Programs Ranked
21
Schools
17
Degree Levels
3
Fully Online Programs
21
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%
A forensic accounting degree for working adults is realistic, and plenty of schools have built programs for exactly that. Online courses, short terms, monthly starts and generous transfer credit make it workable. Many also help you prepare for the Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) exam or Certified Public Accountant (CPA) licensure. Some sit in schools accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB).
Top Picks
The Top Program at Each Degree Level
The top-scoring forensic accounting programs at each degree level on this list.
- Top Master's100.0 out of 100
West Virginia University
Master of Science in Forensic and Fraud Examination
West Virginia · M.S.
West Virginia University's M.S. Review - Top Bachelor's89.4 out of 100
Franklin University
Bachelor of Science in Forensic Accounting
Ohio · B.S.
Franklin University's B.S. Review - Top Graduate Certificate95.9 out of 100
Murray State University
Graduate Certificate in Forensic Accounting
Kentucky · Graduate Certificate
Murray State University's Graduate Certificate Review
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).
No programs on this list match all of those.
Rank #1 Master's
West Virginia University
Built to support experienced, non-traditional professionals like you returning to the classroom, this program is asynchronous, with no required live meeting times beyond two virtual residencies. Read our WVU M.S. Forensic and Fraud Examination review
- Credential 10
- Skills 9.3
- Reputation 8.3
Score 100.0
Rank #2 Master's
Murray State University
Murray State delivers this program in an accelerated format that it describes as ideal for working professionals. Read our Murray State University MPA Forensic Accounting review
- Cost 10
- Credential 10
- Skills 7.9
Score 97.9
Rank #3 Master's
Murray State University
Seven-week courses let you move through this online business master's in as few as 12-18 months. Read our Murray State University MBA Forensic Accounting review
- Credential 10
- Skills 8.2
- Completion 7.6
Score 97.0
Rank #4 Master's
Saint Xavier University
This is an evening program designed for working professionals, and you can take it full-time or part-time. Read our Saint Xavier University MBA Fraud Examination review
- Credential 10
- Completion 8.7
- Skills 7.8
Score 90.8
Rank #5 Master's
SUNY Polytechnic Institute
Full-time students can finish within an 18 month period, while part-time students set their own pace by the credits they take each term. Read our SUNY Polytechnic Institute M.S. Forensic Accounting review
- Credential 9
- Cost 8.3
- Skills 8.3
Score 89.7
Rank #6 Master's
University of Massachusetts-Amherst
Built for maximum flexibility, this program lets you take online classes in fall, spring and summer to fit around your schedule. Read our UMass Amherst M.S. Forensic Accounting review
- Pay 10
- Reputation 9.4
- Completion 9.3
Score 87.9
Rank #7 Master's
Stevenson University
A certified public accountant in the program says its online flexibility lets him balance a busy career with his education. Read our Stevenson University M.S. Forensic Accounting review
- Reputation 9.1
- Skills 7.3
- Credential 7
Score 87.7
Rank #8 Master's
York College of Pennsylvania
Online courses in five seven-week sessions a year let you keep working while you earn the degree, and part-time students typically finish in two years. Read our York College MAcc Fraud and Forensics review
- Credential 8
- Casework 7.4
- Skills 6.8
Score 86.5
Rank #9 Master's
Colorado State University Global
Because there are no set meeting times or locations, you can fit these four courses around a job. Read our CSU Global Fraud and Financial Crimes Specialization review
- Skills 7
- Credential 7
- Cost 6.1
Score 70.8
Rank #10 Master's
Seton Hill University
Evening, Saturday and online classes are all open to you, so the degree can fit around your job. Read our Seton Hill University MBA Forensic Accounting review
- Credential 8
- Skills 7.3
- Completion 6.5
Score 68.5
Rank #11 Master's
Roosevelt University
Busy working professionals are who this program was built for: it is fully online, and you can go full-time and finish in 1.5 years or part-time and finish in 2.5. Read our Roosevelt University M.S. Accounting Forensics review
- Credential 8
