By Audience

Best Accelerated Forensic Accounting Degrees in 2027

Accelerated forensic accounting degrees in 2027 you can finish faster than the usual timeline, ranked by pace, cost and coursework.

Top Overall Pick

West Virginia University

Master of Science in Forensic and Fraud Examination

West Virginia

Score
100.0of 100
Cost
$1,063per credit
Length
30credits
Read our WVU M.S. Forensic and Fraud Examination review

Programs Ranked

18

Schools

14

Degree Levels

3

Fully Online Programs

18

Checked on Schools' Own Pages

October 15, 2026

How We Score the Programs on This List

Eight factors, published weights, the same for every program. Read the Methodology

Forensic Training · 50%

  • Forensic Focus20%
  • Investigative Skill Coverage10%
  • Hands-On Casework10%
  • Credential Pathway10%

Value and Outcomes · 50%

  • Cost15%
  • Graduate Earnings15%
  • Completion10%
  • Program Reputation10%

An accelerated forensic accounting degree can get you to the finish line sooner. The speed comes from short course terms, one-year master's plans, combined bachelor's-to-master's paths or compact certificates. Many point toward the Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) exam and Certified Public Accountant (CPA) licensure, and several schools hold accreditation from the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB). You can take a faster route at every level.

Top Picks

The Top Program at Each Degree Level

The top-scoring forensic accounting programs at each degree level on this list.

The cards and table below use short forms for the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP), the International Accreditation Council for Business Education (IACBE) and the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE).

Only show programs with

18 programs in rank order. Filter or sort to narrow them down.

Master's

Forensic Accounting Master's Degrees Ranked for 2027

  1. #1 Master's

    West Virginia University

    Master of Science in Forensic and Fraud Examination

    • Fully Online
    • West Virginia
    • Public
    • AACSB Accredited
    • CFE Exam Prep

    100.0 / 100

    Highest score among master's programs

    How Fast You Can Finish

    Each course runs eight weeks, so the 30-credit degree moves in short, focused bursts rather than long semesters. You can finish the ten courses in one to two years, and admission is open in the fall, spring or summer. The nine-credit area of emphasis in Business Cybersecurity, Business Data Analytics or Management fits inside the same 30 credits.

    Per Credit
    $1,063
    Credits
    30
    Est. Tuition
    $31,890
    Graduate Pay
    $98,517
    • Credential Pathway10
    • Investigative Skill Coverage9.3
    • Program Reputation8.3
    All 8 Scores
  2. #2 Master's

    Murray State University

    Master of Public Administration with a Concentration in Forensic Accounting

    • Fully Online
    • Kentucky
    • Public
    • AACSB Accredited
    • CFE Exam Prep

    97.9 / 100

    One of the lowest prices among master's programs

    Time to Graduate

    The program lists a duration of as few as 12 months for its 36 credits, because every course is a seven-week session. The three-credit classes are delivered in an accelerated format with multiple terms each year, so you move from one subject to the next without a long break. The two-part capstone research project follows the same seven-week rhythm.

    Per Credit
    $472
    Credits
    36
    Est. Tuition
    $16,974
    Length
    12 months
    • Cost10
    • Credential Pathway10
    • Investigative Skill Coverage7.9
    All 7 Scores
  3. #3 Master's

    Murray State University

    Master of Business Administration with a Concentration in Forensic Accounting

    • Fully Online
    • Kentucky
    • Public
    • AACSB Accredited
    • CFE Exam Prep

    97.0 / 100

    One of the lowest prices among master's programs

    The Pace of Study

    Terms last 7 weeks, so this degree moves in short, focused bursts, and as few as 12 to 18 months gets you to the finish. Murray State delivers it in an accelerated format with multiple start dates each year. Each course carries 3 credit hours, and the prerequisites can be taken at the same time as your other program courses.

