Earn a Forensic Accounting Degree
- $320/credit (120 total credits)
- Transfer up to 90 credits
- Program accredited by ACBSP
- 24/7 online access to the classroom
- Learn how to investigate fraud
- Prepare for fraud examiner certification
Online Forensic Accounting Degree Concentration Overview
Focus your accounting education on the investigation of financial records to detect fraud with the Bachelor of Science (BS) in Accounting with a concentration in Forensic Accounting and Fraud Examination degree.
With a forensic accounting degree online, you can build a strong foundation of traditional accounting knowledge. You’ll explore the auditing process in depth. And you'll gain key investigative skills to identify, document and prevent fraud and cyber crime.
You can finish your degree armed with the critical thinking skills and essential business knowledge you need to begin a rewarding career in the forensic accounting field.
Learn how to:
- Analyze and apply accounting rules and regulations
- Generate financial records and prepare tax returns
- Effectively communicate accounting information
- Audit financial information and controls
- Apply ethics to conduct and decision-making
Career Outlook
With a forensic accounting degree online, you can work at the intersection of law and finance.
According to PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), fraud and financial crimes cause billions of dollars in losses for companies worldwide every year. In 2020, 47% of companies surveyed by PwC had experienced consumer fraud, cyber crime, asset misappropriation and other corruption within the last 2 years.1
As financial crime has grown, much of the responsibility for detecting fraud has been assumed by the accounting profession.
Forensic accountants investigate fraud in complicated financial transactions. These include mergers and acquisitions, bankruptcies and contract disputes. Forensic accountants are also key players in catching white collar criminals and bringing them to justice.
With an online forensic accounting degree, you can work in a variety of settings, including:
- Accounting firms
- Insurance companies
- Law offices
- Governmental agencies
Earning an online accounting degree with a forensic accounting concentration can give you the specialized skills you need to stand out in this growing field.
With a forensic accounting and fraud examination degree, you could work in a variety of accounting careers, including:
- Public accountant: Perform a range of accounting, auditing, tax and consulting tasks for corporations, government agencies and individuals.
- Management accountant: Record and analyze the financial information of an organization, for use by business managers and company leaders.
- Internal auditor: Check for mismanagement of an organization’s funds and identify ways to improve the processes for finding and eliminating waste and fraud.
- External auditor: Review clients’ financial statements and inform investors and authorities that the statements have been correctly prepared and reported.
- Financial examiner: Ensure compliance with laws governing financial institutions and transactions, including reviewing balance sheets, evaluating the risk level of loans and assessing bank management.
Job growth and earning potential vary depending on the career you pursue with your online forensic accounting degree.
For example, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that jobs for accountants will grow 6% through 2028.2 In 2019, accountants earned a median salary of $71,500.2 Jobs for financial examiners are projected to grow 7% through 2028, and earned a median salary of $81,090 in 2019.2
Your career and earning potential will also be impacted by your training. Most accounting jobs require a bachelor’s degree. But some will require a master's degree or professional credentials.
An undergraduate forensic accounting degree is the first step toward earning key accounting certifications.
Want to put your forensic accounting degree to work as a fraud examiner? Becoming a Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) can help you stand out to employers. The CFE credential denotes proven expertise in fraud prevention, detection and deterrence. CFEs are credentialed by the national Association of Certified Fraud Examiners and must pass a certification exam.3
Some forensic accounting positions may also require you to be a Certified Public Accountant. CPAs are licensed by their state accounting board. While state requirements vary, CPAs must have completed 150 hours of college coursework and pass a certification exam.3
The content of our programs aligns with the Content and Skill Specification Outlines (CSOs/SSOs) set by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA). Learners who are interested in licensure may also pursue an MS in Accounting degree to help them meet educational requirements. Completion of the BS in Accounting degree alone does not adequately prepare learners to be eligible to sit for the CPA exam or to become licensed certified public accountants.
