Best MAcc Forensic Accounting Concentration Programs in 2027

• Highest Score96.7 out of 100

  Strongest CredentialsAACSB and Association of Certified Fraud Examiners Anti-Fraud Education Partnership stated by the school

  Florida Atlantic University

  Executive Master of Accounting, Forensic Accounting Concentration

  Florida · M.Acc.

  Florida Atlantic University's M.Acc. Review
• Lowest Price$565 per credit

  SUNY Polytechnic Institute

  Master of Science in Accounting, Forensic Accounting and Valuation Concentration

  New York · M.S.

  SUNY Polytechnic Institute's M.S. Review
• Highest Graduate Earnings$109,628 median earnings

  University of Massachusetts-Amherst

  Master of Science in Accounting, Forensic Accounting Focus

  Massachusetts · M.S.

  University of Massachusetts-Amherst's M.S. Review

What the Concentration Adds

A concentration turns a standard accounting master's into a forensic one. Rider University lets you earn its Forensic Accounting Certificate inside the MAcc with no extra courses. SUNY Polytechnic Institute offers a three-course Forensic Accounting and Valuation concentration.

Purdue University Northwest uses a 12-credit concentration, where you choose forensic accounting data analysis or taxation.

You'll also find programs that pull in neighboring fields. University of New Haven includes courses from its Henry C. Lee College of Criminal Justice and Forensic Sciences. Florida Institute of Technology covers cybercrime investigation, business valuations and expert witness preparation.

University of Massachusetts Amherst offers three focus areas, forensic accounting, taxation and data analytics. Its core data analytics course uses Excel, Tableau and SAP.

Florida Atlantic University adds a dual concentration option with Digital Accounting Forensics and Data Analytics when you take two or three more courses.

Finding a Schedule That Fits Your Job

If you're working full time, online and evening options make these degrees workable. University of Scranton and York College of Pennsylvania use seven-week sessions, and York College of Pennsylvania lists five sessions a year with synchronous and asynchronous choices. Colorado State University Global runs eight-week courses with a start every month, and its program is asynchronous.

University of Massachusetts Amherst lists asynchronous online classes in fall, spring and summer. Purdue University Northwest holds evening classes for working professionals. Florida Institute of Technology teaches on its Melbourne campus, where internships connect you with employers such as RSM US LLP, Northrop Grumman and L3Harris Technologies.

The pace is your call too. Rider University lists 12 months for full-time students who meet the prerequisites, and Scranton lists 12 to 18 months. Roosevelt University offers 1.5 years full time or 2.5 years part time, fully online.

Prerequisites, Entrance Tests and Career Changers

You don't always need an accounting bachelor's to apply. Scranton offers a MAcc Bridge option for students with a non-accounting bachelor's. Florida Atlantic University lets students without an accounting undergraduate degree finish by taking two additional courses built into the schedule. Roosevelt University opens its program to non-accountants, including attorneys, bankers, insurers, law enforcement and government employees.

On tests, University of New Haven, University of Scranton and Florida Institute of Technology all state that the Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) aren't required. SUNY Polytechnic Institute waives it under stated conditions. Rules change, so confirm with admissions before you apply.

You can ask about a combined path too. University of Massachusetts Amherst offers a 4+1 route for eligible students to earn the bachelor's and master's in five years, and Colorado State University Global offers a dual enrollment option for undergraduate accounting majors.

Price, Discounts and Credentials

Check total tuition and fees. University of Massachusetts Amherst lists $850 per credit for 30 credits, or $25,500. It also lists a one-time entering fee and a registration fee each semester.

Colorado State University Global lists $675 per credit with no out-of-state tuition and no fees. Strayer University lists $1,715 per course for 12 courses, or $20,580. It also offers 50% off tuition when you enroll in two master's courses, subject to eligibility rules.

You can find other discounts too. York College of Pennsylvania lists $605 per credit for global partners, alumni and government employees. University of New Haven gives public safety personnel a 50% discount and offers a Dean's Scholarship of up to 50% for full-time students.

On credentials, Rider University and SUNY Polytechnic Institute state that their programs meet the 150-hour CPA requirement. York College of Pennsylvania adds preparation for the Certified Forensic Accountant credential to its CPA and CFE coverage. The ACFE grants the CFE and sets its points rules, and a bachelor's degree typically earns the 40 points needed to sit the exam.