Top 13 Online Master’s in Forensic Accounting (Updated)

According to the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners, almost 5% of the world’s revenue is lost to fraud each year. Forensic accountants work to combat this loss by uncovering illicit activity and using their expertise to bring the culprits to justice.

Earning an online master’s in forensic accounting is a great way to save both time and money by earning your degree while continuing to work and maintain personal obligations. We created this list of the top online masters in forensic accounting to serve as a starting point for your search to find the ideal master’s in forensic accounting program. Programs vary in cost, residency requirements, and student/faculty ratio, but all of our programs were selected from accredited schools with a strong curriculum in forensic accounting. Faculty from these top forensic accounting master’s programs are experienced educators and experienced in the field itself. Below is our list of the top online master’s in forensic accounting.

Rating and Ranking Methodology

To come up with our ranking of the best online master’s in forensic accounting degrees, we began by compiling a list of any and all U.S. colleges offering just such a program. We then used the National Center for Education Statistics’ College Navigator to examine each school and assign points based on the following criteria. The 13 schools with the highest number of points are reflected below.

Student-to-Faculty ratio:

  • 14:1 or less : 3 points
  • 15:1 to 19:1 : 2 points
  • 20:1 and above : 1 point

Average Out-of-State Graduate Tuition Rate (per year)

  • Less than $13,000 : 3 points
  • $13,000 to $20,000 : 2 points
  • Greater than $20,000 : 1 point

Graduation Rate:

  • Above 50% : 3 points
  • 25% to 49% : 2 points
  • 24% and Below : 1 point

Residency Requirements? 

  • No : 1 point
  • Yes : 0 points

In the event of a tie, the school with the lower tuition rate was given the higher ranking. While all tuition numbers listed below are accurate as of November 2021, we recommend visiting each university’s official website for the most up-to-date information.

#13. West Virginia University
Online Master of Science in Forensic & Fraud Examination

School Profile
Morgantown, West Virginia
Out-of-State Graduate Tuition: $26,154
Points: 5

What sets West Virginia University apart from the competition is its development of an online master’s in forensic and fraud examination developed on behalf of the National Institute of Justice. The top online master’s in forensic accounting exposes students to world class professionals in the areas of fraud and financial crime analysis, interviewing, and international issues. Included in the cost of tuition is the ACFE exam prep course which prepares students to sit for their CFE exam. While coursework is delivered online, there are two-two day residencies required, giving students the opportunity to work closely with industry experts in networking with peers.

#12. Southern New Hampshire University
Online Master of Science in Accounting w/ a concentration in Forensic Accounting

School Profile
Manchester, New Hampshire
Out-of-State Graduate Tuition: $22,572
Points: 6

Southern New Hampshire University offers an online master’s in accounting with a concentration in forensic accounting. Like SNHU’s other accounting degrees, this one aligns with the Content and Skill Specification Outlines of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants. Students have 24/7 access to course content, allowing them to study when it is most convenient. The program can be finished in just 15 months by taking two courses per 10-week term. There is no GRE or GMAT required for admission. SNHU is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs, an indicator of quality and high academic standards.

#11. Florida Atlantic University
Online Executive Master of Accounting w/ a concentration in Forensic Accounting

School Profile
Boca Raton, Florida
Out-of-State Graduate Tuition: $16,695
Points: 7

Florida Atlantic University is an AACBS-accredited business school offering an online master’s in forensic accounting open to students of any undergraduate background. There is no GMAT required (provided students have an acceptable GPA). Students can participate in a live videoconference through the web every Saturday morning, or stream lectures later when it is more convenient.

#10. New England College
Online Master of Science in Accounting: Forensic Accounting

School Profile
Henniker, New Hampshire
Out-of-State Graduate Tuition: $14,088
Points: 7

The forensic accounting master’s online program in New England College is an inter-disciplinary program helping students expand their knowledge and understanding of forensic accounting, investigation, and preparation for litigation. Coursework is delivered online through an innovative and dynamic learning platform. Students can earn their degree in about two years of study and have the opportunity to enter the program every seven weeks throughout the year. There are no GMAT or GRE requirements for admission. Coursework is easily accessed 24/7 and there are no residency requirements.

#9. La Salle University
Online Master of Science in Economic Crime Forensics

School Profile
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Out-of-State Graduate Tuition: $25,060
Points: 8

La Salle University features an online master’s in economic crime forensics with online tracks available in corporate fraud and network security. Students will be prepared to detect, deter, and investigate instances of economic crime and potential financial abuse. This full-time, accelerated program is offered 100% online with eight-week courses and synchronous learning sessions. The capstone experience portion of the program can either be an industry-specific research project or a program-related experiential position.

