Forensic and Fraud Examination, M.S.
John Chambers College of Business and Economics
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
Program Overview
Detect Fraudulent Activity
The 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.
Curriculum
- Business Cybersecurity Management/Compliance
- Business Cybersecurity Technically-Focused
- Business Data Analytics
- Management
- 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.
- 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
- Business Cybersecurity Management/Compliance, 3 credit hours
- Business Cybersecurity Technically-Focused, 3 credit hours
- Business Data Analytics, 3 credit hours
- Management, 3 credit hours
Video: The Student Experience
Admissions Requirements and Eligibility
Successful completion of a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution.
Admissions Process and How to Apply
- 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):
- 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.
Tuition, Fees and Financial Aid
- 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.
Connect with an Admissions Coach
Ann Clayton Online Admissions Coach
(304) 293-0915 ann.clayton@mail.wvu.edu
Explore Profile Schedule Chat
Careers and Employment
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 Paths
- Fraud Examiner/Investigator
- Forensic Science Technician
- Criminal Investigator
- Special Agent
- Quality Control Analyst
- Private Detective