An online forensic accounting program teaches you to detect and investigate fraudulent activities. These degrees help you pursue a role as an accountant, auditor, and fraud examiner.
According to PricewaterhouseCoopers' Global Economic Crime and Fraud Survey, 51% of global organizations encountered at least one fraud incident in 2022. The frequency of fraud creates job opportunities for forensic accountants.
Most online forensic accounting degrees prepare graduates for the certified fraud examiner certification from the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners. They also count toward the certified public accountant requirements.
According to Holon IQ, the online degree market has become one of the fastest-growing sectors in education. This means working students and learners from out of state can pursue online forensic accounting degrees with greater ease.
Explore more about this program and online learning, plus our ranking of the best online forensic accounting degrees.
Explore Popular Online Accounting Programs
Top Online Forensic Accounting Bachelor's Programs
An online bachelor's in forensic accounting leads to lucrative careers in financial forensics, assurance services, and auditing. Use this guide to compare the four best programs, based on academic quality, reputation, and program availability. Learn how we develop our rankings here.
#1 Best Online Forensic Accounting Degrees
Eastern Oregon University
- La Grande, OR
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Established as a teacher's college in 1929, EOU has become an academic and cultural center for rural Oregon. Students can choose from over 30 academic programs in the humanities, sciences, education, and business.
BS/BA in Accounting-Forensic Accounting Concentration
EOU's forensic accounting degree gives distance learners the option of earning a bachelor of arts with a foreign language requirement or a bachelor of science with additional science credits. Both options provide a background in managerial and financial accounting, business, law, and macroeconomics, in addition to training in forensic accounting. The concentration emphasizes key issues, such as fraud control, corporate governance, and internal control systems. It also prepares graduates for the certified public accountant exam.
Distance learners may choose to enroll part or full time, with an accelerated pathway to finish the degree in three years. The program accepts up to 135 quarter credits in transfer from previously attended schools.
Applying to EOU
For applicants with fewer than 30 quarter credits, application requirements include a 2.75 high school GPA, and a 2.25 college GPA and official transcripts. Students planning to transfer more than 30 quarter credits must have a minimum 2.25 GPA.
Program at a Glance
- School Type: Public
- Accreditations: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU); International Accreditation Council for Business Education (IACBE)
- Tuition: $265 per credit
- Required Credits: 180 credits
- Program Length: 4 years
- Delivery Format: 100% online (asynchronous)
Percent Online Enrollment
68%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
#2 Best Online Forensic Accounting Degrees
Southern New Hampshire University
- Manchester, NH
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
SNHU serves more than 3,000 on-campus students and over 135,000 online learners. Established in 1932 as an accounting and secretarial school, SNHU has become one of the nation's fastest-growing universities, offering over 300 on-campus and online programs.
BS in Accounting-Forensic Accounting and Fraud Examination Concentration
SNHU's online bachelor's in forensic accounting and fraud examination trains students to analyze and investigate financial records to prevent fraud and combat cybercrime. The program provides students with the skills to enter traditional accounting and auditing careers.
The 120-credit curriculum comprises general education requirements, core business and accounting courses, and 12 credits in the concentration in topics like forensic accounting, fraudulent financial statements, interview techniques and legal aspects of fraud, and computer investigation.
SNHU maintains its commitment to affordable and accessible education by accepting up to 90 transfer credits. The rolling admission policy enables new students to begin their studies throughout the year in six eight-week undergraduate terms.
Applying to SNHU
SNHU's streamlined admission process, free for all applicants, requires a transcript release for any previously attended schools and an electronic attestation form documenting completion of a high school diploma or GED certificate. The university does not require SAT or ACT scores.
Program at a Glance
- School Type: Private
- Accreditations: New England Commission on Higher Education (NECHE); Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP)
- Tuition: $320 per credit
- Required Credits: 120 credits
- Program Length: 4 years
- Delivery Format: 100% online (asynchronous)
Students Enrolled
113,514
Percent Online Enrollment
94%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
New England Commission on Higher Education
#3 Best Online Forensic Accounting Degrees
University of Northwestern Ohio
- Lima, OH
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
With a main campus in Lima, UNOH enrolls approximately 4,000 students in 50 programs across five colleges. The school also offers more than 20 distance learning programs.
BS in Accounting-Forensic Accounting Concentration
The bachelor of science in accounting at UNOH features a forensic accounting concentration taught by experienced business and accounting professionals. Unlike other four-year accounting programs, this curriculum introduces students to accounting courses in the first quarter.
