FAFE
Graduate Certificate in Forensic Accounting and Fraud Examination (FAFE) Overview
Forensic accountants in demand
The widespread growth in white-collar crime and the increased need for homeland security have greatly raised the demand for forensic accountants, fraud investigators and for auditors who posses those skills. Federal, state, and local governmental agencies, such as the Securities and Exchange Commission, the Internal Revenue Service, and the Offices of Inspector General all need accountants with forensic investigation skills. In the private sector, recent legislation (Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002) and auditing standards (Statement on Auditing Standard No. 99) require companies and their auditors to be more aggressive in detecting and preventing fraud.
A unique program to answer the need
The Division of Accounting has responded to this demand by developing an academic program designed to prepare entry-level accountants and others for forensic accounting and fraud examination careers. Although many schools have added a single graduate or undergraduate course to their curricula, very few offer a multi-course graduate certificate program. This program is the only one in the region.
The 12-credit graduate Certificate Program in Forensic Accounting and Fraud Examination (FAFE) is offered during the summer. Students may take two paths to earn this certificate:
- Option 1: Complete a four course stand-alone non-degree graduate certificate program curriculum, or
- Option 2: Complete a Master of Professional Accountancy (MPA) degree plus two additional certificate courses.
WVU developed the National Curriculum
Drs. Richard Riley and Bonnie Morris led the effort to develop national curriculum guidelines for fraud and forensic accounting programs for the National Institute of Justice.
