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Forensic Accounting and Fraud Examination Graduate Certificate

Forensic Accounting and Fraud Examination (FAFE) Graduate Certificate

May 19, 2025

Aug. 20, 2025

Upcoming Start Dates

Courses Required

$1,004

Cost Per Credit Hour

Reflects current academic year's tuition.

Total Credit Hours

Online Courses

Learning Format

Investigate Financial Fraud

The Graduate Certificate in Forensic Accounting and Fraud Examination (FAFE), offered by the John Chambers College of Business and Economics, will prepare you for careers in financial fraud investigation. WVU leads the way in developing the national curriculum for fraud and forensic accounting programs on behalf of the National Institute of Justice and there is currently a high demand for professionals with these skills. You will experience rigorous, hands-on training by professionals in the field and will take part in moot court exercises. Very few schools offer a multi-course certificate program of this kind and our program is one of the best in the country.

Three Forensic Accounting and Fraud Examination students working on a mock crime scene.

Program Details

The WVU John Chambers School of Business and Economics offers a specialized graduate certificate in Forensic Accounting and Fraud Examination to meet the demand for forensic accountants who are needed to combat widespread growth in white collar crime, fraud, and the illegal international movement of money. There are multiple career opportunities in the public and private sectors for those who earn this certificate. Federal agencies such as the Securities and Exchange Commission and the F.B.I. are seeking specialized accountants who possess this unique forensic knowledge. Private firms who must comply with legislation such as the Dodd-Frank and Sarbanes-Oxley Acts also need auditors who are skilled at detecting, preventing and deterring fraud.

This online certificate provides accountants with additional knowledge and skills in these areas. WVU also offers a master’s degree in Forensic and Fraud Examination.

Attend a Virtual Information Session

Thank you for your interest in the Forensic Accounting and Fraud Examination Graduate Certificate program at West Virginia University! Attend a Virtual Information Session and learn more about the Forensic Accounting and Fraud Examination Graduate Certificate program.

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Ann Clayton, Your Personal Online Admissions Coach

"I am a graduate of Michigan State University, with a Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology. I have worked in an advising setting for over 15 years and am here to help answer any questions you may have about the enrollment process in our online programs. Our online programs are designed to allow everyone the opportunity to earn a degree, while balancing school, family and life, and I am happy to help you as you go through that journey."

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Contact

Email: Ann.Clayton@mail.wvu.edu
Phone: (304) 293-0915
Virtual Session: Schedule a virtual session with me

Admission Requirements

Successful completion of a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution. Complete the following steps to apply:

Complete the WVU Online Graduate Application
Upload an up-to-date resume. Your resume should include enough information for the admissions committee to trace your entire professional work history and should indicate any relevant affiliations.
Create a Statement of Purpose (not to exceed one page). Your statement of purpose should be a short, one-page essay which describes your interest in the program, why you wish to pursue the program at WVU, how the program will help you reach your career goals, and any additional information which may be necessary to understanding your candidacy.
Applicants will need to submit college transcripts; an unofficial copy may be uploaded with your application. Upon acceptance, an official transcript must be submitted to finalize acceptance. If your school offers “e-script” (an official electronic copy of transcripts), email your official transcripts electronically to: GraduateAdmissions@mail.wvu.edu. Or by mail to: WVU Hub, P.O. Box 6004, Morgantown, WV 26506.
International applicants should submit electronic transcripts to: InternationalAdmissions@mail.wvu.edu. For those using express mail, use the address WVU Hub, 62 Morrill Way - Suite 220, Morgantown, WV 26506.
International Students are required to submit a TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo score.

Tuition, Fees, and Financial Aid

Students enrolled in certificate programs are not eligible for financial aid. Visit Student Financial Support & Services for additional information.

The tuition rate per credit hour listed above is for the 2024-2025 academic year. Tuition and fees increase beginning in the fall term of each academic year.

Tuition and fees are usually not the only educational expenses you may have while pursuing a degree. You may have other costs such as books, supplies and living expenses. Please see the Estimate Costs and Aid webpage for how to estimate and plan for other potential expenses.

How can a WVU certificate in forensic and fraud examination prepare me for the future?

Hallmarks of our program include exposure to practicing professionals and experiential learning. Throughout the program, students have extensive exposure to world class practicing experts, in addition to our superior full-time faculty. The real-world expertise brought to the classroom in the areas of complex fraud and financial crime examination (e.g., organized criminal, drug trafficking, money laundering and terrorism financing), interviewing, international issues (e.g., moving money around the world, money laundering, Foreign Corrupt Practices Act), dispute services and courtroom preparation yield professionals with the skills to be successful in various financial and legal careers.

Career Outlook

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of forensic science technicians is projected to grow 11 percent from 2021-2031, much faster than the average for all occupations.

Why should I pursue a forensic and fraud certificate?

The widespread growth in white-collar crime, litigation disputes, the illegal international movement of money and terrorism financing have greatly raised the demand for forensic accountants, fraud examiners and for professionals who possess those skills.

Certificate Code - CG31

Course	Title	Credit Hours
ACCT 581	Fraud Investigation	3
ACCT 582	Fraud Data Analysis	3
ACCT 583	Fraud: Criminology/Legal Issues	3
ACCT 584	Advanced Fraud Investigation	3

Total Hours: 12

Frequently Asked Questions

What careers can I expect to be prepared for?

Students who graduate from WVU Online with the Forensic Accounting and Fraud Examination Certificate degree may be prepared for the following careers. These are only a few examples of some of the many opportunities that will be open to you with this degree. Advanced degrees or certifications may be required for some positions.

Fraud Examiner, Investigator and Analyst, Projected Growth: 4-6%
Private Detective or Investigator, Projected Growth: 7-10% *Bright Outlook
Police Identification and Records Officer, Projected Growth: 2-3%
Forensic Science Technician, Projected Growth: 11% or higher *Bright Outlook
Accountant, Projected Growth: 4-6% *Bright Outlook

Information about careers on this list comes from the Occupational Information Network (O*NET) of the U.S. Department of Labor/Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA).

Upon program completion, what can a student be able to do?

Students will be able to:

apply electronic techniques and data-mining to identify fraud and other irregularities;
analyze and interpret evidentiary material;
make decisions using analytical techniques and principles;
complete fraud examinations that meet judicial standards of investigation;
document and effectively communicate the results of forensic analysis related to valuations, financial reporting fraud and other litigation issues.