B.S. Business Forensics

Credit Hours

76%

Max Transfer Credit

Class Type

100% online, 6 & 12-week courses

Next Start Date

Aug 17, 2026

Cost Per Credit

$398

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Accreditation

IACBE

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Home / Degrees / Bachelor's Degrees / Business Forensics

Boost your competitive advantage with a business forensics degree

Fraudulent activity, such as cash skimming, larcency, financial manipulation and billing schemes are at an all-time high. At best, such fraudulent activity can cripple business; at worst, it can crush it. Enter business forensics professionals, the CSIs of the business world. Advance your career while helping thwart white-collar crime with our transfer-friendly business forensics degree program.

Program Availability

Online

In , this program is offered through select employer partnerships. Please contact your employer to learn if you qualify.

In , this program may be offered through select employer partnerships. Please contact your employer to learn if you qualify.

On Site

Program Overview

Expose occupational fraud and questionable business practices

Franklin University’s Business Forensics Program will uniquely prepare you to identify, resolve, and prevent fraudulent corporate activity. You'll study organizational behavior while learning how to identify questionable business practices, communicate fraud findings, and maintain high standards of business ethics.

Broaden your business knowledge while gaining forensics expertise

Because having a solid understanding of business operations is critical in the detection of fraud, our curriculum is built upon a business administration core. You’ll be solidly grounded in disciplines such as accounting, finance, management, and business law, providing you with the business breadth essential for spotting fraud-oriented red flags.

Major area coursework is forensics-focused, featuring fraud examination, such as how and why white-collar crimes are committed; interviewing techniques, including what, when, and how to conduct an investigative interview; legal elements, including applicable laws and court procedures; and corporate governance and internal control assessment, including fraud deterrence practices.

And to provide you with the most up-to-date skills sought by employers, we incorporate the latest industry trends into our relevant curriculum, including data and social media mining, and electronic evidence collection.

Get a jump start on preparing for professional certification

At Franklin, you’ll receive realistic, hands-on experience through a variety of interviewing and investigative project assignments. And, you’ll learn how to analyze a case, and compose a detailed fraud report complete with supporting elements. At the end of your coursework, you’ll possess the foundational knowledge necessary to sit for professional certification exams, such as the CFE (Certified Fraud Examiner), a well-regarded and desirable designation among employers.

Gain valuable forensics insight from actual practitioners

We closely evaluate the credentials of every one of our accounting professors, ensuring that each has relevant educational background, work experience, and professional certification. Classes are taught by faculty who are actual business forensics practitioners, so you’ll reap the benefits of their years of field experience—including learning from their mistakes so you don’t repeat them.

And, Franklin’s Business Forensics Program is accredited by the International Accreditation Council for Business Education (IACBE), the leader in outcomes-based accreditation in business, so you know you’re earning a respected degree with value in the workplace.

Earn your degree from a university built for busy adults

Earn your degree on your terms by taking classes 100% online. Accredited and nonprofit, Franklin was built from the ground-up to satisfy the needs of adult learners. Our seamless transfer process and team of academic advisors will help ease your transition to becoming a student, while our flexible course schedules help to balance your education with work family and life. Get started on your future today.

International Accreditation Council for Business Education (IACBE)

The Ross College of Business at Franklin University has received specialized accreditation for its business programs through the International Accreditation Council for Business Education (IACBE) located at 11960 Quivira Road in Overland Park, Kansas, USA. For a list of accredited programs please view our IACBE member status page.

Click here to see our IACBE Public Disclosure of Student Achievement.

For more information about the International Accreditation Council for Business Education, please click here or visit www.iacbe.org.

Future Start Date

Fall 2026

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Your Best Value B.S. Business Forensics

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Highly Recommended

98%

STUDENT SATISFACTION

98% of graduating students would recommend Franklin to their family, friends and/or colleagues.

Source: Franklin University, Office of Career Development Student Satisfaction Survey (Summer 2023)

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Curriculum & Course Descriptions

124 Semester Hours

Fundamental General Education

English Composition

ENG 120 - College Writing (4)

In this course, students acquire the writing competencies necessary for completing analytical and argumentative papers supported by secondary research. A variety of assignments, beginning with personal reflections, build upon one another, as students develop ideas that respond to, critique, and synthesize the positions of others. Students systematize and organize knowledge in ways that will help them in all their courses. The course also emphasizes the elements of critical reading, effective writing style, appropriate grammar and mechanics, clarity of language, and logical and cohesive development. It culminates in submission of an extended, documented research paper.

Mathematics

MATH 215 - Statistical Concepts (4)

This course introduces you to statistics with applications to various areas. The course covers both descriptive and inferential statistics. Topics included are: sampling techniques, data types, experiments; measures of central tendency, measures of dispersion, graphical displays of data, basic probability concepts, binomial and normal probability distributions, sampling distributions and Central Limit Theorem; confidence intervals, hypothesis tests of a mean, or a proportion for one or two populations, and linear regression.

AND

Choose either MATH 140 Introduction to Quantitative Reasoning or MATH 150 Fundamental Algebra as the prerequisite to MATH 215. Course can count as a University Elective.

