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What is Accounting and Financial Forensics?

Get a Master's in Accounting and Financial Forensics

The Accounting and Financial Forensics M.S.

Develop skills to resolve financial discrepancies, investigate fraud, assess risk, combat cybercrime and ensure compliance in complex financial environments.

The M.S. in accounting and financial forensics (MSAFF), a STEM program, equips students with expertise in investigation, critical thinking and auditing, enabling them to excel in roles in accounting research, fraud examination, data intelligence and financial management.

Graduates are prepared to play pivotal roles in criminal investigations, such as uncovering tax fraud or money laundering, and in non-criminal matters such as business valuation or bankruptcy data analysis. They serve as key advisors on financial fraud prevention and are skilled at conveying complex financial insights in clear, accessible terms for professionals like attorneys, CEOs, juries or other investigators.

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Why Choose Florida Tech for Accounting and Financial Forensics?

At Florida Tech, you'll develop advanced skills in critical areas such as auditing, data intelligence and forensic investigation, preparing you for key roles in financial analysis. You will build valuable hands-on experience in a campus community that welcomes students from around the world.

Advance your accounting career—whether you're building on professional experience or continuing straight from your undergraduate studies.

This master’s degree deepens your accounting knowledge while preparing you for specialized roles in financial forensics.

You’ll gain expertise in investigation, critical thinking and auditing, positioning you for success in areas like fraud examination, accounting research, data intelligence and financial management.

Florida Tech is renowned for its hands-on learning approach, facilitating valuable internship and experiential learning opportunities for accounting and financial forensics students with top CPA firms, high-tech companies, government agencies, nonprofit organizations and various service companies, such as:

  • Berman Hopkins CPAs & Associates, LLP
  • Flavin, Nooney & Person, CPA Wealth Advisors
  • RSM US LLP
  • Leonardo DRS
  • Northrop Grumman Corp.
  • Collins Aerospace
  • Brevard County Government
  • L3Harris Technologies Inc.
  • State Farm Insurance
  • Merrill

At Florida Tech, our campus is a hub of global connections, where students from the U.S. and around the world come together to create a rich, dynamic environment. This sense of community fosters mutual understanding and collaboration, reflecting the increasingly interconnected world we all share.

Whether you're a U.S. student seeking to broaden your horizons by interacting with peers from different countries or an international student exploring new opportunities in the U.S., Florida Tech is a place for learning, sharing and growing in a truly global setting.

We’re in the heart of the Space Coast—NASA-Kennedy Space Center on Cape Canaveral is just north of us—situated within a vibrant high-tech corridor.

This prime location at the epicenter of aerospace and technological innovation offers access to industry giants like Northrop Grumman Corp., Lockheed Martin, SpaceX and L3Harris Technologies Inc.

Through Florida Tech’s strong industry connections, you’ll have opportunities to engage with leading companies, gain valuable insights and secure internships that can propel your career forward.

The master’s in accounting and financial forensics program welcomes applicants with a bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance or business administration. Graduates of nonbusiness programs are invited to complete the MBA to be considered for admission to the MSAFF. Up to 12 credits can be applied to both degrees.

While the Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT) is not required, a strong GMAT (or GRE) score can enhance your application.

For additional details, please see Florida Tech graduate admission information.

Careers in Accounting and Financial Forensics

The master’s degree in accounting and financial forensics uniquely positions forensic accounting professionals for one of the fastest growing specialty areas in accounting.

Employers look for candidates who have an eye for detail and accuracy, as well as a desire to investigate and focus on the changing banking, investment and accounting industry.

Candidates often work closely with other professionals including legal, information technology, human resources and chief executives to examine tax and business records and identify irregularities in financial information.

Accounting and financial forensics jobs include:

  • Analyst
  • Auditor
  • Valuation consultant
  • Forensic litigation consultant
  • Financial investigator
  • Tax examiner
  • Financial reconstruction specialist
  • Risk management accountant

An accounting and financial forensics master’s degree can open doors across industry and government. 

Florida Tech Career Services assists students, alumni and employers in their search for careers and employee candidates. We help students develop career plans and job-search skills. Explore our Career Toolbox to learn more about our services and access additional resources.

The Occupational Outlook Handbook, published by the United States Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), provides information about specific jobs, including median annual pay, working conditions and job outlook, among other things. Check the handbook for information on the outlook for accounting and financial forensics careers.

Advanced Degree Options

Our graduates typically leverage their accounting and financial forensics degree to advance or transition within their careers, equipped with enhanced skills and credentials that set them apart in the workforce.

Alumni who want to continue their education may consider furthering their expertise through our Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) program.

Doctor of Business Administration, DBA

Explore the Accounting and Financial Forensics, M.S., Curriculum

The Accounting and Financial Forensics, M.S., Curriculum

The 30-credit accounting and financial forensics master's degree curriculum combines core courses for foundational knowledge with electives for tailored professional focus.

Students study advanced internal auditing, risk management and corporate governance, gaining skills in tax research, fraud investigation and audit communication. The curriculum also covers fraud detection, forensic accounting, cybercrime investigation, business valuations and expert witness preparation.

Electives range from forensic data analysis and international accounting to business ethics, data analytics, finance, information security and ERP. The program culminates with a capstone course on advanced and current accounting topics.

Courses include:

  • Advanced Internal Auditing
  • Fraud Examination
  • Forensic Accounting

Check the catalog for a description of all courses.

Download the Accounting and Financial Forensics, M.S., Curriculum now!

Specialized Skills for Career Success

Students working together at the College of Business

In the accounting and financial forensics program, you'll choose electives that match your interests and career goals, helping you build professional skills for success in today’s global financial environment.

You can study topics such as data mining and analysis for detecting financial trends, advanced cost and managerial accounting for making business decisions and auditing practices aligned with compliance standards.

Explore topics like ethics and corporate responsibility, data analytics and information security, accounting for governments and nonprofit organizations and international reporting standards (including IFRS and U.S. GAAP).

No matter which electives you choose, you'll graduate with practical, specialized knowledge that prepares you for accounting careers in the U.S. or abroad.

Learn more about Accounting and Financial Forensics at Florida Tech on the website.

Navigate the Global Financial Landscape

In today’s global economy, a cross-border perspective in business is essential.

The MSAFF, a STEM program, equips students with advanced expertise in accounting and financial forensics, preparing them for a variety of roles across global contexts.

Courses in international accounting cover global reporting standards and multinational business operations, while studies in globalization and corporate social responsibility (CSR) provide knowledge and insights applicable both in the U.S. and internationally.

Graduates emerge as leaders in accounting and financial forensics, prepared with a global outlook, strong ethical integrity and the strategic acumen to excel in accounting careers.

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