Forensic Accounting

Program Description

The master of science (MS) in forensic accounting degree program is designed to provide students with the skills necessary to be successful in the growing and exciting field of forensic accounting. The curriculum for this degree includes courses in criminal and civil investigation, legal procedure, management of evidence, cyber forensics, substantive law, valuation, economic damages and internal auditing.  An important element of the courses is the integration, in the course activities, of a variety of cases and role playing exercises. Another important element is the faculty with their extensive backgrounds in forensic accounting, both from an academic and practical standpoint, who will both challenge and educate the students.  Successful graduates of the program will have the ability to conduct successful investigations and be able to effectively communicate in writing and orally both in and out of the courtroom with respect to a variety of criminal and civil financial matters.  Graduates of this program will be well prepared for a career in this interesting mix of accounting, investigation, valuation and law known as forensic accounting.

This program is offered at the St. Louis home campus.

The MS in forensic accounting is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP).

Learning Outcomes

• Students will be able to identify and apply the law, the rules of procedure and evidence and ethics that relate to forensic accounting.
• Students will be able to identify, investigate and discover fraud and other improper accounting activities.
• Students will be able to, orally and in writing, effectively communicate matters related to forensic accounting.

Program Curriculum

The master of science in forensic accounting requires the successful completion of 36 credit hours, including 30 required credit hours and 6 credit hours of electives.  The following courses are required for the master of science in forensic accounting:

• ACCT 5000 Introduction to Forensic Accounting (3 hours)
• ACCT 5010 Legal Procedure, Substantive Law and Professional Ethics in Forensic Accounting (3 hours)
• ACCT 5100 Investigation of Financial Fraud (3 hours)
• ACCT 5150 Introduction to Cyber Forensics (3 hours)
• ACCT 5200 Business Valuation (3 hours)
• ACCT 5250 Special Topics in Litigation Accounting (3 hours)
• ACCT 5350 Analytics for Forensic Accountants (3 hours)
• ACCT 5400 Internal Auditing (3 hours)
• ACCT 5500 Case Studies in Forensic Accounting (3 hours)
• ACCT 5900 Forensic Accounting Capstone (3 hours)

Admission

• Official transcripts from all of your all previously attended colleges and universities (including community colleges and summer courses).
• The applicant must have completed the BS in business administration degree or approved equivalent from an accredited institution.
• The applicant must have the following accounting courses or approved equivalent:
  • Financial Accounting
  • Managerial Accounting
  • Advanced Cost Accounting
  • Intermediate Accounting I
  • Intermediate Accounting II
  • Federal Income Tax
  • Accounting Information Systems
  • Auditing

Webster University reserves the right to modify the requirements for admission and/or graduation, the program curricula, program dates and locations, tuition, fees, and other regulations affecting the student body.