Key takeaways
- Forensic accounting is an in-demand field with increasing career opportunities for qualified professionals.
- You can pursue a degree in the field at an associate, bachelor, master’s, and even a doctoral level.
- A bachelor’s degree in forensic accounting is the ideal entry-level qualification for aspiring professionals as it opens the maximum number of job opportunities in the field.
- Through the program curriculum, you will learn accounting and finance principles, and US laws and regulations, and build analytical, problem-solving, and investigative skills.
- Colleges offering a BS in Forensic Accounting include Franklin University, Davenport University, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, and others. Find a comprehensive list in the guide.
- For an online degree, Southern New Hampshire University and Louisiana State University are some renowned colleges.
- Jobs you can pursue with a forensics accounting degree include Forensic Accountant, Forensic Technologist, Internal Auditor, and more.
Forensic accounting is an important field within accounting as it includes detection, and prevention of financial fraud. Whether you aspire to take on investigative roles, are passionate about fraud prevention, or are simply interested in forensics, this is the field for you. Here, we discuss forensic accounting degrees in detail, list some colleges from which you can pursue the program, and explore career paths you can pursue.
What is forensic accounting?
Forensic accounting is a specialized field combining disciplines such as finance, forensics, and accounting. Professionals in the field are referred to as forensic accountants or financial detectives and are tasked with ensuring fraud-free financial activities. To pursue a career in the field you must have a meticulous eye for detail to be able to scrutinize financial records, accounts, and transactions in detail to identify fraudulent practices.
According to a press release by the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE), issued in March of 2024, organizations in the United States lost a total of $1.5 million per fraud case. The organization also states that on average organizations lose 5% of annual revenue due to fraud. The job of a forensic accountant is to prevent such losses, ensuring optimal profitability, and transparency in financial transactions.
What does a degree in forensic accounting entail?
A forensics accounting degree features a blend of accounting, finance, and courses teaching investigative techniques. Through the program, students will learn to interpret financial reports and information really focusing on finding discrepancies if any. Through a formal education in the field, students learn different investigative techniques enabling them to analyze financial records, detect irregularities, collect and combine evidence, and create strategies to prevent fraudulent practices in the future.
You can pursue a degree in the field at varying levels from an associate to a PhD.
Associate degree in forensics accounting
An associate degree in forensics accounting is hard to find as only a select handful of colleges and universities in the US offer the two-year program. Through the curriculum in an associate of science in the field, you will develop foundational knowledge and skills in accounting along with investigative techniques and skills. The program is designed to equip graduates with the knowledge and skills needed for entry-level roles in the field and for a bachelor’s program should they wish to continue their education and enhance eligibility.
Bachelor in forensic accounting
A bachelor’s degree is a four-year program featuring a comprehensive curriculum combining forensics, accounting, and finance disciplines. Through the program curriculum, you will develop a comprehensive set of skills, making them eligible for the complete range of job roles such as forensics accountant, financial examiner, and so on. If you wish to further enhance your career opportunities and become eligible for managerial positions, you can pursue a master’s degree after graduating with a bachelor’s.
Master’s in forensic accounting
Master’s degrees last anywhere from one to three years depending on program type and a student’s learning pace. A significant number of students enrolled in a master’s program do so alongside full-time employment undertaking the program part-time. In a master’s program, students develop niche-specific skills, and management and leadership abilities. The advanced qualification enhances job applicants’ eligibility enabling them to obtain senior managerial-level positions.
PhD in forensics accounting
If you wish to pursue research in the field of forensics accounting or take on educational roles, a PhD is the qualification for you. The program lasts three to five years with the possibility of being extended up to a maximum of eight years. Here, you will undertake research in the field and get a chance to improve the field of forensic accounting through research, and analysis.
Bachelor’s degree in forensic accounting – Program details
At the undergraduate level, you can either pursue an associate’s or a bachelor’s degree in forensics accounting. Aspiring forensic accountants should consider a bachelor’s degree in the field as it offers a comprehensive curriculum building from basics to advanced skills. In a bachelor’s program, you will undertake courses covering accounting rules and regulations, financial statement preparation and examination, control auditing, financial information analysis, fraud prevention, and evidence compilation.
Additionally, forensic accounting and audit programs cover all major sections outlined by the Association of Certified Forensic Accountants, including financial transactions and fraud schemes, law, investigative techniques, and fraud prevention and discouragement. You can either pursue a bachelor of science in forensic accounting or pursue forensics accounting as a major in a bachelor of accounting or a similar degree.