- Pay 6.8
- Skills 6.4
Score 67.7
Rank #12 Master's
Colorado State University Global
The program was designed to help you juggle education, work and family responsibilities, with no required meeting times. Read our CSU Global MPAcc Forensic Accounting review
- Credential 8
- Cost 6.1
- Skills 5.7
Score 67.3
Rank #13 Master's
University of Scranton
This program is designed for busy professionals, who can finish part-time in 18 months or full-time in 12. Read our University of Scranton MAcc Forensic Accounting review
- Credential 10
- Reputation 8
- Pay 4.9
Score 56.4
Rank #1 Bachelor's
Franklin University
Classes are 100% online in 6 and 12-week courses, so you can study around your job instead of rearranging it. Read our Franklin University B.S. Forensic Accounting review
- Cost 9.1
- Credential 8
- Reputation 7.5
Score 89.4
Rank #2 Bachelor's
Southern New Hampshire University
Fully online classes let you learn around your schedule, and with six undergraduate terms each year there is always a chance to begin. Read our SNHU B.S. Forensic Accounting and Fraud Examination review
- Cost 9.8
- Credential 8
- Skills 7
Score 77.0
Rank #3 Bachelor's
Lakeland University
The adult evening and online program lets you sit in class one night per week at one of six center locations in Wisconsin, or learn from home. Read our Lakeland University B.A. Forensic Accounting review
- Completion 8.9
- Cost 7.1
- Skills 4.5
Score 55.0
Rank #4 Bachelor's
Louisiana State University-Alexandria
Because the degree is delivered completely online in seven-week terms, you can fit coursework around a job from wherever you live. Read our LSU Alexandria B.S. Fraud and Forensic Accounting review
- Cost 9.8
- Credential 7
- Reputation 1.6
Score 45.8
Rank #1 Graduate Certificate
Murray State University
This certificate is 100 percent online with asynchronous coursework, so you can work full time while studying on your own schedule. Read our Murray State Forensic Accounting Certificate review
- Cost 9.2
- Credential 9
- Focus 7.8
Score 95.9
Rank #2 Graduate Certificate
West Virginia University
This online certificate is tailored for practicing accountants, corporate security officers and legal professionals, and it takes about a year of eight-week courses. Read our WVU Forensic Accounting Certificate review
- Credential 9
- Reputation 7.9
- Focus 7.5
Score 95.3
Rank #3 Graduate Certificate
Northeastern University
The online format provides ease and flexibility for working professionals. Read our Northeastern Forensic Accounting Certificate review
- Completion 9.7
- Reputation 9.7
- Credential 9
Score 94.5
Rank #4 Graduate Certificate
George Mason University
This certificate is built for part-time study alongside a job, with a choice of fully online asynchronous courses or hybrid classes at the Fairfax campus. Read our George Mason Forensic Accounting Certificate review
- Completion 9.1
- Credential 9
- Reputation 8.5
Score 85.8
Master's
Forensic Accounting Master's Degrees Ranked for 2027
Rank #1 Master's
West Virginia University
Master of Science in Forensic and Fraud Examination
- Fully Online
- Public
- West Virginia
- AACSB Accredited
- CFE Exam Prep
100.0 / 100
Highest score among master's programs
Fitting It Around Work
Built to support experienced, non-traditional professionals like you returning to the classroom, this program is asynchronous, with no required live meeting times beyond two virtual residencies. Courses run eight weeks, and students complete the program in one to two years. Two years of related professional experience can stand in for the accounting prerequisites, and no graduate admissions test is required.
- Per Credit
- $1,063
- Credits
- 30
- Est. Tuition
- $31,890
- Graduate Pay
- $98,517
See All 8 Scores
Forensic Training
Value and Outcomes
Rank #2 Master's
Murray State University
Master of Public Administration with a Concentration in Forensic Accounting
- Fully Online
- Public
- Kentucky
- AACSB Accredited
- CFE Exam Prep
97.9 / 100
One of the lowest prices among master's programs
Fitting It Around Work
Murray State delivers this program in an accelerated format that it describes as ideal for working professionals. With seven-week courses and a fully online setup, you can fit class around your job and finish in a year at the fastest. You pay for each course as you go, and admission asks for an undergraduate grade point average of 2.5 or higher.