Licensing requirements to sit for the CPA exam vary from state to state. Students are encouraged to review their state specific requirements. State-by-state educational requirements can be found on the website of the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA), while state-by-state CPA licensing requirements can be found through the Accounting Licensing Library, powered by the NASBA.
Start Your Journey Towards an Online Forensic Accounting Concentration Degree
Why SNHU for Your Forensic Accounting Degree Concentration
Flexible
With no set class meeting times, you can learn on your schedule and access online course materials 24/7.
Affordable
Take advantage of some of the lowest online tuition rates in the nation, plus financial aid for those who qualify. We also make it easy to transfer to SNHU by accepting up to 90 credits from your previous institution.
Respected
Founded in 1932, Southern New Hampshire University is a private, nonprofit institution with over 100,000 graduates across the country. SNHU is regionally accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE), which advocates for institutional improvement and public assurance of quality.
Recently, SNHU has been nationally recognized for leading the way toward more innovative, affordable and achievable education:
- “Most Innovative” regional university honors from U.S. News & World Report each year since 2015
- A $1 million grant from Google.org to explore soft skills assessments for high-need youth
- Recognition as a 2017 Digital Learning Innovator by the Online Learning Consortium
Network
At Southern New Hampshire University, you'll have access to a powerful network of more than 200,000 students, alumni and staff that can help support you long after graduation. Our instructors offer relevant, real-world expertise to help you understand and navigate the field. Plus, with our growing, nationwide alumni network, you'll have the potential to tap into a number of internship and career opportunities.
Opportunities
Online business clubs and professional organizations for students offer valuable hands-on learning opportunities - virtually. These organizations can also help you expand your personal network.
96.5% of students would recommend SNHU.4 Discover why SNHU may be right for you.
Admission Requirements
Part of our mission to expand access to quality higher education means removing the barriers that may stand between you and your degree. That’s why you can apply at any time and get a decision within days of submitting all required materials.
Acceptance decisions are made on a rolling basis throughout the year for our 6 (8-week) undergraduate terms.
How to Apply
Simply work with an admission counselor, who can help you explore financial options, answer all your questions and walk you through the application process. Start by:
- Completing a free undergraduate application
- Providing previous institutions attended – so we can retrieve transcripts for you at no cost
- Test scores are not required as part of your application.
Courses & Curriculum
SNHU’s forensic accounting degree online can give you a strong foundation in accounting and financial analysis. Forensic accounting courses focused on fraud detection and investigation can supplement your core accounting classes.
The online forensic accounting degree also includes a strong foundation in general business courses. Business core courses include:
- Business law
- Finance
- Business systems analysis and design
- Marketing
- Human relations
- Strategic management
These courses ensure you understand and can incorporate key business concepts into accounting and auditing roles.
You can also build valuable career skills with general education courses, including writing, analysis and quantitative reasoning skills.
In your primary accounting courses, you’ll explore a variety of topics, including:
- General accounting principles
- Financial statement analysis
- Auditing
- Taxation
- Business law
Your forensic accounting courses dive deeper into the investigation, detection and prevention of fraud.
You’ll focus on the prevention of accounting frauds, stock frauds and employee theft and embezzlement. You’ll learn how to investigate and recognize fraud within an organization and how to implement the latest techniques for controlling it.
You can also learn how to review, detect and investigate possible financial statement fraud and assess the risks of this type of fraud.
One of your online forensic accounting courses will also cover interview principles and techniques that are key to fraud investigations. In this course, you’ll be exposed to some of the legal aspects related to the identification and prosecution of fraud.
You can also learn about the importance of technology in the detection and prevention of modern financial crime. You’ll learn more about computer crime and how to work with digital evidence. You can explore identity theft, locating digital evidence, working with data and presenting investigative findings. Case studies of cyber crime examples can help you apply your learning to real-world situations.
Want even more hands-on learning opportunities? SNHU’s career advising team can also help you set up an accounting internship to supplement your learning. An internship is not required to earn a forensic accounting degree online. But real-world experience can help you develop key soft skills and ultimately find success in your field.