Typical program curriculum
The exact curriculum for each program will vary. For example, those enrolled in a standalone BS in Forensics Accounting and Audit will undertake a blend of science, social science, and math courses in the general education compartment. However, the courses available in the major core will depend on a number of factors such as faculty experience and specialty.
Here are some courses that you may come across in a BS in forensic accounting:
- Government and Nonprofit Accounting
- Managerial Accounting
- Fraud Examination and Forensic Accounting
- Financial Statement Analysis Business Valuation
- Investigative Methodology and Forensic Science
- Security Investigations and Interview
- White Collar Crime
- Procedural Laws and Evidence
- Business Analytics Tools
- Introduction to the US Legal System
- Forensics Psychology
- Psychology of Deception Detection
Skills learned
The skills forensic accountants and other professionals in the field need are diverse. They must be able to not only interpret financial details, but understand the psychology of criminals engaged in financial fraud, and possess comprehensive knowledge of the legal system. The exact learning takeaways and skills one develops in a forensic accounting program depend on the choice of electives. Here are some in-demand forensic skills accountants need for fraud detection and prevention.
- Financial data analysis
- Auditing techniques
- Investigative methods
- Communication
- Data analysis techniques, tools, and software
- Critical thinking
- Interpretation of financial data
- Gathering and presentation of proof
- Problem-solving
- Critical thinking
- Analytical skills
Admission requirements
Different colleges have different admission requirements depending upon the specific criteria the institution sets as a way to admit those able to cope with the institution’s academic curriculum. Additionally, the admission criteria are different for high school graduates and associate degree holders. Generally, high school graduates must meet the following:
- Completed application form + application fee
- High school transcripts – specific requirements may include minimum GPA requirements, and specific course requirements such as 3 years of math, or 2 years of foreign language.
- Highschool diploma or an equivalent such as a General Education Development test report
- Standardized testing scores such as SAT/ACT – additional specifications may include specific scores in different subjects such as math and critical reasoning.
- Recommendation letters – 2 to 3
- Personal essay
- International students must also submit foreign language testing scores – specific requirements may vary.
Associate degree graduates must meet the following when applying to a bachelor’s program:
- Associate degree transcripts – specific requirements may include course requirements such as 6 credit hours of math, or credit hours in accounting and finance.
- Recommendation letters – 2 to 3
- Personal essay
- 60 transferable credits
Additionally, students need to determine how many of the credits earned in an associate degree are transferable. Some colleges do allow associate degree holders who fall short of the minimum required transferable credits to earn them through additional courses. However, not all colleges offer flexibility in the admission process and thus it is best to determine your chances of getting accepted.
Graduation requirements
To graduate with a bachelor’s degree in forensic accounting, a student must complete 120 credit hours of coursework. However, the total required credits are distributed between general education, major-specific courses, and electives. Additionally, students pursuing forensic accounting as a major will have to complete different major and minor requirements to graduate.
Additional graduation requirements include:
- Completion of an internship or professional work experience requirements
- Completion of a capstone project
- Minimum CGPA – generally around 2 to 5
Colleges offering a bachelor in forensic accounting
Very few colleges in the United States offer a standalone degree in forensics accounting. Thus, in the list, you will also find colleges offering forensics accounting as a major in an accounting degree, a bachelor of business administration, a bachelor of finance, or other relevant programs.
| College | Acceptance % | Graduation % | Tuition |
| Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University | 65% | 62% | $11,665 |
| Franklin University | 100% | 38% | $9,577 |
| Waynesburg University | 76% | 66% | $29,460 |
| Davenport University | 99% | 32% | $23,324 |
| Maryville University | 88% | 71% | $27,166 |
| Texas Wesleyan University | 61% | 26% | $37,934 |
| Bryan College | 48% | 45% | $18,900 |
| New York Institute of Technology | 76% | 53% | $44,360 |
Can I pursue a forensic accounting online degree?
Online programs arose as a necessity amid COVID-19. However, their popularity continues to grow even though the COVID boom has tapered off. As per the latest reports published by Statista in August of 2024, 47% of students believe online programs offer better higher education quality than traditional on-campus degrees.
Another report states that a significant number of those students not enrolled in an online program, 5.16 million to be exact, took at least one college course online in the fall of 2022. The report also states that more than 4.9 million college students enrolled exclusively in online programs.