#8. Western New England University
Online Master of Science in Accounting w/ a concentration in Forensic Accounting/Fraud Investigation
western New England university

School Profile 
Springfield, Massachusetts
Out-of-State Graduate Tuition: $25,056
Points: 8

The 30-credit hour online master’s in accounting with a focus on forensic accounting and fraud investigation can be completed in as little as 10 months. The nine-credit hour concentration in forensic accounting/fraud investigation features courses taught by accounting and business law faculty to train students in fraud investigation, forensic accounting, and litigation support. Online students view lectures, submit assignments, and participate in discussions through an online learning management system. Students have the opportunity to participate in classes on campus as well to engage with peers and interact in person with faculty.

#7. Rider University
Online Master of Accounting w/ a concentration in Forensic Accounting

School Profile
Lawrenceville, New Jersey
Out-of-State Graduation Tuition: $20,948
Points:
8

Rider University is one of only two schools in Jew Jersey to have its accounting program accredited by the AACSB. The online master’s in forensic accounting from Rider University features full-time faculty with doctoral degrees in their field. Students can select to be a part of the 16-month cohort program, a rigorous program beginning each fall, or the flexible program which lets students move along at their own pace. The curriculum focuses on the latest practices, regulatory development, and analytical tools in the field of forensic accounting.

#6. University of Alabama at Birmingham
Online Master of Science in Accounting: Forensic Accounting

School Profile
Birmingham, Alabama
Out-of-State Graduate Tuition: $19,188
Points: 8

The University of Alabama at Birmingham is considered one of the best business schools in the country according to both U.S. News and World Report and The Princeton Review. The AACSB accredited online master’s in forensic accounting is the perfect way to develop leadership skills and expertise in forensic accounting to be successful in the field. Faculty are award-winning experts in the industry and give students individualized attention in an online environment. A flexible transfer credit policy means students can receive credit for recent relevant coursework, saving both time and money.

#5. Liberty University
Online Master of Science in Accounting — Forensic Accounting

School Profile
Lynchburg, Virginia
Out-of-State Graduate Tuition: $7.980
Points: 8

Liberty University features an ACBSP-accredited master’s in accounting with a specialization in forensic accounting. This 100% online program not only prepares students for an exciting career in forensic accounting, students will also meet the academic requirements needed to sit for the CPA exam. The 30 credit hour online master’s in forensic accounting focuses on the identification, understanding, and prevention of fraud. Courses include information technology and fraud, accounting ethics, fraud examination, and corporate government and fraudulent financial reporting.

#4. Carlow University
Online Master of Science in Fraud and Forensics 
carlow-university

School Profile
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Out-of-State Graduate Tuition: $18,766
Points: 9

As the first master’s program of its kind in the nation, the online master’s in fraud and forensics was designed by experts in accounting, law enforcement, government, and corporations to combat white-collar crime. This 30-credit hour program is offered 100% online with no GRE or GMAT requirements. Unique course offerings, such as cybercrime and white collar crime, mean students stay on top of the latest trends and behaviors in financial crime. Students can earn their degree in just one year of full time study.

#3. Strayer University
Online Master of Science in Accounting: Forensic Accounting

School Profile
Washington, D.C.
Tuition: $1,680 per course
Points: 9 

Strayer University features an online master’s in forensic accounting designed to prepare students to perform fraud audits, manage accounting responsibility, and prevent and detect fraud. This 12-course master’s in forensic accounting online includes coursework in fraud prevention and detection, emerging auditing technologies, and forensic accounting tools and practices.

#2. Bay Path University
Online Master of Science in Accounting w/ a concentration in Accounting

School Profile
Longmeadow, Massachusetts
Out-of-State Graduate Tuition: $14,670
Points: 9

Would you like to earn your online master’s in forensic accounting in just eight months? The master’s in forensic accounting from Bay Path University has five start dates, giving students the opportunity to begin earning their degree right away and finishing in less than a year. The 30 credit hour program is taught by CPA certified faculty who also provide individualized advisement and career coaching. Students already working in the accounting field will benefit from having no classes during the accounting “busy season,” allowing them to focus on their clients.

#1. Stevenson University
Online Master’s in Forensic Studies

School Profile
Stevenson, Maryland
Out-of-State Graduate Tuition: $8,040
Points: 9 

The online master’s in forensic studies at Stevenson University provides students with general knowledge in forensic accounting, information technology, and investigations. Elective coursework is available in both forensic accounting and digital forensics. Courses are delivered in eight week sessions, allowing students to move quickly through the program. A mock trial capstone experience is one of the highlights of the program. Students have the opportunity to investigate, collect evidence, and present evidence in a courtroom setting that can be completed either online or on campus.

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