Master’s degree in forensic accounting programs guide

Introduction to a master’s in forensic accounting

You have already earned a bachelor’s degree in forensic accounting, and you are thinking about taking your career and studies to the next level. You may have already started working, or you want to become a certified fraud examiner (CFE). Maybe you are eager to learn more about financial crimes, you want to hone your investigations skills even more, or are willing to get a position that needs thorough studies and experience. If you fit in any of the above descriptions, earning a master’s degree (M.A.) in forensic accounting is the right choice for you.

If you want to take your forensic accounting career to new heights and have more employment options, an M.A. in forensic accounting will help you reach your targets and open new career opportunities. First, you gain additional skills and in-depth know-how to perform successful financial investigations, identify fraud, or run vital audits. Second, you can choose from a broader range of employment opportunities than other competitors who only hold a bachelor’s degree.

It usually takes 2 years or 30-35 completed credit hours to earn a master’s degree in forensic accounting. The effort is worth it because the advantages are clear – increased salaries, multiple career paths, and enhanced overall knowledge, to name just a few.

How to choose a master’s in forensic accounting

Before enrolling in an M.A. program, the first step is to decide which program best suits your needs. Be sure you meet all the required admission criteria and think about other critical details: tuition costs, program duration, or location – in case you opt for on-campus learning. Therefore, do your analysis in due time and find out about all the ins and outs of the programs you are interested in.

The educated choice – accredited master’s programs

It’s highly important that you opt for a master’s program in forensic accounting that is accredited. Accredited institutions guarantee that you will access a quality program focused on the vital topics that will help you hone your forensic accounting skills. Plus, by choosing a program offered by an accredited university, you are eligible to get financial aid for your studies.

Moreover, if the program you decide to follow is accredited, you may be able to transfer credit hours to other programs that you decide to enroll in. That’s the case with the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) certification held by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA).

You can easily verify on several official online databases if an accredited institution offers the master’s program you have chosen. For instance, you can access the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) or the Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs (DAPIP).

How long will you study?

It usually takes 2 years to earn a master’s degree in forensic accounting – that is around 30-35 credit hours at most public or private institutions. The duration of studies may be shorter if you can transfer credit hours from other programs. Plus, you have access to flexible options, choosing from online, hybrid, or on-campus programs.

If you are full-time employed, online or hybrid formats are better for you. You can access them without relocating, and thus you have a more comprehensive range of options to select. Besides that, you can tailor your day-to-day routine as needed and study whenever you have some spare time.

Admission requirements at a glance

Admission criteria vary from one institution to another, depending on the program, duration, or content. Most universities accept candidates who hold an accredited bachelor’s degree in accounting. Some of them also accept students with a bachelor’s degree in fields related to forensics, such as finance or economics.

Candidates may need to provide their Grade Point Average (GPA) scores. Some institutions also require a list of undergraduate degree courses and additional letters of recommendation and references.

The most prestigious universities have stricter entry criteria to select the best students for their courses. To enroll in an M.A. at such a reputable institution, you must have high scores, professional accomplishments, and very good recommendations. Additionally, you may be asked to participate in an admission interview.

Choosing the right M.A. program for you

You have already earned a B.A. in forensic accounting, yet you would like to have access to more career opportunities. If that’s the case, a master’s program will help you become a forensic accounting expert. Numerous business organizations seek to employ experienced personnel who hold an M.A. degree and have thorough investigative skills and financial knowledge.

An M.A. in forensic accounting explores forensic accounting principles, best practices, and is the next step if you want to earn a doctoral degree or become certified

An M.A. in forensic accounting explores forensic accounting principles, best practices, and is the next step if you want to earn a doctoral degree or become certified. Lastly, an M.A. grants you the opportunity to specialize in a particular domain of forensic accounting.

You can choose from several types of master’s programs in forensic accounting. Here’s what you need to know to make sure the M.A. you select is appropriate for you.

Master of science in forensic accounting

The M.S. is the most common type of master’s in forensic accounting you can find. The program focuses on in-depth forensic concepts, data analytics, and innovative techniques to detect fraud and financial crimes. This way, the students develop vital skills and knowledge to face the continuously evolving professional challenges an auditor or forensics expert has to tackle.

Master of accountancy

A master of accountancy program usually proposes a curriculum that revolves around the use of technology in your forensic accounting career. By earning this degree, you will be capable to become CPA or CFE certified, and top accounting companies may consider you an excellent candidate to join their ranks.

Master’s in business ethics

This program prepares students to assume a proactive role and help detect and prevent illegal or unethical financial activities. The candidates will explore the most commonly used financial fraud methods and learn how to spot malicious intent signs at an early stage.

How to become CPA certified

Many people who earn a master’s in forensic accounting choose to become Certified Public Accountants (CPA) after graduation. One of the main goals of a master’s program in forensic accounting is to guide you through the essential knowledge that will help you pass the CPA exam. Some classes may target the information required to pass the test successfully, while others will focus on guidelines, procedures, and admission criteria to enter the CPA exam.

The American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) organizes tests to get CPA certification. Once you become a certified public accountant, you need to work for a couple of years in a forensic accounting position before enrolling in a Certified Forensic Accountant (CRFAC) program.

Build your career with an M.A. in forensic accounting

If we don’t take into consideration doctoral studies, a master’s degree in forensic accounting is usually the farthest you can get in the field. Anyone who holds a master’s degree is considered a valuable professional and thus has multiple career options.

Once you earn an M.A. in forensic accounting, you gain access to complex roles within organizations, with better compensation packages, and you can even hope to apply for middle-management positions. As always, education pays off, and the more specialized you become, the more sought after you are by employers.

If we analyze the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), in 2019, forensic accountants and auditors earned on average $71,550 per year. Based on your professional experience, education level, and expertise, you can access even higher-paid roles.

Career paths with an M.A. in forensic accounting

With a master’s degree in forensic accounting, you can access new career opportunities, ranging from taxation specialist and auditor to forensics expert in federal departments. You can opt for joining private or public organizations, multinational companies, law firms, or government agencies.