5 answers
Abby
Student
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
3
Questions
Asked
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Schools for forensic accounting?
What is the best school for forensic accounting?
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5 answers
Madisyn Dunlap
Forensic Consultant
193
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Madisyn’s Answer
Hello Abby,
It's fantastic to hear that you're thinking about pursuing a career in forensic accounting!
Numerous colleges provide Forensic Accounting as a major, such as University of Southern California, Colorado State University, Ohio State University, and Arizona State University. Alternatively, you can choose to major in Accounting during your undergraduate studies and later earn a Master's degree in Forensic Accounting. That's the path I took at the University at Albany, SUNY.
Wishing you all the best on your exciting journey!
It's fantastic to hear that you're thinking about pursuing a career in forensic accounting!
Numerous colleges provide Forensic Accounting as a major, such as University of Southern California, Colorado State University, Ohio State University, and Arizona State University. Alternatively, you can choose to major in Accounting during your undergraduate studies and later earn a Master's degree in Forensic Accounting. That's the path I took at the University at Albany, SUNY.
Wishing you all the best on your exciting journey!
Thank you so much, this really helps me with what I should try to do and the kinds of things to start thinking about
Abby
Simone Menezes
Auditor
3
Answers
Morristown, New Jersey
Updated
Simone’s Answer
Hi Abby,
Montclair State University, New Jersey has a certificate degree in forensic accounting, I've posted the link to the program below. Its only 4 courses that are also included within the MSc Accounting program. Additionally, once you take these you could do the CFE to get certified, I've linked the requirements below as well.
1. https://www.montclair.edu/graduate/programs-of-study/forensic-accounting-certificate/
2. https://www.acfe.com/cfe-credential/eligibility/
Montclair State University, New Jersey has a certificate degree in forensic accounting, I've posted the link to the program below. Its only 4 courses that are also included within the MSc Accounting program. Additionally, once you take these you could do the CFE to get certified, I've linked the requirements below as well.
1. https://www.montclair.edu/graduate/programs-of-study/forensic-accounting-certificate/
2. https://www.acfe.com/cfe-credential/eligibility/
Samantha Brooks
Investigations & Forensics Associate
56
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Samantha’s Answer
Hi Abby,
It’s awesome that you already know you want to study forensic accounting! I was in the same position as you when I was in high school. However, what I found was that most universities (especially ag the undergraduate level) don’t have a forensic accounting program specifically, but they have accounting departments, which may offer some classes in forensic accounting. Similar to you, I knew I was also very interested in criminology/criminal justice so I wanted to make sure I picked a school where I could take both accounting classes and criminology classes. Personally, I went to the University of Pennsylvania for my undergraduate degree and majored in both Accounting and Legal Studies & Business Ethics, and also took a lot of Criminology classes. Although I now work as a forensic accountant, some of my favorite classes in college (and some of the classes I found to be most useful in the professional world) are actually some of the business law classes I took. After finishing my undergraduate degree, I decided to get a Master’s Degree in Accounting at NYU, to help me meet the necessary credit hours to become a CPA. While both of my degrees are just in general accounting, I did multiple internships in forensic accounting and returned to one of those places full time when I finished my Master’s. The best advice I can give you is to widen your search to look for the best accounting programs generally (not just for forensic accounting), and also look at course catalogs to see which colleges offer at least some classes in forensic accounting, business law, or criminology as well. I would also recommend trying to look for forensic accounting internships early, as having internship experience in forensic accounting specifically will be incredibly helpful as you progress in your career, even if you are only able to study general accounting in school. I loved my time at both the University of Pennsylvania and NYU and would definitely recommend both. I’d also recommend looking into programs that may allow you to get both a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in accounting in only 4 years, to help save you both some time and money while still allowing you to be eligible to become a CPA. I ultimately got both of my degrees in 4 years from 2 different schools, but many colleges have programs that allow you to earn both degrees at the same school, without having to cram your undergrad into 3 years before doing a 1 year master’s program. Good luck throughout the application process and please feel free to let me know if you have any other questions about going into forensic accounting!