Social and Behavioral Sciences

ECON 220 - Introduction to Macroeconomics (4)

An introduction to economic theory involving the basic underlying causes and principles of the operation of an economic system. Emphasis is placed on studying the economy as a whole. Issues of inflation, unemployment, taxation, business cycles and growth are discussed in the context of the global economic system.

AND

2 credits from the following types of courses:
Choose from the Anthropology, Geography, History, Political Science, Psychology, or Sociology disciplines.

Science

6 credits from the following types of courses:
Two courses from the Science discipline. One course must have a lab component.

Arts & Humanities

HUMN 210 - Intro to Logic & Critical Thinking Skill (2)

The goal of this course is to help you improve as a critical, logical thinker. You will be introduced to the art of formulating and assessing arguments according to the standards of logical thinking and critical analysis. You will discover how to apply these valuable skills to your studies and everyday life, learning how to overcome obstacles to critical thinking, and how to avoid being deceived by means of misleading reasoning.

AND

4 credits from the following types of courses:
Choose from the Art, English Literature, Fine Arts, Humanities, Music, Philosophy, Religion or Theater disciplines.

Additional General Education

PF 121 - Basic Learning Strategies (2)

This course prepares students to be successful lifelong learners both academically and in their chosen careers. Franklin courses require a high level of self-directed learning and focus on the skills required in the workplace and the classroom that are easily transferrable between the two environments. The course includes strategies for time management, goal setting, reading comprehension, and advancing communication skills, including the use of electronic tools to participate in virtual environments.

OR PF 321 - Learning Strategies (2)

This course prepares students to be successful lifelong learners both academically and in their chosen careers. Franklin courses require a high level of self-directed learning and focus on the skills required in the workplace and the classroom that are easily transferable between the two environments. The course includes strategies for advancing communication skills, including the use of electronic tools to participate in virtual environments. The assignments and activities in the course are created to closely simulate teamwork found in the workplace.

AND

COMM 150 - Interpersonal Communication (4)

By using applied critical and creative thinking, students in this course will develop a set of communication skills that will enhance their personal and professional relationships and endeavors. This course will focus on skill development in key areas such as self, perception, listening, verbal messages, conversations, relationships, conflict management, persuasion, and presentation skills.

OR SPCH 100 - Speech Communication (4)

This basic public-speaking course intends to improve the student's ability to think critically and to communicate orally. Theory and practice are provided in various speaking situations. Each student is required to speak before an audience, but class work also involves reading, gathering and organizing information, writing, and listening.

AND

PF 106 - Introduction to Spreadsheets (1)

This course focuses on using spreadsheets to solve business problems.

AND

3 credits from the following types of courses:
Any General Education course at the 100 or 200 level

Major Foundational

ACCT 215 - Financial Accounting (4)

This course is an introduction to accounting, emphasizing how general-purpose financial statements communicate information about the business corporation's performance and position for users external to management. Approximately one third of the course emphasizes how the accountant processes and presents the information and includes exposure to recording transactions, adjusting balances and preparing financial statements for service and merchandise firms according to established rules and procedures. The balance of the course examines major elements of the statements such as cash, receivables, inventory, long-lived assets, depreciation, time value of money, payroll, bonds, and other liabilities and stocks. Concepts of this course are applied to ACCT 225 (Managerial Accounting). Students are advised to avoid any time lapse between these two courses.

ACCT 225 - Managerial Accounting (4)

The study of management accounting for internal reporting and decision-making. The course introduces a business-management approach to the development and use of accounting information. Major topics include cost behavior, cost analysis, profit planning and control measures. Accounting for decentralized operations, capital budgeting decisions, and ethical challenges in managerial accounting are also covered.

BSAD 220 - Business Law (4)

A study of the everyday legal problems encountered in business with emphasis on the areas of legal procedure, contracts, agency, employment law, business organizations and torts, with cases relating to these and other areas.

ECON 210 - Introduction to Microeconomics (4)

An introduction to economic theory involving the examination of how decision making by firms and individuals is shaped by economic forces. Emphasis is placed on demand, supply, market equilibrium analysis, and basic market structure models. The invisible hand as the driving force for economic decisions as well as market externalities are discussed. The class concentrates on providing a balanced approach to studying economic agents' behavior and the global implications and outcomes.

FINA 301 - Principles of Finance (4)

This course is designed to survey the field of finance and provide the foundation for more advanced finance coursework. Topics include sources of business and financial information, financial statement analysis, the time value of money, the nature and measurement of risk, financial institutions, investments and corporate finance.

MGMT 312 - Principles of Management (4)

This course explores the basic concepts and processes of management. Students will explore the functional roles and processes of planning, leading, organizing, and controlling comprising the manager role. Students develop skills related to the manager function that are required in today's competitive environment.

MKTG 300 - Marketing (4)

Learn the core concepts of marketing and apply them by drafting a basic marketing plan. Build your marketing vocabulary, sharpen your strategic thinking, and take your first hands-on step toward becoming a marketing professional.