- Per Credit
- $472
- Credits
- 36
- Est. Tuition
- $16,974
- Length
- 12 months
See All 7 Scores
Forensic Training
Value and Outcomes
Rank #3 Master's
Murray State University
Master of Business Administration with a Concentration in Forensic Accounting
- Fully Online
- Public
- Kentucky
- AACSB Accredited
- CFE Exam Prep
97.0 / 100
One of the lowest prices among master's programs
Fitting It Around Work
Seven-week courses let you move through this online business master's in as few as 12-18 months. With a 3.25 grade point average you need no work experience to apply, and a 3.0 average plus two years of relevant full-time work also qualifies, so your job history counts toward admission. Advisement and support from faculty are part of the plan.
- Per Credit
- $606
- Credits
- 30
- Est. Tuition
- $18,180
- Length
- 12 to 18 months
See All 7 Scores
Forensic Training
Value and Outcomes
Rank #4 Master's
Saint Xavier University
Master of Business Administration, Fraud Examination and Management
- Fully Online
- Private nonprofit
- Illinois
- AACSB Accredited
- CFE Exam Prep
90.8 / 100
Top 3 for hands-on casework among master's programs
Fitting It Around Work
This is an evening program designed for working professionals, and you can take it full-time or part-time. Depending on the schedule you choose, finishing takes about a year to 20 months. Every class can be taken online, so coursework fits around your job, and eight-week sessions keep each course short.
- Per Credit
- $799
- Credits
- 30
- Est. Tuition
- $23,970
- Length
- 12 to 20 months
See All 7 Scores
Forensic Training
Value and Outcomes
Rank #5 Master's
SUNY Polytechnic Institute
Master of Science in Accounting, Forensic Accounting and Valuation Concentration
- Fully Online
- Public
- New York
- AACSB Accredited
89.7 / 100
One of the lowest prices among master's programs
Fitting It Around Work
Full-time students can finish within an 18 month period, while part-time students set their own pace by the credits they take each term. Continuous registration keeps you enrolled for up to six semesters while you finish requirements. Everything is online, and every application is reviewed for a waiver of the graduate business admissions test.
- Per Credit
- $565
- Credits
- 33
- Est. Tuition
- $18,645
- Graduate Pay
- $92,584
See All 8 Scores
Forensic Training
Value and Outcomes
Rank #6 Master's
University of Massachusetts-Amherst
Master of Science in Accounting, Forensic Accounting Focus
- Fully Online
- Public
- Massachusetts
- AACSB Accredited
87.9 / 100
Top 3 for program reputation among master's programs
Fitting It Around Work
Built for maximum flexibility, this program lets you take online classes in fall, spring and summer to fit around your schedule. Part-time students can take up to four years, while full-time students can finish in under a year. If you want to meet in person, Isenberg offers weekend and evening opportunities at the Charles River Campus in Newton, Massachusetts.
- Per Credit
- $850
- Credits
- 30
- Est. Tuition
- $25,500
- Graduate Pay
- $109,628
See All 8 Scores
Forensic Training
Value and Outcomes
Rank #7 Master's
Stevenson University
Master of Science in Forensic Accounting
- Fully Online
- Private nonprofit
- Maryland
87.7 / 100
Top 3 for program reputation among master's programs
Fitting It Around Work
A certified public accountant in the program says its online flexibility lets him balance a busy career with his education. The school built its flexible schedule for working professionals, and courses run eight weeks each. You can finish in two years or less, and up to 15 credits of prior coursework and experience can count toward the degree.
- Per Credit
- $719
- Credits
- 36
- Est. Tuition
- $25,884
- Graduate Pay
- $86,344
See All 8 Scores
Forensic Training
Value and Outcomes
Rank #8 Master's
York College of Pennsylvania
Master of Accounting in Fraud and Forensics
- Fully Online
- Private nonprofit
- Pennsylvania
- CFE Exam Prep
86.5 / 100
Top 3 for hands-on casework among master's programs
Fitting It Around Work
Online courses in five seven-week sessions a year let you keep working while you earn the degree, and part-time students typically finish in two years. York has partnered with community organizations and businesses so employees can study at a discount while they continue to work for their employer. When you apply, you share your transcripts and any professional certifications you hold.
