Best Master’s in Forensic Accounting Online

Reese Lopez
By
Updated on July 10, 2025
Edited by
A master’s in forensic accounting builds specialized investigative skills and can also lead to CPA licensure. Discover the best programs and how to earn this degree fully online.
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Forensic accountants examine financial data, looking for evidence of fraud and other financial crimes. If you have a knack for numbers and an eye for investigative work, a forensic accounting degree can prepare you for a challenging and high-paying career path.

Earning your master’s in forensic accounting online gives you the flexibility to keep working while you’re in school. Explore our comprehensive guide to learn more about forensic accounting, including our ranking of the top online programs.

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Top Online Forensic Accounting Master’s Programs

We use trusted sources like Peterson's Data and the National Center for Education Statistics to inform the data for these schools.
from our partners appear among these rankings and are indicated as such.
#1 Best Master’s in Forensic Accounting Online

Utica College

  • Location-markerUtica, NY
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online

Founded in 1946, UC boasts an alumni network of 29,000 students. The school enrolls more than 5,000 students in over 40 undergraduate and nearly 30 graduate programs.

Online Master of Science in Forensic Accounting

The online MS in forensic accounting from UC teaches students to identify, analyze, and prevent illegal financial activity. The program features forensic training throughout, including classes in fraud management, auditing, and financial investigations. Coursework prepares graduates for CPA licensure and certified anti-money laundering specialist certification. 

UC also partners with the Association of Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialists and provides students with free memberships. Graduates receive discounted costs for their membership and examinations, as well. The online program features part-time study options and no on-campus requirements.

Applying to UC

Each applicant needs a bachelor's in accounting with a minimum 2.7 GPA, along with a letter of recommendation, a personal statement, and a resume. Candidates with bachelor's degrees in other disciplines need the appropriate prerequisites in accounting, business, economics, statistics, and finance. 

Program at a Glance

  • School Type: Private
  • Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
  • Tuition: $775
  • Required Credits: 30
  • Program Length: 2 years
  • Delivery Format: 100% online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$21,560
  • Out-of-state$21,560
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$21,480
  • Out-of-state$21,480
  • Retention Rate78%
  • Acceptance Rate86%
  • Students Enrolled4,613
  • Institution TypePrivate
  • Percent Online Enrollment90%
  • AccreditationYes
#2 Best Master’s in Forensic Accounting Online

University of Scranton

  • Location-markerScranton, PA
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online

Scranton, a Catholic and Jesuit institution founded in 1888, now enrolls more than 4,500 students in over 100 programs. The Pennsylvania school has more than 56,000 alumni worldwide. 

Master of Accountancy in Forensic Accounting

At Scranton, the MAcc program features core courses in financial and managerial accounting, plus an applied accounting research capstone project. Students can then choose forensic accounting specializations with courses in occupational fraud, fraud reporting, and advanced auditing. Enrollees may also consider accounting analytics specializations or general electives. 

The forensic accounting specialization prepares graduates for CPA licensure and certified fraud examiner certification. Accounting students enjoy access to CPA prep courses and materials, mentorship and advice from Scranton's alumni, and school partnerships with the Big Four accounting firms. Scranton does not require any campus visits and offers six annual start dates. 

Applying to Scranton

Each candidate must submit transcripts demonstrating completion of a bachelor's in accounting with a minimum 3.0 GPA, plus a personal statement, a resume, and three letters of recommendation. Candidates with bachelor's degrees in other disciplines may take accounting bridge courses to qualify.

Program at a Glance

  • School Type: Private
  • Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE); Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)
  • Tuition: $895/credit
  • Required Credits: 30
  • Program Length: 1-2 years
  • Delivery Format: 100% online (asynchronous)
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$46,684
  • Out-of-state$46,684
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$11,580
  • Out-of-state$11,580
  • Retention Rate89%
  • Acceptance Rate79%
  • Students Enrolled4,957
  • Institution TypePrivate
  • Percent Online Enrollment94%
  • AccreditationYes
#3 Best Master’s in Forensic Accounting Online

Carlow University

  • Location-markerPittsburgh, PA
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online

In 1929, the Sisters of Mercy founded Carlow. Those Catholic roots still shine through in how the school services its 2,000 students in over 25 programs. 

