Follow the Trail

Our four-course graduate certificate in auditing and forensic accounting provides in-depth training in financial investigation, fraud detection and risk management, and is designed to prepare you for advanced roles in public accounting, corporate finance, law enforcement and government agencies. Our program offers a strong foundation in forensic accounting, internal auditing and financial forensics, focusing on compliance, regulatory standards and ethical practices. Upon completion, you should be well-equipped to pursue certifications from the Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA) and the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE), enhancing your credibility and marketability in the field.

Spring 2026 Graduate Flex Term.

Back to menu

What Are My Job Opportunities?

With an Auditing and Forensic Accounting Graduate Certificate, you can prepare for roles such as forensic accountant, internal auditor, fraud investigator and compliance officer.

Careers Possibilities

Accountants and Auditors
$ 79,880
Financial Examiners
$ 84,300
Compliance Officers
$ 75,670

Current Median Salaries from US DOL Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2023

Program Details

Our program offers specialized fraud detection, financial investigation and compliance training to tackle modern accounting challenges.

What Might I Learn?

You will have the opportunity to gain experience in a number of key areas.

Fraud Detection and Prevention

Gain expertise in identifying and investigating financial fraud, applying advanced techniques to prevent fraudulent activity in various sectors.

Financial Forensics

Learn to analyze complex financial data, detect discrepancies and reconstruct financial records to uncover fraudulent behavior.

Forensic Accounting Tools and Technology

Acquire practical skills using specialized software and analytical tools to conduct forensic investigations and detect financial irregularities.

Regulatory and Compliance Standards

Develop a deep understanding of key accounting regulations, including GAAP, SOX and international compliance standards, ensuring ethical and legal financial practices.

Taking Classes

Online and In-Person

Designed for working professionals and accounting specialists, our program is offered fully online and in-person at the Commerce campus, allowing you to choose the learning mode that best fits your schedule.

Please check the schedule of classes for locations and meeting times, as they may change.

Curriculum

An Auditing and Forensic Accounting Graduate Certificate at East Texas A&M University provides a robust curriculum that blends theory with practical skills in financial investigation, fraud detection and compliance. Our program is designed to enhance your expertise as you navigate complex financial challenges and excel in various accounting and forensic roles.

Operational Excellence Graduate Certificate

The purpose of this certificate is to develop a graduate-level working knowledge of important tools (e.g., Six Sigma and project management software) for successful application in supply chain and project management. By successfully completing the certificate, you will be awarded an Operational Excellence Certificate from East Texas A&M, and Green Belt Six Sigma certificate. All the courses in the Operational Excellence Certificate Program may be applied toward a Master of Science (MS) in our Management degree program and some of the courses may be applied to other graduate business degrees.

Finding My Community

We believe that education thrives in an environment where collaboration, support and mutual respect flourish. Our community of students and professors embodies these values, creating an enriching and dynamic atmosphere for learning and growth. Our students come from a variety of backgrounds and bring a wide range of experiences and perspectives to the table. Our professors are not only experts in their respective fields but also dedicated mentors who are committed to guiding and nurturing the next generation of scholars.

Daniel Hsiao, Ph.D., CPA, CISA

Associate Professor of Accounting
Shiyou Li professional headshot

Shiyou Li Ph.D., CPA

Associate Professor of Accounting

Hongmei Jia, Ph.D.

Associate Professor of Accounting
Group of students siting at table outside smiling at the camera.

Student Organizations

Our campus has many ways to engage and get involved.

The Department of Accounting and Forensic Studies Student Chapter

The Department of Accounting and Forensic Studies Student Chapter promotes the academic programs of auditing and forensic accounting, supporting you through both on-campus and online academic, social and professional events. This organization collaborates closely with Career Services to provide you with internship opportunities and professional development in the fields of forensic accounting, auditing and financial investigation.

I’m Looking For Something Different

Is this program close, but still not right for you? Check out our related degrees!

Two students in graduation cap and gown smile holding their diploma

Financing My Future

Financial Aid

Financial aid includes a variety of programs, like scholarships, federal and state grants, and federal and state work-study programs. Find out how you may be eligible for scholarships, grants, loans and/or a graduate assistantship. Financial Aid and Scholarships

Back to menu

On-Campus Employment Opportunities

Enhance your expertise through on-campus employment opportunities.

Graduate Assistant/Research/Teaching

Graduate assistant teaching (GAT), graduate assistant research (GAR), and graduate assistant non-teaching (GANT) assistantships at East Texas A&M offer financial support and professional development for graduate students. Assistantships are available in academic and non-academic departments.

