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Best Forensic Accounting Programs for CFE Exam Prep in 2027

Forensic accounting programs that state Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) exam preparation in 2027, ranked by forensic coursework, cost and outcomes.

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

27

Schools

25

Degree Levels

3

Fully Online Programs

19

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%

If the CFE credential is your goal, a degree can build most of what you need. Every one of these forensic accounting programs for CFE exam prep states that it prepares you for the exam or lines up with it. CFE eligibility, the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) path and accreditation from the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) all shape which program fits you.

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) and the International Accreditation Council for Business Education (IACBE).

Only show programs with

27 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 It Prepares You for the CFE

    The curriculum builds toward two exams for you, the CFE and the Certified Valuation Analyst. Fraud Investigation covers fraud types, documents and sources of evidence, Fraud Data Analysis covers computer-aided techniques and digital evidence, and Private Company Valuation builds the skills behind the second credential. Teaching Professor Dr. David P. Weber is himself a Certified Fraud Examiner.

    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

    How It Prepares You for the CFE

    According to the school, this program readies you to take the CFE exam. The introductory fraud examination course covers detection, deterrence and investigation, Legal Environment for Fraud Management Professionals covers courts, evidence and expert witness work, and Fraud Analytics trains you on the auditing tools that flag fraudulent transactions. You also study the fraud examiner's role as an expert witness.

    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

    How It Prepares You for the CFE

    Murray State belongs to the Anti-Fraud Education Partnership of the group that issues the CFE credential, so students who decide to sit for the exam are entitled to a low-cost student certification package. The coursework is designed to prepare you for that exam, and your four concentration courses include Forensic Accounting and Fraud Examination and Legal Environment for Fraud Management Professionals.

    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

    Utica University

    Master of Science in Forensic Accounting

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

    96.8 / 100

    Top 3 for completion among master's programs

    How It Prepares You for the CFE

    Required work in Financial Investigations and in Fraud Management and Technology builds the base, and you can add electives such as Legal Concepts of Criminal Fraud, Advanced Fraud Analysis and Management of Fraud Prevention and Detection. Utica says this fraud coursework helps prepare you to pursue the CFE, along with the Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialist credential.

    Per Credit
    $775
    Credits
    30
    Est. Tuition
    $23,250
    Graduate Pay
    $108,561
    • Graduate Earnings9.7
    • Completion9.3
    • Credential Pathway8
    All 8 Scores
  5. #5 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

    How It Prepares You for the CFE

    Florida Atlantic is a member of the fraud examiners' association's Anti-Fraud Education Partnership, a useful tie if you are working toward the Certified Fraud Examiner credential. The fraud coursework includes Accounting Fraud Examination Concepts on how occupational fraud is committed and deterred, Conduct and Procedures on detecting and investigating specific frauds, and Forensic Accounting and the Legal Environment on evidence and expert witnesses.

    Per Credit
    $928
    Graduate Pay
    $99,288
    Length
    12 to 32 months
    • Credential Pathway10
    • Investigative Skill Coverage9
    • Program Reputation7.2
    All 8 Scores
  6. #6 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 It Prepares You for the CFE

    The curriculum is built to give you the education that Certified Fraud Examiner certification calls for, and the program is an educational partner with the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners. Fraud Examination covers the elements of fraud along with prevention, detection and investigation, while Forensic and Investigative Accounting adds fraud auditing and courtroom procedure. Several of your instructors are Certified Fraud Examiners themselves.

    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
  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

    How It Prepares You for the CFE

    York College of Pennsylvania takes part in the Anti-Fraud Education Partnership run with the Certified Fraud Examiners organization, so real-world anti-fraud case studies and industry materials run through your courses. The school lists the Certified Fraud Examiner as a credential the degree prepares you for. Corporate Fraud covers gathering evidence and assessing fraud risk, and a separate course focuses on fraud examination itself.

