
Searching for a graduate program that helps you combine investigative talents and interest in the legal system? Then earning a master’s in forensic accounting might be the perfect solution for you!

When you earn a master’s degree in forensic accounting you might have the opportunity to hone your accounting acumen while learning specific skills that might help prepare you to pursue potential career opportunities in accounting disciplines like fraud investigation, bankruptcy forensics, and forensic auditing.
In order to gain more insight into this exciting field of study GradSchools.com interviewed Dr. William Hopwood, a professor at Florida Atlantic University’s College of Business, School of Accounting to find out the Answers to 5 Questions Every Forensic Accounting Master’s Degree Student Should Ask.
GS: What are some of the primary differences between a forensic accounting graduate program and a more traditional accounting graduate program?
A forensic accounting graduate program generally includes the same core courses that are included in a traditional program. However, in a forensic accounting graduate program students take forensic accounting specialty courses rather than unfocused electives as they do in a traditional program. So with a forensic accounting graduate program students end up earning both the graduate degree and a major or concentration in forensic accounting.
GS: Are there different concentrations/specializations within this field?
Yes. Some focus areas are fraud investigations, matrimonial forensics, business valuation, forensic auditing, and bankruptcy forensics.
GS: When might forensic accountants pursue potential employment opportunities?
The job market for forensic accountants has been very strong and experts expect that it will continue to be in high demand for many years to come. Job opportunities exist in public accounting firms, consulting firms, government, law enforcement, and private companies.
GS: What is your favorite aspect of your career?
Forensic accounting is an area that is very exciting and stimulating. Beating fraudsters, working with law enforcement, and testifying in court are activities that many forensic accountants love not only because of the potential career benefits, but because of the excitement.
GS: As a professor, what qualities do you look for in students that you think will help them pursue success in the classroom and the corporate world?
Students who like to work with people, who are inquisitive, and who like adventure and challenge tend to do especially well.
State | Employment | Annual Mean Wage |
---|---|---|
California | 143,670 | $75,130 |
Texas | 116,000 | $72,980 |
New York | 108,130 | $82,090 |
Florida | 73,910 | $61,530 |
Pennsylvania | 52,150 | $67,490 |
Metro Area | Annual Mean Salary | Employment |
---|---|---|
New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA | $86,450 | 115,210 |
San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | $84,230 | 12,470 |
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV | $84,150 | 38,990 |
San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA | $82,080 | 26,240 |
Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura, CA | $80,830 | 2,190 |
The expert interviewed for this article may be compensated to provide opinions on products, services, websites and various other topics. Even though the expert may receive compensation for this interview, the views, opinions, and positions expressed by the expert are his or hers alone, are not endorsed by, and do not necessarily reflect the views, opinions, and positions of GradSchools.com or EducationDynamics, LLC. GradSchools.com and EducationDynamics, LLC make no representations as to the accuracy, completeness, timeliness, suitability, or validity of any information in this article and will not be liable for any errors, omissions, or delays in or resulting from this information or any losses or damages arising from its display or use.