2023 Best Master’s in Forensic Accounting Programs
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Deciding which college to attend can be a daunting task. For many, it will be the most important decision that they make in their lives. To make an informed decision, you have to consider a lot of variables, such as cost of attendance, financial aid, student-teacher ratio, academics, student life, and more. These factors will either positively or negatively impact the quality of education that you receive.
Do you want to acquire a master’s degree in forensic accounting but don’t know what institution you should attend? Well, if you are as ambitious as I was in my late teens, then you want to attend a top school, instead of an average or mediocre one. Fortunately, we have already done the legwork for you. To help you find the right school for your interests and goals, we’ve compiled a list of 2022’s best master’s in forensic accounting programs.
What institution did we omit from this list? Leave your suggestions in the comment section below.
- CSU Global, Aurora, CO
When learners look for a master’s degree program in forensic accounting online, they should consider the master’s in professional accounting with a concentration on fraud investigation and forensic accounting. The degree program focuses on the foundational skills used in accounting for businesses and individuals—skills that allow learners to recognize signs of fraud. The program helps learners build on their knowledge to ensure that they can investigate crimes. Learners can feel confident in their abilities when working with a law firm, investigative agency, or in a forensic field. The degree from CSU Global is sanctioned by the ACBSP, so employers are confident in the high standards of the degree program.
- University of Colorado Denver, Denver, CO
The University of Colorado Denver has a master’s degree in forensic accounting online that helps learners accomplish their long-term career goals. The school prepares learners for the CPA examination and ensures that they are ready to take on a career in criminal investigation. It also offers learners the chance to network and meet professionals in appropriate agencies or positions for their long-term goals.
- University of Scranton, Scranton, PA
The University of Scranton has a MAcc degree with a forensic concentration that enables accounting learners to focus on sharpening their criminal investigation skills. The degree program teaches learners to recognize fraud and detect whether a crime was committed; the focus on investigative skills helps learners develop the capacity to handle potential concerns.
The university focuses on hands-on skills to prepare learners for the challenges of their careers in accounting. The degree program ensures that learners can recognize signs of a concern and can gather evidence of a crime. It also ensures that learners are prepared for the challenges of the CPA examination and their work as an accountant.
- Northeastern University, Boston, MA
Northeastern University has a certificate in forensic accounting that learners can add to their graduate degree in accounting to develop new skills. The certificate is a part of the accounting degree, and it focuses on developing useful skills while learners are studying for their CPA and their master’s degree.
Northeastern University is unique in its approach to specialized skills in accounting. The school has a graduate certificate rather than a concentration on the field of study. That means learners are taking accounting classes and learning the skills they need as an accountant to get a strong foundation in their field. They then improve their skills through licensure, which gives them a chance to focus on their individual goals. Learners can start the licensure at four distinct times in the year and work online when it fits their schedule.
- Golden Gate University, San Francisco, CA
Golden Gate University has a master’s in forensic accounting online that prepares learners for the challenges of auditing and forensic analysis. Learners prepare for the CPA or the CMA examination as a long-term solution for career objectives. They can specialize in forensic accounting to get the skills they need for work in law enforcement.
Golden Gate University acknowledges the importance of flexibility for working adults. That is why the online degree program focuses on flexibility and enables learners to work at their own pace. The school acknowledges that learners may need to network as part of their long-term plans, so it has an Accounting Career Fair each year to connect learners with potential employers. The mean class size for the accounting degree program at Golden Gate University is 14 learners, which ensures that learners can reach out to professors for help when concerns arise.
- West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV
West Virginia University has an MS degree program in forensic and fraud examination for learners who want to find a master’s degree in forensic accounting online. The foundational knowledge helps learners identify potential fraud and examine data for accurate results.
West Virginia University focuses on providing learners with an education that is approved by the Department of Justice for excellence and skill. The online degree program prepares learners for the rigors of working in a federal law enforcement agency or a related field. It offers a strong foundation in accounting, business, and auditing to ensure that learners can recognize signs of fraud and related problems. The degree program enables learners to accelerate their classes and finish in 12 months.
- Stevenson University, Owings Mills, MD
Stevenson University has an MS degree program in forensic accounting online that focuses on quality education. Since its founding, the program has focused on ensuring that learners are prepared for the rigors of working in forensic accounting and maintained high standards for the online master’s in forensic accounting degree programs.