This fully online degree covers all aspects of forensic accounting, focusing on the prevention and detection of illegal financial activity, such as embezzlement, securities fraud, and bribery. Students learn about white collar crime, obtaining documents for examination, and federal regulations relating to fraud and corporate governance.
Distance learners have full access to all on-campus and online student services, including free email, advising, and one-on-one tutoring.
Applying to UNOH
Applicants to UNOH's undergraduate programs must have a high school diploma or GED certificate and submit official transcripts. Students have the option to submit SAT/ACT scores or arrange for placement tests. UNOH charges a $20 application fee.
Program at a Glance
- School Type: Private
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
- Tuition: $275 per credit
- Required Credits: 180 credits
- Program Length: 4 years
- Delivery Format: 100% online (asynchronous)
Acceptance Rate
Not provided
Percent Online Enrollment
21%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#4 Best Online Forensic Accounting Degrees
Purdue University Global-Indianapolis
- West Lafayette, IN
- 4 years
- Online
Purdue University Global, the online-only arm of Purdue University, began in 2018 when Purdue University's Board of Trustees approved the acquisition of Kaplan University. The mission of Purdue Global is to extend affordable and accessible college education opportunities to adult learners.
BS in Accounting-Auditing/Forensic Accounting Concentration
Purdue Global's online auditing/forensic accounting program prepares graduates for employment in a variety of organizations conducting financial, operational-efficiency, internal-control, and forensic and fraud audits. The fully online curriculum explores forensic accounting and fraud examination techniques and the use of computers in cybercrime. Students learn how to investigate asset misappropriation, assess financial statement fraud, and prepare evidence for legal proceedings.
The program offers six start dates throughout the year, with courses delivered in ten-week terms. Distance learners may transfer credits from other schools toward up to 75% of their undergraduate degree. Purdue Global also awards credit for military service, prior work experience, and life experience, such as volunteer work.
Applying to Purdue Global
Undergraduate applicants must be 18 years old with a high school diploma, GED certificate, or other approved equivalent that indicates date of completion. Purdue Global does not charge an application fee.
Program at a Glance
- School Type: Public
- Accreditations: Higher Learning Commission (HLC); Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP)
- Tuition: $371 per credit
- Required Credits: 180 credits
- Program Length: 4 years
- Delivery Format: 100% online (asynchronous)
Acceptance Rate
Not provided
Percent Online Enrollment
99%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
Our Ranking Methodology
Accounting.com ranks the best accounting degrees using reputable sources such as the U.S. Department of Education. We build our rankings with four main metrics in mind: academics, cost, reputation, and program availability. We also consider subfactors like retention rate, federal aid amounts, and return on investment to help you find the right program for you.
This ranking is from 2024. Learn more about our process by visiting our school rankings methodology page.
What to Expect From an Online Bachelor's in Forensic Accounting Program
On-campus and online forensic accounting degrees typically cover the same material but in different formats. The course delivery type can also impact the student experience.
We compare online and on-campus programs to help prospective students make the best choice for them.
How Does an Online Forensic Accounting Degree Differ From an On-Campus Bachelor's?
Online programs usually have the same content as on-campus programs, but they run differently. The online learning experience is much more independent. Online students generally take classes during off-work hours, and the sessions may be more condensed.
While online learning is more flexible, it can also be more intensive. The following table highlights the differences between online vs. on-campus programs.
Comparing Online and On-Campus Bachelor's in Forensic Accounting Degrees
| Factor |
Online Program |
On-Campus Program |
| Cost |
- $9,375/year average in-state tuition and fees
- Online rate may be available regardless of residency
- Cost saving on transportation and materials
|
- $9,375/year average in-state tuition and fees
- Out-of-state students typically pay more than in-state students
- Additional costs for transportation
|
| Course Load |
- Students may take 4-5 courses each semester
- Some programs offer one course at a time
- Some programs allow students to take 1-2 courses at a time in condensed sessions
|
- Students usually complete 4-5 courses each semester
- Learners may get permission to take on heavier course loads
|
| Program Length |
- Typically four years
- Accelerated sessions may be available, specifically in asynchronous programs
|
- Typically four years
- Heavier course loads and quicker completion times may be available upon request
|
| Classroom Experience |
- Independent study with online forum interactions
- Live synchronous lectures may be available
|
- Traditional classroom environment with teacher and student interactions
- More networking opportunities
|
| Practical Components |
- Students may need to set up Internships near them
|
- Internships with school partners near the campus may be possible
|
Source: NCES
When choosing between online and on-campus programs, consider your priorities. Online programs offer more schedule flexibility, but they also reduce the amount of in-person engagement. Online programs may offer accelerated pathways to graduation, but these options increase the intensity of your studies.
