Frequently Asked Questions

Can I be admitted to the Graduate Certificate in Forensic Accounting & Fraud Examination (FAFE) Program?
For admittance to the Graduate Certificate program, you may qualify under ONE of the following criteria:

  • Have a bachelor's degree with an overall GPA of 2.9 or above, and a score of 500 or above on the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT).
  • Hold a Certified Public Accountant certificate or law degree.
  • Have two years or more of relevant professional experience.
  • If appropriate, you should have your GMAT or GRE score sent to the Department of Accounting, PO Box 6025, Morgantown WV 26506-6025.

Do I need to take a standardized test? 
Yes, unless you hold a Certified Public Accountant certificate or law degree, or have two years or more of relevant professional experience.

Do I need to have prerequisite courses?
The following courses, or equivalent work or professional experience, are prerequisites for ACCT 580 (Accounting for Forensic and Fraud Investigators) ACCT 581 (Fraud Investigation) and ACCT 582 (Fraud Data Analysis):

  • ACCT 201 - Principles of Accounting
  • ACCT 311 - Intermediate Accounting
  • ACCT 322 - Accounting Systems
  • ACCT 451 - Auditing Theory

Do I need to take prerequisites at WVU?
No. You may take your prerequisites at any college or university accredited by a regional accrediting agency, such as the Higher Learning Commission.

Can I take prerequisites on-line?
Yes. You may take your prerequisites online from an accredited university or college of higher education.

Can prior professional experience be substituted for prerequisites?
Yes. An Admissions Committee of the Department of Accounting will assess prior professional experience to determine equivalency to the prerequisite courses.

How do I apply to the MS-FFE Program?

  • You must be admitted to West Virginia University as a graduate student. You may obtain an application for admission online. The appropriate non-degree graduate code for the College of Business and Economics is 2158. You should also indicate on the University application that the area of concentration is the MS in Forensic and Fraud Examination. Admissions and Records will send your information to the Department of Accounting.
  • FMS-FFE Graduate Program
    College of Business & Economics
    West Virginia University
    PO Box 6025
    Morgantown WV 26506-6025
  • Have your GMAT or GRE score, if applicable, sent to the Department of Accounting.

How will I know I have been admitted to the Program?
The Department of Accounting will send a letter and an e-mail message notifying you whether you have been accepted to the Graduate Certificate Program in Forensic Accounting and Fraud Examination.

Will everyone be admitted who applies?
Because the courses consist of intense hands-on cases and specialized assignments, enrollment in the program will be limited. An Admissions Committee of accounting faculty will review applications and will accept individuals demonstrating the greatest potential for success.

Who do I contact about advising and obtaining additional information?
Graduate Programs, College of Business and Economics
Phone 304-293-6579; Fax 304-293-5652
PO Box 6025
Morgantown, WV 26505
fafe@mail.wvu.edu

May I transfer credits to the MS-FFE program?
Students may transfer up to two graduate courses that are equivalent to the courses in our program.

Are there TOEFL requirements for individuals whose first language is not English? 
Applicants whose first language is not English must provide proof of English language proficiency. The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) will be used as the measure of English language proficiency. A score of 250 on the computer-based TOEFL or 600 on the paper-based TOEFL is the minimum required of all such applicants. Applicants who have received a high school diploma or a bachelor's or master’s degree in the United States need not submit a TOEFL score.

How long will it take me to complete the MS in Forensic Fraud Examination?
The program may be completed in one year.

How much will the FAFE program cost?

Visit tuition.wvu.edu for tuition and fee information.