Stevenson University

Forensic Studies

Master of Science

Forensic specialist is a general term for an individual or expert in a particular field that examines evidence for the purpose of presenting the findings in a court of law. Forensic specialists work throughout all areas of the business world, including public accounting firms, law firms, corporations, and in all branches of government. The accounting, information technology, and legal tracks in forensics are a direct outgrowth of the University's undergraduate programs in Accounting, Information Systems and Paralegal Studies. These tracks are designed to provide both the knowledge and the skills required of professional forensic accountants and forensic specialists.

With the cost of U.S. economic crime growing dramatically — nearly doubling over the last decade to more than $200 billion annually — many accounting firms, law firms, and government agencies incorporate forensic teams into their practices. Members of the forensic team assist in merger and acquisition analyses, tax investigations, economic crime investigations, cyber crime investigations, white collar crime investigations, money laundering investigations, security fraud investigations, litigation support services, specialized audits, fraud prevention and detection, and terrorist investigations. The forensics team often includes chain of evidence technicians, information technology professionals to analyze electronic data, field personnel who handle the investigative process, attorneys, accountants, insurance fraud investigators, damage claims specialists, auditors, and computer forensic experts.

Available Tracks

The following specialized tracks, within the Forensic Studies master's program, are available:

• Accounting
• Information Technology
• Interdisciplinary
• Investigations
• Legal

All students will be required to complete all the core courses, a total of five core courses totaling 18 credits, including a 6-credit capstone. In addition, students will be required to complete six courses totaling 18 credits included under their elected track.

Upon completion of the program, all graduates will be able to:

• Understand the history, philosophy and administration of criminal justice.
• Understand how criminals think and how their actions are affected by their way of thinking.
• Comprehend the legal procedures of the Criminal Justice System.
• Interpret, analyze and summarize the findings of an investigation.
• Communicate the findings of an investigation in a courtroom setting.

We offer two convenient formats so you can choose the program that best fits your needs.

• Online Program
• Classes and assignments completed online.
• Courses offered in accelerated 8-week sessions.
• All courses taught by faculty with experience in the classroom and in the field.
• Includes a final one-week capstone course held at the SU campus.
• On-Site Program
• Classes held in the evenings at the SU campus.
• Courses offered in accelerated 8-week sessions.
• Faculty bring real-world expertise to the classroom.
• Includes a capstone course held in the evening at the SU campus.

 

     

• Program Overview
• Graduate Programs
• Courses
• Faculty
• Catalog
• Admission Requirements
• Tuition & Fees
• BS/MS Degree Option
• Fall 2008 Graduate & Accelerated Courses