Academics

Forensic Accounting

Certificate

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Uncover the Story Behind the Numbers
Fraud, financial misconduct, and corporate disputes leave a trail — and forensic accountants know how to follow it.

Montclair State University’s Forensic Accounting Certificate equips you with the specialized skills to detect, investigate, and prevent financial crimes, as well as resolve complex disputes. Whether you’re an experienced accountant looking to specialize or a finance professional aiming to expand your expertise, this program blends accounting, auditing, and investigative techniques to prepare you for high-stakes work.

What You’ll Learn

  • Fraud prevention, detection, and response strategies
  • How to identify and analyze financial statement misrepresentation
  • Economic and commercial damages calculation
  • Valuation of companies within a litigation setting
  • Technical expertise in areas like bankruptcy, dispute resolution, and matrimonial accounting

You’ll graduate ready to support law firms, corporations, government agencies, and nonprofits — wherever financial integrity needs protecting. See the curriculum.

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Program Format

The Forensic Accounting Certificate is made up of four graduate-level courses (three credits each) that you can complete in as little as 12 months. Classes are offered in both face-to-face and hybrid formats, making it easier to balance school with your professional schedule. You can take the courses in any order, and each one is offered once per academic year.

Curriculum

To earn your Forensic Accounting Certificate, you must complete all four courses:

  • BSLW 506 – Legal Issues in Forensic Accounting
  • ACCT 526 – Fraud Examination
  • ACCT 527 – Forensic Accounting
  • ACCT 528 – Business Valuation

Note: Students must apply through the Graduate School for the graduate Forensic Accounting Certificate in order to receive the credential upon completion.

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Admission Requirements

  • Equivalent of a U.S. bachelor’s degree.
  • Applicants with non-U.S. degrees: Please visit the international applicants page to review U.S. degree equivalency information.
  • An undergraduate degree in accounting is a requirement to be admitted or undergraduate degree in finance with substantial relevant experience.
  • Students seeking an F1/J1 visa are not eligible for this certificate program unless they are currently pursuing a master’s degree at Montclair State University and are able to simultaneously pursue both programs while maintaining their student visa requirements.

Application Checklist

Application Deadline: Rolling admission. Applicants are encouraged to complete applications at least six weeks prior to the start of classes.

  1. Online Application: Submit application and $60 non-refundable fee (or waiver if applicable).
  2. Transcript: One from each college attended.

Related Programs

Questions? We’re Here to Help.

Whether you’re exploring enrollment or already a student, we’re here to help. Connect with our Online Enrollment Specialist for guidance on applying, deadlines, and getting started, or reach out to the academic department for curriculum and advising support.

Office of Graduate Admissions

Get guidance on every step of the application process, from admission requirements and deadlines to transcripts, test scores and next steps toward enrollment. The Office of Graduate Admissions provides the information and resources needed to put forward a strong application.

Program Coordinator: Dr. James Digabriele

Get detailed information about the program itself—from curriculum and faculty expertise to research, internships and career outcomes. The program coordinator can explain how the program connects to your academic and professional goals.

Next Steps

Wherever you learn—on campus or online—Montclair State University offers the programs, community and support to help you reach your goals. Take the next step today.

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