Forensic and Fraud Examination M.S.

Aug. 20, 2025

Next Start Date

Courses Required

$1,004

Cost Per Credit Hour

Reflects current academic year's tuition.
Military Discount Available

Total Credit Hours

Online Courses/Virtual residencies required

Learning Format

Detect Fraudulent Activity

The Master of Science in Forensic and Fraud Examination offered by the 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.

Female WVU FFE student in class, listening to a lecture.

The WVU John Chambers School of Business and Economics offers a specialized Master of Science in Forensic 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 degree. Federal agencies such as the Securities and Exchange Commission and the F.B.I. are seeking specialized accountants. 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 program provides accountants with additional knowledge and skill in these areas. WVU business programs are recognized as Best Online Programs by US News and World Report.

You will choose an Area of Emphasis. Options are:

Business Cybersecurity Management/Compliance
Business Cybersecurity Technically-Focused
Business Data Analytics
Management

Certification Exam Prep Programs included:

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.

Attend a Virtual Information Session

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

Kelly Legg, Personal Online Admissions Coach

Kelly is here to help.

Kelly Legg, Your Personal Online Admissions Coach

As a graduate of the WVU with a degree in business administration, Kelly understands your needs and is here to support and simplify the enrollment process for you. You can have open and honest discussions with her about how your passion in life can become your career. Contact Kelly today!

Learn More About Kelly Request Information

Contact

Email: Kelly.Legg@mail.wvu.edu
Phone: (304) 293-0112
Virtual Session: Schedule a virtual session with me

Admission Requirements

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

Complete the Online WVU 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.
Request 1 letter of recommendation through the online portal.
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 applicants must meet the WVU requirement of English language proficiency.

The integrity of the admissions process is of paramount importance. All grade and/or score reports received are subject to verification. 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

Financial aid is available. Students are encouraged to file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form to determine their eligibility for federal and state funds as well as scholarships. WVU’s FAFSA Code is 003827.

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.

The future for graduates with a Master of Science in Forensic and Fraud Examination

Our Online MS 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). This sets WVU apart as a thought leader in FFE education.

The Benefits of pursuing a Master of Science in Forensic and Fraud Examination degree at WVU

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 outlook for Master of Science in Forensic and Fraud Examination graduates

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

Course	Title	Credit Hours
ACCT 580	Accounting for Forensic and Fraud Investigators	3
ACCT 581	Fraud Investigation	3
ACCT 582	Fraud Data Analysis	3
ACCT 583	Fraud: Criminology/Legal Issues	3
ACCT 584	Advanced Fraud Investigation	3
ACCT 585	Forensic and Fraud Examination Advanced Analytical Techniques	3
ACCT 586	Private Company Valuation	3

Select an Area of Emphasis

Area of Emphasis	Credit Hours
Business Cybersecurity Management/Compliance	9
Business Cybersecurity Technically-Focused	9
Business Data Analytics	9
Management	9
Total	9

Total Hours: 30

Frequently Asked Questions

What types of jobs can I expect with a Master of Science in Forensic and Fraud Examination degree?

Students who graduate from WVU Online with the Forensic and Fraud Examination M.S. 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
Forensic Science Technician
Criminal Investigator or Special Agent
Quality Control Analyst
Private Detective

What makes a good Forensic and Fraud student?

For individuals who possess a keen aptitude for numbers and harbor a passion for finance, pursuing a career in forensic accounting may be a compelling option, particularly for those seeking opportunities within the realm of criminology. This profession calls for a specialized skill set, and for some individuals, the prospect of uncovering corrupt practices, fraudulent activities, and other forms of white-collar crime can be highly appealing.

Since Forensic Science technicians will be in demand, what exactly do they do?

Forensic Science Technicians collect and analyze evidence. They can also specialize in certain techniques and sciences. So, job responsibilities vary based on whether a person is a crime scene investigator, forensic biologist or a forensic chemist. There are even some forensic computer examiners or digital forensics analysts who specialize in computer-based crimes.