Forensic Accounting and Fraud Examination Graduate Certificate

John Chambers College of Business and Economics

The Forensic Accounting and Fraud Examination Graduate Certificate is designed to meet the growing demand for forensic accountants and fraud examiners. If you're seeking a career tackling white-collar crime, fraud, and the illegal international movement of money, this program offers a curriculum developed in collaboration with the National Institute of Justice, positioning WVU at the forefront of forensic accounting education. This online certificate equips you with the skills needed to detect, prevent, and deter fraud. Through hands-on training, including moot court exercises and exposure to practicing professionals, you will be well-prepared for a career in forensic accounting.

Master Fraud Detection and Prevention

• Financial fraud investigation: Learn to detect and analyze fraudulent financial activities to uncover complex schemes.
• Interviewing techniques: Master the art of interviewing suspects and witnesses, crucial for gathering accurate information.
• International issues: Understand global challenges such as money laundering and the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, preparing you for the international aspects of forensic accounting.
• Dispute services: Gain skills in resolving financial disputes, essential for both public and private sector roles.
• Courtroom preparation: Prepare for presenting evidence and testifying in court with moot court exercises.

Hallmarks of the program include exposure to practicing professionals and experiential learning. Throughout the curriculum, you will have opportunities to engage with world-class practitioners and expert faculty. This real-world expertise in complex fraud and financial crime examination, combined with a hands-on approach, ensures you are well-prepared for various financial and legal careers.

By pursuing this graduate certificate, you will learn how 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.

• 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 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. Visit the Estimate Costs and Aid webpage to estimate and plan for other potential expenses.

Tuition per credit hour is listed on the page of your program of interest. Please note, tuition and fees are reviewed and subject to change at the start of each academic year.

• Learn More about Tuition and Financial Aid
• Explore All WVU System Tuition and Fees
• Understand Restrictions on University Tuition Waivers

The surge in white-collar crime, litigation disputes, illegal international money movement, and terrorism financing has significantly increased the demand for forensic accountants and fraud examiners. Professionals with these specialized skills are now more essential than ever.