- Per Credit
- $710
- Credits
- 30
- Est. Tuition
- $21,300
- Length
- 12 to 24 months
See All 7 Scores
Forensic Training
Value and Outcomes
Rank #9 Master's
Colorado State University Global
Master's Degree With a Fraud and Financial Crimes Specialization
- Fully Online
- Public
- Colorado
70.8 / 100
Forensic Program Score
Fitting It Around Work
Because there are no set meeting times or locations, you can fit these four courses around a job. A new class begins monthly, so you start when your work life allows, and each course lasts only eight weeks. The 12 credit hours are upper-division courses that pair with a master's such as Business Administration, Data Analytics, Finance or Management.
- Per Credit
- $675
- Credits
- 12
- Graduate Pay
- $94,130
See All 8 Scores
Forensic Training
Value and Outcomes
Rank #10 Master's
Seton Hill University
Master of Business Administration, Forensic Accounting and Fraud Examination Specialization
- Fully Online
- Private nonprofit
- Pennsylvania
- CFE Exam Prep
68.5 / 100
Forensic Program Score
Fitting It Around Work
Evening, Saturday and online classes are all open to you, so the degree can fit around your job. Two courses per eight-week term finish the program in a year, and one course per term stretches it over two. Business-related majors are preferred, other majors are considered, and you may be able to take prerequisite coursework alongside your first classes.
- Per Credit
- $1,015
- Credits
- 30
- Est. Tuition
- $30,450
- Length
- 12 to 24 months
See All 7 Scores
Forensic Training
Value and Outcomes
Rank #11
Roosevelt University
Busy working professionals are who this program was built for: it is fully online, and you can go full-time and finish in 1.5 years or part-time and finish in 2.5. Read our Roosevelt University M.S. Accounting Forensics review
- Credential 8
- Pay 6.8
- Skills 6.4
Score 67.7
Rank #12
Colorado State University Global
The program was designed to help you juggle education, work and family responsibilities, with no required meeting times. Read our CSU Global MPAcc Forensic Accounting review
- Credential 8
- Cost 6.1
- Skills 5.7
Score 67.3
Rank #13
University of Scranton
This program is designed for busy professionals, who can finish part-time in 18 months or full-time in 12. Read our University of Scranton MAcc Forensic Accounting review
- Credential 10
- Reputation 8
- Pay 4.9
Score 56.4
Bachelor's
Forensic Accounting Bachelor's Degrees Ranked for 2027
Rank #1 Bachelor's
Franklin University
Bachelor of Science in Forensic Accounting
- Fully Online
- Private nonprofit
- Ohio
- CFE Exam Prep
89.4 / 100
Highest score among bachelor's programs
Fitting It Around Work
Classes are 100% online in 6 and 12-week courses, so you can study around your job instead of rearranging it. At full-time status with average transfer credits, the program takes 21 months. Because up to 94 earlier college credits can transfer, the time you have already invested in college keeps counting, and academic advisors help with the transfer process.
- Per Credit
- $398
- Credits
- 124
- Est. Tuition
- $49,352
- Graduate Pay
- $65,816
See All 8 Scores
Forensic Training
Value and Outcomes
Rank #2 Bachelor's
Southern New Hampshire University
Bachelor of Science in Accounting with a Concentration in Forensic Accounting and Fraud Examination
- Fully Online
- Private nonprofit
- New Hampshire
- CFE Exam Prep
77.0 / 100
Top 3 for investigative skill coverage among bachelor's programs
Fitting It Around Work
Fully online classes let you learn around your schedule, and with six undergraduate terms each year there is always a chance to begin. You can transfer up to 90 credits, or bring in credit for work and life experience, exams and certifications. Your employer may also offer tuition reimbursement or an online tuition discount through a partnership with the university.