However, just because something is trending doesn’t make it worth following. Before enrolling in an online program, you should carefully consider the pros and cons to determine if it is the right fit for you and is in line with your learning style or not.
Advantages of online programs
The rising popularity of distance learning programs is owed to the significant number of advantages it presents. First and foremost, it is a flexible option when compared to a traditional program. Here, students have the option to seek a synchronous or an asynchronous online program.
In a synchronous program, students have to stick to a campus schedule and attend classes in real-time. But students don’t have to go to the campus and can take classes from their work during a break, from their bedroom, in a cafe, or anywhere else they please. While this does offer flexibility to a certain extent, real-time participation can be difficult to manage for some.
The other option is an asynchronous program, which does not require real-time participation. Students can take classes anytime and from anywhere. An asynchronous program is the most flexible and convenient option available for distance learners.
Secondly, students may find online programs to be more affordable even if the tuition is the same as that of on-campus programs. They don’t have to account for travel and accommodation costs. Moreover, international students don’t have to worry about visa restrictions and cross-border shifting.
Lastly, the time saved in traveling can be better spent pursuing job opportunities and building professional work experience. Students also find more time for extracurricular activities which greatly improves their view of online programs.
Disadvantages of online programs
However, there are always two sides to a coin and when it comes to online programs, the disadvantages can be just as significant for some students. Firstly, the lack of social interaction and ability to connect with your peers can be isolating for some students. Those who enjoy social connections and meetups may find the online mode of learning stressful and depression-inducing.
Secondly, online learners who are in charge of their learning curriculum must be self-motivated and excellent time managers. They must also be capable of dealing with technical challenges as they cannot rely on technical support from campus.
Lastly, students may face a major disadvantage not being able to attend on-campus activities, industry networking opportunities, seminars, group discussions, and so on unless colleges ensure that online students are able to participate in some way. This isn’t always a guarantee.
Colleges offering forensic accounting degree programs online
If you find that an online program seems to offer more advantages than disadvantages, here are some colleges from which you can pursue the program 100% online. However, if you decide that an online program does not meet your requirements, consider an on-campus program from the list above. Some colleges also offer hybrid programs that you can explore.
Here is a list of colleges offering an online forensic accounting degree.
| College | Acceptance % | Graduation % | Tuition |
| Franklin University | 100% | 38% | $9,577 |
| Southern New Hampshire University | 96% | 39% | $16,450 |
| Davenport University | 99% | 32% | $23,324 |
| DeSales University | 77% | 68% | $44,800 |
| Louisiana State University | 76% | 68% | $11,954 in-state
$28,632 out-of-state |
Forensic accounting jobs you can get with a bachelor’s degree
Forensics in itself is a very exciting field. Uncovering crimes, catching people in the act, and preventing crimes all sound great. When it comes to accounting, forensic specialists learn to analyze financial statements and double-check accounts and transactions to identify discrepancies and catch people trying to embezzle money or get away with financial fraud.
The skills students learn to be able to undertake job roles in the forensics side of accounting are vast. They include comprehensive accounting and financial skills, as well as in-depth knowledge of the US legal system, taxation policies, and more. Thus, the job opportunities available to graduates with the ideal entry-level formal education in the field are also diverse.
From private for-profit businesses, government institutions, banks, and financial consultancy firms, to even not-for-profit companies, all types of private and public corporations need forensics accountancy professionals.
Here are some jobs you can pursue along with forensic accountant salary information.
| Job title | Average salary |
| Forensic Accountant | $86,462 |
| Fraud Examiner | $98,109 |
| Litigation Support Specialist | $69,062 |
| Risk Management Specialist | $83,568 |
| Internal Auditor | $87,177 |
| Financial Analyst | $99,010 |
| Anti Money Laundering Specialist | $79,535 |
| Forensic Technologists | $71,115 |
Forensics accounting industry overview and hiring trends
Amid COVID-19, we saw a global boom in entrepreneurial activity. An increasing number of young men and women launched their business ventures hoping to gain advantage of the favorable entrepreneurial landscape post-pandemic. However, with the rise in financial activity and business transactions came a subsequent increase in financial crime and fraudulent practices.
A report by the World Economic Forum quoting the INTERPOL states that frauds and scams are on the rise. The organization also claims that the global adoption of digital technologies is a major contributing factor to the rise in financial fraud.
In the year 2023, the total reported losses due to scams topped $10 billion as per a report by the Federal Trade Commission. That is a 14% increase from 2022 representing a significant growth in financial crime in the United States. In the year, there were 2.9 billion fraud reports out of which investment scams led the way, resulting in losses of $4.6 billion.