    Per Credit
    $606
    Credits
    30
    Est. Tuition
    $18,180
    Length
    12 to 18 months
    • Credential Pathway10
    • Investigative Skill Coverage8.2
    • Completion7.6
    All 7 Scores
  4. #4 Master's

    Florida Atlantic University

    Executive Master of Accounting, Forensic Accounting Concentration

    • Fully Online
    • Florida
    • Public
    • AACSB Accredited

    96.7 / 100

    Top 3 for investigative skill coverage among master's programs

    Ways to Finish Sooner

    Students with an undergraduate degree in accounting can finish in as few as three semesters. Most others complete the program in two years while working full-time, and the full range runs 12 to 32 months. You can enter in the fall, spring or summer semesters, and if accounting is new to you, just two additional courses are built into the schedule.

    Per Credit
    $928
    Graduate Pay
    $99,288
    Length
    12 to 32 months
    • Credential Pathway10
    • Investigative Skill Coverage9
    • Program Reputation7.2
    All 8 Scores
  5. #5 Master's

    Saint Xavier University

    Master of Business Administration, Fraud Examination and Management

    • Fully Online
    • Illinois
    • Private nonprofit
    • AACSB Accredited
    • CFE Exam Prep

    90.8 / 100

    Top 3 for hands-on casework among master's programs

    How Fast You Can Finish

    You can finish this degree in about a year to 20 months, depending on the schedule you pick. Each course is an eight-week accelerated session, which lets you complete the ten courses without long semesters. If you are still an undergraduate at the university, the accelerated dual degree path lets you begin up to 12 credit hours of Master of Business Administration coursework during your senior year.

    Per Credit
    $799
    Credits
    30
    Est. Tuition
    $23,970
    Length
    12 to 20 months
    • Credential Pathway10
    • Completion8.7
    • Investigative Skill Coverage7.8
    All 7 Scores
  6. #6 Master's

    Stevenson University

    Master of Science in Forensic Accounting

    • Fully Online
    • Maryland
    • Private nonprofit

    87.7 / 100

    Top 3 for program reputation among master's programs

    Time to Graduate

    You can complete the 36-credit master's in two years or less, with the exact timing set by the credits you transfer in, how many you take each term and the terms you enroll in. Courses run in eight-week sessions, and up to 15 credits of earlier coursework and experience can be applied to the degree.

    Per Credit
    $719
    Credits
    36
    Est. Tuition
    $25,884
    Graduate Pay
    $86,344
    • Program Reputation9.1
    • Investigative Skill Coverage7.3
    • Credential Pathway7
    All 8 Scores
  7. #7 Master's

    York College of Pennsylvania

    Master of Accounting in Fraud and Forensics

    • Fully Online
    • Pennsylvania
    • Private nonprofit
    • CFE Exam Prep

    86.5 / 100

    Top 3 for hands-on casework among master's programs

    The Pace of Study

    Five seven-week sessions every year mean you are never far from your next course, and full-time students can complete all 30 credits in as little as one year. Because each course lasts just seven weeks, you move through a topic such as corporate fraud, forensic practices or legal foundations and then on to the next, building steady momentum through the calendar year.

    Per Credit
    $710
    Credits
    30
    Est. Tuition
    $21,300
    Length
    12 to 24 months
    • Credential Pathway8
    • Hands-On Casework7.4
    • Investigative Skill Coverage6.8
    All 7 Scores
  8. #8 Master's

    Rider University

    Master of Accountancy, Forensic Accounting Concentration

    • Fully Online
    • New Jersey
    • Private nonprofit
    • AACSB Accredited

    86.1 / 100

    Top investigative skill coverage score among master's programs

    Ways to Finish Sooner

    Full-time students who meet the prerequisites can finish in 12 months, and the online version can be completed in 21 months or less. If you have an accounting background, you can waive up to 15 foundation credits. Rider undergraduates can also earn a bachelor's in four years plus this master's in one additional year through the 4+1 program.

    Per Credit
    $1,130
    Graduate Pay
    $103,295
    Length
    12 months
    • Investigative Skill Coverage9.4
    • Credential Pathway9
    • Completion8.3
    All 8 Scores
  9. #9 Master's

    Carlow University

    Master of Science in Fraud and Forensics

    • Fully Online
    • Pennsylvania
    • Private nonprofit
    • CFE Exam Prep

    81.5 / 100

    Top forensic coursework score among master's programs

    How Fast You Can Finish

    Carlow lists the duration as 1 year, built from 10 core courses totaling 30 credit hours. If you want more, the optional Cyber Threat Research and Analytics track adds just two courses totaling six credit hours. Because you complete everything in a cohort, you move through the sequence together with classmates and faculty.