    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

    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 It Prepares You for the CFE

    Carlow has an educational partnership with the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners, and the program says you will be prepared to sit for the CFE exam. Legal Elements of Fraud covers the rules of evidence and obtaining reliable evidence for trial, Audit Procedures for Detecting Fraud covers document analysis and internal controls, and Comprehensive Fraud Investigation covers the interview and interrogation process and report writing.

    Per Credit
    $800
    Credits
    30
    Est. Tuition
    $24,000
    Graduate Pay
    $95,368
    • Credential Pathway8
    • Forensic Focus7.3
    • Investigative Skill Coverage7
    All 8 Scores
  9. #9 Master's

    SUNY Old Westbury

    Master of Science in Forensic Accounting

    • On Campus
    • New York
    • Public
    • AACSB Accredited
    • CFE Exam Prep

    80.6 / 100

    Top 3 for forensic coursework among master's programs

    How It Prepares You for the CFE

    The CFE Manual from the association behind the credential is woven into the curriculum, giving you a comprehensive overview of the material covered on the CFE exam. Required courses include Fraud Examination, Fraudulent Financial Reporting and Forensic Interviewing, Fraud and the Law, and program director Dr. David Glodstein is both a Certified Public Accountant and a Certified Fraud Examiner.

    Per Credit
    $1,072
    Credits
    30
    Est. Tuition
    $32,160
    Graduate Pay
    $84,887
    • Credential Pathway10
    • Investigative Skill Coverage7.5
    • Forensic Focus7.2
    All 8 Scores
  10. #10 Master's

    Seton Hill University

    Master of Business Administration, Forensic Accounting and Fraud Examination Specialization

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

    68.5 / 100

    Forensic Program Score

    How It Prepares You for the CFE

    Fraud Prevention and Deterrence covers occupational fraud, fraud risk assessment and the Code of Professional Ethics for fraud examiners, so the fraud examiner's own professional standards are part of your coursework. Seton Hill says the program helps prepare you for the Certified Fraud Examiner and Certified Internal Auditor credentials, and a graduate story celebrates the first from the program to earn the CFE.

    Per Credit
    $1,015
    Credits
    30
    Est. Tuition
    $30,450
    Length
    12 to 24 months
    • Credential Pathway8
    • Investigative Skill Coverage7.3
    • Completion6.5
    All 7 Scores
  1. Rank #12

    Tiffin University

    Master of Business Administration, Forensics and Fraud Examination · $755 per credit · Fully Online

    Your fraud courses focus on material covered on the Certified Fraud Examiner exam: Fraud Prevention and Deterrence, Fraud Investigations, Fraud Legal Environment, and Financial Transactions and Fraud Schemes. Read our Tiffin University MBA Fraud Examination review

    • Credential 8
    • Skills 5
    • Cost 4.7

    Score 65.6

Bachelor's

Forensic Accounting Bachelor's Degrees Ranked for 2027

  1. #1 Bachelor's

    Franklin University

    Bachelor of Science in Forensic Accounting

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

    89.4 / 100

    Highest score among bachelor's programs

    How It Prepares You for the CFE

    This degree builds the foundation for seeking Certified Fraud Examiner, Certified Public Accountant or Certified Internal Auditor certification. Fraud Examination covers behavioral research on occupational fraud and how an examination handles evidence, interviews, reports and testimony, and a separate course teaches interviewing and the legal elements of fraud investigations. In the capstone, you plan and report the results of a fraud examination.

    Per Credit
    $398
    Credits
    124
    Est. Tuition
    $49,352
    Graduate Pay
    $65,816
    • Cost9.1
    • Credential Pathway8
    • Program Reputation7.5
    All 8 Scores
  2. #2 Bachelor's

    Loyola University Maryland

    Bachelor of Business Administration in Forensic Accounting

    • On Campus
    • Maryland
    • Private nonprofit
    • AACSB Accredited
    • CFE Exam Prep

    87.9 / 100

    Top completion score among bachelor's programs

    How It Prepares You for the CFE

    Your instructors include professionals who hold the CFE, alongside CPAs and expert witnesses. Loyola says the degree supports the path to professional licensure and certification, including the CPA and CFE. It is compatible with the 3+1 and 4+1 Master of Accounting options, where motivated students can accelerate their progress and graduate with both degrees in just four to five years.