Major Area Required

BSAD 320 - Quant & Qual Methods for Decision Making (4)

This course focuses on the development of individual and team decision-making and problem solving skills. Real world domestic and global issues will be analyzed, diagnosed, and evaluated through the application of a variety of quantitative and qualitative tools and techniques used to arrive at effective decisions and solutions.

BSAD 460 - Business Ethics for Leaders (4)

This course focuses on the application and evaluation of scholarly articles, case studies, and real-life ethical dilemmas using an ethical decision-making model. Students will evaluate personal value systems; individual, leadership driven, organizational, and community ethical issues; and the social responsibilities of global organizations. The course will culminate in an in-depth analysis of a real-life ethical dilemma based on an authentic organization.

FRAC 341 - Fraud Examination (4)

This course provides an overview of the behavioral research associated with occupational fraud and the methodology of fraud examination (i.e., obtaining documentary evidence, interviewing witnesses and potential suspects, writing investigative reports, testifying to findings, and forensic document examination). The majority of the course is focused on detecting the most common types of occupational fraud, determining how each type of fraud is committed, and implementing prevention strategies.

FRAC 344 - Corp Gvrnc/Intrnl Control Assessment (4)

This course starts with an overview of key legislation and guidelines associated with corporate governance. This includes analyzing the components of the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations (COSO) internal control framework, the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, Statement on Auditing Standards (SAS) No. 99, and the role of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB). However, the primary focus of the course is on identifying, documenting, analyzing, and testing internal controls in an organization as part of an effective fraud prevention program.

FRAC 346 - Interview Techniques and Legal Elements in Fraud Investigations (4)

This course provides an overview of techniques and strategies used in interviewing and interrogation of witnesses and suspects. In addition, it explores the legal issues associated with fraud investigations and the criminal and civil legal systems under which perpetrators are judged.

FRAC 347 - Forensic Communication (4)

Forensic accounting and fraud examination require the engagement of many skills. The focus of this course is to acquire experience in one of the most important skills?communication. You will learn and review some of the other skills such as interviewing and investigation. You will then practice methods of communication employed in various situations that you could encounter in your career, including written and verbal communication.

FRAC 495 - Business Foren/Forensic Account Capstone (4)

This course serves as the Capstone for the Forensic Accounting and Business Forensics majors. The purpose of this course is to evaluate and integrate all prior learning in Forensic Accounting, Business Forensics, related coursework, and workplace experiences that will enable a professional fraud examiner to plan and report the results of a fraud examination, to assess the internal control environment of an organization with regard to controls that will detect and prevent fraudulent activities, and to perform in accordance with accepted ethical principles and practices.

Major Electives

At least 12 credits from the following courses:

ACCT 330 - Cost Management (4)

This course is an in-depth study of cost accounting focusing on its role in internal reporting and the resulting decision-making processes. Students will evaluate the foundation, ethics and basic costing systems employed in the management accounting profession; analyze budgeting, cost behavior, pricing and profitability concepts and principles; determine how cost allocations, product quality, and investment decisions are applied by management accountants; determine how current trends in various industries impact cost accounting; and demonstrate knowledge that is in accordance with the educational requirements for the Certified Management Accountant (CMA) exam.

ACCT 360 - Government & Not for Profit Accounting (4)

This course is designed to provide a framework for understanding the special accounting and reporting requirements of nonprofit organizations. The emphasis is on reporting concepts and budgeting principles for governmental and nonprofit economic entities.

ACCT 470 - Auditing (4)

A study of the planning, evidence gathering, internal control review, sampling, and application of procedures used to audit assets, liabilities, equity and related income statement accounts of a profit-oriented enterprise. Includes an evaluation of the audit profession including professional standards, ethics and liability of CPAs. Also includes a student-prepared audit case for hands-on application of audit procedures. The reporting requirements for compilation and review services and a thorough study of the types of audit opinions will also be studied. In addition, an audit research paper is required.

ACCT 445 - Accounting Data Analytics (4)

Data analytics is changing the face of business and will play an increasing role in decision-making and financial statement audits. In this course, students will learn the process used in data analytics. Students will also gain hands-on practice in using data analytics to provide information for decision-making. The course provides an overview of different tools used in Data Analytics.

ACCT 500 - Intermediate Accounting (4)

This course covers how general purpose financial statements communicate information about the business corporation's performance and position for users external to management. Approximately one third of the course emphasizes how the accountant processes and presents the information and includes exposure to recording transactions, adjusting balances and preparing financial statements for service and merchandise firms according to established rules and procedures. The balance of the course covers the conceptual framework, development of generally accepted accounting principles, and applications are stressed. Topics include the income statement, the statement of cash flows and the balance sheet.

ACCT 390 - Federal Income Tax I (4)

An introduction to the federal income tax structure with emphasis on the individual taxpayer, including employee, sole proprietor and investor. This course also provides exposure to basic concepts that apply equally, or with slight modification, to taxpayers other than individuals. Major topics include filing status, exemptions, excludable and includable income, business and non-business deductions, disallowances, technical tax research, and computer problem applications.