    Per Credit
    $800
    Credits
    30
    Est. Tuition
    $24,000
    Graduate Pay
    $95,368
    • Credential Pathway8
    • Forensic Focus7.3
    • Investigative Skill Coverage7
    All 8 Scores
  10. #10 Master's

    Colorado State University Global

    Master's Degree With a Fraud and Financial Crimes Specialization

    • Fully Online
    • Colorado
    • Public

    70.8 / 100

    Forensic Program Score

    Time to Graduate

    Four courses and 12 credit hours make up the specialization, and every course is eight weeks from beginning to end, so you can move forward faster. Enrollment opens every month, which means you can begin earning these credits as soon as you are ready. The school lists master's programs in Business Administration, Data Analytics, Finance and Management as pairings.

    Per Credit
    $675
    Credits
    12
    Graduate Pay
    $94,130
    • Investigative Skill Coverage7
    • Credential Pathway7
    • Cost6.1
    All 8 Scores
  1. Rank #12

    Colorado State University Global

    Master of Professional Accountancy, Fraud Investigations and Forensic Accounting Emphasis · $675 per credit · Fully Online

    Undergraduate accounting majors can earn a bachelor's and a master's degree in one combined program that replaces two upper-division undergraduate courses with advanced graduate courses. Read our CSU Global MPAcc Forensic Accounting review

    • Credential 8
    • Cost 6.1
    • Skills 5.7

    Score 67.3

Bachelor's

Forensic Accounting Bachelor's Degrees Ranked for 2027

  1. #1 Bachelor's

    Southern New Hampshire University

    Bachelor of Science in Accounting with a Concentration in Forensic Accounting and Fraud Examination

    • Fully Online
    • New Hampshire
    • Private nonprofit
    • CFE Exam Prep

    77.0 / 100

    Top 3 for investigative skill coverage among bachelor's programs

    How Fast You Can Finish

    Eight-week terms and six undergraduate terms a year keep your courses moving at a quick pace. Once you have 90 credits and a 3.00 grade point average, and after talking with your academic advisor, you can take up to four graduate-level courses, 12 credits in all, at the online undergraduate rate to jumpstart a master's degree. Up to 90 credits can transfer in.

    Per Credit
    $354
    Credits
    120
    Est. Tuition
    $42,480
    Graduate Pay
    $70,181
    • Cost9.8
    • Credential Pathway8
    • Investigative Skill Coverage7
    All 8 Scores
  2. #2 Bachelor's

    Louisiana State University-Alexandria

    Bachelor of Science in Accounting with a Concentration in Fraud and Forensic Accounting

    • Fully Online
    • Louisiana
    • Public

    45.8 / 100

    One of the lowest prices among bachelor's programs

    Time to Graduate

    Seven-week terms and six sessions a year keep the calendar moving, and although the year has only three semesters, summer enrollment is optional. Transfer credit may cover up to 75% of degree requirements, so a large share of the 120 credit hours can be behind you before your first class here.

    Per Credit
    $353
    Credits
    120
    Est. Tuition
    $42,360
    • Cost9.8
    • Credential Pathway7
    • Program Reputation1.6
    All 7 Scores

Graduate Certificate

Forensic Accounting Graduate Certificates Ranked for 2027

  1. #1 Graduate Certificate

    Murray State University

    Graduate Certificate in Forensic Accounting

    • Fully Online
    • Kentucky
    • Public
    • AACSB Accredited

    95.9 / 100

    Highest score among graduate certificate programs

    How Fast You Can Finish

    Three core courses of 3 credit hours each, taught in 7-week blocks, make up this certificate, and as few as 8 to 10 months can take you through them. The free accounting prerequisite is taken concurrently with the core coursework. Murray State's accelerated format also offers multiple start dates each year.

