What You Should Know About This Degree
There are several forensic-based master’s degree programs that you might want to consider. While an online master’s in forensic accounting prepares you for high-level work in fraud detection and financial compliance, a master’s in forensic science prepares you to investigate other crimes and crime scenes.
Before you begin researching programs, it’s important to understand what accreditation means and how to determine if a program has valid accreditation. You can learn more and determine the accreditation status of postsecondary institutions using the accreditation database, which is provided by the Office of Postsecondary Education.
Once you’ve obtained your master’s in forensic accounting, there are several career paths you might want to consider. Most financial institutions, government agencies, and law enforcement agencies work with forensic accountants to detect fraud and money laundering.
While a master’s degree will provide you with all the education you need to pursue a career in this industry, it’s important to note that most organizations will require you to have some level of security clearance before working in this type of role.
What’s Next?
Here are some questions to ask when researching online master’s in forensic accounting programs:
- Am I eligible for this program? To gain acceptance into a forensic accounting master’s program, most schools require you to have a bachelor’s degree, as well as some real-world experience, in a similar field of study.
- What licensing or certifications are required? While most forensic accounting jobs don’t require you to have any special licenses or certification, you can obtain credentials, such as certified fraud examiner. Additionally, nearly every forensic accountant is required to obtain security clearances or pass criminal background checks prior to working with an organization’s finances.
While researching online master’s in forensic accounting programs, be sure to take note of application deadlines and procedures. It’s also important to consider whether you’ll require financial aid. If you plan to obtain financial assistance, keep track of financial aid application deadlines, as well as any scholarships or grants that may be able to help you obtain your master’s degree.