forensic Accounting Valuation. Youll enroll in the MS in Accountancy degree program, which totals 33 credit hours, and then add these four classes to your elective options:

Financial Statement InvestigationsIntroduction to Forensic Accounting and Fraud ExaminationAccounting Information Systems and Data AnalyticsBusiness and Forensic Valuation

Notables

SUNY Polytechnic Institute may have somewhat niche educational offerings, but it also garners widespread praise. It was ranked 3rd in this years Public Regional Universities North by U.S. News World Report. It also earned the #6 spot for the Best Colleges for Veterans in the region.