- Per Credit
- $354
- Credits
- 120
- Est. Tuition
- $42,480
- Graduate Pay
- $70,181
See All 8 Scores
Forensic Training
Value and Outcomes
Rank #3 Bachelor's
Lakeland University
Bachelor of Arts in Accounting, Fraud and Forensic Emphasis
- Fully Online
- Private nonprofit
- Wisconsin
55.0 / 100
Top 3 for completion among bachelor's programs
Fitting It Around Work
The adult evening and online program lets you sit in class one night per week at one of six center locations in Wisconsin, or learn from home. You can graduate in as little as three years, and 54 percent of students who start the accounting degree at Lakeland without transferring finish in under four. A cooperative education option adds paid work experience toward the degree.
- Per Credit
- $550
- Credits
- 121
- Est. Tuition
- $66,550
- Graduate Pay
- $66,815
See All 8 Scores
Forensic Training
Value and Outcomes
Rank #4 Bachelor's
Louisiana State University-Alexandria
Bachelor of Science in Accounting with a Concentration in Fraud and Forensic Accounting
- Fully Online
- Public
- Louisiana
45.8 / 100
One of the lowest prices among bachelor's programs
Fitting It Around Work
Because the degree is delivered completely online in seven-week terms, you can fit coursework around a job from wherever you live. Transfer students qualify with a transferable associate degree or higher, and credit for prior learning is available, so earlier college credits or industry credentials may apply toward the degree. Your academic advisor works with you to see how they count.
- Per Credit
- $353
- Credits
- 120
- Est. Tuition
- $42,360
See All 7 Scores
Forensic Training
Value and Outcomes
Graduate Certificate
Forensic Accounting Graduate Certificates Ranked for 2027
Rank #1 Graduate Certificate
Murray State University
Graduate Certificate in Forensic Accounting
- Fully Online
- Public
- Kentucky
- AACSB Accredited
95.9 / 100
Highest score among graduate certificate programs
Fitting It Around Work
This certificate is 100 percent online with asynchronous coursework, so you can work full time while studying on your own schedule. Each course lasts 7 weeks, and you apply with an undergraduate degree and a 2.0 grade point average or higher. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, and faculty offer personal attention, advisement and support along the way.
- Per Credit
- $606
- Credits
- 9
- Est. Tuition
- $5,454
- Length
- 8 to 10 months
See All 7 Scores
Forensic Training
Value and Outcomes
Rank #2 Graduate Certificate
West Virginia University
Graduate Certificate in Forensic Accounting and Fraud Examination
- Fully Online
- Public
- West Virginia
- AACSB Accredited
95.3 / 100
Top hands-on casework score among graduate certificate programs
Fitting It Around Work
This online certificate is tailored for practicing accountants, corporate security officers and legal professionals, and it takes about a year of eight-week courses. You need a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution and a resume, with no entrance exam. You also learn alongside practitioners and expert faculty, including Dr. David P. Weber, a Certified Fraud Examiner and teaching professor.
- Per Credit
- $1,063
- Credits
- 12
- Est. Tuition
- $12,756
- Length
- 12 months
See All 7 Scores
Forensic Training
Value and Outcomes
Rank #3 Graduate Certificate
Northeastern University
Graduate Certificate in Forensic Accounting
- Fully Online
- Private nonprofit
- Massachusetts
- AACSB Accredited
94.5 / 100
Top completion score among graduate certificate programs
Fitting It Around Work
The online format provides ease and flexibility for working professionals. The school lists a completion time of 6 to 12 months for the four courses and 12 semester hours. Admission is rolling, and the certificate suits you if you want to improve current skills or begin a specialized accounting career. You may be able to apply your credits to an eligible master's program.