These skills include:
- Communication: Effectively share financial information with internal and external audiences.
- Analysis: Gather and review financial data to identify fraud and examine financial risk.
- Problem-solving: Connect classroom learning and hands-on experience to solve real-world problems.
- Decision-making: Apply professional ethics to make decisions in the field of accounting.
As an online student, you can also benefit from a variety of learning opportunities. You’ll have access to virtual tutoring and writing services. You can even join online clubs and student organizations to supplement your learning and grow your personal network.
You'll also have access to a full range of career services. Career services include networking opportunities, resume and cover letter review, mock interviews and more. These services are even available after you graduate.
SNHU’s generous transfer policy can also help you save time and money when earning your degree. You can transfer up to 90 credits toward a bachelor’s degree program. With the maximum transfer credit load, you could earn your degree in as few as 5 terms, or 10 courses.
Curriculum Requirements & Resources
- Business core: Business programs require learners to complete the business core program, which includes a variety of business-specific courses. This program focuses on 10 core competencies to prepare you for success wherever you go.
- General education courses: All online bachelor's degree students are required to take general education classes, if not obtained in prior coursework. Through these foundation, exploration and integration courses, students learn to think critically, creatively and collaboratively, giving you the edge employers are looking for.
- Technology resources: We provide cloud-based virtual environments in some courses to give you access to the technology you need for your degree – and your career. Learn more about our virtual environments.
- Earn math credits for what you already know: Save time and tuition with our Pathways to Math Success assessments. Depending on your scores, you could earn up to 12 math credits – the equivalent of 4 courses – toward your degree for less than $50 per assessment.
| View Full Curriculum in the Catalog |
|---|
| BS in Accounting - Forensic Accounting & Fraud Examination |
| Courses May Include | ||
|---|---|---|
| BS in Accounting Forensic Accounting and Fraud Examination | ||
| ACC 307 | Intermediate Accounting I | Review introductory concepts including the accounting cycle, journal and adjusting entries. Learn to address more intricate accounting scenarios such as recording more complex financial statement elements. Apply theoretical frameworks and various accounting standards and regulations to the proper preparation of financial statements. |
| ACC 308 | Intermediate Accounting II | Apply accounting rules and methodologies for increasingly complex transactions and elements to create more extensive financial statements. Assess a company's financial performance using appropriate ratio analysis to support informed decision making. |
| ACC 330 | Federal Taxation I | Learn about current US tax laws and the Internal Revenue Code (IRC), as well as the relevant source documents, associated with federal tax returns for individuals. Apply the appropriate tax laws as required by law in relation to the specific circumstances and tax liabilities of individuals. Prepare federal tax returns and communicate various tax return information to individuals |
| ACC 345 | Financial Statement Analysis/ Business Valuation | Explore the theories, tools, and techniques used to perform fundamental valuations and analyze publicly traded companies. Evaluate a corporation's future prospects through the computation of free cash flows, interpretation of notes to financial statements, and the integration of information provided in various SEC filings. |
| ACC 405 | Advanced Accounting | Explore advanced accounting concepts, including consolidations. |
| ACC 411 | Auditing Principles | Explore the various assurance services and professional and ethical standards required in auditing. Examine audit programs and procedures, including audit design, testing methods, and strategies for communicating auditing results. Evaluate internal controls employed by organizations to mitigate risk and maintain compliance. |
| ACC 421 | Auditing and Forensic Accounting | This course focuses on the investigation, detection, documentation, and prevention of accounting frauds, stock frauds, and employee theft and embezzlement. White-collar crime involving fraud has mushroomed. Much of the responsibility for detecting fraud has been assumed by the accounting profession. Accountants need to learn how to investigate and recognize fraud within an organization and how to implement the latest techniques for controlling it. |