Stevenson University varies from other programs in its the Learner Success Coaches. The school encourages learners to reach their goals and gain insight through coaches who help learners decide on a course of action. One-on-one coaching enables learners to ask questions and get advice when moving through various stages of their education and course material. Stevenson University does not require learners to submit a GRE score when applying for the online degree program.
- Regis University, Denver, CO
Regis University has a master’s degree program in accounting with a concentration in fraud and forensic focus. The degree program emphasizes high ethical standards to ensure that learners are ready for the challenges of working in law enforcement. It also gives learners a clear comprehension of how to identify and examine data for fraud or related crimes in accounting.
Learners can expect a well-rounded education in the degree program as it relates to accounting, ethics, and business. Regis University is rated among the top Western Regional Universities by U.S. News and World Report.
- Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, FL
Florida Atlantic University has an executive masters in forensic accounting degree program for learners who want to work as forensic accountants. The accounting degree program enables learners to take classes online, on campus, or through a hybrid online degree program. That flexibility works around the needs of learners and ensures that they can focus on accomplishing their long-term career goals.
The school acknowledges the value of technology in accounting and fraud analysis, so it teaches learners to utilize up-to-date tools as part of their forensic studies. That enables learners to recognize modern forms of fraud and gather appropriate evidence for a case. Florida Atlantic University is AACSB-sanctioned, and it meets the high standards set by the accrediting organization for excellence in education.
- Florida Institute of Technology, Melbourne, FL
The Florida Institute of Technology has a master’s degree program in accounting and financial forensics that prepares learners for the challenges of modern forensic accounting. The program acknowledges the risks associated with modern technology and tools that may impact fraud and criminal cases associated with business.
Florida Institute of Technology differs from other programs in its focus on preparing learners for the realities of their careers. It not only ensures that learners know how to recognize cybercrimes, tax fraud, and traditional accounting crimes, but it also teaches learners non-criminal investigation skills to help businesses through valuation and related services. That enables a learner to develop specialized skills based on his or her goals. The Florida Institute of Technology prepares learners for the CPA examination as they complete their online master’s degree studies.
- SUNY Polytechnic Institute, Utica, NY
The SUNY Polytechnic Institute has an MS in accountancy with a concentration in forensic accounting and valuation. The degree program is a fully online program that focuses on accommodating the needs of learners. It has part-time and full-time course materials through an adaptable online format that enables learners to work at a pace that fits their needs.
The school does prefer for learners to have a bachelor’s degree in accounting before starting the degree program; however, it will accept learners with other bachelor’s degrees if they meet the prerequisite requirements for the degree program. SUNY Polytechnic Institute is an AACSB-sanctioned degree program, and it meets the standards set by the organization for its online accounting degree.
- Montclair State University, Montclair, NJ
Montclair State University has an MS in accounting that enables learners to develop the skills they need for a career in forensic accounting. The graduate certificate in forensic accounting has the specialized training learners need to focus on their career and develop forensic accounting skills.
Montclair State University has a combination of an accounting degree with licensure in forensic accounting. That means learners can improve their skills as an accountant and build up their capacity to handle investigative situations. It gives learners greater flexibility in their career opportunities by ensuring that they have the foundational skills they need for a CPA. Montclair State University has up-to-date strategies to keep up with changing technology as it relates to accounting and forensic investigations.
- Liberty University, Lynchburg, VA
Liberty University has an MS degree program in accounting with a concentration on forensics. The degree program is a fully online degree program that enables learners to accelerate their studies through eight-week classes.
Liberty University focuses on preparing learners for the rigors of working in modern forensic accounting positions. It ensures that learners recognize signs of a concern and can investigate a crime. It uses real-world examples in the online degree program to ensure that learners know how to apply their knowledge in a business environment. Liberty University enables learners to transfer up to 50 percent of the credits to graduate from other colleges or institutions.
- La Salle University, Philadelphia, PA
For learners looking for an online master’s degree program in forensic accounting, La Salle’s master’s in economic crime forensics is a great choice. The online degree program enables learners to study two areas of forensic accounting: network security and corporate fraud. It uses modern tools to ensure learners are prepared for the fast changes that may arise with new technology. The degree program focuses on merging traditional accounting forensics with modern technology to address the way fraud changes over time.