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Forensic and Fraud Examination, M.S.

John Chambers College of Business and Economics

WVU FFE student in class, listening to a lecture.

The Master of Science in Forensic and Fraud Examination, offered by the WVU John Chambers College of Business and Economics, leads the way in developing the national curriculum for fraud and forensic accounting programs on behalf of the National Institute of Justice. You will study curriculum that teaches you how to detect, uncover, and prove fraud and other financial crimes by businesses and employees. By gaining an interdisciplinary skill set which covers business, law, cost accounting, taxation, and data technology, you will gain real-world expertise in fraud and financial crime examination.

Cost:

$1,004 / Cost per credit hour *

Courses and Credits:

10 Courses / 30 Credits

Duration:

One to two years

Dates:

Next Start: August 20, 2025 Admission Terms: Fall, Spring

Learning Format:

Online courses and virtual residencies

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Program Overview

Detect Fraudulent Activity

This program will prepare you to detect, investigate, and prevent financial fraud and white-collar crime. Developed in partnership with the National Institute of Justice, this program equips you with the interdisciplinary expertise needed to lead in a high-demand field.

  • Cutting-Edge Curriculum: Learn to investigate fraud, money laundering, terrorism financing, and more through real-world case studies and legal simulations.
  • Experiential Learning: Pitch cases to IRS criminal investigators and testify in moot court scenarios to gain hands-on experience.
  • Career-Ready Skills: Build expertise in business, law, accounting, taxation, and data technology to meet the needs of federal agencies and private firms.
  • High-Demand Opportunities: Prepare for roles with the FBI, SEC, and organizations navigating Dodd-Frank and Sarbanes-Oxley compliance.
  • Flexible Online Format: Study from anywhere while gaining the practical skills in forensic accounting and fraud examination.

Curriculum

The 30 credit-hour online program is comprised of a core curriculum of forensic and fraud examination classes centered on data analytics for success in this career path. Students complete this program in one to two years with two required virtual residencies. The core curriculum is paired with an area of emphasis in either Business Cybersecurity, Data Analytics, or Management to create a well-balanced approach to the field. Courses build throughout the program to incorporate previously acquired skills and allow students to immediately put those skills to use through hands-on experiential learning.

Put your investigative skills to the test in FFE’s capstone experiences. You will work on cases involving:

  • Basic fraud
  • Money laundering
  • Organized crime
  • Terrorism financing
  • Financial Statement Fraud
  • Litigation support

Some experiences include:

  • Pitching an investigative case to real IRS criminal investigators
  • Testifying with findings in a moot court scenario and interacting with real attorneys to gain an understanding of the legal court process
Our M.S. in Forensic and Fraud Examination (FFE) program leads the way in developing the national curriculum for forensic and fraud accounting programs on behalf of the National Institute of Justice (Department of Justice).  As part of this program, you will chose an Area of Emphasis.

Your options are:
  • Business Cybersecurity Management
  • Business Data Analytics
  • Management
Certification Exam Prep Programs include:
  • Association of Certified Fraud Examiners: Certified Fraud Examiners (CFEs)
  • National Association of Certified Valuators and Analysts: Certified Valuation Analyst (CVA)
  • Included in your tuition are these prep courses and case studies that make you eligible and qualified to sit for the CFE Exam and CVA Exam.

A program GPA of 3.0 is required by the Chambers College.
A minimum grade of C- is required in all courses applied toward the degree.

FAFE Courses, 21 credit hours
  • ACCT 580: Accounting for Forensic and Fraud Investigators, 3 credit hours
  • ACCT 581: Fraud Investigation, 3 credit hours
  • ACCT 582: Fraud Data Analysis, 3 credit hours
  • ACCT 583: Fraud: Criminology/Legal Issues, 3 credit hours
  • ACCT 584: Advanced Fraud Investigation, 3 credit hours
  • ACCT 585: Forensic and Fraud Examination Advanced Analytical Techniques, 3 credit hours
  • ACCT 586: Private Company Valuation, 3 credit hours
Select an Area of Interest, 9 credit hours 
  • Business Cybersecurity Management (Select three of the following)
    • CYBR 525: Information Security Assurance Management
    • CYBR 530: Business Data Communications
    • CYBR 535: Business Network Security
    • CYBR 540: Information Ethics and Legal Procedures
  • Business Data Analytics (Select three of the following)
    • BUDA 525: Business Statistical Methods 1
    • BUDA 540: Decision Sciences and Analytics
    • BUDA 545: Business Simulation Modeling
    • BUDA 550: Business Data Visualization
  • Management (Select three of the following)
    • BADM 621: Business Research
    • BADM 622: Financial Statements Analysis
    • BADM 630: Corporate Leadership
    • BADM 641: Decision Analysis for Executives
    • BADM 644: Legal Environment and Ethics
Total: 30 Credit Hours

Video: The Student Experience

Admissions Events

Learn more about the M.S. in Forensic and Fraud Examination graduate degree and the admissions process by attending an upcoming virtual information session.

Admissions Requirements and Eligibility

Successful completion of a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution.

Admissions Process and How to Apply

Applicants must be admitted to WVU as a graduate student.

  • 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.
  • Request 1 letter of recommendation through the online portal.
  • Create a Personal Statement.
  • Pay an 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: WVU Hub P.O. Box 6004 Morgantown, WV 26506
  • International Students - WVU’s minimum score requirements for English proficiency are:
    • Academic  IELTS: 6.5
    • TOEFL iBT: 79
    • TOEFL Essentials: 9.0
    • PTE Academic: 53
    • Duolingo English Test: 105
    • An official grade report must be sent directly to: WVU Hub 62, Morrill Way - Suite 220, Morgantown WV, 26506
The above-mentioned items are required for admission review. Additional documents may be requested after initial evaluation of a student’s admission application.

Tuition, Fees and Financial Aid

The University provides a comprehensive approach to helping you finance your education. Learn more on the WVU Financial Aid Website.

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.

Students are encouraged to:
  • File the application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by the June deadline to determine eligibility for funding and scholarships.
  • Inquire with your employer about potential financial support for continuing your education.
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.

Connect with Our Team

Ann Clayton Online Admissions Coach

(304) 293-0915 Ann.Clayton@mail.wvu.edu

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Careers and Employment

Put your investigative skills to the test in FFE’s capstone experiences. You will work on cases involving:

  • Basic fraud
  • Money laundering
  • Organized crime
  • Terrorism financing
  • Financial Statement Fraud
  • Litigation support

Some experiences include:

  • Pitching an investigative case to real IRS criminal investigators
  • Testifying with findings in a moot court scenario and interacting with real attorneys to gain an understanding of the legal court process

This experiential learning curriculum ensures that you can “hit the ground running” in your job.

Career Paths

  • Fraud Examiner/Investigator
  • Forensic Science Technician
  • Criminal Investigator
  • Special Agent
  • Quality Control Analyst
  • Private Detective

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Get in Touch

The WVU Online team is here for you during your online learning journey. We can help you navigate the curriculum of your program of interest, understand the application process, and keep you posted on upcoming events and deadlines.

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