If you're interested in accounting and criminal justice, a bachelor's in forensic accounting may be the right degree for you. As a forensic accounting major, you'll develop investigative, auditing, and financial analysis skills. After graduation, you can pursue work as a fraud examiner, auditor, and forensic accountant.
Our ranking explores the best forensic accounting degrees, so you can find a program that fits your schedule, budget, and career goals.
Best Bachelor's in Forensic Accounting Degree Programs
Why Get a Forensic Accounting Bachelor's Degree?
What to Expect From a Forensic Accounting Degree Program
Forensic accounting programs combine foundational accounting courses with upper-division classes in auditing, fraud investigation, and accounting forensics. You'll develop strong analytical, investigative, and critical thinking skills.
As a forensic accounting major, you'll learn to identify financial crimes, create fraud detection programs, and contribute to fraud investigations. Forensic accounting is also a good major to prepare for the Uniform CPA Examination and other accounting certifications.
With full-time enrollment, you can expect to take around four years to complete the required 120 credits in a forensic accounting program. If you have transfer credits or an associate degree, you can often earn a bachelor's in less time. Attending an accredited college is key for recognition from prospective schools and employers. Accreditation also qualifies you for federal financial aid.
Degree, Concentration, and Format Options
When it comes to finding the right forensic accounting program, you need to understand your format options. Forensic accounting degrees operate under several names, including:
- Accounting with a concentration in forensic accounting
- Forensic accounting and fraud investigation
- Forensics and fraud accounting
As a specialized accounting major, few colleges offer a bachelor's in forensic accounting. It's common for accounting programs to offer a concentration in forensic accounting rather than a standalone major.
Delivery formats for forensic accounting programs include:
- In Person: Majors complete accounting courses, general education requirements, and electives on campus in a face-to-face format.
- Online: Students complete courses remotely. Delivery methods include asynchronous classes with no set meeting times or live synchronous class sessions that mirror the in-person experience.
- Hybrid: Degree-seekers take online and in-person classes to complete their forensic accounting degrees.
Some colleges also offer accelerated accounting degrees or five-year programs that award both bachelor's and master's degrees. This option may appeal to forensic accountants who plan to pursue CPA licensure.
Should You Study Forensic Accounting or General Accounting?
What's a better fit for your personal and professional goals: forensic accounting or general accounting? You'll take many of the same classes with both majors, but forensic accounting programs offer more courses in fraud detection, auditing, and investigative techniques.
The following table explores the similarities and differences between these programs.
| Key Factor | Bachelor's in Forensic Accounting | Bachelor's in Accounting |
|---|---|---|
| Main Focus | Developing forensic accounting skills to prepare graduates to detect, prevent, and investigate financial fraud | Developing general accounting skills in areas such as financial accounting, tax accounting, and managerial accounting |
| Major Courses | Auditing, fraud examination, digital forensics | Cost accounting, accounting information systems, corporate taxation |
| Concentrations | Typically does not offer concentrations | Concentrations in managerial accounting, public accounting, tax accounting |
| Program Length | 4 years; 120 credits | 4 years; 120 credits |
| Career Paths | Forensic accountant, fraud examiner, auditor | Public accountant, tax accountant, auditor, financial analyst |
If you're interested in finance or accounting careers but haven't chosen a specialty, a general accounting degree might offer a better fit. In that case, you can always consider a master's in forensic accounting or a forensic accounting graduate certificate to specialize your education. However, if you want to work in forensic accounting, fraud investigation, or auditing, a bachelor's in forensic accounting could offer a strong pathway.
Admissions Process
Getting into a forensic accounting program starts with applying to the college. Schools typically require a high school diploma and a minimum 2.0 GPA (or a GED certificate) for admission. You might also need to take the SAT or ACT and submit letters of recommendation.
Many institutions accept the Common App, which lets you apply to multiple colleges with a single application. While you'll still pay application fees for each school, the Common App can help you save time.
After receiving an acceptance letter, you may need to complete accounting prerequisites before declaring your forensic accounting major.
Popular Forensic Accounting Undergraduate Courses
In addition to foundational accounting classes, you'll take upper-division courses in forensic accounting. Many programs also incorporate a senior project or capstone. You will also need to complete general education requirements and electives, which can include a minor.
While the specific courses depend on the program, many offer the following options:
- Forensic Accounting Principles: Examine common types of financial fraud, along with methods for detecting and preventing fraud. Students explore forensic accounting applications in law enforcement, financial services, and auditing contexts. Coursework also introduces the role of forensic accounting in litigation.