    Per Credit
    $606
    Credits
    9
    Est. Tuition
    $5,454
    Length
    8 to 10 months
    • Cost9.2
    • Credential Pathway9
    • Forensic Focus7.8
    All 7 Scores
  2. #2 Graduate Certificate

    West Virginia University

    Graduate Certificate in Forensic Accounting and Fraud Examination

    • Fully Online
    • West Virginia
    • Public
    • AACSB Accredited

    95.3 / 100

    Top hands-on casework score among graduate certificate programs

    Time to Graduate

    Four courses in eight-week terms carry you through the certificate in about one year. Those 12 credits move from fraud investigation to fraud data analysis, then criminology and legal issues, and on to advanced fraud investigation with moot court exercises. The same four courses appear in the university's master's program in forensic and fraud examination.

    Per Credit
    $1,063
    Credits
    12
    Est. Tuition
    $12,756
    Length
    12 months
    • Credential Pathway9
    • Program Reputation7.9
    • Forensic Focus7.5
    All 7 Scores
  3. #3 Graduate Certificate

    George Mason University

    Graduate Certificate in Forensic Accounting

    • Fully Online
    • Virginia
    • Public
    • AACSB Accredited

    85.8 / 100

    Top 3 for completion among graduate certificate programs

    The Pace of Study

    Courses run on an 8-week session structure, so each one is over quickly, and you can complete the certificate in 1 or 2 semesters. The program is 12 credits in all: three required fraud courses plus one elective, either Business Valuation or Governance and Ethics. Students who already hold an accounting bachelor's degree can also use those 12 credits toward the 150 hours needed for CPA licensure.

    Per Credit
    $1,025
    Credits
    12
    Est. Tuition
    $12,300
    Length
    1 or 2 semesters
    • Completion9.1
    • Credential Pathway9
    • Program Reputation8.5
    All 7 Scores

Side by Side

Compare Every Accelerated Forensic Accounting Degree Side by Side

All 18 forensic accounting programs on this list in one table. Sort any column; the order you see first is the ranking.

Accelerated Programs: every ranked program
Rank School and Program Degree Score Cost per Credit Credits Delivery Time to Finish
1 West Virginia University M.S. Master of Science in Forensic and Fraud Examination Master's 100.0 $1,063 30 Fully Online 12 to 24 months
2 Murray State University MPA Master of Public Administration with a Concentration in Forensic Accounting Master's 97.9 $471.50 36 Fully Online As few as 12 months
3 Murray State University MBA Master of Business Administration with a Concentration in Forensic Accounting Master's 97.0 $606 30 Fully Online 12 to 18 months
4 Florida Atlantic University M.Acc. Executive Master of Accounting, Forensic Accounting Concentration Master's 96.7 Fully Online 12 to 32 months
5 Saint Xavier University MBA Master of Business Administration, Fraud Examination and Management Master's 90.8 $799 30 Fully Online 12 to 20 months
6 Stevenson University M.S. Master of Science in Forensic Accounting Master's 87.7 $719 36 Fully Online Complete in two years or less
7 York College of Pennsylvania M.Acc. Master of Accounting in Fraud and Forensics Master's 86.5 $710 30 Fully Online 12 to 24 months
8 Rider University MAcc Master of Accountancy, Forensic Accounting Concentration Master's 86.1 $1,130 Fully Online 12 months
9 Carlow University M.S. Master of Science in Fraud and Forensics Master's 81.5 $800 30 Fully Online 12 months
10 Colorado State University Global Graduate Specialization Master's Degree With a Fraud and Financial Crimes Specialization Master's 70.8 12 Fully Online
11 Seton Hill University M.B.A. Master of Business Administration, Forensic Accounting and Fraud Examination Specialization Master's 68.5 $1,015 30 Fully Online 12 to 24 months
12 Colorado State University Global M.P.Acc. Master of Professional Accountancy, Fraud Investigations and Forensic Accounting Emphasis Master's 67.3 $675 30 Fully Online, asynchronous
13 University of Scranton M.Acc. Master of Accountancy, Forensic Accounting Specialization Master's 56.4 $895 30 Fully Online 12 to 18 months
1 Southern New Hampshire University B.S. Bachelor of Science in Accounting with a Concentration in Forensic Accounting and Fraud Examination Bachelor's 77.0 $354 120 Fully Online
2 Louisiana State University-Alexandria B.S. Bachelor of Science in Accounting with a Concentration in Fraud and Forensic Accounting Bachelor's 45.8 $353 120 Fully Online
1 Murray State University Graduate Certificate Graduate Certificate in Forensic Accounting Graduate Certificate 95.9 $606 9 Fully Online 8 to 10 months
2 West Virginia University Graduate Certificate Graduate Certificate in Forensic Accounting and Fraud Examination Graduate Certificate 95.3 $1,063 12 Fully Online 12 months
3 George Mason University Graduate Certificate Graduate Certificate in Forensic Accounting Graduate Certificate 85.8 $1,025 12 Fully Online 1 or 2 semesters

