Why This Matters

  • THE MAJORITY OF ACCOUNTANTS HAVE BACHELOR’S DEGREES

    According to O*NET, the vast majority of accounting occupations (including forensic accounting) require a bachelor’s degree.

  • 61,700 MORE ACCOUNTING JOBS BY 2029

    The complicated nature of taxes and the growing economy have contributed to a greater need for accounting professionals and forensic accountants. The field of accounting is expected to undergo a 4% increase in employment.

  • EARN $32,040 MORE PER YEAR WITH A BACHELOR’S DEGREE

    Positions that require a high school diploma, such as financial clerks, earn a median annual wage of $41,520. Higher-end roles that require a bachelor’s degree, such as accountants, earn about $73,560 per year.

Our Research

This list reviews some of the best online bachelor’s in forensic accounting programs available in the United States. Because forensic accounting falls into the field of financial science, the majority of these programs grant a Bachelor of Science. These include a Bachelor of Science in Forensic Accounting, Business Administration, and Fraud and Financial Crime Investigation. To ensure that every program on our list meets a high standard of education, we only included accredited institutions. Many of these programs are accredited by the International Accreditation Council for Business Education (IACBE), which is approved by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) and recognized on a global basis. The IACBE reviews and helps develop high-quality, creative business programs.

  • 68 hours to write this article
  • 51 universities and colleges we assessed
  • 75 education programs we compared

The Top 50 Online Bachelor’s in Forensic Accounting Programs

Best Online Bachelor's in Forensic Accounting Programs Badge
01
Intelligent Pick
Indiana State University
01
Most Affordable
University Of Northwestern Ohio
01
Best in the Northeast
Southern New Hampshire University
01
Best for Financial Investigation
Utica College
01
Best Certification Preparation
Franklin University
01
Best in the South
UAB Collat School of Business
01
Best for Transfer Students
Champlain College
01
Best Christian Option
Point University
01
Best Start Dates
Purdue University Global
01
Best 4+1 Option
Texas Wesleyan University
01
Best No-SAT Option
Maryville University
01
Best Accelerated Option
Desales University
01
Best in the Mid Atlantic
Waynesburg University
01
Best for Business
Point Park University
01
Best Hybrid Option
Davenport University
01
Best CPA Prep
University of Minnesota

What You Should Know About This Degree

Forensic and financial accounting degrees cover similar subjects but have some key differences. Financial accountants assist individuals and organizations by monitoring taxes, budgeting, and payroll. While forensic accountants gain this same knowledge, they use it to conduct financial investigations.

Prospective accountants should look for schools that are accredited by either a reputable organization in their region or by a global accreditor such as the IACBE.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that there will be a 4% increase in employment over the next decade for accountants. This is equivalent to 61,700 more jobs, which totals to 1,497,900 accounting positions by 2029.

Forensic accountants are generally expected to gain a certified public accountant (CPA) license. Many also go on to achieve credentials that prove their investigative abilities, such as a certified fraud examiner (CFE) or certified forensics accountant (CR, FA) credential.

What’s Next?

Here are some questions to ask when researching online bachelor’s in forensic accounting programs:

  • What tests are required for this online degree? While there are no formal tests required to get your forensic accounting degree, it’s advisable to obtain certification as a public accountant. This requires taking the CPA exam, which typically lasts 16 hours and can be taken over 18 months.
  • Are courses offered synchronously or asynchronously? Online degree programs generally let students choose between synchronous and asynchronous formats. Synchronous courses are remote, but they still meet at designated times. Asynchronous classes, on the other hand, let students view lessons at their convenience.

As you prepare for college, you should keep track of your application deadlines and any materials you’ll be required to submit. You can find this information by checking the school’s website or contacting their admissions department. It’s also important to consider how you plan to finance your degree. Be sure to submit your financial aid applications on time.