Forensic Accounting Degrees
Prepare to enter the fastest growing field of accounting, forensic accounting*. A degree in forensic accounting or related area, such as economic crime investigation, auditing-forensic accountancy, financial forensics, and standard accounting, can help you gain the qualifications needed to become a forensic accountant. Forensic accounting degree programs blend current accounting, auditing, computer science and investigation courses that help prepare students for a forensic accounting or related career. The forensic accounting programs listed below may require an internship, during which time students gain exposure to real world economic fraud scenarios and can apply their forensic accounting knowledge to assist in an investigation. A bachelor's degree in accounting, forensic accounting or related field has become the standard employers look for when hiring forensic accountants. To be competitive for forensic accounting and litigation positions, professional certification as a CPA or Certified Fraud Examiner is recommended as well as 2 to 4 years of accounting and auditing experience. Learn more about forensic accounting degrees and related programs by contacting the schools listed below.
Graduates of the forensic accounting degree and related degree programs below have found work with large accounting firms, public and private corporations and government agencies including the U.S. Secret Service. Graduates of these programs may also be eligible to pursue professional certification such as, Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) or Certified Forensic Accountant (Cr.FA).
Forensic accountants will generally analyze and interpret financial documents during the course of an investigation. Fraud detection and the recovery of assets make up a large part of an investigation. Forensic accountants may be called as expert witnesses to explain what their findings were and how they arrived at such findings. Forensic accountants may also be asked to develop programs that can help an organization prevent or minimize any future losses.
The job outlook for forensic accountants is very good. The collapse of the US economy due to wide spread fraud in the sub-prime lending, financial sector and real estate development has created a growing job market. Those trained in economic crime investigation and forensic accounting are in high demand to help investigate additional organizations and prepare programs that may help minimize future catastrophes. The growth in forensic accounting was also positively impacted by the events of September 11, 2001. It has become evident that terrorist cells in the United States are funneling money to various terrorist organizations overseas, the federal government now calls on forensic accountants to assist in tracing the money to its origins and prosecutions.
Entry-level forensic accounting positions for new graduates are competitive and difficult to find. Most often graduates will gain 2 or more years work experience doing audits and related accounting work at an accounting firm prior to getting into the field of forensic accounting. These firms often have forensic accounting and litigation dedicated divisions that accept rotations by internal employees or may hire directly. A bachelor's or higher degree in a forensic accounting field and or additional training or certification in forensic accounting will prove valuable as you maneuver your way into this exciting and intellectually challenging field. Get started by contacting the colleges and universities offering forensic accounting degrees and related programs below.
(Sources: *US News & World Report, 2002, Jobs in the Money, July 9, 2008)

Forensic Accounting Degrees & Related Degree Programs
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Kaplan University: Kaplan University offers a wide range of bachelor degree programs in finance and accounting including auditing-forensic accountancy.
BSA/Auditing-Forensic Accountancy BS in Accounting
BSA/Tax Accountancy

Colorado Technical University: CTU is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. Request information to learn more about these programs and how they can help you start or advance your career in forensic accounting. The Financial Forensics bachelor's program includes study in the areas of money laundering investigation, terrorist financing investigation, and forensic accounting.
B.S. in Financial Forensics

Utica College: The Bachelor's in Economic Crime Investigation degree program offers courses in criminal justice, accounting and computer science, that will help students prepare for careers in forensic accounting and related fields. Utica College Graduates receive a Syracuse University baccalaureate degree and Utica College bachelor's degree, since the school was founded by Syracuse University and maintains a coeducational relationship.
Bachelor's in Economic Crime Investigation
MBA in Economic Crime and Fraud Management

Rasmussen College Online: Rasmussen College holds regional accreditation by the Higher Learning Commission, a Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
Associate's in Accounting - Financial Investigation
Associate's Criminal Justice
Bachelor's Criminal Justice

University of Phoenix: University of Phoenix offers multiple levels of accounting and finance degrees and is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association.
A.S. Accounting
B.S. Accounting
MBA/Accounting
Graduate Accounting Certificate

Walden University: Walden offers a comprehensive finance education that will prepare you for work in most aspects of finance, from corporate to small business. The Walden programs strive to prepare students for financial leadership positions.
B.S. Finance
MBA Finance
PhD Finance
PhD Accounting

Florida Tech University Online:
BA in Accounting
BA Business Admin Accounting
MBA Accounting - Finance Specialization

Virginia College:
Associate's - Accounting Specialist
Bachelor's - Private Sector Accounting

Strayer University: Accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, which is an accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education. The Diploma in Accounting program is designed for students that already hold a bachelor's degree and would like to sit for the C.P.A. Exam.
B.S. in Accounting
B.S. in Economics
Diploma in Accounting

Jones International University:
BBA in Accounting
BBA in Finance
MBA in Accounting
MBA in Finance

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