- Per Credit
- $2,031
- Credits
- 12
- Est. Tuition
- $19,836
- Length
- 6 to 12 months
See All 7 Scores
Forensic Training
Value and Outcomes
Rank #4 Graduate Certificate
George Mason University
Graduate Certificate in Forensic Accounting
- Fully Online
- Public
- Virginia
- AACSB Accredited
85.8 / 100
Top 3 for completion among graduate certificate programs
Fitting It Around Work
This certificate is built for part-time study alongside a job, with a choice of fully online asynchronous courses or hybrid classes at the Fairfax campus. Eight-week sessions keep each course compact, and you can complete the certificate in one or two semesters. It is 12 credits, with three required fraud courses and one elective, and you have six years from admission to finish.
- Per Credit
- $1,025
- Credits
- 12
- Est. Tuition
- $12,300
- Length
- 1 or 2 semesters
See All 7 Scores
Forensic Training
Value and Outcomes
Side by Side
Compare Every Program Side by Side
All 21 forensic accounting programs on this list in one table. Sort any column; the order you see first is the ranking.
| Rank | School and Program | Degree | Score | Cost per Credit | Credits | Delivery |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | West Virginia University M.S. Master of Science in Forensic and Fraud Examination | Master's | 100.0 | $1,063 | 30 | Fully Online |
| 2 | Murray State University MPA Master of Public Administration with a Concentration in Forensic Accounting | Master's | 97.9 | $471.50 | 36 | Fully Online |
| 3 | Murray State University MBA Master of Business Administration with a Concentration in Forensic Accounting | Master's | 97.0 | $606 | 30 | Fully Online |
| 4 | Saint Xavier University MBA Master of Business Administration, Fraud Examination and Management | Master's | 90.8 | $799 | 30 | Fully Online |
| 5 | SUNY Polytechnic Institute M.S. Master of Science in Accounting, Forensic Accounting and Valuation Concentration | Master's | 89.7 | $565 | 33 | Fully Online |
| 6 | University of Massachusetts-Amherst M.S. Master of Science in Accounting, Forensic Accounting Focus | Master's | 87.9 | $850 | 30 | Fully Online, asynchronous |
| 7 | Stevenson University M.S. Master of Science in Forensic Accounting | Master's | 87.7 | $719 | 36 | Fully Online |
| 8 | York College of Pennsylvania M.Acc. Master of Accounting in Fraud and Forensics | Master's | 86.5 | $710 | 30 | Fully Online |
| 9 | Colorado State University Global Graduate Specialization Master's Degree With a Fraud and Financial Crimes Specialization | Master's | 70.8 | 12 | Fully Online | |
| 10 | 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 |
| 11 | Roosevelt University M.S. Master of Science in Accounting Forensics | Master's | 67.7 | 30 | Fully Online | |
| 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 |
| 1 | Franklin University B.S. Bachelor of Science in Forensic Accounting | Bachelor's | 89.4 | $398 | 124 | Fully Online |
| 2 | 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 |
| 3 | Lakeland University B.A. Bachelor of Arts in Accounting, Fraud and Forensic Emphasis | Bachelor's | 55.0 | $550 | 121 | Fully Online |
| 4 | 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 |
| 2 | West Virginia University Graduate Certificate Graduate Certificate in Forensic Accounting and Fraud Examination | Graduate Certificate | 95.3 | $1,063 | 12 | Fully Online |
| 3 | Northeastern University Graduate Certificate Graduate Certificate in Forensic Accounting | Graduate Certificate | 94.5 | 12 | Fully Online | |
| 4 | George Mason University Graduate Certificate Graduate Certificate in Forensic Accounting | Graduate Certificate | 85.8 | $1,025 | 12 | Fully Online |
Look for Formats Built Around a Job
If you're working, look for a forensic accounting degree for working adults that asks for as little fixed time as possible. West Virginia University's master's is online and asynchronous, with no required live meeting times outside two virtual residency days. Colorado State University Global's courses are 100% online and asynchronous with no set meeting times. Scranton's online version needs no campus visits.
Term length matters too. Stevenson University's 36-credit master's runs in eight-week sessions and finishes in two years or less. York College of Pennsylvania offers five seven-week sessions a year, so full-time students can finish in as little as one year and part-time students typically in two.
If you'd like a room now and then, University of Massachusetts Amherst adds in-person weekend and evening options at its Newton campus. Its online classes are open to students in all 50 states. Saint Xavier University runs evening classes, and you can mix online and on-campus study.