    Per Credit
    $975
    Graduate Pay
    $103,352
    • Graduate Earnings10
    • Credential Pathway10
    • Completion9.8
    All 8 Scores
  3. #3 Bachelor's

    Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Prescott

    Bachelor of Science in Forensic Accounting and Fraud Examination

    • On Campus
    • Arizona
    • Private nonprofit
    • CFE Exam Prep

    79.1 / 100

    Top 3 for graduate pay among bachelor's programs

    How It Prepares You for the CFE

    You will find course topics that follow the areas of the certification behind the CFE: financial transactions and fraud schemes, fraud prevention and deterrence, investigation, and law. The required core pairs a forensic accounting course with Fraud Auditing and Examination, with White Collar Crime and Interview Techniques and Tactics alongside. A student chapter of the fraud examiners association is part of campus life.

    Per Credit
    $1,767
    Credits
    120
    Graduate Pay
    $98,996
    • Graduate Earnings9.2
    • Credential Pathway8
    • Program Reputation8
    All 8 Scores
  4. #4 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 It Prepares You for the CFE

    The 12-credit concentration brings together classic fraud types, financial statement fraud, interview strategies with legal aspects, and investigating with computers, the building blocks of a fraud examiner's work. The school calls the concentration a great place to start toward the Certified Fraud Examiner credential, because it lays the necessary foundation for that path, and you practice questioning techniques on realistic scenarios.

    Per Credit
    $354
    Credits
    120
    Est. Tuition
    $42,480
    Graduate Pay
    $70,181
    • Cost9.8
    • Credential Pathway8
    • Investigative Skill Coverage7
    All 8 Scores
  5. #5 Bachelor's

    Seton Hall University

    Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in Forensic Accounting

    • On Campus
    • New Jersey
    • Private nonprofit
    • AACSB Accredited
    • CFE Exam Prep

    67.9 / 100

    Top 3 for program reputation among bachelor's programs

    How It Prepares You for the CFE

    The program page says this major prepares you for the CFE exam and for investigative careers in government or industry. Seton Hall's catalog notes that the group administering the credential offers resources to support students who aspire to earn it. Your coursework includes Forensic Accounting and Fraud Investigation, which builds forensic techniques, financial analysis and legal considerations, plus criminal procedure and evidence.

    Per Credit
    $1,540
    Graduate Pay
    $102,626
    • Graduate Earnings10
    • Credential Pathway10
    • Program Reputation9.3
    All 8 Scores
  6. #6 Bachelor's

    Champlain College

    Bachelor of Science in Economic Crime Investigation

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

    65.9 / 100

    One of the lowest prices among bachelor's programs

    How It Prepares You for the CFE

    The degree readies you to take the Certified Fraud Examiner test, and recommendations from the association behind that credential shaped its learning outcomes. Forensic Accounting covers fraud examination techniques, interviewing and rules of evidence, while White-Collar Crime examines consumer, securities, corporate and health care fraud. An optional certificate in Forensic Accounting adds to your resume.

    Per Credit
    $342
    Credits
    120
    Est. Tuition
    $41,040
    Graduate Pay
    $68,274
    • Cost10
    • Credential Pathway8
    • Completion6.1
    All 8 Scores
  7. #7 Bachelor's

    Fort Hays State University

    Bachelor of Science in Financial Forensics and Fraud Investigation

    • Fully Online
    • Kansas
    • Public
    • CFE Exam Prep

    65.3 / 100

    One of the lowest prices among bachelor's programs

    How It Prepares You for the CFE

    Fraud Examination covers skimming, cash larceny, check tampering, billing and payroll schemes, corruption and fraudulent financial statements, and it teaches interviewing witnesses. The school says the program provides knowledge and skills aligned with the CFE credential. A student chapter of the fraud examiners' association is open to online and on-campus learners and offers conferences and networking, so you can start building contacts early.

