You can learn to prevent, detect and resolve fraud and white-collar crime, a field with an increasing need for specialists, in Carlow’s forensic accounting degree program.
Forensic accounting merges skills in accounting, auditing and investigation. Forensic accountants are involved with litigation support and investigative accounting. They help determine the amount of economic damages caused by theft, and deal with securities and insurance fraud, asset misappropriations, fraudulent statements and professional negligence.
Bachelor of Science
On campus, some online
Oakland
Up to 90 credits
The Forensic Accounting major curriculum includes specialized courses in such areas as fraud prevention and ethics, the law and fraud, fraud investigation techniques, fraud examination and information security. You will also complete an internship.
Finish your bachelor’s degree in three years by following a 3-year academic plan. Courses are taken across fall, spring and summer terms with summer courses completely online. When applying, indicate your interest in the 3-Year Degree option.
Fast track your way to a master’s by taking graduate courses as an undergraduate student. Course credits count toward both degrees. Apply for the accelerated option after your sophomore year.
The Association of Certified Fraud Examiners reports the demand for forensic accountants is rapidly increasing because of heightened awareness and growing intolerance of fraudulent activity. Forensic accountants work in public accounting firms’ forensic accounting divisions; consult for firms specializing in risk consulting and forensic accounting services; and with lawyers, law enforcement agencies, insurance companies, government organizations and financial institutions.
Graduates of the forensic accounting degree program are qualified to sit for the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) exam and the Certified Fraud Examiners (CFE) exam. (Please see the Pennsylvania Institute of CPAs website and the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners for current licensure requirements.) These credentials are recognized globally and are regarded as an indicator of excellence in the accounting and anti-fraud professions.
The College of Arts and Sciences Department of Business Management, Accounting, and Ethics at Carlow University has received specialized accreditation for its business programs through the International Accreditation Council for Business Education (IACBE) located at 11374 Strang Line Road in Lenexa, Kansas, USA.
For a list of accredited programs and retention information, see Accreditations.
anytime
Fall, Spring & Summer
Lexie Young ’20 was drawn to Carlow because of its Forensic Accounting program, one of the few in the state. “The professors in the forensic program were very helpful in providing real life experiences to show what we could do with our degree and gave us opportunities for internships and more. Carlow was there for my best interest and is still there for me today.”
If you are interested in this major, our Admissions team is available to help you with the next steps, including scheduling an on-campus visit or attending an upcoming event.