An online forensic accounting degree can be appealing, but not all students learn best in an online environment. Online learning requires discipline to watch lectures and keep up with assignments remotely.
Delivery Formats for Online Forensic Accounting Degrees
Online forensic accounting programs usually are either fully online or hybrid. Many online programs allow students to take on-campus classes if desired.
Hybrid programs require more travel than online programs, but they provide flexibility and in-class engagement. Hybrid students may need to attend classes during the weekdays, which can be difficult for working students.
Online classes run synchronously or asynchronously. Synchronous classes run in real-time, often during the evening or on weekends. Asynchronous classes run anytime, though students typically have deadlines for project submissions and forum posts.
Asynchronous online programs allow students to access classes from anywhere. Some schools also offer lower online tuition prices for 100% online students.
Accreditation for Forensic Accounting Courses Online
Accreditation comes in institutional and programmatic forms. Institutional accreditation indicates a school meets standards of academic quality, acting as quality assurance for students and employers. It also determines if students can qualify for federal students funding.
Programmatic accreditation is optional. It indicates that a program meets standards for a particular field. Forensic accounting students can look for accreditation from the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs and the AACSB.
In most cases, state licensing and professional certification bodies look for graduates of programs with institutional and programmatic accreditation. Prospective students should make sure their school has state authorization to award degrees where they live.
How Much Will an Online Forensic Accounting Bachelor's Cost?
The cost of an online forensic accounting degree depends on several factors. According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), the average in-state tuition for public schools was $9,375 in 2020-21. Out-of-state public school tuition was $27,091, and private school tuition came in at $32,825.
Many other factors influence tuition costs, including a school's prestige, facilities, and faculties. Online learners may have distance education, technology, and online subscription fees. Out-of-state tuition increases can also impact online learners, though many schools have standard online tuition rates.
Compared to on-campus learners, online students have lower travel and transportation costs. They can also save on parking and room and board. But, online and hybrid students may need to travel for residency requirements.
Online forensic accounting students have access to financial aid through grants and loans from the federal government. They can also pursue scholarships and grants from schools and national and local organizations.
Why Get Your Bachelor's in Forensic Accounting Online?
An online forensic accounting degree makes studying more flexible and accessible than traditional on-campus programs. However, online learning may not be for everyone.
The following sections look at the pros and cons of online learning to help you determine if an online degree is right for you.
Pros
-
Schedule Flexibility: Online asynchronous classes lets students view lectures anytime and anywhere. Synchronous courses may also run during convenient evening and weekend hours. Busy or working students can fit their studies around their schedules to make school less burdensome.
-
Program Options: With reduced or no travel, online learning opens the door to more programs than just those within commuting distance. Students have a better chance of finding programs that offer their ideal curriculum, costs, and faculty.
-
Diverse Perspectives: Online programs have a greater reach than on-campus programs and can attract a more diverse student body. Greater accessibility and less intimidating remote participation can create a welcoming and diverse learning environment.
Cons
-
Independent Learning: Online learning requires students to study more independently than in on-campus classes. Students must complete readings, lectures, and assignments with less instructor support than in-person classes.
-
Less Interactive: While some online classes simulate the classroom experience, online programs still have less interaction with teachers and peers than traditional programs. Online learners must get comfortable using Zoom and online forums to watch lectures and complete assignments.
-
Lack of College Experience: Studying off campus can take away from the college experience for some students. Online learners may not have access to the campus facilities, events, or student groups, which can be a drawback.
Questions About Online Forensic Accounting Programs
How long does it take to get a bachelor's degree in forensic accounting online?
An online bachelor's in forensic accounting typically takes four years to complete. Some schools offer accelerated pathways that allow learners to complete their degrees more quickly.
How much is an online degree in forensic accounting?
The average four-year tuition was $37,500 total for public schools and $131,300 in private schools for in-state learners, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. Out-of-state students paid an average of $108,360, but online learners may qualify for in-state rates.
Is forensic accounting hard?
Forensic accounting can be challenging for several reasons. While some learners may struggle with the numerical portion of the program, the discipline also requires strong observation and analytical skills. Students use investigative technologies and learn complex accounting laws and regulations.
Is a degree in forensic accounting worth it?
A forensic accounting degree is often worth it if you enjoy working with numbers and solving problems. Also, accountants typically enjoy a stable job market. The growing complexities of accounting laws and regulations create a general demand for forensic accountants. Organizations need accountants with strong analytical and problem-solving skills and the ability to detect and respond to fraud and financial crimes.
