Degree Overview: Bachelor of Science (B.S.) Degree in Fraud Examination
Majors Overview March 27, 2014Receive information about the Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree program in Fraud Examination and its educational requirements, coursework, career choices, job and wage outlook, and certification and continuing education choices.
B.S. Programs in Fraud Examination
Students enrolled in Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree programs in Fraud Examination are trained in searching through financial reports and paperwork aimed at finding proof of fraudulent claims. These programs are usually related to accounting and schools may offer them with forensic accounting programs. Business accounting basics, such as cross-examination, financial spreadsheet applications, and financial business practices, are taught to students. They also learn to conduct fraud examinations, audit financial records and document evidence of fraud that may be used in legal proceedings.
Educational Requirements
Admission criteria relating to most BS degree programs typically require incoming students to hold a GED certificate or high school diploma. Completion of college preparatory coursework in high school may be required of students; alternately, they may be required to satisfy GPA standards.
Coursework
Coursework in most programs in this field includes subject areas related to fraudulent claims, business administration, criminal justice, and general accounting. Coursework may commonly include topic areas such as:
•Interview techniques
•Fraud investigation
•Tax law
•Business operations
•Fraud detection technology
•Business law
•Government accounting
•Corporate finance
•Fraud prevention
•Auditing
Career Choices
Graduates can pursue career options that may require them to identify fraud or prevent fraud within organizations. Graduates can typically expect to become adept at verifying the accuracy of financial records and identifying potential acts of fraud. They may choose from possible career titles such as:
•Fraudulent claims examiner
•Forensic accountant
•Internal/external auditor
Job and Wage Outlook
A job growth rate of 16% has been predicted for accountants and auditors – including specialists in fraud investigations and forensics – over the 2010-2020 decade (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)); in 2012, these professionals earned an average annual wage of $63,550 (BLS). A 3-9% job growth has been predicted for fraud examiners, investigators and analysts from 2010-2020; these professionals took home an average annual wage of $61,160, in 2012.
Certification and Continuing Education Choices
Graduates from Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree programs in Fraud Examination can pursue continued education by earning Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.) with an Accounting specialization, or a Master of Accountancy (M.Acc.). Fraud Examination specializations may be included in either program; schools may also offer graduate certificate programs in Forensic Accounting and Fraud Examination.
Accounting professionals can advance professionally by becoming Certified Public Accountants (CPA). They can accomplish this objective by completing 150 credit hours of study, after enrolling in a master’s degree program. Apart from the CPA designation, other industry certifications are mainly voluntary. The certified fraud examiner (CFE) certification program is provided by the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE). Fulfillment of academic requirements and possession of two years of related work experience are required in order to qualify for the CFE credential, which has to be re-validated every year through completion of ACFE’s requirements relating to continuing professional education coursework.
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