    Per Credit
    $276
    Credits
    120
    Est. Tuition
    $33,078
    Graduate Pay
    $63,148
    • Cost10
    • Completion7.5
    • Credential Pathway6
    All 8 Scores
  8. #8 Bachelor's

    University of Central Oklahoma

    Bachelor of Science in Forensic Accounting

    • On Campus
    • Oklahoma
    • Public
    • AACSB Accredited
    • CFE Exam Prep

    63.5 / 100

    Top 3 for credential pathway among bachelor's programs

    How It Prepares You for the CFE

    The program page tells you to prepare for respected credentials, including the Certified Fraud Examiner, and graduates can pursue that certification after finishing. Fraud Auditing and Forensic Accounting are required courses, joined by Data Analysis for Accountants, Auditing, and forensic science classes such as Criminal Procedure for Forensic Science and two digital forensics courses with labs.

    Per Credit
    $616
    Graduate Pay
    $73,074
    • Credential Pathway10
    • Cost6.4
    • Program Reputation6.1
    All 8 Scores
  9. #9 Bachelor's

    Davenport University

    Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting, Accounting Fraud Specialty

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

    62.9 / 100

    Forensic Program Score

    How It Prepares You for the CFE

    Davenport says the curriculum aligns with the CPA, CFE and Certified Management Accountant exams, and that you will be well prepared for all three. The Accounting Fraud Examination course covers the fraud triangle, financial statement misrepresentation and prevention and control, and you list common red flags and detection methods. The Accounting Fraud Specialty adds 12 credits.

    Per Credit
    $716
    Credits
    120
    Est. Tuition
    $85,920
    Graduate Pay
    $68,792
    • Credential Pathway8
    • Program Reputation6.6
    • Cost5.5
    All 8 Scores
  10. #10 Bachelor's

    University of Northwestern Ohio

    Bachelor of Science in Accounting, Forensic Accounting

    • On Campus
    • Ohio
    • Private nonprofit
    • CFE Exam Prep

    62.7 / 100

    Top quarter for forensic coursework among bachelor's programs

    How It Prepares You for the CFE

    The forensic accounting major is built to prepare you for the Certified Fraud Examiner exam through an intensive study of fraud, including prevention and detection. Required courses include Financial Statement Investigation, a two-part Forensic Accounting sequence and Legal Implications of Fraud Examination, each worth five credits. The curriculum also covers white collar crime, federal regulation of fraud examinations and the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

    Per Credit
    $305
    Credits
    180 quarter
    Est. Tuition
    $54,900
    Graduate Pay
    $52,038
    • Cost8.2
    • Credential Pathway6
    • Investigative Skill Coverage4.8
    All 8 Scores

Graduate Certificate

Forensic Accounting Graduate Certificates Ranked for 2027

  1. #1 Graduate Certificate

    Seton Hill University

    Forensic and Fraud Examination Graduate Certificate

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

    77.1 / 100

    Top 3 for forensic coursework among graduate certificate programs

    How It Prepares You for the CFE

    The certificate is designed to prepare you to earn the CFE, and the CFE designation is valued by accountants and investigators in insurance, ecommerce and criminal justice. Financial Transactions & Schemes examines hundreds of common employee fraud schemes, from asset misappropriation to bribery and corruption. Fraud Prevention & Deterrence even covers the professional ethics code of the fraud examiners' own association.

    Per Credit
    $1,015
    Credits
    12
    Est. Tuition
    $12,180
    • Credential Pathway8
    • Forensic Focus7.5
    • Investigative Skill Coverage7.3
    All 7 Scores
  2. #2 Graduate Certificate

    Michigan Technological University

    Forensic Accounting Graduate Certificate

    • On Campus
    • Michigan
    • Public
    • AACSB Accredited
    • CFE Exam Prep

    49.5 / 100

    Top credential pathway score among graduate certificate programs

    How It Prepares You for the CFE

    Advanced Auditing and Fraud Examination is an in-depth study of auditing with a focus on fraud examination from an external auditor's perspective, while Audit and Assurance covers auditor responsibilities, ethics, standards, internal control and evidence. Michigan Tech says that with this certificate you are better equipped to pass professional certifications such as the Certified Fraud Examiner and Certified Financial Forensics.

