Program Overview

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Accounting and Financial Forensics, M.S.

The M.S. in Accounting and Financial Forensics is a STEM program that equips students with expertise in investigation, critical thinking, and auditing, enabling them to excel in roles in accounting research, fraud examination, data intelligence, and financial management.

Program Overview

The program develops skills to resolve financial discrepancies, investigate fraud, assess risk, combat cybercrime, and ensure compliance in complex financial environments. Graduates are prepared to play pivotal roles in criminal investigations, such as uncovering tax fraud or money laundering, and in non-criminal matters such as business valuation or bankruptcy data analysis.

Career Opportunities

The masters degree in accounting and financial forensics uniquely positions forensic accounting professionals for one of the fastest-growing specialty areas in accounting. Employers look for candidates who have an eye for detail and accuracy, as well as a desire to investigate and focus on the changing banking, investment, and accounting industry. Careers include:

• Analyst
• Auditor
• Valuation consultant
• Forensic litigation consultant
• Financial investigator
• Tax examiner
• Financial reconstruction specialist
• Risk management accountant

Curriculum

The 30-credit accounting and financial forensics master's degree curriculum combines core courses for foundational knowledge with electives for tailored professional focus. Students study advanced internal auditing, risk management, and corporate governance, gaining skills in tax research, fraud investigation, and audit communication. The curriculum also covers fraud detection, forensic accounting, cybercrime investigation, business valuations, and expert witness preparation.

Courses

Courses include:

• Advanced Internal Auditing
• Fraud Examination
• Forensic Accounting
• Electives range from forensic data analysis and international accounting to business ethics, data analytics, finance, information security, and ERP.

Locations Offered

The program is offered at the Melbourne Campus.

Admission Criteria

The masters in accounting and financial forensics program welcomes applicants with a bachelors degree in accounting, finance, or business administration. Graduates of non-business programs are invited to complete the MBA to be considered for admission to the MSAFF. Up to 12 credits can be applied to both degrees. While the Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT) is not required, a strong GMAT (or GRE) score can enhance the application.

Advanced Degree Options

Alumni who want to continue their education may consider furthering their expertise through the Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) program.

Related Programs

Related programs include:

• Master of Business Administration, MBA
• Master of Business Administration, MBA - Accounting
• Master of Business Administration, MBA - Accounting & Finance

Specialized Skills for Career Success

In the accounting and financial forensics program, students choose electives that match their interests and career goals, helping them build professional skills for success in todays global financial environment. Students can study topics such as data mining and analysis for detecting financial trends, advanced cost and managerial accounting for making business decisions, and auditing practices aligned with compliance standards.