Short Terms and One-Year Master's Plans

With short terms, you finish a course, rest and move on. West Virginia University, Colorado State University Global, Seton Hill University and Stevenson University all use eight-week courses. Colorado State University Global starts classes every month, and Seton Hill University lists six start dates a year. Louisiana State University of Alexandria runs seven-week terms across six sessions a year. York College of Pennsylvania runs five seven-week sessions a year.

Several master's plans fit inside a year. Carlow University lists one year and doesn't require the Graduate Record Examinations (GRE). University of Scranton lists 12 months. Rider University lists 12 months for full-time students who meet the prerequisites. Saint Xavier University lists one year to 20 months, depending on your schedule. Florida Atlantic University lists 12 to 32 months, so you can set the pace.

Fast Tracks From Bachelor's to Master's

If you're still earning your bachelor's, a combined path can trim a year or more. Southern New Hampshire University lets you take up to four graduate-level courses, 12 credits, at the online undergraduate rate of $354 per credit.

West Virginia University offers an accelerated route from its accounting bachelor's into the master's in forensic and fraud examination. Saint Xavier University has a dual bachelor's and Master of Business Administration (MBA) option where seniors can take up to 12 credit hours of MBA coursework.

Colorado State University Global offers a dual enrollment option, so undergraduate accounting majors can earn a bachelor's and a master's in one combined program. Louisiana State University of Alexandria accepts transfer of up to 75 percent of previous credits, which can shorten a bachelor's considerably.

You can ask each school how many credits count toward both degrees.

What a Fast Program Asks of You

A faster pace means more work per week, and the schools plan for that. Seton Hill University describes two courses per term for the one-year route. West Virginia University includes two required virtual residencies on a set day and time. Its capstone simulations let you pitch a case to real Internal Revenue Service criminal investigators and testify in moot court with real attorneys.

Support helps you too. Carlow University uses a cohort model with a dedicated program-level faculty adviser. Saint Xavier University built its program as an evening option for working professionals, full time or part time. If you're juggling a job, Colorado State University Global is asynchronous, so you can fit work around your own hours.

Murray State University charges pay-by-the-course tuition with fees included, so what you see per course is what you pay. It also adds two free self-paced prerequisite courses in accounting and economics to its MBA.

Price, Credentials and the 150-Hour Rule

Fast doesn't have to mean expensive. Murray State University lists $471.50 per credit for its Master of Public Administration with a forensic accounting concentration and $606 for its MBA. Totals come to $16,974 and $18,180.

Stevenson University lists $719 per credit with no fees and accepts up to 15 transfer credits. West Virginia University includes CFE and Certified Valuation Analyst exam preparation courses in tuition. If you're current or former service personnel, it takes $100 off each credit hour.

An accelerated forensic accounting degree can also get you to the CFE exam sooner. The ACFE typically counts a bachelor's degree as the 40 points you need to sit it. The two years of fraud-related work required for full certification can start as soon as you're on the job.

For a CPA license, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that every state asks for 150 semester hours. George Mason University states that its certificate can help accounting bachelor's holders reach the 150 credit hours needed. Rider University states that its Master of Accountancy fulfills them.

Frequently Asked Questions About Accelerated Forensic Accounting Degrees

What Are the Best Accelerated Forensic Accounting Degrees in 2027?

What Is the Fastest Way to Get a Forensic Accounting Credential?

Can I Finish a Master's in One Year?

Are Accelerated Programs Fully Online?

Will an Accelerated Degree Prepare Me for the CFE Exam?

How Do Combined Bachelor's and Master's Paths Work?

Does a Certificate Count Toward a Later Master's?

Sources

All sources retrieved .