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Utica University - B.S. in Fraud and Financial Crime Investigation

The Economic Crime Institute of Utica University offers an online Bachelor of Science in Fraud and Crime Investigation. Students must choose one of two concentrations: Financial Investigation or Fraud Prevention and Detection. The degree is a bachelor’s program designed for incoming freshmen as well as students with transfer credits. The degree program and curriculum were developed with the Board of Advisors of the Economic Crime and Cybersecurity Institute which has been on the leading edge of financial crime study for over twenty years.

Students in the BS in Fraud and Crime Investigation program may prepare for certification as a CipherTrace Certified Examiner (CTCE), a Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE), and a Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialist (CAMS). In addition, Utica University is partnered with the Association of Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialists (ACAMS), offering students the opportunity for tuition discounts, preparation for the CAMS exam, and other benefits such as a free two-year membership.

The Financial Investigation concentration focuses on examining financial records, analyzing data, investigation skills, interrogation skills, auditing for fraud, and preparing financial fraud evidence. Skills foci for the Fraud Prevention and Detection concentration include identifying suspicious behaviors in organizations, interrogation techniques, interview techniques, preserving evidence, compiling reports, and organizational protection from fraud.

The online BS in Fraud and Financial Crime Investigation program is offered both full-time and part-time. The 120 credit program can be completed in two to four years depending on prior schooling and the number of credits transferred in. Students may transfer in up to 90 credits, significantly reducing the time to completion and cost of the program. Freshmen will complete the program in four years on a full-time basis. The minimum GPA required for high school courses is 3.0 while transfer courses must be at least a 2.5 GPA. ACT and SAT scores are not required but may be submitted for consideration if desired.

The online BS in Fraud and Financial Crime Investigation is 100% online and does not require any campus visits. Utica University utilizes the Engage Learning Management System (LMS) and all courses are delivered asynchronously, so students log in at times convenient for them. Assignments and other activities will have specific due dates. Students must complete an internship, through which they will gain hands-on experience in the field or a senior paper during the program.

Course requirements include major courses, major-related courses, and concentration courses. Examples of major courses include Intro to Criminal Justice; Economic Crime Theory; Economic Crime Investigation; Cybercrime Law and Investigations; and Proseminar in Justice Studies. Examples of major-related courses include Financial Accounting; Statistics; Criminological Research Methods; and Principles of Microeconomics.

Financial Investigation concentration courses include Managerial Accounting; Intermediate Accounting I and II; Forensic Accounting & Fraud Auditing; Corporate Finance; and one of the following: Cost Management or Auditing.

Fraud Prevention and Detection concentration courses include Fraud Prevention and Detection Technologies; Fraud Prevention Techniques; Payment Systems and Fraud; Advanced Issues in Economic Crime; Fraud and Compliance Operations; and one course from a choice of five others.

Utica University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).

Utica University: The Economic Crime & Cybersecurity Institute of Utica College

Programs: BS in Fraud and Financial Crime Investigation - Financial Investigation, BS in Fraud and Financial Crime Investigation - Fraud Prevention and Detection
Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)

BS in Fraud and Financial Crime Investigation - Financial Investigation

Program Highlights
  • Focus on examining financial records, analyzing data, auditing for fraud, investigation skills, interrogation skills, and preparing financial fraud evidence
  • Students may transfer in up to 90 credits to the program, completing the degree faster
  • A strong emphasis is planed on managerial accounting, forensic accounting, fraud auditing, and corporate finance
Program Overview
Program Structure: Courses are online with no campus visits required; students must complete an internship or a senior paper
Example Courses: Economic Crime Theory; Economic Crime Investigation; Cybercrime Law and Investigations; Law of Economic Crime; Information Privacy
Instruction Methods: Utica uses the Engage LMS and courses are delivered asynchronously; students must complete an internship or a senior paper
Degree Requirements
Credits Required: 120 credits needed to graduate
Campus Visits Required: 0
Program Options
Program Start Dates: Three starts per year: Fall, Spring, and Summer terms
Curriculum Options: Full-time or Part-time
Length of Program: Program can be completed in 2 to 4 years
Admission Requirements and Tuition Costs
GPA Requirements: Minimum GPA 3.0
Testing Requirements: SAT or ACT optional
Work Experience: Not required for admission
Tuition Costs: ~$54,000 + fees
Cost per Credit Hour: $450.00

BS in Fraud and Financial Crime Investigation - Fraud Prevention and Detection

Program Highlights
  • Learned skills include identifying suspicious behaviors in organizations, interrogation techniques, interview techniques, preserving evidence, compiling reports, and organizational protection from fraud
  • Utica College is partnered with the Association of Certified Anti-Money Laundering Speciailists (ACAMS) which allows for tuition discounts, preparation for the CAMS certification exam, and other benefits
  • Students may prepare for certification as a CipherTrace Certified Examiner (CTCE), a Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE), and a Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialist (CAMS)
Program Overview
Program Structure: Courses are online with no campus visits required; students must complete an internship or a senior paper
Example Courses: Fraud Prevention and Detection Technologies; Fraud Prevention Techniques; Payment Systems and Fraud; Advanced Issues in Economic Crime; Fraud and Compliance Operations
Instruction Methods: Utica uses the Engage LMS and courses are delivered asynchronously; students must complete an internship or a senior paper
Degree Requirements
Credits Required: 120 credits needed to graduate
Campus Visits Required: 0
Program Options
Program Start Dates: Three starts per year: Fall, Spring, and Summer terms
Curriculum Options: Full-time or Part-time
Length of Program: Program can be completed in 2 to 4 years
Admission Requirements and Tuition Costs
GPA Requirements: Minimum GPA 3.0
Testing Requirements: SAT or ACT optional
Work Experience: Not required for admission
Tuition Costs: ~$54,000 + fees
Cost per Credit Hour: $450.00