The rise in financial crime has significantly increased the demand for forensic accountants and qualified professionals in the field. The job outlook for accountants and auditors is extremely bright and is expected to grow by 6%, and that of forensic technicians is to grow by 14% as per reports by BLS. The average job growth rate for all occupations is 4%, indicating that there is high demand for qualified forensic accounting professionals.
Typical employers of forensics accounting professionals
Forensic accounting professionals are needed in virtually every industry and every type of organization. Whether a company is a for-profit or a nonprofit organization, finance is a limited resource, and transparent usage and fraud prevention are top priorities across all organizations. In government organizations, forensic accountants ensure transparency and that public funds are used for the benefit of the public. In law enforcement agencies, these professionals can vet the provided information and data presented in fraud cases, finding discrepancies or ensuring the evidence in the case is strong.
Here is a list of organizations where graduates can seek employment opportunities:
- Accounting firms
- Financial consulting firms
- Government organizations
- Law enforcement agencies
- For-profit businesses
- Immigration agencies
- Banks
- Insurance agencies
- Consultancy firms
- Money lending firms
Hiring trends in the field
Want to pursue career opportunities in forensic accounting? Here’s what you need to know about hiring trends in the field.
- Most job roles in the field of forensic accounting require at least a bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or a relevant field with a major in forensic accounting.
- As per Research.com, the salary range for forensic accountants is $44,000 to 100,000 depending on the qualification level, skills, and work experience.
- Certifications such as Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE), Certified Public Accountant (CPA), and Certified in Financial Forensics (CFF) can significantly enhance a job applicant’s eligibility.
- Knowledge of data analytics tools, investigative techniques, and forensics technologies is also great to have when seeking employment in forensics accounting.
Frequently asked questions about forensic accounting.
Forensic accounting is an interesting field and it is natural to be curious about it. Before enrolling in a program, it is best to seek degree advice from professionals. You can also turn to education resources to find answers to some of the most pressing questions you may have about the program. Here are a few of the most frequently asked questions about forensics accounting.
What is a forensic accountant?
Forensic accountants are professionals with a comprehensive knowledge of accounting and a meticulous eye for detail. They are responsible for analyzing financial statements, accounts, and cash transactions to find discrepancies in official records and identify any fraudulent practices. The goal of professionals in the field is to prevent financial fraud.
How to get into forensic accounting?
To get into forensics in accounting, you need to pursue a formal education in the field to build relevant skills and gain the required knowledge. Since it is a vast field, the professional requirements are also diverse requiring financial, accounting, legal, and other skills. There are two entry-level qualifications in forensic accounting, an associate and a bachelor’s degree.
While an associate degree builds a strong foundation in the field, it is limited in its scope offering select entry-level job opportunities in the field. Aspiring professionals wishing to advance their careers will have to undertake a bachelor’s degree to become eligible for the full range of job opportunities in the field.
Additionally, students should pursue certifications such as CPA, CFE, or CFF. These significantly enhance an applicant’s eligibility and are a prerequisite by some employers.
What does a forensic accountant do?
The role of a forensic accountant is an important one. Their major responsibilities include:
- Analyzing financial records
- Investigate financial crime
- Assess the risk of financial crime
- Suggest measures to prevent scams, fraud, embezzlement, and so on.
- Gather evidence of fraud and other financial crimes
- Analyze the evidence to ensure validity
However, the exact roles and responsibilities of professionals in the field vary depending on the organization they are employed in, seniority level, industry of employment, and so on.
How much do forensic accountants make?
Forensic accountants earn an average annual salary of $86,462 as per Glassdoor. However, these figures are only estimates based on listed salary information for all forensic accountant job openings on the platform. The exact salary offered to fresh graduates can be significantly lower than the figures mentioned above.
Become a forensic accounting professional with a bachelor’s degree
A bachelor’s degree is the ideal qualification for aspirin forensic accounting professionals. The program features a comprehensive curriculum equipping students with the skills and knowledge needed to pursue financially rewarding careers in the field. The demand for qualified professionals in the field is high and is expected to continue to rise as digital technologies continues to evolve the way we handle financial transactions.
By pursuing a formal education in the field, you can build the skills needed to pursue forensic accounting professionally. All Bachelor Degrees offer an AI Essay Generation and a college search tool. The platform aims to make college planning and selection significantly easier for aspiring college students.