    Per Credit
    $1,665
    Credits
    9
    • Credential Pathway10
    • Completion7.4
    • Investigative Skill Coverage2.4
    All 7 Scores

Side by Side

Compare Every Forensic Accounting Program for CFE Exam Prep Side by Side

All 27 forensic accounting programs on this list in one table. Sort any column; the order you see first is the ranking.

CFE Exam Prep Programs: every ranked program
Rank School and Program Degree Score Cost per Credit Credits Delivery Accreditation
1 West Virginia University M.S. Master of Science in Forensic and Fraud Examination Master's 100.0 $1,063 30 Fully Online AACSB
2 Murray State University MPA Master of Public Administration with a Concentration in Forensic Accounting Master's 97.9 $471.50 36 Fully Online AACSB
3 Murray State University MBA Master of Business Administration with a Concentration in Forensic Accounting Master's 97.0 $606 30 Fully Online AACSB, ACFE Partner
4 Utica University M.S. Master of Science in Forensic Accounting Master's 96.8 $775 30 Fully Online ACBSP
5 Florida Atlantic University M.Acc. Executive Master of Accounting, Forensic Accounting Concentration Master's 96.7 Fully Online AACSB, ACFE Partner
6 Saint Xavier University MBA Master of Business Administration, Fraud Examination and Management Master's 90.8 $799 30 Fully Online AACSB
7 York College of Pennsylvania M.Acc. Master of Accounting in Fraud and Forensics Master's 86.5 $710 30 Fully Online ACBSP, ACFE Partner
8 Carlow University M.S. Master of Science in Fraud and Forensics Master's 81.5 $800 30 Fully Online IACBE, ACFE Partner
9 SUNY Old Westbury M.S. Master of Science in Forensic Accounting Master's 80.6 $1,072 30 On Campus AACSB
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 IACBE
11 Roosevelt University M.S. Master of Science in Accounting Forensics Master's 67.7 30 Fully Online ACBSP
12 Tiffin University MBA Master of Business Administration, Forensics and Fraud Examination Master's 65.6 $755 Fully Online ACBSP
13 University of Scranton M.Acc. Master of Accountancy, Forensic Accounting Specialization Master's 56.4 $895 30 Fully Online AACSB
1 Franklin University B.S. Bachelor of Science in Forensic Accounting Bachelor's 89.4 $398 124 Fully Online IACBE
2 Loyola University Maryland B.B.A. Bachelor of Business Administration in Forensic Accounting Bachelor's 87.9 $975 On Campus AACSB
3 Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Prescott B.S. Bachelor of Science in Forensic Accounting and Fraud Examination Bachelor's 79.1 120 On Campus ACBSP
4 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 ACBSP
5 Seton Hall University B.S.B. Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in Forensic Accounting Bachelor's 67.9 On Campus AACSB
6 Champlain College B.S. Bachelor of Science in Economic Crime Investigation Bachelor's 65.9 $342 120 Fully Online ACBSP
7 Fort Hays State University B.S. Bachelor of Science in Financial Forensics and Fraud Investigation Bachelor's 65.3 $275.65 120 Fully Online
8 University of Central Oklahoma B.S. Bachelor of Science in Forensic Accounting Bachelor's 63.5 On Campus AACSB
9 Davenport University B.B.A. Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting, Accounting Fraud Specialty Bachelor's 62.9 $716 120 Fully Online IACBE
10 University of Northwestern Ohio B.S. Bachelor of Science in Accounting, Forensic Accounting Bachelor's 62.7 $305 180 On Campus
11 Purdue University Global B.S. Bachelor of Science in Accounting and Analytics, Forensic Accountancy Concentration Bachelor's 62.1 $371 180 Fully Online ACBSP
12 DeSales University B.S. Bachelor of Science in Accounting, Forensic Accounting Track Bachelor's 38.0 120 On Campus ACBSP
1 Seton Hill University Graduate Certificate Forensic and Fraud Examination Graduate Certificate Graduate Certificate 77.1 $1,015 12 Fully Online IACBE
2 Michigan Technological University Graduate Certificate Forensic Accounting Graduate Certificate Graduate Certificate 49.5 9 On Campus AACSB

How CFE Eligibility Works

The ACFE uses a point system. You must be an Associate Member of the ACFE, you need 40 points to sit for the exam, and you need 50 points to be certified. Any points you claim for education must come from an accredited institution of higher learning.

