Best Forensic Accounting Programs in New York in 2027

• Top Bachelor's82.9 out of 100

  CUNY John Jay College of Criminal Justice

  Bachelor of Science in Fraud Examination and Financial Forensics

  New York · B.S.

  CUNY John Jay College of Criminal Justice's B.S. Review
• Top Master's96.8 out of 100

  Utica University

  Master of Science in Forensic Accounting

  New York · M.S.

  Utica University's M.S. Review

If you plan to earn a CPA license in New York, the state's education requirement is the first thing to check, and New York schools are used to the question. University at Albany states that its Master of Science in Forensic Accounting is registered with the Division of Professional Education of the New York State Education Department (NYSED) and meets the 150-hour education requirement for initial CPA licensure.

SUNY Polytechnic Institute, part of the State University of New York (SUNY), states that its degree is registered by NYSED as a licensure-qualifying program for the 150-semester-hour requirement. SUNY Old Westbury and Utica University make similar statements.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that every state asks for 150 semester hours, which is 30 more than a typical bachelor's degree. Licensing rules are set by the state, so use the NYSED Office of the Professions page to confirm current details for your situation.

Bachelor's Options in New York

Three bachelor's programs cover very different strengths. John Jay College of Criminal Justice, part of the City University of New York (CUNY), offers a Bachelor of Science in Fraud Examination and Financial Forensics that combines accounting with law, criminology and the social sciences.

It lists optional accounting internship courses and a student chapter of the Association of Latino Professionals in Finance and Accounting. Its Ritchie-Jennings Memorial Scholarship comes from the ACFE, with awards from $1,000 to $10,000.

New York Institute of Technology offers a Bachelor of Science in Forensic Accounting and Financial Fraud Investigation with 123 credits. The curriculum blends accounting, finance, law and data analytics, including machine learning and accounting information systems. You complete an internship or a practicum, and a 4+1 option lets you earn a Master of Business Administration (MBA) within five years.

York College, another CUNY school in Jamaica, adds a Forensic Accounting and Fraud Examination concentration to its accounting degree. You take two fraud examination courses and two internal audit courses, and the advanced course covers cyber crime, litigation support and expert witness work.

Master's Programs for New York Residents and Beyond

Four master's programs share the state, each with its own style. Utica University offers a fully online Master of Science in Forensic Accounting at $775 per credit for 30 credits.

You do not need an accounting bachelor's or work experience to apply, and the Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) are not required. The program partners with the Association of Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialists (ACAMS) and includes free student membership for up to two years.

SUNY Polytechnic Institute offers a 33-credit online Master of Science in Accounting with a Forensic Accounting and Valuation concentration. Full-time students can finish in 18 months. Part-time online rates are $471 for New York residents and $565 for non-residents.

University at Albany offers a two-semester, 30-credit full-time program, and career services connect you with recruiters from major accounting firms, corporations and government agencies. SUNY Old Westbury offers evening classes and finishes in three semesters across one calendar year.

Hands-On Experience in the State

Real casework stands out at a few schools. SUNY Old Westbury runs the Justice for Fraud Victims Project, where students assist people affected by suspected financial fraud in cases where forensic services are limited or too costly. It is the only graduate degree in this field offered on Long Island, according to the school.

New York Institute of Technology requires an internship or an accounting practicum. John Jay College of Criminal Justice lists optional internship courses. University at Albany connects you with employers through career services.

Whichever program you pick, ask about internships early. A placement near home or work can turn classroom skills into a track record you can show to future employers.

Credentials You Can Build Toward

For the CFE, the ACFE typically counts a bachelor's degree as the 40 points you need to sit the exam, and certification follows at 50 points with two years of work related to fraud detection or deterrence. SUNY Old Westbury weaves the ACFE's CFE Manual into its curriculum, and Utica University lists the CFE alongside the CPA and the Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialist credential.

For the CPA, University at Albany asks for an approved undergraduate accounting degree or its equivalent, including 24 accounting credits and 36 business-elective credits. Utica University built its curriculum with the State Education Department to meet CPA licensure requirements. If your bachelor's is in another field, ask each school how its prerequisites work.