About Forensic Accounting Master’s Program in Sacred Heart University

Today’s global economy, changing regulations, and tighter integration across key business functions have created an unprecedented demand for skilled accountants with advanced degrees. Sacred Heart’s Master of Science in Accounting (MSA) program will prepare you to be the accounting professional that high-powered organizations seek.

Why Earn Your Master’s Degree in Accounting at Sacred Heart?

At Sacred Heart, you can earn your master’s degree in accounting (MSA) in one of two in-demand concentrations: forensic accounting or accounting analytics.

• In the Forensic Accounting master’s program, you’ll examine the principles and techniques used to investigate legal matters involving complex financial transactions -- from money laundering and contract disputes, to bankruptcies and securities fraud.
• In the Accounting Analytics master's program, you'll examine the concepts of data base management, descriptive and predictive analytics, data visualization, audit and tax data analytics.

Complete your MSA degree part-time while working

Students benefit from a unique hybrid format that supports your continued full-time employment by blending online courses with monthly Saturday seminars on campus from 9AM to 5PM. You may also complete the program in as little as one year as a full-time student.

In the Masters in Accounting program, you will also:

• Develop critical thinking, analytical, and communication skills
• Earn a degree that provides a proven edge in the job market
• Study in SHU’s Jack Welch College of Business & Technology — one of only a select few elite business schools worldwide accredited by AACSB International, the premier global accrediting body for business schools
• Learn from Accounting Faculty members who are recognized experts in their fields, as well as accomplished guest speakers who provide expert insight on the latest accounting and financial trends
• Complete a comprehensive CPA exam review course, including the required 150 hours of study and access to the Becker CPA review materials.

Benefit from accelerated degree options

• The one-year MSA program allows students with a bachelor’s degree in accounting to quickly earn an MSA
• The five-year BSA/ MSA program combines a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree into an accelerated, 150-credit program

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of accountants and auditors is projected to grow 11 percent from 2014 to 2024, faster than the average for all occupations.

Graduate prepared for a successful career

The Job placement rate of our MSA graduates is 100% with a starting salary of $64,139.

Many of our graduates receive employment offers from Big 4 accounting firms, large and mid-sized regional accounting firms, multinational corporations and government agencies. Examples of career paths include:

• Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
• Certified Valuation Analyst (CVA)
• Certified Management Accountant (CMA)
• Tax Accountant 
• Forensic Accountant 
• Internal Auditor 
• Cost Accountant Manager 
• Financial Accountant 
• Governmental Accountant 
• Accounting Information Systems Manager
• Accountants for not-for-profit entities
• Financial planner

• Applicants typically admitted have less than 5 undergraduate failing grades (F’s or backlogs) and a minimum Bachelor’s grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 (based on the traditional USA 4.0 scale.

English Language Requirements

• TOEFL iBT: 80
• TOEFL iBT® Home Edition: 80
• TOEFL Essentials: 8.5
• IELTS: 6.5
• PTE: 62

MS Business Analytics, Computer Science, IT, Chemistry, Cybersecurity, Finance & Investment Management and Healthcare Informatics will consider IELTS 6.0, Duolingo 105 or TOEFL Essentials 8.0. 

Sacred Heart University Annual Cost to Attend