Forensic Accounting and Cybercrime, M.S.

Program Overview

Neumann University’s Forensic Accounting and Cybercrime M.S. program provides a comprehensive and interdisciplinary foundation in fraud examination, forensic accounting, and cybercrime investigation, offering a broader scope of knowledge than a traditional M.S. in Accountancy. The program requires completion of ten courses (30 credits), carefully designed to develop both technical expertise and critical thinking skills applicable to real-world financial and cyber investigations.

All courses integrate the Core Franciscan values of Reverence, Integrity, Service, Excellence, and Stewardship, emphasizing their application within professional and ethical contexts. These values are woven into classroom discussions, case studies, and assignments, reinforcing the importance of ethical decision-making in the practice of forensic accounting and cybercrime prevention.

To further support this commitment, the program regularly invites guest speakers with extensive professional experience in ethics and ethical decision-making. These presentations provide students with practical insights, expose them to current challenges in the field, and reaffirm the School of Business’s dedication to upholding moral and social values that reflect the mission and vision of Neumann University.

• Students can complete the program in 21 months by taking two courses per semester, including summer sessions. An accelerated option allows completion in 18 months.
• The program is fully online, offering flexibility for working professionals and adult learners.
• Graduates meet the 150-credit-hour requirement by the state of Pennsylvania for Certified Public Accountant (CPA) licensure.
• Students may begin the program at the start of any semester, providing flexible enrollment options.

Learning Outcomes

The Forensic Accounting and Cybercrime M.S. program prepares motivated, qualified students with the technical knowledge, practical experience, and professional skills necessary to succeed in both technical and management roles within the cybersecurity and forensic accounting fields. In addition, graduates will be able to:

• Apply personal and professional ethics, grounded in the Franciscan Intellectual Tradition, to guide effective fraud detection practices in accounting.
• Analyze and evaluate legal principles and regulatory issues related to accounting fraud investigations.
• Demonstrate mastery of audit risk assessment, forensic accounting techniques, and cyber forensic investigation methods.
• Utilize forensic methodologies to examine financial statements and detect irregularities, applying accurate fraud terminology.
• Produce well-researched, scholarly reports using appropriate academic and professional resources.
• Deliver clear, persuasive formal presentations to live audiences.
• Collaborate and lead effectively within diverse, interdependent teams to achieve shared objectives.

Admission Requirements

Applicants with a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited, degree-granting institution who have successfully completed all prerequisite courses are eligible for entrance to the Master of Science in Accounting Program, subject to the approval of the Program Director. Acceptance is on a competitive basis after submission of all credentials and an interview with the Program Director. All applicants must submit the following:

• A completed Graduate Student Application, online through www.neumann.edu/apply.
• Official transcripts from all institutions attended.
• Letter of intent outlining why you wish to pursue the Master of Science in Accounting degree.
• Current professional resume.

A maximum of nine [9] Credits may be transferred into the Program with the approval of the School Dean.

Once all admission materials have been received and processed through the Office of Admissions, the Program’s Director will review all candidate credentials and arrange for an interview, if appropriate.

Progression/Retention/Graduation Requirements

For the Master of Science in Forensic Accounting and Cybercrime, continued progress requires that the student maintain an overall “B” average (cumulative 3.00 GPA) in the required courses and satisfactory participation in the program. Completion of all degree requirements for the program is not to exceed five years. Exemption from this time limitation must be applied for in a written request to the School of Business Dean. Graduation from the program is contingent upon (1) submitting a signed Application for Graduation form to the Registrar on or before the date specified in the Academic Calendar; and (2) successful completion of all course work, including report(s) of action research, and an effective, formal presentation of learning to a faculty committee. The student must maintain an overall “B” average (cumulative 3.00 GPA) in all required courses, with no more than two grades of “C” level work.