Graduate Certificate in Forensic Accounting

Combine your accounting knowledge with investigative skills with a certificate in forensic accounting from the Costello College of Business at George Mason University. 

Forensic accountants combine their accounting knowledge with investigative skills in various litigation support and investigative accounting settings.  

Dive into the emerging field of forensic accounting with a graduate certificate in forensic accounting from George Mason University. Forensic accountants are employed by public accounting firms’ forensic accounting divisions; by consulting firms specializing in risk consulting and forensic accounting services; or by lawyers, law enforcement agencies, insurance companies, government organizations, or financial institutions. Due to heightened awareness and growing intolerance of fraudulent activity, demand for forensic accountants is rapidly increasing. 

Students with a bachelor's degree in accounting can use this certificate program as a means of obtaining the necessary 150 hours of academic credit to qualify for a CPA license. Students who complete at least two forensic accounting certificate courses with grades of B or better can have their application requirements for our master’s in accounting program reduced, and certificate course credits can be applied towards your master’s in accounting degree requirements upon enrollment. 

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Flexible Location
Take courses fully online (asynchronous) or hybrid (at our Fairfax, Virginia campus).
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Flexible Schedule
Complete in 1 or 2 semesters.
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12 Credits
Spring start.
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Pathway to a Master’s
This certificate can be applied to the master’s in accounting program.

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To learn more about George Mason's graduate certificate in forensic accounting, submit this form:

Frequently Asked Questions

Am I eligible for this program if I don’t have an undergraduate degree in accounting?

Yes. Applicants without an undergraduate degree in accounting may still be admitted to the program. All applicants must demonstrate a strong basic foundation in accounting specifically Principles of Accounting, Intermediate Accounting, and Audit. Check with Costello Graduate Admissions to determine the most efficient and affordable way to complete these courses. Email us at gradbus@gmu.edu.

What preparation is required if I don’t have an undergraduate degree in accounting?

 To ensure the candidates are prepared for their program, we require two courses in Principles of Accounting, two courses in Intermediate Financial Accounting, and one course in Audit.

To complete efficiently and affordably, we encourage students to take their accounting courses through Northern Virginia Community College (NVCC). Candidates can enroll and complete their coursework before applying or after applying to the program.

To determine the quickest path based on previously taken coursework, please contact Costello Graduate Admissions at gradbus@gmu.edu.

What are the benefits of a graduate certificate?

Earning a graduate certificate offers several significant benefits that make them appealing to professionals seeking to further their education. Among the most important of these include:

  1. Maximize Your Time and Money
  2. Develop a Specific Skill Set
  3. Advance Your Career or Make a Career Change
  4. Preparation for a Graduate Degree