Forensic Accounting, Professional Certificate

3 Course Program

The certificate includes three required courses that build knowledge across forensic accounting, fraud prevention and detection, and computer forensics. The interdisciplinary curriculum is relevant to accounting and non-accounting professionals who are responsible for fraud prevention, investigation, compliance, litigation support, risk management, or organizational controls.

• Principles of Forensic Accounting
• Fraud Prevention and Detection
• Introduction to Computer Forensics

Recommended sequence: Principles of Forensic Accounting, followed by Fraud Prevention and Detection and Introduction to Computer Forensics. This sequence provides the clearest progression through the curriculum.

Course content aligns with topics represented in the Certified in Financial Forensics (CFF) credential body of knowledge and the Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) Exam Content Outline. Relevant areas include forensic accounting, fraud schemes, fraud prevention and detection, financial analysis, investigations, evidence, legal considerations, and related professional practices.

This alignment may help participants strengthen knowledge relevant to the CFF and CFE credentials and other professional certifications in forensic accounting, fraud examination, auditing, and related fields.

The Forensic Accounting Certificate is not an examination-preparation program and does not cover every topic assessed by either credentialing organization. The AICPA and Association of Certified Fraud Examiners establish their own education, professional-experience, application, ethics, and examination requirements. Completion of the certificate does not guarantee eligibility for or success on a professional certification examination.

The knowledge developed through this certificate may be applied in roles involving accounting, auditing, financial analysis, compliance, risk management, fraud prevention, investigation, litigation support, and organizational controls.

Graduates may work in positions such as:

• Financial Managers
• Accountants and Auditors
• Financial and Investment Analysts
• Controllers
• Compliance and Risk Professionals
• Fraud-Prevention and Investigative Professionals

Participants build practical knowledge in common fraud schemes, fraud prevention and detection, internal controls, financial analytics, litigation support, evidence management, e-discovery, and computer forensics. The curriculum emphasizes applying accounting, investigative, and analytical concepts to realistic professional situations.

Additional program benefits include:

• Expert Instruction and Feedback: Course content was developed by experienced forensic accounting professionals who reviewed the CFF and CFE bodies of knowledge to help align the curriculum with relevant industry topics. Instructors also review applied assignments and provide individualized feedback to help participants strengthen their understanding and professional application of course concepts.
• Flexible, On-Demand Format: Courses are fully online and asynchronous, with no required live meetings. Registration is available year-round, and participants may work at their own pace before the published course end date.
• Structure When You Want It: Each course contains 24 instructional hours and includes a recommended six-week pacing guide. Participants receive at least six weeks to complete each course and may have additional time depending on their registration date and the published course end date.
• Accelerated Path Available: Participants who complete the three courses consecutively using the recommended pacing guides may earn the certificate in as little as 18 weeks.
• Industry-Relevant Curriculum: Course content aligns with topics represented in the Certified in Financial Forensics (CFF) and Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) bodies of knowledge. The program is not an exam-preparation course and does not guarantee eligibility for or success on either certification exam.

The three-course certificate includes 72 instructional hours and awards 7.2 Continuing Education Units. Participants who successfully complete all three courses receive a UNC Charlotte Forensic Accounting Certificate and a Credly digital badge.

To earn the certificate, participants must complete all required assessments and earn an overall grade of at least 70% in each course. All three courses must be completed within two years of the participant’s first enrollment date.

Forensic Accounting Certificate Bundle: $3,812 (save $673).

Or pay as you go for $1,495 per course.

Financial Options:

• Bundle and Save
• Loan Options
• Pay as You Go

The Forensic Accounting Certificate is designed for professionals across accounting, business, compliance, risk, investigations and related fields. It may be especially relevant for:

Accounting and auditing professionals seeking additional knowledge in financial analysis, fraud schemes, evidence and litigation support.

Compliance, risk and loss-prevention professionals responsible for internal controls, fraud prevention, investigations and organizational risk.

Law-enforcement and investigative professionals who work with financial evidence, fraud investigations, legal considerations or digital evidence.

Managers and business owners who want to recognize fraud red flags, strengthen organizational controls and better respond to suspected misconduct.

Career changers and emerging professionals seeking an accessible university credential and career-relevant knowledge in forensic accounting and fraud examination.

Registration is available year-round, and an open section of each course is always available.

Yes. Courses are fully online and asynchronous. Participants may work at their own pace before the published course end date, with a recommended six-week pacing guide available for additional structure.

Yes. Courses are fully online and asynchronous. Participants may work at their own pace before the published course end date, with a recommended six-week pacing guide available for additional structure.

No. There are no required live meetings.

Participants who complete the three courses consecutively using the recommended pacing guides may earn the certificate in as little as 18 weeks.

Course content aligns with topics represented in the CFF and CFE bodies of knowledge, but the certificate is not an exam-preparation program and does not guarantee eligibility for or success on either examination.