Use Transfer Credit and Prior Learning
If you have college credit or years of experience, a bachelor's can move faster than you'd expect. Southern New Hampshire University's online Bachelor of Science in Accounting with a forensic accounting and fraud examination concentration is 120 credits, and up to 90 can transfer in. With eight-week terms and six undergraduate terms a year, you rarely wait to start.
Southern New Hampshire University also offers a free application with no test scores or essay. Credit for prior learning, including the College-Level Examination Program (CLEP) and Sophia Learning, can reduce your cost. Tuition is $354 per credit, and active-duty students pay $250.
Franklin University's fully online forensic accounting degree runs six or twelve weeks per course and takes up to 94 earlier credits. Louisiana State University Alexandria's seven-week terms start six times a year, and its maximum-transfer total comes to $10,590. Lakeland University lets you finish in as little as three years, with a 100% online option and live online classes.
Compare Price and Employer Help
Costs differ a lot, so compare the whole program. Murray State University's online Master of Public Administration (MPA) with a forensic concentration lists $471.50 per credit and $16,974 in total, with fees included. Colorado State University Global lists $675 per credit with no student fees, and your tuition stays the same from first class to last.
Stevenson University charges $719 per credit with no fees and offers discounts through employer and partner organizations. York College of Pennsylvania lists $710 per credit for accounting, and employer and government partners can offer discounts. University of Massachusetts Amherst lists $850 per credit and gives military students an online program discount.
At the bachelor's level, Franklin University lists $398 per credit with a tuition guarantee that locks in your first-term rate. Ask your employer about tuition reimbursement before you enroll. A short conversation can change what you really pay.
Plan Around Your Credentials
If you're already working, studying a forensic accounting degree for working adults helps on the CFE's experience side. The Association of Certified Fraud Examiners asks for two years of professional experience related to fraud detection or deterrence before it certifies you. Time in audit, compliance or investigations may count toward it. Your bachelor's degree typically covers the 40 points you need to sit the exam.
Several programs speak to the exam. West Virginia University prepares students for the CFE and Certified Valuation Analyst exams, and Scranton prepares you for the CFE exam and CPA licensure. Roosevelt University helps prepare students for the CFE, Certified Internal Auditor and Certified Management Accountant exams.
On the CPA side, every state asks for 150 semester hours of college coursework, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Colorado State University Global says its professional accountancy master's meets CPA academic requirements. SUNY Polytechnic Institute's online master's is registered in New York as qualifying for the 150-hour requirement.
Frequently Asked Questions About Forensic Accounting Degrees for Working Adults
What Are the Best Forensic Accounting Degrees for Working Adults in 2027?
Can I Finish a Forensic Accounting Degree While Working Full Time?
How Fast Can a Working Adult Finish?
Do I Need Test Scores to Apply?
Can My Work Experience Count Toward Admission?
Are There Discounts for Military Students?
Which Degree Level Fits a Working Adult?
Sources
- ACFE: CFE Credential Eligibility
- Bureau of Labor Statistics: Accountants and Auditors
- West Virginia University: Forensic and Fraud Examination, M.S.
- Southern New Hampshire University: BS in Accounting, Forensic Accounting and Fraud Examination
- Colorado State University Global: Master of Professional Accountancy
- University of Scranton: Forensic Accounting Specialization
WVU's M.S., Murray State's MPA, Murray State's MBA, Saint Xavier University's MBA, SUNY Polytechnic Institute's M.S., UMass Amherst's M.S., Stevenson University's M.S., York College's MAcc, CSU Global's Fraud and Financial Crimes Specialization, Seton Hill University's MBA, Roosevelt University's M.S., CSU Global's MPAcc, University of Scranton's MAcc, Franklin University's B.S., SNHU's B.S., Lakeland University's B.A., LSU Alexandria's B.S., Murray State's Certificate, WVU's Certificate, Northeastern's Certificate, George Mason's Certificate
- IPEDS Data Center
- CFE credential eligibility
Sources retrieved to .