CYSC 250 - Cybersecurity for the Professions (4)

This course is a breadth-based cybersecurity course for non-technical majors. It aims to equip a bachelor?s degree seeker with no prior cybersecurity knowledge, other than what the newspaper reports say, with essential cybersecurity knowledge. The course introduces organizational, people, and technological aspects of cybersecurity. More specifically, it covers (1) governance, standards, and risk management topics in the organizational domain, (2) security awareness, privacy, ethics and cyber threats in the people domain, and (3) cyberspace, critical sectors, and emerging topics in the technological domain.

University Electives

20 credits from the following types of courses:
Any undergraduate courses offered by the University except developmental education courses. ACCT 202 can not be taken for credit.

Additional Requirements

All students are required to pass College Writing (ENG 120), and either Basic Learning Strategies (PF 121) or Learning Strategies (PF 321) prior to enrolling in any course at the 200 level or above. Students who enroll at Franklin with 30 or fewer hours of transfer credit are required to pass PF 121 Basic Learning Strategies in place of PF 321 Learning Strategies. Interpersonal Communication (COMM 150) or Speech Communication (SPCH 100) must be taken prior to enrolling in any course at the 300 level or above. Students must also meet the University algebra competency requirement.

Academic Minors

B.S. Business Forensics Program Details

Tuition Costs

Program Learning Outcomes

A learning outcome map functions as a roadmap to help guide students' progress through their program of study. Click HERE to view the B.S. Business Forensics matrix.

Degree Requirements

1. To be awarded an undergraduate degree, students must:

Successfully complete all courses required in the major program, including:
General Education
Business or Professional Core
Major Area and Elective Courses
Technical transfer credit (for specific degree completion programs only)

2. Meet these grade point average (GPA) requirements:

All students must attain a minimum Franklin University cumulative GPA of 2.00
All students must attain a minimum GPA of 2.25 in the major area, and each major area course must be completed with a grade of “C” or better to count toward degree requirements

3. Complete the residency requirement

Students seeking a bachelor’s degree must complete a minimum of 30 credit hours at Franklin University to be eligible for a degree. Students seeking an associate’s degree must earn 15 credit hours overall in residence at Franklin University to be eligible for a degree.

4. Complete the payment of all requisite tuition and fees

5. Not be under disciplinary dismissal due to academic dishonesty or a violation of the Student Code of Conduct

Program Chairs and Academic Advisors are available for consultation to provide information and guidance regarding the selection of courses, the accuracy of schedules, and the transfer process. However, students are responsible for understanding and meeting the degree requirements of their major program or degree and for planning schedules accordingly.

Overall Residency Requirements

Students seeking a bachelor’s degree must complete a minimum of 30 credit hours at Franklin University to be eligible for a degree. Students seeking an associate’s degree must earn 20 credit hours overall in residence at Franklin University to be eligible for a degree.

Course Level Requirements

A student must have 40 credit hours overall that are equivalent to 300/400 level Franklin University courses for a bachelor’s degree. A student must have a minimum of 12 credit hours of courses that are equivalent to 200 level or above for an associate’s degree.

Business Core Requirements

Majors that have Business Core requirements are Accounting, Applied Management, Business Administration, Business Economics, Business Forensics, Energy Management, Entrepreneurship, Financial Management, Financial Planning, Forensic Accounting, Human Resources Management, Information Systems Auditing, Logistics Management, Management & Leadership, Marketing, Operations & Supply Chain Management, and Risk Management & Insurance. The Business Core is the foundation of the related academic disciplines appropriate for a baccalaureate degree in business. The purpose of the Business Core is to provide students with a conceptual understanding of organizations, how the functional areas interrelate to achieve organizational goals, and how to apply professional decision-making competencies and technical skills in today’s environment. After completing the Business Core, graduates will be able to:

analyze an organization’s accounting information in order to develop sound business decisions
identify and apply valuation models relevant to an organization’s financial decisions
identify the impact of forces influencing the major functional areas of business (e.g., ethical, legal, technological, economic, global and social)
apply marketing activities to the delivery of goods and services in business-to-business and business-to-consumer markets
apply interpersonal and resource management skills to enhance business success

Business Principles (BSAD 110) is a Business Core prerequisite. Transfer students with the equivalent of four business courses are not required to take Business Principles.

Major Area Requirements

A student must have 20 credit hours in the major area that are equivalent to 300/400 major level Franklin courses for a bachelor’s degree. A student must have 12 hours of major area courses that are equivalent to 200 level or above for an associate’s degree. A minimum 2.25 GPA is required in the major area for students enrolled in either the associate’s or bachelor’s degree programs, and each major course must be completed with a grade of “C” or better to count toward degree requirements.

Capstone Requirement

Every major has a capstone experience for which credit cannot be transferred into the University. This is a Franklin course designed to integrate and assess the learning outcomes specific to each major as a whole. This course should be taken as the last major course. If, given the academic scheduling process and the student’s projected graduation date, this is not possible, then the student should have Senior Standing (90 or more credit hours), plus the skill-based General Education courses (COMM, SPCH, WRIT, MATH, COMP), all business or professional core courses, and the capstone prerequisite courses.

Subsequent Degree Requirements

Students pursuing subsequent bachelor’s degrees must earn in residency at Franklin University a minimum of 30 credit hours at the 200 level or above, of which a minimum of 16 credit hours must be major area courses equivalent to 300/400 level courses.