| ACC 423 | Detection/Prevention Fraudulent Financial Statements | This second course in forensic accounting and fraud examination examines the various types of fraud and its impact on the financial information presented. This course identifies common fraud schemes and scams. Participants in this course will learn how to review, detect and investigate possible financial statement fraud. Various techniques will be used to explore substantive analytical procedures and to assess the risks of financial statement fraud. |
| ACC 425 | Interview Techniques/Legal Aspects Fraud | This third course in forensic accounting and fraud examination will introduce participants to interview principles and techniques. Participants will be exposed to some of the legal aspects pertaining to the identification and prosecution of fraud. |
| ACC 427 | Investigating with Computers | This course focuses on the importance of technology as it relates to modern crime. During the journey of this course, students are presented with topics covering an overview of computer crimes, locations of digital evidence, fundamentals of working with data, an overview of legal aspects of computer crime, and how to present findings at the conclusion of a computer based investigation. Topics include identity theft, the insider threat, locating digital evidence, working with data, legal aspects, and finally presenting investigative findings. Students review case examples of cyber-crime, research relevant current events, and identify best practices when conducting a cyber-investigation. |
| BUS 307 | Business Law II | The study begun in Business Law I continues as the topics of commercial paper, real and personal property, creditors' rights and bankruptcy, agency, business organizations, estate planning and government regulation of business are explored. |
| Total Credits: 120 | ||
Tuition & Fees
Tuition rates for SNHU's online degree programs are among the lowest in the nation. We offer financial aid packages to those who qualify, plus a 30% tuition discount for U.S. service members, both full and part time, and the spouses of those on active duty.
| Online Undergraduate Programs | Per Course | Per Credit Hour | Annual Cost for 30 credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Degree/Certificates | $960 | $320 | $9,600 |
|
Degree/Certificates (U.S. service members, both full and part time, and the spouses of those on active duty) |
$675 | $225 | $6,750 |
Tuition Rates are subject to change and are reviewed annually.
Additional Costs
No Application Fee, $150 Graduation Fee, Course Materials ($ varies by course)
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a forensic accountant?
If you want to become a forensic accountant, a strong foundation of accounting education is key. Accounting jobs typically require at least a bachelor’s degree. Some jobs may require a master’s degree or certification.2
Forensic accountants often investigate fraud in complicated financial transactions. These include mergers and acquisitions, bankruptcies and contract disputes. Forensic accountants also help catch white-collar criminals and bring them to justice.
Earning a forensic accounting degree online can give you the skills you need to get started in this exciting field.
In SNHU’s online forensic accounting degree concentration, you’ll explore the auditing process and learn how to detect, document and prevent fraud. You’ll also learn key investigative techniques. These include interviewing skills, data analysis and cyber crime prevention.
You can apply your coursework to real-world learning opportunities, such as an internship, to gain key career skills and help prepare you for future success.
You may need additional credentials beyond a bachelor's degree, depending on the forensic accounting job you want.
If you’re in a position in which you’ll need to file reports with the Securities and Exchange Commission, you’ll need to become a Certified Public Accountant. CPAs are licensed by their state accounting board and typically must have completed 150 hours of college coursework and pass a CPA exam.3 Licensing requirements to sit for the CPA exam vary from state to state, so it’s important to review your state specific requirements.
If you want to enhance your knowledge and advance your forensic accounting career, a forensic accounting master’s degree can help. At SNHU, you can pursue a MS in Accounting online with a concentration in forensic accounting.
A master’s degree program online, or on campus, can give you the advanced accounting knowledge and professional business skills you need to advance a forensic accounting career.
Is forensic accounting a major?
It depends. At some colleges and universities, forensic accounting may be a major. At others, it may be the topic of a course within a traditional accounting degree program.
At SNHU, forensic accounting is offered as a degree concentration. With a concentration, you get the foundation of a traditional accounting degree with a focus on forensic accounting and fraud examination.
In the forensic accounting degree concentration, you’ll complete 12 credits of forensic accounting courses. These courses will dive deep into the detection and investigation of financial crime.