Online Master's in Forensic Accounting and Fraud Investigation

Carlow has an online MS in forensic accounting and fraud investigation, which features core courses in white-collar crime, anti-money laundering, and cybercrime. An enrollee can take an optional cyberthreat research and analytics track with two additional courses. Online learners can complete the program entirely online with full-time or part-time schedules. 

Carlow's accelerated program qualifies and prepares graduates for the CPA exam and the certified fraud examiner exam. The school also maintains partnerships with the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners and the National Cyber Forensics Training Alliance (NCFTA). Students can also pursue a residency with the NCFTA. 

Applying to Carlow

For admission, each applicant needs a bachelor's degree with a minimum 3.0 GPA. They must also submit a personal essay and a resume. 

Program at a Glance

  • School Type: Private
  • Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE); International Accreditation Council for Business Education (IACBE)
  • Tuition: $800
  • Required Credits: 30
  • Program Length: 14 months
  • Delivery Format: 100% online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$30,542
  • Out-of-state$30,542
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$19,844
  • Out-of-state$19,844
  • Retention Rate85%
  • Acceptance Rate94%
  • Students Enrolled1,976
  • Institution TypePrivate
  • Percent Online Enrollment92%
  • AccreditationYes
#4 Best Master’s in Forensic Accounting Online

Stevenson University

  • Location-markerStevenson, MD
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online

Stevenson was founded in 1947 and now enrolls nearly 3,500 students. The school offers more than 90 programs, including nearly 30 online options. 

Master of Science in Forensic Accounting

Stevenson University's MS in forensic accounting features courses in tax investigation and analysis, business intelligence, and litigation theory and practice. Each enrollee completes a forensic studies capstone project, as well. Stevenson also offers a forensic accounting graduate certificate. 

The flexible program runs entirely online with no campus requirements. As a member of the FBI National Academy Associates (FBINAA) Academic Alliance, Stevenson offers discounted tuition rates for FBINAA members. Forensic accounting graduates also benefit from the school's career support resources, including networking events and professional development workshops. 

Applying to Stevenson

Each applicant must possess a bachelor's in accounting with a minimum 3.0 GPA and submit a personal statement. Candidates with relevant work experience or advanced accounting coursework may qualify. 

Program at a Glance

  • School Type: Private
  • Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
  • Tuition: $695
  • Required Credits: 36
  • Program Length: 2 years
  • Delivery Format: 100% online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$35,204
  • Out-of-state$35,204
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$8,340
  • Out-of-state$8,340
  • Retention Rate80%
  • Acceptance Rate89%
  • Students Enrolled3,492
  • Institution TypePrivate
  • Percent Online Enrollment80%
  • AccreditationYes

What to Expect From an Online Master’s in Forensic Accounting Program

A master’s in forensic accounting online program covers the same topics as a traditional campus program but in a more flexible and convenient format. You’ll still complete readings, attend lectures, and learn to examine data for evidence of financial crime.

Some programs may include live interactions (synchronous) with professors and classmates in an online classroom environment. Others don’t feature live classes but prerecorded lectures (asynchronous), letting you complete assignments at your own pace during the week while meeting deadlines.

How Does an Online Forensic Accounting Program Differ From on Campus?

Distance programs translate accounting education concepts to a fully or mostly online format. In general, the biggest difference between online and campus accounting programs is the delivery method. Rather than communicating in person, most if not all of your interactions with classmates and professors occur online through email and video conferencing.

Part-time enrollment options and asynchronous online courses are common when you pursue a master’s in forensic accounting online.

Online programs are a great fit for working students. These programs recognize that you may already work full time, and provide accommodations as you balance work and school. Part-time enrollment options and asynchronous online courses are common when you pursue a master’s in forensic accounting online.

