Master of Accounting in Fraud and Forensics (MAcc)

Online Master of Accounting in Fraud and Forensics Requirements and Curriculum

The online Master of Accounting in Fraud and Forensics degree program provides students with a comprehensive understanding of accounting principles, practices, and theories, with a special focus on fraud and forensics. The program can be completed online through a combination of synchronous and asynchronous virtual courses, totaling 30 credit hours. 

Online Accounting Courses

Students take a number of core courses and select electives to complete their credit requirements. In each course, MAcc students learn skills that can enhance their work in any sector or open new opportunities. Some areas of focus include forensic accounting, fraud examination, internal and external auditing, risk management, and white-collar crime investigation.

• ACC 510 Corporate Fraud: Prepares students to detect, investigate, and prevent corporate fraud by analyzing schemes, evaluating internal controls, and applying evidence-based techniques to real-world cases.
• ACC 530 Legal Foundations of Forensic Accounting: Provides essential understanding of the legal environment, enabling students to conduct fraud investigations, handle evidence properly, and navigate professional and regulatory requirements.
• ACC 552 Accounting Information Systems: Equips students with the knowledge to assess and audit information systems, strengthening internal controls and identifying technology-based risks and fraud vulnerabilities.
• ACC 565 Fraud and Forensics: Develops core fraud examination and forensic accounting skills, enabling students to identify financial statement fraud and understand its impact on organizations and markets.
• ACC 571 Advanced Auditing: Enhances students’ ability to apply advanced auditing techniques and professional judgment to evaluate financial information and support the integrity of capital markets.

Program Admissions and Tuition

To apply for admission to the online MAcc degree program, requirements include official undergraduate transcripts, documentation of any previous graduate coursework or professional certifications, and a completed Graduate Studies online application.

Other components requested may include letters of recommendation and interviews. Students with an undergraduate degree in a field other than accounting will be required to complete background coursework prior to beginning MAcc classes.

Review complete graduate business program admissions procedures and review graduate business tuition and fees.

Earn a Master of Accounting in Fraud and Forensics Online at York College of Pennsylvania

York College of Pennsylvania’s online Master of Accounting degree program is an excellent opportunity for current and future accounting professionals looking to advance their careers. With a comprehensive, accessible curriculum and a career-oriented approach, our online MAcc program can offer a rewarding educational experience and a bright future.

Request more information or apply online today.

Prepare to Pursue Licensure

Enrolling in a master’s program is a smart way to meet certification exam requirements while simultaneously building expertise in all areas of accounting, auditing, and taxation.

The credentials you can expect to prepare for through this degree include:

• Certified Public Accountant (CPA) 
• Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) 
• Certified Forensic Accountant (Cr.FA)

Through online coursework and opportunities to develop practical skills in real-world situations, graduates of the online MAcc degree program are well-prepared experientially and intellectually for the national CPA exam and to pursue this distinguished license. York College's first-time CPA exam pass rate ranks 20th in the nation among medium-sized Accounting programs (NASBA).

If you decide not to pursue CPA licensure, the skills you'll gain through your coursework will still enable you to complete necessary accounting tasks for settings ranging from private businesses to government offices and agencies.

Accounting and Auditing Salary and Career Prospects

Whether you have the goal of furthering your career down the road or you want to immediately apply what you have learned to your current position, earning a Master of Accounting in Fraud and Forensics degree at York College of Pennsylvania opens opportunities for higher starting salaries and career advancement.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, accountants and auditors are projected to see a 5% increase in employment from 2024-2034. York’s online coursework provides an ideal level of flexibility for students beginning or continuing their pathway to roles including:

• Entry-Level Forensic Accountant: $50,000 - $70,000
• Mid-Career Forensic Accountant: $85,000 - $125,000

Graduates can expect higher earnings with more experience, certifications, and specialized roles.

Learn from Expert Faculty

Graduate Accounting program faculty bring decades of professional and academic experience to the online classroom. From global financial markets to accounting for businesses of all sizes and sectors, our professors are respected and prolific professionals in their fields.

Discover Community Partnerships

Similar to our internship relationships with local entities, York College of Pennsylvania has partnered with a variety of community organizations and businesses to offer discounted graduate-level education opportunities to their employees.

If you are interested in furthering your education and gaining valuable skills as you continue to work for your employer, please view our list of participating tuition discount partners or consult with your Human Resources department to determine if your organization is eligible for a discount.

Learn Skills for Advanced Corporate or Finance Careers

Graduates of the online Master of Accounting in Fraud and Forensics degree program are well-prepared to prepare and analyze financial statements and situations in various complex business environments. Students gain skills in:

• Fraud Detection & Investigation Techniques: Identifying fraud schemes, gathering evidence, and conducting forensic analyses
• Financial Statement Analysis: Evaluating financial reports to detect irregularities, misstatements, and red flags
• Internal Controls Assessment: Designing and evaluating control systems to prevent and detect fraud
• Forensic Accounting & Litigation Support: Applying accounting knowledge in legal contexts, including damage calculations and expert reporting
• Data Analytics & Technology Application: Using data analysis tools and information systems to uncover patterns and anomalies
• Auditing & Assurance Procedures: Performing advanced audit testing, sampling, and forming audit opinions
• Information Systems & Cyber Risk Awareness: Understanding accounting information systems (AIS), data security, and technology-related fraud risks

In addition to the technical skills listed above, students in this program can expect to strengthen their soft skills in:

• Critical Thinking & Professional Judgment: Analyzing complex situations and making sound, ethical decisions
• Communication & Reporting Skills: Clearly presenting findings to stakeholders, including non-technical audiences
• Ethical Reasoning & Professional Integrity: Navigating legal and ethical issues in fraud, compliance, and governance

Professional Certificates and Graduate Minors

The Graduate and Professional Programs offerings allow students to leverage graduate-level coursework for new credentials for their resume/CV. Learn more about business areas of interest by pursuing these certificates and minors outside of the online MAcc.

Professional Certificates

• Risk Management Certificate
• Strategic Leadership and Management Certificate
• Business Analytics and Big Data Certificate

Graduate Minors

• Continuous Improvement Minor
• Financial Management Minor

Contact Graduate and Professional Studies program directors to inquire about a program, transfer credit, and more.

Accreditation & Professional Partnerships

The Master of Accounting in Fraud and Forensics (MAcc) program is accredited by ACBSP.

This accreditation focuses on recognizing teaching excellence, determining student learning outcomes, and a continuous improvement model. ACBSP’s student-centered teaching and learning approach, which is measured and analyzed for quality, ensures that students gain the right skills from their educational investment. Institutions with programs accredited by ACBSP are committed to continuous improvement that ensures their business program will give students the skills employers want.

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York College is a partner in the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners' (ACFE) Anti-Fraud Education Partnership (AFEP). 

Through this partnership, you'll benefit from real-world anti-fraud case studies, videos featuring actual fraud cases, and industry materials integrated throughout your coursework. These resources give you practical, hands-on experience with fraud prevention, detection, and investigation techniques used in the field.

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The MAcc program at York College of Pennsylvania is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP).

The Master of Accounting in Fraud and Forensics program is built to provide both structure and flexibility. Courses are delivered in five 7-week online sessions, allowing students to maintain steady degree progress throughout the year. Full-time students can complete the program in as little as one year, while part-time students typically finish in two years. This format supports a range of academic and professional goals.

Master's degree program tuition rates can be found on our tuition and fees webpage. Discounts may apply for partners, alumni, and government employees.

Review our list of partner organizations offering graduate tuition discounts.