Center for Business Forensics
Department of Accounting
Department of Computer Information Systems

Enron, WorldCom, Adelphi, etc.—many of the major financial scandals of the last few years were uncovered by experts in forensics, an area of specialization utilizing the skills of accounting, law enforcement, and computer science to investigate and prosecute corporate fraud and the many forms of computer crime.

What is Forensic Accounting?
Forensic accounting combines accounting, auditing and investigative skills to detect financial fraud and other types white collar crime. It also includes areas such as bankruptcy, business valuation, divorce disputes and other litigation support services. 

The two main areas within forensic accounting are:
Investigative Accounting determines whether criminal events such as employee theft, securities fraud, identity theft or insurance fraud have occurred.
Litigation Support consists of quantifying damages sustained by parties in legal disputes.

What do Forensic Accountants Do?
Forensic accountants investigate suspected financial misconduct and help prepare evidence used to argue a case in civil or criminal court trials. For example, the forensic accountant can testify as an expert witness on fraud related matters, establish business losses and perform business valuations.

Rider University Fraud and Forensic Programs

Our fraud and forensic curriculum is offered in two programs. At the undergraduate level, we offer a Certificate in Forensics that is designed to prepare participants to be future fraud investigators. The program is open to all College of Business Administration students and to those who already hold a bachelors degree and want to prepare for a career in the field of fraud investigation. Within the certificate program, a participant can select the Accounting or Computer Information Systems (CIS) track.

At the graduate level, we offer a Concentration in Forensic Accounting. This program is designed to prepare students for career options in forensic accounting. The program is open to Masters of Accountancy (MAcc) students. Students in this concentration complete required MAcc coursework and program electives are used to fulfill the forensic accounting concentration