Additional Degree Requirements

Students seeking an additional bachelor’s (or associate’s) degree must successfully complete a minimum of 30 credit hours (including the major requirements) beyond the first bachelor’s (or associate’s) degree. (See the “Subsequent Degree” section of the Academic Bulletin.)

Transfer Credit

Transfer credit and credit awarded on standardized exams, proficiency exams or portfolio credit awarded by another institution will not count toward the residency requirement at Franklin University. Credit awarded based on proficiency examination or portfolio evaluation conducted by Franklin University may apply as appropriate major area credit, but will not reduce the hours required toward the residency requirement.

Admission Requirements

A student who meets at least one of the following criteria is eligible for admission as a degree-seeking student:

Has provided official documentation of graduation from an accredited high school or its equivalent (see Documentation Required below), or
Has an associate, bachelor or master's degree from an accredited institution* of higher education.

*Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges, Western Association of Schools and Colleges (ACCJC), Higher Learning Commission (HLC), Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE), New England Commission on Higher Education (NECHE), Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU), Southern Association of Colleges and School Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC), or a Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA)-recognized accrediting organization.

Documentation Required

Documentation of high school graduation or equivalence - required for applicants who are transferring fewer than 60 semester hours that apply towards a Franklin degree.
If the student has transferable hours of 60 credit hours or more from an institutionally accredited institution of higher education, then they will not have to provide a high school diploma or equivalence. Acceptable forms of documentation of high school graduation or high school equivalence for undergraduate admission must include one of the following:

Official high school transcript listing the date of graduation
Official GED certificate
Official documentation of having passed a State High School Equivalency examination
Official documentation of a home school completion certificate/transcript
Official transcripts from all educational institutions (college, universities, professional schools, etc.) previously enrolled in, regardless if credit was earned.

A student classified as degree seeking will not be permitted to register for courses until all transcripts are received and placement tests completed (see specific requirements under “Placement Testing”).

Admission Process

Admission procedures should be started early to maximize scheduling options and financial planning. Learn more about the undergraduate admission process.

English Language Proficiency Requirements

Prospective undergraduate students must demonstrate English language proficiency. A student who meets at least one of the following criteria is eligible for admission as a degree-seeking student:

The applicant is a citizen of a country where English is the primary language for education. A list of these countries can be found below.
The applicant has provided official documentation that meets Franklin graduate admission requirements from an institution in which English is the medium of instruction.
The applicant has submitted an official score report meeting the minimum requirements for admission (see Minimum Scores below) from one of the following exams approved by Franklin University: Accuplacer ESL (See Placement Testing), Cambridge English Qualifications, Duolingo English Test (DET), International English Language Testing System Academic (IELTS), Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic), Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). ). Other officially recognized exams may also be considered. English proficiency scores must be less than two years old.

Accuplacer ESL	DET	IELTS	PTEA	TOEFL IBT
Reading 95	-	Reading 5.5	-	Reading 19/30
Writing 5	-	Writing 5.5	-	Writing 19/30
Listening 90	-	Listening 5.5	-	Listening 19/30
Sentence Meaning 95	-	Speaking 5.5	-	Speaking 19/30
Overall 285	Overall 100	Overall 5.5	Overall 53	Overall 75

Students applying for admission to undergraduate programs to be attended from outside the U.S. or offered through Global Partnerships abroad must meet the minimum requirements for admission (see Minimum Scores below) from one of the following exams approved by Franklin University: Accuplacer ESL*, Duolingo English Test (DET), International English Language Testing System Academic (IELTS), Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE A), Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). Other officially recognized exams may also be considered. English proficiency scores must be less than two years old.

Accuplacer ESL	DET	IELTS	PTEA	TOEFL IBT
Reading 95	-	Reading 5.5	-	Reading 19/30
Writing 5	-	Writing 5.5	-	Writing 19/30
Overall 100	Overall 100	Overall 5.5	Overall 53	Overall 75

*ACCUPLACER Assessments for Admission:

Prospective students may demonstrate English language proficiency through the ACCUPLACER ESL® examinations administered by Franklin University. The ACCUPLACER ESL® suite of examinations are internet-based, computer-adaptive assessments designed to properly assess students’ English language competencies.
There are no fees for initial attempts at the ACCUPLACER ESL® examinations if they test at Franklin University Testing Center or through Franklin’s online proctoring provider. Students are only responsible for any fees incurred for retake examinations.
Students who do not meet the minimum score requirements may retake the examination(s), but not more than twice within a two-week period. If students take the exam twice within two weeks, subsequent examination retakes will be considered only after a three-month waiting period from the original test date. Passing scores will remain valid with Franklin University for a period of two years from the original test date.
All ACCUPLACER examinations must be administered by an ACCUPLACER approved proctor that meets specific criteria, as defined by our proctor expectations and Accuplacer. Proctors must be a Franklin University proctor, an ACCUPLACER remote test network proctor, or ProctorU. For additional information, contact testing@franklin.edu

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Careers & Salary Outlook

10%

From 2023-2033, jobs in Business & Leadership are expected to increase by 10%

Occupation

Median Salary (2023)

Job Postings (2023)

Projected Growth (2023-2033)

Occupation

Financial and Investment Analysts

$99,008

179,492

12%

Financial and Investment Analysts

Median Salary: $99,008
Job Postings: 179,492
Projected Growth: 12%

Occupation

Job Titles

Skills

Industry

Description

Financial and Investment Analysts conduct quantitative analyses of information involving investment programs or financial data of public or private institutions, including valuation of businesses.

