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Forensic Accounting and Fraud Examination (FAFE) Graduate Certificate

Aug. 16, 2023

Next Start Date

4

Courses Required

$820

Cost Per Credit Hour

12

Total Credit Hours

Online Courses, Low Residency

Learning Formats

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. The program includes two in-class/online case examinations and two examination engagements that students must complete in a team format. Both require students to present and defend their work in front of practicing professionals as follows:

  • Pitch to Prosecutor Exercise in Accounting 581
  • Moot Court Exercise (Capstone Experience) in Accounting 584

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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Forensic Accounting and Fraud Examination Graduate Certificate Admission Requirements

Applicants must have a bachelor's degree from an accredited university.

Prerequisites

The following courses, or their equivalent in terms of course work or professional experience, are required for admission to the FAFE Certificate Program:

  • ACCT 201 Principles of Accounting
  • ACCT 311 Intermediate Accounting
  • ACCT 322 Accounting Systems
  • ACCT 451 Auditing Theory

The prerequisites may be taken at any accredited institution of higher education including online courses. Two years of related professional experience may be substituted for the prerequisite courses. An Admissions Committee for the Department of Accounting will assess prior experience.

Not all applicants may be admitted to the program. Because the program consists of intense hands-on cases and specialized assignments, enrollment in the program is limited. An Admissions Committee of three accounting faculty members will review applications and will accept individuals demonstrating the greatest potential for success.

Admissions

Applicants for the FAFE Graduate Certificate must be admitted to WVU as a non-degree graduate student, using 2199 as the major code.

  • Enter the WVU Application portal.
  • Create a username and password.
  • Once an account has been created, applicants can edit the application at their discretion. Please complete all questions asked.
  • 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 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 that may be necessary to understanding your candidacy.
  • Pay application fee.
  • Submit application.
  • Applicants will then need to send their transcripts to WVU's Office of Admissions. If the applicant's undergraduate school offers "e-script" (an official electronic copy of transcripts), email the transcripts to GraduateAdmissions@mail.wvu.edu. This will help expedite the admissions process. If they do not offer this service, please have your official transcripts mailed to:
    West Virginia University Office of Graduate Admissions and Recruitment
    PO Box 6510
    Morgantown, WV 26506-6510
  • For applicants submitting GMAT/GRE scores, the program GMAT code is C2S-6D-25 or 5904 for GRE.
  • International Students are required to submit a TOEFL or IELTS score. The WVU John Chambers School of Business and Economics TOEFL requirement is higher than the University’s - applicants must have a TOEFL score of either 580 (paper prior to July 27) or 68 (paper after July 27), 237 (computer), or 92 (Internet-based). If you have taken the IELTS instead of the TOEFL, the minimum score must be 6.5. English language exam scores should be sent to the Office of Admissions, West Virginia University, PO Box 6009, Morgantown, WV 26506-6009
  • Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis once all parts of the application are received.

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Tuition, Fees, and Financial Aid

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

Forensic Accounting and Fraud Examination Graduate Certificate total degree cost: $9,840 – Residents and Non-Residents

Credits Cost
1 $820
3 $2,460
6 $4,920
9 $7,380

Courses and Curriculum

Certificate Code - CG31

A minimum GPA of 3.0 is required.

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

* The program also requires students to attend two on-campus residencies.

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.

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).

What are the residency requirements?

The program also requires students to attend two virtual residencies.

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.
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WVU Online
West Virginia University
PO Box 6800
Morgantown, WV 26506-6800


Phone: (800) 253-2762
Email: WVUOnlineInquiry@mail.wvu.edu

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