You’ll explore the detection, documentation and prevention of accounting frauds, stock frauds and employee theft and embezzlement. You’ll also examine types of fraud and how to assess the risks of financial fraud.
You can also gain key investigative skills you can apply to a forensic accounting or auditing career. You'll explore interviewing skills to aid the investigation of fraud. And you’ll explore how to use data analysis and technology to investigate cyber crime. You can also learn how to present digital evidence during a fraud investigation.
After graduating, you’ll be prepared to take on forensic accounting roles in accounting firms, insurance companies, law offices and government agencies.
Want to take your career even further? You could also continue your education in SNHU’s accounting master’s degree program with a forensic accounting concentration. A master's degree could help open up opportunities to the career you want.
What do you major in to become a forensic accountant?
To become a forensic accountant, you’ll need at least a bachelor’s degree in accounting or a related field. Earning an online forensic accounting degree could be a strong place to start.
In SNHU’s forensic accounting degree concentration, you’ll be taught the basics of how to become a forensic accountant. You’ll learn key accounting practices and gain a deeper understanding of the standards used to evaluate them. You’ll also explore how to review and analyze financial statements for evidence of wrongdoing. With this training, you can be ready to spot the symptoms of fraud.
You can also gain a strong foundation of traditional accounting education. Courses will focus on cost accounting, advanced accounting techniques, federal taxation and business law.
An online forensic accounting degree can prepare you for a career in fraud investigation. But if you'll need an accounting certification, such as the CPA, state requirements do vary. Make sure to check your state requirements to determine if you’re on track.
What is the starting salary for a forensic accountant?
It depends on where you work, your job and your level of education. Jobs for forensic accountants can be found in a variety of industries, including accounting firms, government agencies and law offices. And starting salaries can vary.
BLS does not have salary data specific to forensic accountants. But in 2019, accountants earned a median salary of $71,550.2 The lowest paid 10% earned less than $44,480 and the highest paid 10% earned more than $124,450.2
Accountants working in finance and insurance earned the highest median income in 2019, at $76,440.2 Accountants working in government agencies had the lowest median income at $70,180.2
Your earning potential can also be impacted by your education. Workers with a master’s degree, for example, typically earn about 20% more each week than bachelor’s degree holders.2
Is forensic accounting a good career?
Looking for a rewarding career that brings together the world of accounting with criminal justice? A job in forensic accounting could be right for you.
Employment of accountants and auditors is projected to grow 6% from 2018 to 2028.2 Jobs for financial examiners are projected to grow 7% in the same time period.2
Technological advances are also expected to impact the field, as cyber crimes evolve and become more common.1 With a degree in forensic accounting, you’ll gain a strong understanding of how technology affects the role of accounting. You’ll be prepared to use technology to monitor and detect fraud and financial crimes.
SNHU’s forensic accounting degree can give you specialized knowledge you can apply to an accounting job right away. Or, you could use your bachelor's degree learning to advance your education – and your career – with an accounting master’s degree.
University Accreditation
Southern New Hampshire University is a private, nonprofit institution accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE) as well as several other accrediting bodies.
References
Sources & Citations (1, 2, 3, 4)
1 PWC, Global Economic Crime and Fraud Survey, on the internet, at: https://www.pwc.com/gx/en/services/advisory/forensics/economic-crime-survey.html (viewed May 17, 2020)
2 Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, on the internet, at:
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/business-and-financial/accountants-and-auditors.htm (viewed May 17, 2020)
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/business-and-financial/financial-examiners.htm (viewed May 17, 2020)
- https://www.bls.gov/emp/chart-unemployment-earnings-education.htm (viewed May 17, 2020)
Cited projections may not reflect local and/or short-term economic or job conditions and do not guarantee actual job growth.
3 Association of Certified Fraud Examiners, The CFE Credential, on the internet, at: https://www.acfe.com/cfe-credential.aspx (viewed May 17, 2020)
4 According to more than 9,200 SNHU online students in survey responses from the fall of 2019.