Back to menu

Cost Before Financial Aid

East Texas A&M is one of the most affordable colleges around the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex. Our tuition rates are some of the most competitive in Texas.

for Texas residents

/

For non-residents

Tuition and fees for graduate students taking nine credit hours are $3,669 for Texas residents and $7,341 for non-residents. But don’t worry: there are

Back to menu
TUITION AND FEES
0
Per Semester

Additional Fees May Apply

  • Online Courses ($50 per hour)
  • Remote Locations ($20 per hour)
  • Lab Fees ($5 – $30 per course)

Back to menu

How Do I Get Started?

If you have not already done so, complete the Request Information form. You will be connected with your enrollment specialist, who can answer your questions. When you’re ready, go ahead and follow the steps below to apply.

Admission Requirements

To be considered for admission, you must first meet the following criteria.

  • GPA minimum 2.5
  • Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution

Admission Process

Once admitted, you must:

Submit Application

  • Create an account or login if you already have one
  • Complete your profile section first once you log into your account
  • Select “School Search” and select East Texas A&M
  • Choose the semester you wish to begin
Back to menu
  • Select “Auditing & Forensic Accounting, Graduate Certificate” as your “Program.”
  • Pay the $50 application fee.

Wait to receive an application confirmation email before proceeding to the next step.

  • Within two business days of your application, the Graduate School will send a confirmation email to the personal email account you used for ApplyTexas.
Back to menu

Submit the following documents after you receive an application confirmation email.

Your Graduate Coordinator

Back to menu

Contact your previous institution(s) and request that they send your official transcripts to your graduate coordinator.

  • We recommend that you request transcripts for all of your academic work.

All international transcripts must be evaluated and the evaluation submitted to the Graduate School.

We accepts evaluations sent directly from the following Agencies.

  • If a normal evaluation is submitted, official original transcripts with all marksheets will still need to be submitted.
  • If a WES ICAP or equivalent is submitted, we will not need the official transcripts to be submitted separately.

If your institution is unable to submit a digital copy, hard copies may be mailed to:

East Texas A&M University
Attn: Graduate School
PO Box 3011
Commerce, Texas 75429-3011

We will need official/original documents. If those documents are the only copies you have, the Graduate School can mail them back to you upon request. Contact your graduate coordinator for more information.

Review the Application Packet for more information.

Look for application updates in myLeo > Apps > Check Application Status

  • Once an admission decision has been made, you will receive an email to your student email account at myLeo > Apps > Leomail.

  • Apply for scholarships and graduate assistantships once you are admitted.
  • Apply for financial aid by submitting a FAFSA and sending it to school code 003565.
  • Contact your financial aid advisor with any questions.

Once registration opens and you are eligible to enroll, your graduate enrollment specialist will contact you to complete registration.

  • View your degree plan in DegreeWorks.
  • To register for classes, go to myLeo > Student Resources > Registration Menu.

Contact your graduate enrollment specialist if you have any questions regarding your degree plan and registration.

Your Graduate Enrollment Specialist

Back to menu

Note: International students interested in graduate certificates must do so in conjunction with a graduate degree.

Submit Application

  • Create an account or login if you already have one
  • Complete your profile section first once you log into your account
  • Select “School Search” and select East Texas A&M
  • Choose the semester you wish to begin
Back to menu
  • Select “Auditing & Forensic Accounting, Graduate Certificate” as your “Program.”
  • Pay the $75 application fee

Wait to receive an application confirmation email before proceeding to the next step.

  • After you submit your application, the Graduate School will send a confirmation email within two business days to the personal email account you used for ApplyTexas.
Back to menu

Submit the following documents after you receive an application confirmation email.

Your Graduate Coordinator

Back to menu

Contact your previous institution(s) and request that they send your official transcripts to your graduate coordinator.

  • We recommend that you request transcripts for all of your academic work.

If your institution is unable to submit a digital copy, hard copies may be mailed to:

East Texas A&M University
Attn: Graduate School
PO Box 3011
Commerce, Texas 75429-3011

We will need official/original documents. If those documents are the only copies you have, the Graduate School can mail them back to you upon request. Contact your graduate coordinator for more information.

Review the Application Packet for more information.

Look for application updates in myLeo > Apps > Check Application Status

  • Once an admission decision has been made, you will receive an email to your student email account at myLeo > Apps > Leomail.

  • Apply for scholarships and graduate assistantships once you are admitted.
  • Apply for financial aid by submitting a FAFSA and sending it to school code 003565.
  • Contact your financial aid advisor with any questions.

Once registration opens and you are eligible to enroll, your graduate enrollment specialist will contact you to complete registration.

  • View your degree plan in DegreeWorks.
  • To register for classes, go to myLeo > Student Resources > Registration Menu.

Contact your graduate enrollment specialist if you have any questions regarding your degree plan and registration.

Your Graduate Enrollment Specialist

Back to menu

I Still Have Questions

We are here to help! Send us an email. We can answer your questions and assist you in the application process.

Contact the Department

  • P.O. Box 3011
  • Commerce, TX 75429-3011
Navigate This Page