Comparing Online Master’s in Forensic Accounting Degrees With on Campus
FactorOnline ProgramOn-Campus Program
Interactions With FacultyHeld remotely via video conference and emailMore commonly in person during class and office hours
Course LoadOften part time to accommodate working studentsOften full time with options for part-time enrollment
CostTuition and online technology feesTuition, commuting to campus, parking; could also include relocation expenses, childcare
Class SchedulingMost classes are held asynchronously with no set meeting times. Hybrid and/or synchronous courses may be scheduled evenings/weekendsClasses are often held on weekdays during the daytime. Some classes may be available evenings and weekends
Internships/Professional ExperiencesTypically completed in your own communityTypically completed in the same city as your school
Amount of StructureLess structure; requires you to work more independentlyOffers more guidance and structure

Pursuing a master’s in forensic accounting online gives you more flexibility to complete your studies, but you also need to be comfortable working on your own. If you’re already employed full time, an online program could be a good fit. Some programs may even allow you to apply your own accounting work experience directly to your studies.

Delivery Formats for Online Forensic Accounting Master’s

Not all online education programs work the same. While you’ll always complete most of your coursework online, programs may offer different online course formats. Explore the most common forms of online learning below.

Accreditation for Online Forensic Accounting Programs

Whatever type of online accounting program you’re considering, always make sure a school is accredited before applying. If you attend a program without accreditation, you may not be able to receive professional credentials like certified public accountant (CPA) or certified fraud examiner licensure.

There are two types of accreditation: institutional and programmatic. Institutional accreditation evaluates colleges and universities to ensure they meet educational standards, allowing students to qualify for federal financial aid. Common institutional accreditation agencies include the Middle States Commission on Higher Education and the Higher Learning Commission. Any school that lacks institutional accreditation should be considered disreputable and not worth your time or money.

Programmatic accreditation evaluates individual academic programs to make sure they meet industry standards. Accounting programs receive accreditation from the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) or the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP). Not all accounting programs hold accreditation from these agencies, but those that do can guarantee you a quality education that aligns with industry best practices.

If you’re considering schools outside of your home state, also make sure their accounting programs are authorized to educate out-of-state students. Not all online schools can educate students in all states, and not all programs meet certification requirements in all states.

How Much Will an Online Forensic Accounting Master’s Cost?

As of 2025, you can expect to pay around $700-$900 per credit when earning your master’s in forensic accounting online. Most programs include a minimum of 30 credits, which equates to an average total tuition of $24,000. In general, public schools charge lower tuition rates than private schools, though only for in-state students.

As of 2025, you can expect to pay around $700-$900 per credit when earning your master’s in forensic accounting online.

While some accounting programs charge reduced tuition rates for online programs, you may also have to pay technology fees. However, an online program can help you save on other expenses like childcare, transportation, and moving costs. If you’re in a hybrid program, you’ll still need to pay to commute and park.

You have many options to finance your forensic accounting degree. The most desirable funding sources are scholarships and fellowships, because they do not need to be repaid as long as you maintain a minimum GPA. Federal and private loans are also a common source of funding, though they gather interest and require repayment.

Why Get Your Master’s in Forensic Accounting Online?

Pros

  • checkFlexibility: An online forensic accounting program allows you to earn an advanced degree while still maintaining your current job. You won’t have to travel to campus, and you can fit in classes around your work schedule.
  • checkNo Relocation: If you’re tied to a job, an online program offers the benefit of allowing you to view lectures from home. You won’t have to relocate to a new city or pay moving expenses.
  • checkAffordability: An online program helps you cut down on many of the costs associated with college. By taking classes remotely, you can save on expenses like commuting, parking, and childcare.

Cons

  • xRequires Self-Discipline: An online forensic accounting program requires you to work independently more often than an in-person program. If you have trouble motivating yourself or staying focused, an online program could be more difficult than a campus program.
  • xFewer Networking Opportunities: While you can still connect with professors and classmates, online classes may lack the social element of traditional in-person learning. This can make it harder to network and build up professional connections.
  • xPotentially Fewer Internship Opportunities: Depending on where you live, you may find it harder to connect to local businesses for internships and other professional experiences. Small towns and more rural areas may have more limited opportunities compared to larger cities.

Questions About a Master’s in Forensic Accounting Online

Earning your master’s in forensic accounting online typically takes 1-2 years. Full-time programs may allow you to graduate in as little as one year, while part-time programs usually take longer.

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