- Working professionals who need to keep earning while they study
- Candidates committed to a career in forensic accounting
- You want the in-person cohort and on-campus recruiting of a full-time program
- You want a generalist MBA and aren't set on forensic accounting
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Students in online MBA in Forensic Accounting programs establish a solid foundation in business administration while also gaining specialized skills in forensic accounting. The combination opens doors of opportunities in both business and accounting that makes the forensic accounting degree worth it.
At its core, Forensic Accounting is a branch of accounting that investigates information contained in financial records and statements for potential criminal evidence. These financial records and statements include ledgers, income statements and balance sheets that contain the paper trail for possible fraud, embezzlement and other financial crimes. Forensic accountants use their investigative skills as well as accounting, auditing and legal practices for this purpose.
Forensic accounting consists of two main functions:
- Investigative services
- Litigation advisory services
Closely related to forensic accounting is forensics and fraud examination that involves the resolution of fraud allegations through investigations, testimonies in legal proceedings and fraud prevention and management.
At a Glance
Earning an online MBA in Forensic Accounting degree leads to career advancement opportunities in both business and accounting occupations. With advanced skills in forensic accounting, fraud examination and business, graduates of these online programs find it easier to earn professional certifications, too. These include becoming a Certified Public Accountant (CPA), a Certified Internal Auditor (CIA), or a Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) - and these can be considered as tickets to personal and professional fulfillment for ambitious individuals.
10 Best Online MBA in Forensic Accounting Programs
The MBA in Forensic Accounting online programs featured here are offered by regionally accredited institutions; the regional accreditation agencies include the SACSCOC-Southern Association of Colleges & Schools Commission on Colleges and Higher Learning Commission (HLC). Their business schools also have programmatic accreditation from one of these agencies:
- AACSB-Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business
- ACBSP-Accreditation Council for Business Schools & Programs
- IACBE-International Accreditation Council for Business Education
01University of North Carolina Pembroke
Thomas College of Business and Economics
Online MBA in Forensic Accounting Program
- Tuition per credit: $237.78 (in-state)
- Units Required: 36 credit hours
- Program Length: As few as 12 months
- Financial Assistance Options: Federal financial aid, scholarships and grants, and loans
The AACSB-accredited institution offers excellent business education via its MBA program with several concentrations. Of these concentrations, the forensic accounting online program attracts professionals interested in becoming top-level anti-fraud experts.
The MBA in Forensic Accounting program prepares students for leadership positions that a bachelor’s degree and work experience can’t open. Graduates are prepared for success in the Certified Fraud Examiner certification exam, too.
Students learn the tools and techniques for performing effective financial investigations, providing litigation support services, and preventing occupational fraud among individuals, groups and organizations. While a bachelor’s degree in business administration or accounting is an advantage, prospective students with non-business or non-accounting backgrounds are welcome; completion of foundation courses is required for the latter.
The core business courses cover financial statement analysis, international business, and managerial economics, finance and accounting,
Courses:
- Fraud Examination
- Forensic Accounting
- Legal Issues for Managers
- Forensic Analytics
02Missouri State University
College of Business
Online MBA with a Graduate Certificate in Forensic Accounting Program
- Estimated Total Tuition: $15,100
- Units Required: 34 credit hours
- Program Length: 1-2 years (Full-time)
- Financial Assistance Options: Federal financial aid and tuition reduction via the Midwest Student Exchange Program
Missouri State, an accredited institution, offers an exceptional MBA with a Graduate Certificate in Forensic Accounting program with AACSB programmatic accreditation. The graduate Forensic Accounting Certificate consists of 12 credit hours where students acquire advanced skills in fraud examination, investigative data mining and business valuation, and litigation support services. The graduate certificate itself doesn’t require more coursework with the courses embedded in the MBA program.
Graduate students in the master’s degree in business administration program without a business background must complete 18 credit hours of foundation courses. Students must also demonstrate their proficient skills in business research and communication through the completion of written projects in the core courses. There’s an option to complete a master’s degree thesis instead of the completion of seminar and elective courses.
