The M.S. in Forensic Accounting (MS-FA) program focuses upon the integration of accounting, auditing, legal and investigative skills in the prevention, detection and investigation of financial fraud as well as in dispute resolution. The term forensic refers generally to being “used in legal proceedings” which necessitates that evidence gathered by forensic accountants be fit to establish accountability and/or valuation with in a legal framework. The forensic accounting profession encompasses investigative accounting and litigation support. The one-year program is designed to prepare students for the complex and challenging world of business and accounting fraud, and meets the 150- semester credit hour education requirement for CPA licensure in New York State.
Students enrolled in this program will gain an understanding of business information and financial reporting systems, investigation and analysis of financial evidence, digital forensics, and analysis of complex financial transactions that lead to fraud. Students will also be able to apply this knowledge to obtain a broad perspective on the environment (legal, economic, tax and financial) in which accounting operates.
Admission to the program requires an undergraduate degree in accounting. The University at Albany School of Business accepts full-time students into the program and part time students who have had a minimum of 3 years of full time work experience in the Accounting field.
The Curriculum
A typical program for a student accepted into full-time graduate study requires the completion of 30 credits. Most students complete the course work in one-year, others study part-time and complete the program in two or more years. Courses required to graduate from this program include:
| Course # | Course Description | Credits |
| ACC 522 | Statistical Methods for Forensic Accounting and Assurance | 3 |
| ACC 551 | Fraud Examination | 3 |
| ACC 552 | Financial Statement Fraud and Corporate Governance | 3 |
| ACC 553 | Digital Forensics | 3 |
| ACC 615 | Financial Statement Analysis | 3 |
| ACC 630 | Advanced Cost Management | 3 |
| ACC 661 | Auditing of Advanced Accounting Systems | 3 |
| ACC 680 | Research Seminar in Accounting | 3 |
| ACC XXX | Accounting Elective | 3 |
| BUS XXX | Business Elective | 3 |
| Total Credits | 30 |
Please note: This program is licensure qualifying. Students who have previously been convicted of a felony are advised that their prior criminal history may impede their ability to complete the requirements of certain academic programs and/or to meet licensure requirements for certain professions. If applicants have concerns about this matter please contact the Dean’s Office of the intended academic program.
Accreditation
The MS-FA program is registered with the Division of Professional Education of the State Education Department of New York and meets the 150- semester credit hour education requirement. In addition our program is accredited by the AACSB, as are all of our Accounting Programs. Very few accounting programs across the country have gained this distinction. This program is approved for licensure in New York State.