Projected Growth

Job Title	Job Postings	% of Job Postings
Financial Analysts	96,068	54%
Pricing Analysts	10,675	6%
Financial Planning and Analysis Analysts	11,176	6%
Finance Analysts	9,262	5%
Treasury Analysts	6,589	4%
Accounting Analysts	6,783	4%
Financial Reporting Analysts	4,598	3%
Portfolio Managers	4,032	2%
Financial Systems Analysts	3,810	2%
Investment Analysts	3,785	2%
Financial Planning Analysts	2,793	2%
Pricing Managers	3,567	2%
Fiscal Analysts	2,163	1%
Business Development Analysts	2,419	1%
Financial Management Analysts	2,087	1%
Financial Data Analysts	1,750	1%
Financial Business Analysts	1,818	1%
Finance Business Analysts	1,810	1%
Portfolio Analysts	2,330	1%
Revenue Cycle Analysts	1,977	1%

Skill	Job Postings	% of Total Postings
Finance	115,926	60%
Accounting	104,385	54%
Financial Analysis	85,691	45%
Financial Statements	49,944	26%
Auditing	32,331	17%
Financial Modeling	32,291	17%
Investments	27,975	15%
Project Management	27,677	14%
Economics	27,559	14%
Data Analysis	25,845	13%
Process Improvement	23,158	12%
Financial Planning	22,796	12%
Generally Accepted Accounting Principles	19,139	10%
Marketing	18,415	10%
Financial Data	17,877	9%
SQL (Programming Language)	15,822	8%
SAP Applications	15,523	8%
Variance Analysis	14,829	8%
Corporate Finance	14,816	8%
Month-End Closing	14,465	8%

	Industry	% of Occupation in Industry
	Other Financial Investment Activities		14%
	Management of Companies and Enterprises		12%
	Securities and Commodity Contracts Intermediation and Brokerage		12%
	Depository Credit Intermediation		8%
	Insurance Carriers		5%
	Management, Scientific, and Technical Consulting Services		5%
	Other		44%

Accountants and Auditors

$79,893

481,053

10%

Accountants and Auditors

Median Salary: $79,893
Job Postings: 481,053
Projected Growth: 10%

Occupation

Job Titles

Skills

Industry

Description

Accountants and Auditors examine, analyze, and interpret accounting records to prepare financial statements, give advice, or audit and evaluate statements prepared by others. Install or advise on systems of recording costs or other financial and budgetary data.

Projected Growth

Job Title	Job Postings	% of Job Postings
Accountants	170,308	35%
Staff Accountants	93,806	20%
Tax Accountants	31,403	7%
Internal Auditors	16,822	4%
Audit Managers	22,298	5%
Cost Accountants	16,228	3%
Project Accountants	12,490	3%
Auditors	15,346	3%
Accounting Associates	13,276	3%
Property Accountants	11,331	2%
Audit Associates	14,724	3%
Certified Public Accountants	17,620	4%
Corporate Accountants	5,920	1%
Accountants/Bookkeepers	8,395	2%
Financial Accountants	5,603	1%
Revenue Accountants	3,852	1%
Internal Audit Managers	6,158	1%
General Ledger Accountants	5,548	1%
Payroll Accountants	5,441	1%
Staff Auditors	4,484	1%

Skill	Job Postings	% of Total Postings
Accounting	278,555	88%
Auditing	184,698	58%
Financial Statements	142,676	45%
Finance	137,280	43%
Generally Accepted Accounting Principles	102,194	32%
General Ledger	74,405	24%
Accounts Payable	63,078	20%
Internal Controls	61,078	19%
Month-End Closing	60,341	19%
Accounts Receivable	55,554	18%
External Auditing	52,746	17%
Account Reconciliation	51,895	16%
Balance Sheet	50,970	16%
Invoicing	50,810	16%
Reconciliation	49,714	16%
Public Accounting	45,794	14%
Financial Analysis	40,133	13%
Internal Auditing	39,224	12%
Accounting Software	34,552	11%
Fixed Asset	31,804	10%

	Industry	% of Occupation in Industry
	Accounting, Tax Preparation, Bookkeeping, and Payroll Services		25%
	Management of Companies and Enterprises		7%
	Local Government, Excluding Education and Hospitals		3%
	Management, Scientific, and Technical Consulting Services		3%
	State Government, Excluding Education and Hospitals		3%
	Computer Systems Design and Related Services		2%
	Other		58%

Business Operations Specialists, All Other

$79,581

31,208

10%

Business Operations Specialists, All Other

Median Salary: $79,581
Job Postings: 31,208
Projected Growth: 10%

Occupation

Job Titles

Skills

Industry

Description

Business Operations Specialists, All Other all business operations specialists not listed separately.