Courses:
- Managerial Finance
- Managerial Accounting
- Advanced Financial Management
- Organizational Behavior
03Saint Xavier University
Graham School of Management
Online MBA in Forensic and Investigative Accounting Program
- Tuition per credit: $999
- Units Required: 39-45 credit hours
- Program Length: Completion by Summer 2025
- Financial Assistance Options: Federal financial aid, tuition reimbursement and payment plans
Offered in an AACSB-accredited institution, the MBA in Forensic and Investigative Accounting program features the best professors, most of whom are certified fraud examiners, certified public accountants, and lawyers. The graduate students themselves prepare for the CPA exam - the online MBA program meets the additional 30 credit hours required - and the Certified Fraud Examiner certification exam.
Most of the students are working professionals who aspire to leadership positions in government agencies, accounting firms, and corporations, among other organizations. Students can choose between full-time and part-time enrolment as well as choose a blended format (i.e., on-campus and online classes).
The program of study enables students to gain specialized skills in fraud management, from prevention to detection, and forensic accounting including advanced auditing.
Courses:
- Financial Statement Fraud
- Fraud Examination
- Ethical Issues in Financial Fraud Examination and Management
- Financial Fraud Capstone Course
04West Virginia University
John Chambers College of Business and Economics
Online MBA with a Graduate Certificate in Forensic Accounting Program
- Tuition per credit: $820
- Units Required: 30 credit hours
- Program Length: 12 months (Full-time)
- Financial Assistance Options: Federal financial aid, military benefits and scholarships
WVU’s AACSB-accredited MBA with a Graduate Certificate in Forensic Accounting program delivers exceptional business education for working professionals keen on hands-on learning opportunities. Students develop their business administration and forensic accounting skills through individual and group projects, interactive class discussions, and consultative engagements. There’s a strong emphasis on students making their mark in entrepreneurial ventures, leadership skills demonstrations, and research projects.
The program of study in the graduate certificate in forensic accounting program features hands-on training and moot court exercises. Students must complete case examinations and team-based examination engagements that must be presented and defended in front of expert practitioners in forensic accounting. When combined with the core courses in business administration, these multiple learning experiences allow students to gain real-world skills.
Courses:
- Management Information Systems
- Business Research
- Financial Statements and Analysis
- Global Trade and Supply Chain
05University of South Florida
Muma College of Business
Online MBA in Compliance, Risk Management and Anti‐Money Laundering Program
- Tuition per credit: $750
- Units Required: 33-49 credit hours
- Program Length: 2-3 years
- Financial Assistance Options: Federal financial aid, scholarships and loans, and employer reimbursements
Students in the AACSB-accredited MBA in Compliance, Risk Management and Anti‐Money Laundering program are ambitious individuals interested in the financial services sector and its white-collar crimes. This is considered a unique online MBA program due to its emphasis on anti-money laundering, which has a $3.18 billion projected value in 2023 - and it’s expected to increase to $16.37 billion in ten years.
Students must complete sequential coursework followed by a capstone course where students demonstrate their mastery of business administration and forensic accounting concepts. These demonstrations of skills are conducted via applied cases and project work.
Foundation courses may or may not be required of students depending on their educational background and professional work experience. The core courses cover skills in financial analysis, human resources management, and business analytics and communication, and more.
Students are encouraged to develop their professional development portfolio including workshops, networking events, and webinars. The two-day, on-campus residency program promotes academic and professional success through networking opportunities.
Courses:
- Forensic Accounting and Legal Compliance
- Accounting Systems Audit, Control and Security
- Database Management
06Tiffin University
School of Business
Online MBA Forensics and Fraud Examination Program
- Tuition per credit: $700
- Units Required: 32-36 credits
- Program Length: As few as 14 months
- Financial Assistance Options: Federal financial aid, military benefits, scholarships and tuition discounts
Graduate students in the ACBSP-accredited MBA Forensics and Fraud Examination program learn the advanced accounting and auditing skills that make them excellent at the detection and prevention of financial crimes. Their coursework covers the advanced tools and technologies used in financial fraud investigations for individuals and organizations, as well as the skills in reporting financial crimes and testifying in litigations.
This is a unique online MBA program, too, because four of its concentration courses align with the four sections in the Certified Fraud Examiner certification exam administered by the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners. Students can then take the certification exam with more confidence and chances of success, usually after completing the last course.
Graduates of the MBA program are known for their competitive edge in career advancement opportunities in the public and private sectors. Popular workplaces include accounting firms and forensic accounting firms, auditing firms, and government regulatory agencies like the IRS, FBI and SEC.
