Graduate Certificate in Forensic Accounting : Isenberg School of Management : UMass Amherst

Continue your pursuit of professional growth.

Follow the money: Fraud investigation, auditing, and complex decision-making all require the ability to track patterns of financial transactions and identify discrepancies. Accounting and finance professionals can gain these tools through Isenberg’s Graduate Certificate in Forensic Accounting.

All classes are taught online so you can fit studies into your life’s busy schedule. You will virtually-meet and engage with fellow students online over the course material, while being taught by and having access to Isenberg’s world-class faculty.

If you’re considering applying to the Isenberg Master of Science in Accounting program, all of these certificate credits will transfer toward that degree.

CPA CONTINUING EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS

Courses in the Certificate program meet CPA continuing professional education (CPE) requirements. Students enrolled in the program can fulfill their CPE credits and gain a career-building credential at the same time.

Curriculum

Earn the Certificate in Forensic Accounting by taking four courses (for a total of 12 credits)

View sample course schedules. You will also have access to an Academic Advisor who can assist you with
course registration.

Note: Please complete your Certificate Eligibility Form and submit it to your advisor once you have registered for your last certificate class.

Expand Section Required Courses

SCH-MGMT 605 Exploring Data Analytics for Accounting Professionals*

This course provides an understanding of analytics and information technology fundamentals such as business process management, enterprise resource planning and information security. Through hands on work with applications such as Excel, Tableau and SAP, students learn to extract and transform relevant data from an enterprise system, assess security-related issues, apply data analytic techniques, interpret results and make data-driven decisions. (3 Credits)

*Substitute data analytics courses are available for students who have completed an equivalent course to SCH-MGMT 605.

SCH-MGMT 620 Introduction to Forensic Accounting

Students will learn from experienced forensic accounting practitioners and real-life case studies to develop an understanding of the fundamentals of forensic accounting, including its applications in fraud investigation, fraud prevention, corporate and regulatory compliance, litigation support and expert witness testimony. Topics will include leading practices in executing forensic assignments, relevant accounting professional standards, the regulations and legal requirements affecting engagements, the type of scrutiny encountered in courtrooms, boardrooms or other administrative venues, and the linkages between forensic accounting and auditing, internal control and corporate governance. *Part of the forensic accounting focus. (3 Credits)

SCH-MGMT 621 Fraud Examination & Investigation

In this class, students will develop an understanding of the key elements of an investigation of an allegation of fraud, using real-life case studies as the backdrop for the course. Students will work in groups to conduct an investigation, employing skills in interviewing, research, analysis of accounting and non-accounting evidential matter. The workshop will address challenges in structuring an investigation, iterative problem-solving, data analysis and other forensic accounting techniques and communication of results. The course will also discuss the corporate governance and management challenges in managing the response to fraud incidents and whistleblower allegations and the implications for professionals with responsibility for business management, financial reporting, taxation, auditing, consulting and enforcement roles. The course will conclude with a courtroom-style presentation of investigation findings and cross-examination. *Part of the forensic accounting focus. Prereq: SCH-MGMT 620 (3 Credits)

SCH-MGMT 623 Cybersecurity Risk Management

This course teaches students how to use state and local tax concepts, and how to make better organizational and investment decisions as tax professionals. The course focuses on strategic tax planning for enterprises as they are formed, operated, acquired, and liquidated. It will enhance the student's insight with regard to the integration of regulatory costs into management decision making. *Elective choice for forensic focus. (3 Credits)

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How to Apply

You may begin the program in fall, spring or summer. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. Successful applicants will have a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in accounting or be currently enrolled in their final semester. Professional experience is strongly preferred but not required.

All applicants must submit the following:

Application
Unofficial transcript
Resume/CV
Personal statement (a brief one-page statement describing your goals and why you want to pursue the certificate)
For Non-Native English Speakers Only: English Language Proficiency Scores

Tuition

Certificate classes are $850 per credit and total tuition of the 12-credit certificate is $10,200. Books, supplies, and registration fee are additional.

We encourage you to speak to your employer about tuition reimbursement. Enrolling in higher education courses increases your value to your employer, and, as a result, can help increase your job stability and career trajectory at your company.

Faculty

Isenberg’s faculty include highly experienced and renowned researchers and practitioners in the field of forensic accounting:

Certificate director Lynda Schwartz ’86 spent 26 years with Ernst & Young, where she helped lead the Fraud Investigation & Dispute Services practice in New England. She has an active forensic accounting practice and serves on the AICPA’s Forensic and Litigation Services Committee.

Assistant Professor Matt Sherwood earned his PhD in accounting from the University of Kansas in 2016 and teaches Financial Statement Auditing and Data Analysis. Before earning his Ph.D., Matt worked for PricewaterhouseCoopers as a Manager in their Data Assurance Group.

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State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (SARA)

UMass Amherst accepts students from all 50 states into online programs and classes. The University of Massachusetts Amherst operates distance education classes and programs for out-of-state students under the terms and provisions of the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (SARA). California does not participate in the Agreement but allows all public institutions to offer distance education to its residents.

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