A bachelor's degree typically provides 40 points, and no particular major is required. That's what makes a degree from one of these programs a direct route to exam eligibility. Without a degree, the ACFE lets you substitute two years of fraud-related experience for each year of academic study.

The ACFE also asks for at least two years of professional experience in work related, directly or indirectly, to detecting or deterring fraud. You need that by the time you're certified, not before the exam. You must also agree to follow the ACFE bylaws and Code of Professional Ethics.

What the Exam Covers and How It Runs

The CFE exam has three sections. Fraud Schemes and Financial Crimes gives you 2.5 hours for 120 questions. Fraud Investigations and Legal Issues also gives you 2.5 hours for 120 questions. Fraud Prevention and Deterrence gives you 1.5 hours for 70 questions. The questions are multiple choice and true or false.

You can test with a live proctor remotely or at a Prometric testing center. After your eligibility is activated, you've got a 60-day window to schedule and finish all sections, and each section must be completed in one sitting. Plan your study time around that window.

Coursework in forensic accounting programs for CFE exam prep mirrors those headings. Tiffin University's concentration includes Fraud Prevention and Deterrence, Fraud Investigations, Fraud Legal Environment, and Financial Transactions and Fraud Schemes. Roosevelt University's catalog describes its master's curriculum as the recommended path to the CFE exam.

Some forensic accounting programs for CFE exam prep have a formal tie to the ACFE. Carlow University describes an Anti-Fraud Education Partnership with the ACFE. Murray State University, York College of Pennsylvania and Florida Atlantic University also list membership in that partnership. Tiffin University created its forensics and fraud examination concentration with the assistance of the ACFE.

Others build the credential into the curriculum. Franklin University's program draws on the fraud detection and prevention techniques of the ACFE. Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University's Prescott campus covers the major sections of the certification in its bachelor's.

At Loyola University Maryland, faculty include Certified Fraud Examiners, CPAs and experienced expert witnesses. West Virginia University's students pitch cases to real Internal Revenue Service criminal investigators in capstone simulations.

If you're an undergraduate, you have strong options as well. Southern New Hampshire University and Champlain College both state CFE preparation. Purdue University Global says its accounting and analytics degree helps you fulfill the educational requirements to sit for the CFE exam. Its three forensic accountancy courses cover fraud investigation, red flags in financial statements and digital evidence.

Pairing the CFE With a CPA Path

Many fraud investigators hold both credentials. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that state boards of accountancy issue CPA licenses and that all states require 150 semester hours of college coursework. A master's can help you reach that total.

Several forensic accounting programs for CFE exam prep speak to both goals. York College of Pennsylvania prepares students for the CPA, the CFE and the Certified Forensic Accountant credential. Carlow University, the University of Scranton and Seton Hill University state that their credits count toward the 150 hours.

The University of Central Oklahoma prepares students for all three credentials. Southern New Hampshire University aligns its accounting core to the 2024 Uniform CPA Examination.

Rules differ from state to state, so check your own state board of accountancy for its exact rules.

Frequently Asked Questions About CFE Exam Prep Programs

What Are the Best Forensic Accounting Programs for CFE Exam Prep in 2027?

Do I Need a Specific Degree to Become a CFE?

Can I Take the CFE Exam Right After Graduating?

What Does the CFE Exam Test?

Does a Master's Degree Count More Than a Bachelor's for the CFE?

Which Schools Belong to the ACFE Anti-Fraud Education Partnership?

Can a Certificate Help Me Prepare for the CFE Exam?

Sources

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