Courses:
- Fraud Prevention and Deterrence
- Fraud Investigations
- Fraud Legal Environment
- Financial Transactions and Fraud Schemes
07Seton Hill University
School of Business
Online MBA - Forensic Accounting and Fraud Examination Program
- Tuition per credit: $916
- Units Required: 36 credit hours
- Program Length: 2 years (part-time)
- Financial Assistance Options: Federal financial aid, tuition discount program, employer reimbursement, and scholarships
Students in the IACBE-accredited MBA in Forensic Accounting and Fraud Examination program prepare for success in three of the most popular professional accounting and auditing certifications - CPA, CFE and CIA certifications. These professional certifications are considered the fastest track toward career advancement in accounting and auditing occupations.
As an MBA program, furthermore, there’s more emphasis on business administration skills - the program of study consists of more business-centric core courses than concentration courses in forensic accounting and fraud management. Students learn under the expert guidance of credentialed faculty members and can access their learning materials 24/7.
Students with non-business bachelor’s degrees may be required to complete foundation courses; these can be taken simultaneously with the core courses.
Courses:
- Forensic and Fraud Legalities
- Forensic and Fraud Investigation
- Fraud Prevention and Deterrence
08West Liberty University
Gary E. West College of Business
Online MBA in Forensic Accounting Program
- Tuition per credit: $475
- Units Required: 31 credit hours
- Program Length: 2 years
- Financial Assistance Options: Federal financial aid, scholarships and grants
The IACBE-accredited MBA in Forensic Accounting program emphasizes business administration skills first and forensic accounting skills second. But it must also be said that the program of study contributes to the students’ well-rounded business education that enables them to succeed in business and financial occupations. Graduates are encouraged - if they’re not already on it - to earn professional certifications after earning the MBA degree.
Students in the MBA in Forensic Accounting online program benefit from the integrated curriculum in information technology management, integrative marketing management, and strategic human resource management. The capstone course is in strategic management where students demonstrate their advanced skills in business administration.
Courses:
- Auditing and Forensic Accounting
- Detection and Prevention of Fraudulent Financial Statements
- Interview Techniques/Legal Aspects of Fraud
- Investigating with Computers
09Carlow University
College of Arts and Sciences Department of Business Management, Accounting, and Ethics
Online MBA in Fraud and Forensics Program
- Tuition per credit: $675
- Units Required: 36 credit hours
- Program Length: As few as 15 months
- Financial Assistance Options: Federal financial aid, scholarships and grants
The IACBE-accredited MBA in Fraud and Forensics program prepares students for success in the CFE certification exam through fraud management and forensic accounting-centric concentration coursework. Students receive top-notch training in fraud detection and prevention that public and private organizations look for in their employees.
The ability to investigate fraud and fraudulent activities through the analysis of financial documents and statements is at the heart of the MBA program. Students learn from the best practicing professionals and from hands-on experiential learning opportunities and the 12-course didactic coursework.
Courses:
- White Collar Crime
- Fraud Prevention and Ethics
- Legal Elements of Fraud
- Management Organization and Change
10Mount St. Mary’s University
Richard J. Bolte, Sr. School of Business
Online MBA with Forensic Accounting and Fraud Investigation Certificate Program
- Tuition per credit: $700
- Units Required: 37 credit hours
- Program Length: 1-2 years
- Financial Assistance Options: Federal financial aid and scholarships
This is an IACBE-accredited MBA with a Forensic Accounting and Fraud Investigation Certificate program that trains students in the ins and outs of fraud management at the individual and organizational levels. Students learn the techniques and tools necessary in carrying out effective financial investigations to combat white-collar crime and other financial crimes. These include forensic digital analysis, advanced auditing, and litigation support services.
Learning outcomes include effective communication skills, technical skills in forensic accounting and fraud investigation, and excellent professionalism and ethics in the performance of duties.
Courses:
- Forensic Accounting and Fraud Examination
- Fraudulent Financial Reporting
- Forensic Data Analytics and Electronic Evidence
- Interviewing Skills and Legal and Ethical Issues of Forensic Accounting
- Litigation Services and Expert Testimony
Admission to Graduation: What You Need to Know About MBA in Forensic Accounting Programs
Prospective students of MBA in Forensic Accounting programs must be aware of the challenges that come with pursuing a graduate degree and, thus, increase their chances of completion. The MBA degree is considered among the most challenging in higher education because of the intensive coursework, the complex capstone project, and the intense schedule.
