Financial Forensics and Fraud Investigation

Overview

Financial forensics and fraud investigation programs include topics such as:

• Principles of accounting
• Investigative auditing
• Computer investigations
• Business corruption
• Criminal and terrorist financial networks
• Fraud and money laundering statutes

Schools

Community colleges and other two-year schools offer associate degree programs in financial forensics and fraud investigation. An associate degree usually takes two years to complete. After earning an associate degree students can transfer to a college or university for further study.

Several colleges and universities offer a bachelor's degree in financial forensics and fraud investigation. A bachelor's degree usually takes four years of full-time study to complete.

A few universities offer graduate degrees in financial forensics and fraud investigation. A master's degree typically requires two years of study beyond a bachelor's degree. Doctoral (PhD) degree programs usually require two or more years of study beyond the master's degree.

See schools that offer this program.

Related Educational Programs

• Accounting
• Accounting Technology and Bookkeeping
• Actuarial Science
• Criminal Justice
• Criminology
• Cyber-computer Forensics and Counterterrorism
• Finance
• Security Studies
• Taxation

Related Careers

Careers Directly Related to this Program of Study

• Accountants and Auditors
• Detectives and Investigators
• Financial Analysts
• Financial Examiners
• Forensic Accountants
• Private Detectives and Investigators
• University and College Teachers

Other Careers Related to this Program of Study

• Secret Service Agents

Program Admission

You can prepare for this program by taking courses in high school that prepare you for college. This typically includes four years of English, three years of math, three years of social studies, and two years of science. Some colleges also require two years of a second language.

In addition, many programs require you to apply for admission even after you've been admitted to the school. Typically, you must complete introductory computer science, math, and engineering courses before you are admitted.

Below is a list of high school courses that will help prepare you for this program of study:

• Accounting
• Advanced Algebra courses
• Keyboarding
• Pre-Calculus

Graduate Admissions

Admission to graduate programs is competitive. You need a bachelor's degree, good grades, and good test scores. Your bachelor's degree should be in accounting or another business field. If your undergraduate major was not business-related, you should take several courses in accounting. Other recommended courses are economics, statistics, and business law.

Additional requirements at some schools include:

• Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT)
• Letters of recommendation
• Interview

Typical Course Work

Program Courses

This undergraduate program typically includes courses in the following subjects:

• Business law
• Corporate ethics and compliance
• Cost accounting
• Financial accounting
• Fraud detection and prevention

Things to Know

After completing a financial forensics program you can get certified from the American Institute of CPAs.

Schools

No information available.