Projected Growth

Job Title	Job Postings	% of Job Postings
E-Commerce Managers	3,896	13%
E-Commerce Specialists	3,973	13%
Sustainability Consultants	2,055	7%
Cybersecurity Consultants	2,253	7%
Sustainability Specialists	1,832	6%
Sustainability Analysts	1,835	6%
E-Commerce Associates	2,338	8%
Sustainability Managers	1,448	5%
Strategic Business Partners	1,570	5%
Sustainability Advisors	1,668	5%
E-Commerce Analysts	966	3%
E-Commerce Assistants	1,243	4%
E-Commerce Supervisors	1,003	3%
Directors of E-Commerce	1,084	4%
Sustainability Coordinators	862	3%
E-Commerce Marketing Managers	639	2%
E-Commerce Clerks	808	3%
Sustainability Engineers	475	2%
Energy and Sustainability Managers	758	2%
Security Consultants	502	2%

Skill	Job Postings	% of Total Postings
Marketing	8,502	25%
Project Management	6,756	20%
E-Commerce	5,431	16%
Merchandising	3,904	11%
Data Analysis	3,711	11%
Auditing	3,563	10%
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)	3,326	10%
Cyber Security	3,258	10%
Finance	2,935	9%
Computer Science	2,765	8%
Analytics	2,728	8%
Digital Marketing	2,524	7%
Environmental Social And Corporate Governance (ESG)	2,439	7%
Search Engine Optimization	2,414	7%
Continuous Improvement Process	2,282	7%
New Product Development	2,113	6%
Accounting	1,994	6%
Warehousing	1,978	6%
User Experience (UX)	1,961	6%
Business Development	1,893	6%

	Industry	% of Occupation in Industry
	Federal Government, Civilian		18%
	Management of Companies and Enterprises		5%
	Management, Scientific, and Technical Consulting Services		5%
	State Government, Excluding Education and Hospitals		5%
	Education and Hospitals (State Government)		4%
	Local Government, Excluding Education and Hospitals		3%
	Other		60%

Employment outlook data is provided by Lightcast and represents labor market trends in the United States. It is not specific to Franklin University graduates or any particular degree level. Franklin University cannot guarantee employment placement, salary level, or career advancement.

Knowledge & Skillsets

Gain in-demand skills sought by employers with curriculum that teaches you:

Threat Assessment

Evaluate data, documents, and other collected information for viable threat intelligence
Assess unforeseen threat developments and recommend actionable changes in security direction
Conduct research on security threats, technical risks, and other issues with potential to adversely affect business or employees
Monitor technical and nontechnical cyber intelligence sources to increase effectiveness and timeliness of reporting threat information
Identify organizational risks and vulnerabilities that can adversely affect business or reputation
Create threat assessment and vulnerability management initiatives and programs
Determine rapid assessment of potential security situations, sensitive developments, and complex threat issues

Fraud Examination

Observe suspect interviews and interrogations, proficiently interpreting verbal and nonverbal cues
Compare enterprise events against intelligence, determining adversary motive, capability, and intent
Plan investigations of suspected or alleged violations of criminal law and corporate policies, including theft, fraud, embezzlement, conflicts of interest, collusion, kickbacks, and records falsification
Designate effective data mining techniques in order to identify aberrant transactions for further investigation and analysis
Arrange investigations for reported allegations of fraud or financial abuse received via an ethics hotline, web portal, or identification by management
Recommend corrective action of failed internal controls
Ensure implementation of appropriate corrective action, including disciplinary and internal control remediation

Electronic Discovery

Identify effective, evidence-preserving data recovery methods and electronic discovery techniques
Create electronic discovery plans, fraud investigations, and personnel investigations involving information systems and legal inquiries
Conduct proactive digital risk assessments, including determining potential vulnerabilities
Find and analyze vulnerabilities in order to manage and mitigate risk, allowing continuation of business, recovery of lost funds, and halting of further economic losses
Review computer-based information systems for appropriate levels of control, documentation, audit trails, and security

Fraud Prevention & Internal Controls

Identify and clearly define forensic issues and root causes, recommending improved internal controls and business processes
Define parameters for zero-tolerance control environments so fraud and noncompliance are unacceptable and difficult to conceal
Develop fraud prevention systems that include fraud scoring and manual account review tools to analyze transactions and suspicious activity
Assess effectiveness and efficiency of internal controls to comply with laws and regulations
Use investigative findings to identify and present meaningful internal control remediations that prevent recurrence
Determine enterprise-wide internal audit initiatives to share real-time information, establish best practices, identify risks, and refine control processes
Create strategies for enhancing controls, internal investigations, security risk assessment, and due diligence
Analyze and identify potential risk for fraud, including likelihood of occurrence, and take pre-emptive or remedial action
Generate engagement and education plans for audit leadership on emerging fraud trends, recommending best practice audit program enhancements

Fraud Reporting & Litigation

Conduct research and analyses associated with suspected occupational fraud activities
Help prepare fraud case evidence and exhibits suitable for judicial proceedings
Assist in litigation support tasks, including forensic reviews and litigation analysis related to suspected occupational fraud activities
Collaborate in the collection, preservation, and analyses of relevant data to support or refute facts and allegations in a fraud investigation

