5 Best Online Masters in Forensic Accounting
Updated March 1, 2022 | BestCollegeReviews.org Staff
Search Programs
Masters in Forensic Accounting
Forensic accountants specialize in accounting practices but also lend support in litigation and investigative accounting settings. Forensic and fraud investigation is a growing field, and forensic accountants play a critical role in preventing, detecting, and investigating fraud. They typically prepare and conduct audits, explore fraud prevention options, and provide legal support in the courtroom.
Forensic accounting is a growing profession, and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics has estimated 10 percent employment growth for accountants and auditors through 2026. Employers range from government departments such as the Department of Defense and the Federal Bureau of Investigation to insurance companies or public accounting firms. The median annual salary is $69,350 per year. Programs that help prepare students for the Certified Public Accountant and/or Certified Forensic Examiner exam can give graduates advantages when looking for jobs in this field.
Featured Online Schools
Methodology
Best College Reviews provides degree rankings, such as the Best Online Master's in Forensic Accounting, from carefully researched data sets published from government and non-profit organizations across the United States. Five primary factors affect how we rank degrees:
25% – Student Satisfaction
30% – Earning Potential
15% – Retention Data
20% – Affordability
10% – Acceptance Rates
For an in-depth breakdown of how we calculate each ranking, check out our Methodology page.
BOCA RATON, FL
EXECUTIVE MASTER OF ACCOUNTING WITH A CONCENTRATION IN FORENSIC ACCOUNTING
At the top of the list is Florida Atlantic University’s Executive Master of Accounting with a concentration in Forensic Accounting. The program’s faculty members and guest speakers are well-acclaimed in their work, publishing articles and textbooks on the subject of forensic accounting. Students can start coursework in the spring, summer, or fall, and the program is on a rolling admissions deadline. They also receive comprehensive academic support and 24-hour technical support. While the program can be completed entirely online, students also have the option to attend lectures at the university’s Fort Lauderdale campus on Saturday mornings.
Tuition:$11,303
MORGANTOWN, WV
MASTER OF SCIENCE IN FORENSICS AND FRAUD EXAMINATION
Ranked 63rd onU.S. News and World Report’s list of online business graduate programs, West Virginia University’s Master of Science in Forensics and Fraud Examination specializes in giving students real-world experience to prepare them for careers in litigation support, forensic accounting, and fraud examination. Students complete ten courses as part of the program, six of which are forensic and fraud examination courses and four of which mirror those taught in WVU’s Master of Business Administration program. Together, this approach blends a traditional business curriculum with hands-on courses in forensic accounting and fraud examination.
Tuition: $10,814
LYNCHBURG, VA
MASTER OF SCIENCE IN ACCOUNTING – FORENSIC ACCOUNTING
Liberty University’s Master of Science in Accounting – Forensic Accounting helps students to identify and investigate accounting practices in order to promote fiscal responsibility. The program consists of 30 credit hours completed through eight-week courses. Liberty University is also accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs, and the program itself has been ranked #108 byU.S. New and World Reportfor online business programs. The degree can be completed in one year, prepares students for the CPA exam, and tuition for it has not increased over the last three years.
Tuition: $24,794
OWINGS MILLS, MD
MASTER OF SCIENCE IN FORENSIC ACCOUNTING
With its career-focused Master of Science in Forensic Accounting, Stevenson University teaches its students how to not only assess fraud risk and evaluate financial evidence but also how to discuss findings as an expert witness during legal proceedings. The program consists of 36-credit hours and can be completed entirely online. All courses are also taught by faculty members with real-world experience, and many of them hold legal- and/or business-oriented degrees. Included in students’ coursework is a Mock Trial Capstone, which is unique about Stevenson’s program. The capstone is designed to give students practical experience in presenting forensic evidence. Students also have the option to complete this aspect of the program in the university’s mock trial-specific classroom.
Tuition: $27,686
HENNIKER, NH
MASTER OF SCIENCE IN ACCOUNTING – FORENSIC ACCOUNTING CONCENTRATION
Ranked #118 byU.S. News and World Report’s Best Online Graduate Business Programs (excluding MBA), New England College’s Master of Science in Accounting with a concentration in Forensic Accounting balances traditional accounting theory with auditing and investigate tactics and skills. The program is on a rolling admissions schedule, so students are able to begin the program every seven weeks throughout the year. They typically finish the program in less than two years, learning about topics critical to the profession, including the ways in which accounting can mitigate risk, assist with auditing and financial reporting, and prepare taxes for organizations and institutions. NEC’s degree is also accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges.
Tuition: $27,640