Admission Requirements
The challenges start with the admission process with prospective students evaluated based on their academic performance and potential, work experience, and leadership potential in the business and accounting fields. The typical minimum admission requirements include:
- A bachelor’s degree in business administration or in other fields from a regionally accredited institution
- Official transcripts with minimum undergraduate GPA
- Letters of recommendation
- Professional resume
- Personal statement
- GMAT/GRE scores (Many programs waive the requirement)
Curriculum and Courses
MBA in Forensic Accounting programs feature an extensive curriculum of core courses in business administration and forensic accounting concentration courses. Examples include:
- Corporate finance
- Organizational theory and behavior
- Managerial accounting and economics
- Fraud examination
- Forensic accounting
- Legal issues in forensic accounting
- Forensic analytics
Capstone and/or Dissertation Requirements
Students usually also complete either a master’s degree dissertation or a capstone project. The completion of either of these academic requirements can extend the time-to-completion and, thus, it’s crucial for applicants to consider it before making their choice.
Typical Time-to-completion
Full-time students can finish an online MBA program in 12-24 months depending on the coursework and other academic requirements. Choose an online program with accelerated coursework for faster time-to-degree.
Online Learning Experiences
Online students in the best MBA in Forensic Accounting programs receive the same quality of instruction, student and career support services, and financial aid advising services as on-campus students. The main difference lies in the learning method and its delivery - via online technologies.
There are two types of learning delivery methods used by online MBA programs:
- Synchronous learning is where students participate in live online classes and engage in interactive discussions in real-time.
- Asynchronous learning is where students aren’t required to log in at specific times. Instead, there’s 24/7 access to learning materials and resources.
Online students can thrive when they take advantage of the student support services that cover the entire cycle from admission to graduation. These include admissions support, academic support, and financial aid advising services, as well as an IT help desk, library services, and personal support services (i.e., mental health counseling). The support doesn’t stop with graduation, however, as many online MBA programs also offer career and alumni support services.
Residency Requirements
Prospective online students must look into the residency requirements of the MBA programs they are interested in. The residency requirements can range from in-person, on-campus weekend orientations, workshops and seminars to domestic and international immersion experiences.
Tuition and Financial Aid
With an average yearly cost of $28,500 in a full-time online MBA program, financial aid opportunities shouldn’t be passed up! Graduate students are eligible for federal financial aid albeit in a limited capacity than their undergraduate counterparts. Look into institutional and third-party scholarships, grants and loans, as well as graduate assistantships for online students.
Popular Career Paths
MBA in Forensic Accounting graduates can look forward to a strong demand for their specialist knowledge and skills! The US Labor Statistics Bureau sees a 6% growth in employment opportunities for accountants and auditors and a 7% rise in the demand for business and financial occupations.
With professional certifications in addition to the MBA degree, there are plenty of high-paying positions available including the following examples.
Certified Forensic Accountants
Their daily duties include conducting fraud investigations using forensic accounting and auditing techniques, identifying contract violations and accounting discrepancies, and preparing investigative reports. Their professional expertise also enables them to provide litigation support services to their employers and clients.
Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialists
These professionals are skilled at identifying and tracking money laundering and other fraud-related activities that financial institutions, private organizations, and individuals use. Their work is usually anchored on the Bank Secrecy Act and, thus, many work in banks and brokerages.
Certified Fraud Examiners
Their duties include the detection, investigation and resolution of fraud cases as well as fraud prevention and management.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes forensic accountants different from certified public accountants?
Forensic accountants have investigative abilities that rival other forensic experts, thanks to their extensive training in fraud detection and investigation. Their skills also include fast responsiveness to financial crimes and crises, as well as their insightful understanding of business, accounting and auditing concepts beyond financial management.
What are the primary similarities and differences between a master’s degree in Forensic Accounting and MBA in Forensic Accounting?
Their area of focus is different - where an MBA degree has a generalist approach, a master’s degree in forensic accounting has a specialist focus. Both, however, are graduate-level degrees with a two-year average time-to-degree and with coursework that covers litigation support services, advanced accounting and auditing, and fraud detection.
What are the crucial skills that forensic accountants must possess?
Extensive knowledge and skills in accounting systems applications, GAAP and GAAS, asset misappropriation, embezzlement, insurance claims, tax system, bank rules and regulations, and white-collar crime are a must.