Business Ethics & Regulatory Compliance

Determine adequate audit coverage of key business risks, compliance systems, core processes, and strategic initiatives
Identify opportunities for monitoring activities, verifying and ensuring compliance with established policies and applicable regulations
Establish alignment, integration, and streamlining of compliance policies and procedures across the organization
Decide on appropriate fraud awareness training to promote cultures of compliance and integrity
Evaluate appropriateness and effectiveness of policies, processes, and internal controls related to financial integrity, risk management, legal compliance, ethics, and integrity
Create ethics code of conduct policies and enforcement strategies, ensuring internal teams and external partners adhere to and reflect the highest standards of ethical behavior
Convey industry and discipline trends related to the field of compliance and ethics
Develop educational and promotion plans for key stakeholders related to ethics policies, procedures, and compliance goals

Business Administration

Participate in planning and executing initiatives, ensuring high-quality, customer-focused, cost-effective operations
Work across a variety of business functions, developing and executing projects and activities to achieve revenue targets
Develop business plans in support of goals and profitability objectives
Create processes and procedures to support efficient operations and workforce utilization
Determine business impact of market needs, industry trends, and competitive climates
Ensure that business strategies are incorporated into organizational activities in order to create competitive advantage
Perform comprehensive analysis, forecasting, and strategy development related to financial performance, outcomes, metrics, and bottom-line improvements
Ensure that business strategies are incorporated into organizational activities in order to create competitive advantage
Perform comprehensive analysis, forecasting, and strategy development related to financial performance, outcomes, metrics, and bottom-line improvements

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Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get a Business Forensics degree?

Congratulations on wanting to finish your degree. At Franklin, we make it easy and convenient for busy, working adults to complete their bachelor's degree program alongside other commitments. Typically, a bachelor’s degree takes about 4 years of full-time study from start to finish. However, Franklin’s generous transfer policy can help you finish faster. Visit MyTransfer Credit to see how your previously earned credits can save you time toward your bachelor’s.

When can I start a Business Forensics degree?

Franklin makes getting started easy and convenient. We offer three trimesters every year, with start dates within each. Talk to your admissions advisor to find the start date that works best for you.

How much will my Business Forensics degree cost?

Franklin University offers a quality education at a competitive cost so you can afford to invest in your future. Our per credit hour tuition rates (vs. per year or per term rates) enable you to get a realistic estimate of exactly how much your degree will cost - especially once you've factored in transfer credit. Our 2026-2027 tuition rate is $398 per credit hour and with our tuition guarantee, you can lock-in your first-term tuition rate. Ask our helpful staff about available financing options and financial aid programs. Visit MyTransfer Credit to see how transfer credits could help you save time and money.

What is a Business Forensics degree?

This is a four-year undergraduate degree program. With Franklin University's B.S. Business Forensics degree program, you'll learn about fraud investigation as it relates to presentation in a court of law. With our online degree program, you'll be introduced to the characteristics of fraud, the rules of forensic evidence needed to identify and investigate fraud, and the business controls and systems required to support fraud examination, prevention and detection.

What can you do with a Business Forensics degree?

With a B.S. Business Forensics from Franklin, you'll be prepared to go after a variety of job titles within such fields as business, accounting, criminal justice and public administration. Armed with a foundational understanding of fraud in the workplace, you'll be equipped to pursue a career involving fraud detection, investigation, remediation and control.

Why get a Business Forensics degree?

When you graduate with a Franklin B.S. Business Forensics degree, you'll not only understand the potential for fraudent activity as it relates to accounting or business for your organization, you'll also know how to adopt and implement preventive measures that can potentially save millions (even billions!) of dollars in fraud case loss.

What makes Franklin’s Business Forensics degree unique?

Franklin University's bachelor's of science in Business Forensics degree program is designed and taught by highly credentialed and experienced professionals from the fields of accounting, auditing, business, criminal justice, forensic examination, internal auditing and law. Our Ph.D., JD, MBA, MSA, MA and MS-level instructors hold a variety of professional certifications, including certified public accountant (CPA), certified internal auditor (CIA) and certified fraud examiner (CFE). That means you learn how to apply the academic concepts and theories you learn in the classroom to solve real-world business problems.

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2026 - 2027 Tuition	Cost Per Credit
Standard tuition	$398
B.S. in Nursing	$298
Current service members	$250
International students (Nonresident Alien)	$526

Other Fees and Charges	Cost
Resource fee (each semester)	$100

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Spring 2028

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Boost your competitive advantage with a business forensics degree

IACBE Accredited

CFE-Ready

Forensics Meets Business

Real-World Practitioners

100% Online Classes

Expose occupational fraud and questionable business practices

Broaden your business knowledge while gaining forensics expertise

Get a jump start on preparing for professional certification

Gain valuable forensics insight from actual practitioners

Earn your degree from a university built for busy adults

Stacy McCathran

B.S. Business Forensics

International Accreditation Council for Business Education (IACBE)

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