It’s awesome that you already know you want to study forensic accounting! I was in the same position as you when I was in high school. However, what I found was that most universities (especially ag the undergraduate level) don’t have a forensic accounting program specifically, but they have accounting departments, which may offer some classes in forensic accounting. Similar to you, I knew I was also very interested in criminology/criminal justice so I wanted to make sure I picked a school where I could take both accounting classes and criminology classes. Personally, I went to the University of Pennsylvania for my undergraduate degree and majored in both Accounting and Legal Studies & Business Ethics, and also took a lot of Criminology classes. Although I now work as a forensic accountant, some of my favorite classes in college (and some of the classes I found to be most useful in the professional world) are actually some of the business law classes I took. After finishing my undergraduate degree, I decided to get a Master’s Degree in Accounting at NYU, to help me meet the necessary credit hours to become a CPA. While both of my degrees are just in general accounting, I did multiple internships in forensic accounting and returned to one of those places full time when I finished my Master’s. The best advice I can give you is to widen your search to look for the best accounting programs generally (not just for forensic accounting), and also look at course catalogs to see which colleges offer at least some classes in forensic accounting, business law, or criminology as well. I would also recommend trying to look for forensic accounting internships early, as having internship experience in forensic accounting specifically will be incredibly helpful as you progress in your career, even if you are only able to study general accounting in school. I loved my time at both the University of Pennsylvania and NYU and would definitely recommend both. I’d also recommend looking into programs that may allow you to get both a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in accounting in only 4 years, to help save you both some time and money while still allowing you to be eligible to become a CPA. I ultimately got both of my degrees in 4 years from 2 different schools, but many colleges have programs that allow you to earn both degrees at the same school, without having to cram your undergrad into 3 years before doing a 1 year master’s program. Good luck throughout the application process and please feel free to let me know if you have any other questions about going into forensic accounting!
Thank you so much, this helps me a lot. Forensic accounting is something that I have a lot of interest in but sense it is kind of obscure and not well known I was having trouble piecing things together and finding information. I had heard about it when a government worker came to give a speech at my school and it sparked my interest
Abby
Brian McKittrick
CPA - Risk and Financial Advisory
1
Answer
Seattle, Washington
Updated
Brian’s Answer
Hi Abby,
I would recommend considering the University of California - Davis. They do not have a program that is specific to forensic accounting, but their masters in accounting program is only one year and has an entire class dedicated to forensic accounting with a professor that has significant real-world experience.
I would recommend considering the University of California - Davis. They do not have a program that is specific to forensic accounting, but their masters in accounting program is only one year and has an entire class dedicated to forensic accounting with a professor that has significant real-world experience.
Michael Torio
Consultant - Data Reporting & Analysis (HQ Finance)
240
Answers
Alpharetta, Georgia
Updated
Michael’s Answer
Hi Abby,
According to www.collegevaluesonline.com, here are the top colleges and universities to consider for Forensic Accounting:
https://www.collegevaluesonline.com/business/forensic-accounting-degree/
- Florida Atlantic University
- Brigham Young University
- University of Florida
- CUNY John Jay College of Criminal Justice
- University of Maryland Global Campus
- Purdue University Global
- Colorado State University Global
- University of Alabama at Birmingham
- Indiana State University
- Franklin University
- The University of Texas
- Ohio State University
When reviewing colleges and universities, it is best to check the following:
- In-State vs Out of State Tuition
- Internships
- Scholarships
- Career Placement upon graduation
- Course work and offered classes
- Post-Graduate Degrees - Master and Doctoral
Hope this helps and best wishes for your education and career in Forensic Accounting!
According to www.collegevaluesonline.com, here are the top colleges and universities to consider for Forensic Accounting:
https://www.collegevaluesonline.com/business/forensic-accounting-degree/
- Florida Atlantic University
- Brigham Young University
- University of Florida
- CUNY John Jay College of Criminal Justice
- University of Maryland Global Campus
- Purdue University Global
- Colorado State University Global
- University of Alabama at Birmingham
- Indiana State University
- Franklin University
- The University of Texas
- Ohio State University
When reviewing colleges and universities, it is best to check the following:
- In-State vs Out of State Tuition
- Internships
- Scholarships
- Career Placement upon graduation
- Course work and offered classes
- Post-Graduate Degrees - Master and Doctoral
Hope this helps and best wishes for your education and career in Forensic Accounting!
Thanks for the help.
Abby