In Search of Higher Education

We have seen amazing changes in higher education over the past 10 years within fraud examination and related content. What an exciting time! As recently as 2003, barely a handful of higher-education institutions offered multi-course programs in fraud examination and forensic accounting. Now, professionals interested in academic credentials, achievement and recognition in our growing field have an ever-expanding list of higher-ed options.  

Like many of the recent Fraud EDge columns, this discussion examines where we were and, more importantly, where we are now. We will explore the options available to prospective students who hope to earn degrees in anti-fraud curricula.

The widespread growth of white-collar crime in our interconnected, global economy and new requirements associated with U.S. homeland security have raised both the profile and the demand for the fraud examiner and forensic accountant. Accordingly, the ACFE boasts a membership of more than 55,000 anti-fraud professionals. Furthermore, recent estimates suggest that as many as 30,000 CPAs now provide some type of anti-fraud or forensic accounting service.