Forensic accountants assess financial data to identify financial fraud. Forensic accountants also work to prevent fraud by detecting risks and potential weaknesses within financial practices.  Forensic accounting is an exciting field that blends analytical skills, research abilities, and a sense of mystery and investigation. To find the right master’s degree in forensic accounting for you, take a look at the rankings below.

Top 5 schools for master’s in forensic accounting degrees

The best online master’s in forensic accounting degrees

Finding the right online forensic accounting master’s degree requires considering many factors. ZDNet’s ranking methodology weighs top forensic accounting degrees’ cost, convenience, and characteristics. Pembroke, NC Application fee: $55 Morgantown, WV Application fee: $60 Utica, NY Application fee: $60 Manchester, NH Application fee: Free Misenheimer, NC Application fee: Not publicly available Unless otherwise indicated, data is drawn from the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System and College Scorecard.

What to expect in an online master’s in forensic accounting degree program

A master’s in forensic accounting includes two years of coursework. Core coursework emphasizes accounting fundamentals, while advanced and elective classes cover topics related to forensics and fraud. 

Acceptance rate: 85%Graduation rate: 44%Avg. annual net price: $10,228Time to completion: One to two yearsGRE/GMAT: GMAT or GRE, waiver availableMinimum GPA: 2.5Enrollment periods per year: ThreeCourse delivery methods: Online, asynchronous

Acceptance rate: 84%Graduation rate: 59%Avg. annual net price: $12,983Time to completion: One to two yearsGRE/GMAT: Not requiredMinimum GPA: 2.9Enrollment periods per year: ThreeCourse delivery methods: Online, asynchronous

Acceptance rate: 69%Graduation rate: 55%Avg. annual net price: $13,809Time to completion: Two yearsGRE/GMAT: Not requiredMinimum GPA: 3.0Enrollment periods per year: ThreeCourse delivery methods: Online, asynchronous

Acceptance rate: 88%Graduation rate: 47%Avg. annual net price: $41,095Time to completion: One to two yearsGRE/GMAT: Not requiredMinimum GPA: 2.75Enrollment periods per year: FiveCourse delivery methods: Online, asynchronous

Acceptance rate: 64%Graduation rate: 51%Avg. annual net price: $33,465Time to completion: One to two yearsGRE/GMAT: Not requiredMinimum GPA: Not publicly availableEnrollment periods per year: RollingCourse delivery methods: Online, asynchronous

Acceptance rate: 92%Graduation rate: 58%Avg. annual net price: $20,002Time to completion: One to two yearsGRE/GMAT: Not requiredMinimum GPA: 3.0Enrollment periods per year: ThreeCourse delivery methods: Online, asynchronous

Acceptance rate: 100%Graduation rate: 44%Avg. annual net price: $29,082Time to completion: One to two yearsGRE/GMAT: Not publicly availableMinimum GPA: Not publicly availableEnrollment periods per year: RollingCourse delivery methods: Online, asynchronous

Classes in a forensic accounting master’s degree integrate individual learning with collaborative activities and projects. Some train students to use software used to investigate and detect fraud through laboratory assignments and practical-learning exercises. Some forensic accounting master’s degrees culminate in a capstone requirement such as a project or a thesis. Others require students to complete a cumulative exam, although some degrees may include both.  Students who actively participate and engage in class will have a more fulfilling experience. Earning a master’s in forensic accounting requires dedication and time management.

Master’s in forensic accounting courses

Forensic accounting classes emphasize detecting and preventing cybercrime, money laundering, and other money-related offenses. Students study accounting ethics, fraud investigation, and fraud prevention and protection alongside accounting and auditing technologies. Additional courses may include investigation and analysis in taxation, litigation theory and practice, and financial statement examination. Here are some classes you’re likely to see in a master’s in forensic accounting curriculum. Fundamentals of fraud investigation This class introduces students to the basics of fraud investigation: Types of fraud, financial analytics, and tools and techniques of financial cybercrime. Additional topics include internal controls, evidence collection, and interview and interrogation methods. Accounting ethics Accounting ethics courses focus on decision-making and reason in the accounting profession, plus codes of conduct, regulations, and laws that apply to accounting practices. Topics include external and internal stakeholders, legal compliance, and corporate governance.  Financial statement examination Students examine different types of financial statements. Learners assess documents such as credit reports, profit statements, leases and pensions, and corporate investments. Auditing and accounting information technology This course emphasizes theories and practices of auditing and accounting using computer-based controls and systems. Topics include computer-assisted auditing tools, auditing operating systems and networks, and security over database systems.

Forensic accounting degree levels

Individuals looking to enter forensic accounting may benefit from an undergraduate degree in the field.  Practicing accountants can advance by earning a master’s or doctoral degree. Graduate certificates build upon existing knowledge of accounting and emphasize specific forensics and fraud topics.

Certificate in forensic accounting

Length: One year Cost: $3,000-$8,000 Post-grad careers: Forensic accountant, fraud investigator, law enforcement officer Though not a degree, an undergraduate certificate in forensic accounting emphasizes the practices and principles of forensics and fraud detection and prevention for practicing accountants.  Learners hone their analytical skills through specialized classes in detecting and preventing fraud, assessing financial statements, and interviewing techniques for fraud investigation.  Classes also train students to use technologies associated with forensic accounting and fraud investigation.

Bachelor’s in forensic accounting

Length: Four years Cost: $18,000-$90,000 Post-grad careers: Tax examiner, auditor, fraud investigator, forensic accountant A bachelor’s degree in forensic accounting includes four years of coursework. Students complete general education requirements alongside major coursework in accounting fundamentals, finance, and economics.  A forensic accounting degree may function as a stand-alone program or a concentration within an accounting major. In both, earners complete coursework in fraud investigation, forensic accounting essentials, and tools and technologies of financial crime.  Classes in accountant laws, regulations, and codes of conduct accompany practical learning exercises and internship requirements. 

Master’s in forensic accounting

Length: Two years Cost: $22,000-$80,000 Post-grad careers: Forensic accounting, senior fraud investigator, financial forensic analyst A master’s degree in forensic accounting emphasizes advanced accounting investigation and financial auditing practices. Learners may complete a master’s in forensic accounting, an MBA with an accounting concentration, or a master’s in accounting specializing in forensics and fraud investigation.  All programs train accounting professionals to assess risk, implement control systems, identify fraud, and report financial misconduct.  With a master’s in forensics accounting, learners possess the expertise to work within financial institutions, with government agencies, or as independent consultants. Forensic accounting master’s degrees also facilitate career advancement within an individual’s current accounting role.

Doctorate in forensic accounting

Length: 3-5 years Cost: $25,000-$120,000 Post-grad careers: Chief financial officer, accounting professor, senior financial accountant With a doctorate in forensic accounting, learners can advance to the top of the field. Advanced coursework in fraud investigation and detection, risk management, and forensic accounting practices equips individuals to work as chief financial officers or as leaders within the accounting profession.  A Ph.D. in forensic accounting emphasizes research and theory in the discipline. Coursework in cyber forensics, accounting techniques, fraud investigation, and accounting ethics integrates case studies and real-world learning exercises.  Students complete research methods classes in anticipation of undertaking an advanced research project. 

In conclusion

If exploring accounting through an investigatory lens appeals to you, consider pursuing a degree in forensic accounting. Whether you want to enter the accounting profession or hone your existing skills, there’s a master’s in forensic accounting program that fits your goals. Take a look at the information above to determine which forensic accounting program is right for you.