Careers Investigating Fraud — and the Degree That Will Help You Get Started

Embry-Riddle’s B.S. in Forensic Accounting and Fraud Examination (FAFE) prepares students to lead the fight against financial crimes that threaten organizations, governments and global economies. As fraud schemes grow more advanced, organizations across every sector need professionals trained to detect risks, analyze evidence and protect critical assets.

The program, housed within Embry-Riddle Prescott’s College of Business, Security and Intelligence (CBSI) — the first college of its kind in the nation — prepares students for national and international careers by addressing critical challenges at the intersection of business, security and intelligence.

Through a security-driven curriculum that combines forensic accounting, fraud examination, digital forensics and cybersecurity, students gain the expertise needed to confront embezzlement, corporate fraud and financial misconduct. Graduates are equipped to earn the Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) credential and make an impact across corporate, nonprofit and governmental sectors.

Understanding the Growing Demand for Fraud Experts

Financial crime is on the rise. Organizations are losing billions each year to embezzlement, internal misconduct, identity theft and cyber-enabled schemes. As companies invest more heavily in fraud prevention, forensic accountants and fraud examiners have become essential roles in risk management.

Employers are looking for graduates who not only understand accounting principles but who also have the tools to trace digital evidence, analyze behavioral red flags and interpret data from complex financial systems. This is where Embry-Riddle's FAFE graduates stand out.

The degree is designed around real needs in today’s investigative landscape, aligning classroom learning with what employers expect from fraud professionals on day one.

Forensic Accounting Foundations

Students begin with a strong base in accounting, auditing and financial reporting. They learn how financial statements should look when prepared correctly and how to spot inconsistencies that signal deeper problems.

Courses dive into revenue recognition, asset valuation and regulatory compliance, giving students the background required to identify patterns that do not add up. Because forensic accounting involves both technical knowledge and investigative instincts, students practice analyzing transactions through repeated casework drawn from real scenarios.

This foundation gives graduates the confidence to approach any investigation, whether it involves corporate accounts, nonprofit funds or government programs.

Fraud Examination and Investigative Techniques

Embry-Riddle's fraud examination courses equip students with the skills to uncover and prevent financial misconduct. These classes introduce the methods criminals use to conceal fraud and provide hands-on training in investigative techniques. Through applied exercises, students learn to:

• Recognize behavioral red flags
• Conduct structured interviews
• Assemble findings that withstand audits and legal scrutiny

Faculty with extensive industry experience guide students through every step of the investigative process — from gathering evidence to preparing clear, defensible reports. Students also develop the ability to:

• Identify internal control weaknesses
• Evaluate whistleblower claims
• Assess risks that could lead to future incidents

Assistant Professor Samantha Friedlan brings real-world expertise to the classroom, drawing on a career in public accounting, governmental auditing and fraud investigation. Her insights underscore the importance of proactive fraud prevention.

Graduates of this program leave with the ability to think critically, ask the right  questions and determine what evidence is needed to support a case.

Digital Forensics and Cybersecurity Skills

Modern fraud is rarely paper-based. Most schemes involve digital trails hidden in emails, spreadsheets, file systems or financial software. The FAFE program integrates digital forensics and cybersecurity concepts, so graduates can pursue investigations that span both physical and virtual environments.

Students learn the basics of network security, data preservation, metadata analysis and cybercrime investigation. They explore how digital footprints reveal intent, how to recover deleted data and how attackers manipulate systems to hide financial misstatements.

These skills make FAFE graduates valuable across industries where fraud prevention intersects with cybersecurity, financial systems and internal auditing.

Applied Learning That Builds Investigator Mindsets

One of the strongest features of the FAFE program is its emphasis on hands-on learning. Students don’t just study fraud — they investigate it.

Case simulations mirror real-world investigations, allowing students to act as fraud examiners, auditors or internal investigators. They practice presenting findings, working as part of an investigative team and applying forensic tools to uncover irregularities.

Internships and industry partnerships give students opportunities to gain workplace experience with financial institutions, government agencies and corporate security teams. These applied learning opportunities help students refine their investigative skills while building a strong professional network.

Where FAFE Graduates Are Getting Hired

Demand for forensic accounting and fraud examination professionals continues to grow, and Embry-Riddle students are securing competitive roles across government, finance and corporate sectors.

Recent graduates have accepted positions with:

• Federal agencies such as the FBI and IRS, working on financial crime cases and supporting investigative units.
• American Express, where forensic accounting and fraud analysts help protect millions of global transactions.
• Big Four accounting firms, assisting with forensic audits, compliance reviews and risk management services.

Graduates also pursue careers in internal audit, compliance, law enforcement, consulting and corporate security. The versatility of the degree allows students to enter industries where fraud prevention is a top priority.

Why Students Choose Embry-Riddle for Fraud and Forensic Accounting

Embry-Riddle is known for its focus on safety, security and technology. The FAFE program builds on that reputation by preparing students to operate with integrity, precision and professional confidence. With faculty who have worked on real cases and classrooms designed around hands-on learning, students graduate ready to tackle financial crime from day one.

For students who want meaningful careers uncovering the truth and protecting organizations from harm, the FAFE program offers a clear path to impact.