- Auditing: Assignments cover internal and external auditing standards and risk management. This course prepares learners to design and implement audit procedures, identify fraud with auditing techniques, and understand the scope of reporting responsibilities. Students also learn exam ethics for auditors.
- Fraud Analysis: Forensic accountants specialize in analyzing fraud. In this course, learners study prevention and detection techniques to uncover fraud relating to financial statements, assets, and disclosures across various industries.
- Criminal Investigation: Classwork explores the applications of forensic accounting techniques in criminal investigations, including evidence standards, investigative techniques, and fraud investigation reporting. This course also introduces forensic accounting majors to investigative techniques such as conducting interviews and providing expert witness testimony.
How Much Do Forensic Accounting Bachelor's Programs Cost?
Earning a bachelor's in forensic accounting can be expensive. The cost of a bachelor's degree ranges from $9,750 per year in tuition and fees to over $35,000, according to 2022-2023 data from the National Center for Education Statistics. Typically, in-state public institutions offer the lowest tuition rates, followed by out-of-state public tuition and private colleges. In addition to tuition, you'll need to factor in living expenses, textbooks, and other costs.
Compare costs to find the most affordable options. Financial aid can also help you pay for your degree. Prioritize scholarships and grants, which you don't need to repay, over federal and private loans.
Should You Get Your Degree Online?
An online learning format often appeals to working students and busy adults. Consider your professional and personal obligations to know if you should pursue a forensic accounting degree online.
Accounting programs translate well to online learning because the major typically does not require in-person practicums. You can interact with faculty, master accounting and auditing skills, and prepare for accounting careers in an online program. By choosing an accredited college, you'll also ensure that your program meets high academic standards.
Online programs are a good fit for some students, but they aren't for everyone. Consider your schedule, learning style, and preferences when deciding whether to earn a degree online.
Forensic Accounting Jobs and Salaries
Accounting majors can pursue careers as accountants, auditors, and financial analysts, but what can they do with a forensic accounting degree? This specialized accounting major prepares graduates for careers that require strong auditing and investigative skills.
Forensic accounting jobs include forensic accountant, internal auditor, financial investigator, and external auditor. Professionals can demonstrate expertise with certifications in fraud examination, auditing, and other specialties. Accounting and auditing careers report above-average salaries and positive growth.
Forensic Accountant
Forensic accountants investigate and detect financial crimes. They partner with law enforcement to identify fraudulent transactions and conduct audits to prevent misconduct in government agencies that enforce financial regulations. These roles require strong auditing and investigative skills, with many forensic accountants participating in legal cases as expert witnesses.
- Job Outlook (2024-2034): +5%
- Median Annual Salary (Sept. 2025): $81,340
External Auditor
External auditors evaluate financial documents to identify errors and fraud. Unlike internal auditors, who conduct audits for the organizations that employ them, external auditors provide independent assessments. External auditors work in the public and private sectors for CPA firms and nonprofits.
- Job Outlook (2024-2034): +5%
- Median Annual Salary: $81,680
Source: BLS
Certified Fraud Examiner
CFEs detect financial fraud, create anti-fraud programs, and investigate financial crimes. They may work in civil or criminal investigative roles, as well as in auditing positions. Professionals with CFE credentials, which require a certification exam, may hold titles such as internal auditor, forensic accountant, or fraud investigator.
- Job Outlook (2024-2034): +5%
- Average Annual Salary (Sept. 2025): $96,000
Selecting the Right Undergraduate Program
Make sure to carefully research available options to find the right undergraduate accounting program. Identifying the best fit can shape your education and career prospects. Consider the following factors as you explore various offerings.
- Program Focus: Review curriculum materials to understand the program's focus. Does the program offer a concentration in forensic accounting, or will you major in forensic accounting? Does the curriculum align with your interests and career goals?
- Delivery Method: You need a program that matches your availability. If you have a busy schedule, a virtual program's flexible scheduling options might provide the best fit. Online programs are also a good option for less-common majors like forensic accounting.
- Career Services: Research each program's career services, including networking opportunities, career counseling, and job placement assistance. You can also look into the program's graduate placement rate.
- Accreditation: Prioritize accredited colleges in your accounting degree search. Accredited institutions meet high standards for quality education. You'll also qualify for more forms of financial aid by choosing an accredited school.