Forensic Accounting and Valuation: Forensic accounting is one of the fast growing sectors in accounting. The graduate-level Forensic Accounting and Valuation certificate provides specialized education in the burgeoning field of forensic examination, and asset valuation, along with fraud detection and prevention. Students who take these courses will gain the knowledge and skills necessary to pursue a career as a forensic accountant.

For the certificate, students need four (4) courses totaling twelve (12) credit hours as follows:

• ACC 540 Introduction to Forensic Accounting and Fraud Examination
• ACC 640 Financial Statement Investigations
• ACC 641 Accounting Information Systems and Data Analytics
• ACC 642 Forensic Accounting Valuation

This certificate and courses are offered entirely through distance education (online) mode. Non-matriculated students may take up to six (6) credit hours of individual courses within this advanced certificate program if course prerequisites are met. Admission to the Advanced Certificate in Forensic Accounting and Valuation requires the applicant to submit an official transcript of their Bachelor’s degree along with a completed application package. As a minimum requirement, applicants must hold at least one of the following degrees to be eligible for admissions.

• Bachelor of Science in accounting degree
• Bachelor degree with all prerequisites for the Master of Science in Accountancy program

After successful completion of the advanced certificate program, students may submit a completed application for the Accounting MSA. If accepted, they may apply nine (9) credit hours earned from the certificate to the MSA requirements. Successful completion of the advanced certificate program does not guarantee admission to the MSA.

Three Learning Objectives for the Program:

• Communication Skills/Written Communication: Students will be able to effectively
  communicate concepts and information relevant to forensic accounting and fraud examination issues through written assignments.
• Professional/Technical Knowledge in Forensic Accounting: Students should know and
  understand the pertinent techniques, practices, and principles used by forensic accountants
  and fraud examiners.
• Fraud Awareness: Students should be aware of the critical role of ethics in forensic accounting be able to identify the various forms of fraud as well as the sources, schemes and motivation of fraudulent financial reporting.