Master of Science in Forensic and Fraud Examination
Overview
The College 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.
This degree combines online learning with two campus visits. This low-residency approach allows students to have the convenience of web courses, and the benefit of face-to-face interaction with both faculty and peers.
Admissions Requirements
An overall undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or above and a score of 500 on the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT). OR, one of the following: a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) certificate; a related certification by an approved credentialing body; a Juris Doctor (JD) degree; two years of relevant work experience.
Accreditation
West Virginia University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. The College of Business and Economics is accredited by AACSB International, the principal accrediting organization for business schools. Only 5% of business schools worldwide achieve this distinction.
The Master of Science in Forensic and Fraud Examination requires 30 credit hours to complete. Cost per credit hour is $1,038.
$31,140
Residents and Non-Residents
Estimated Tuition Based on Credit Hours
Credit Hours
Cost
1
$1,038
3
$3,114
6
$6,228
9
$9,342
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.
Admissions Process
Admissions
Prerequisite Coursework
ACCT 201 Principles of Accounting
ACCT 311 Intermediate Accounting
ACCT 322 Accounting Systems
ACCT 451 Auditing Theory
Applicants without the prerequisite coursework may complete the WVU FFE Ivy Software courses instead.
Application Process
Applicants must be admitted to WVU as a graduate student using 2158 as the major code.
Once an account has been created, applicants can edit the application at their discretion. Please complete all questions asked.
When selecting a start term, choose ‘fall.’
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.
Request 1-3 letters of recommendation through the online portal (not required for WVU students). Individual letters should not exceed one page. We recommend that your reference provide some information that is not found in the other materials being submitted. Topics regarding your ability to work with others, your discipline and ambition, leadership potential, etc. should be addressed. Your reference letter(s) should cover aptitudes necessary for your success in the program to which you are applying.
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.
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 at TOEFL or IELTS score. The College of Business & 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.
For applicants requesting a GMAT waiver based on 2 or more years of relevant professional work experience, please indicate request for waiver in your Statement of Purpose.
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis once all parts of the application are received, including transcripts, test scores, and letters of recommendation.
The master’s program is 30 credit hours. Students will complete ten courses, six of those courses are devoted exclusively to forensic and fraud examination knowledge, skills and abilities development and four courses parallel those in our nationally ranked MBA program and develop the broader skills of the well-rounded business professional.
All six FFE courses are taught using actual and simulated case materials, a hands-on approach to prepare students for their careers in litigation support, forensic accounting and fraud examination. To mimic real-world expectations, students are required to perform two actual engagements and report their findings both in writing and orally – see pitch-to-prosecutor and moot court exercise description below.
The Association of Certified Fraud Examiner CFE Exam Prep Course is embedded in Accounting 583, making students eligible and qualified to sit for the Certified Fraud Examiner Exam.
FFE Courses
This course provides an introduction to forensic and fraud examination and explores the interface between traditional financial and accounting topics and forensic and fraud examinations.
Types of fraud, sources of evidence, and analysis of internal and external fraud schemes with an emphasis on the skills needed to identify, investigate and litigate fraud and forensic accounting allegations.
Digital prevention and deterrence, digital evidence, digital detection and investigation including data mining, digital presentation and reporting tools, cybercrime and electronic case management tools.
The professional fraud examiner’s responsibility to detect fraud, investigative techniques, interviewing skills, legal concepts, evidence management, criminology, and ethics. Includes the Association of Certified Fraud Examiner (ACFE) CFE Exam Prep Course.
Investigation of complex frauds and financial crimes and an emphasis on forensic and litigation support investigations, including international money laundering, organized criminal activities and terrorism financing. The course requires testimony of case investigative results in a moot court setting.
Development and mastering of litigation support, valuations as they apply to litigation and forensic accounting and fraud issues and financial statement fraud. Topics would be centered on civil litigation, valuation techniques and complex financial reporting frauds.
Courses Mirroring the MBA Curriculum:
Provides an overview of the current financial reporting process. Includes discussion of the respective reporting vehicles, financial statements, and the alternatives available which affect the reporting process.
Develops skills in data-driven, fact-based decision making; develops the ability to critically evaluate research proposals and studies which rely on business research; provides a basic understanding of reading and conducting empirical research.
Applied mathematical course in solving business problems and decision-making issues from a general managerial perspective with particular emphasis on the operations management area of the organization.
An overview of the legal system and the legal and ethical issues relevant to business decision making, planning, and the interface between business, government, and society.
Requirements to Complete the Program:
As part of the on-campus residencies, students participate in two in-class/online case investigations and two investigative engagements in a team format. Both require students to present and defend their work in front of practicing professionals as follows:
“Pitch to Prosecutor” Exercise Students will complete one major case investigation (MCI) over the course of study in ACCT 581. The purpose is to provide students with experience in performing basic investigative tasks and analysis. These projects involve analyzing simulated case information based on actual frauds/financial crimes as well as related corporate and business records to determine if fraud has occurred, who did it and how. Students mimic investigative processes used in conducting analytical reviews, soliciting information from clients, and reporting suspicious activity for a fictitious client/target company.
“Moot Court” Exercise (Capstone Experience) Supported by attorneys from the Internal Revenue Service and Steptoe & Johnson, PLLC, this course includes an integrative capstone experience using simulated actual case material as a basis for conducting an investigation throughout the course. In order to complete the assignments, students must integrate and draw upon the knowledge and skills developed in the other three courses, including the use of digital tools and techniques developed in fraud data analysis. Additionally, ACCT 581 and ACCT 582 must be completed before taking ACCT 584, Advanced Fraud Investigation.
While WVU is embracing the online instructional delivery, we are also committed to experiential learning, so two 2-day residencies are required (generally, Thursday, Friday and/or Saturday). These residencies will enhance your educational experience by exposing you to practicing experts currently working in the fraud examination and forensic accounting profession. Meeting your classmates and expanding your WVU network adds to the experience.
The online format enables working professionals to take advantage of graduate education without taking a leave of absence from work or being confined to evening or weekend classroom commitments.
Residency 1: As part of the residency, students participate in (1) Financial Crime Scene Investigation (CSI-F) at WVU’s Crime Scene Complex, (2) Pitch-to-Prosecutor and (3) Advanced Data Mining.
Residency 2: As part of the residency, following the successful completion of the Acct 583 and 584 on-line requirements, students participate in (1) a full day of Interviewing and Interrogation training, (2) Moot Court and (3) a wrap-up session.
What can you do with a Master of Science in Forensic and Fraud Examination?
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.
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).
Fraud Examiner & Investigator
Projected Growth: 10-14% *Bright Outlook
Quality Control Analyst
Projected Growth: 10-14% *Bright Outlook
Forensic Science Technician
Projected Growth: 15% or higher *Bright Outlook
Private Detective
Projected Growth: 10-14% *Bright Outlook
Criminal Investigator or Special Agent
Projected Growth: 5-9%
Histologic Technician
Projected Growth: 10-14% *Bright Outlook
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