EMFA Curriculum
Program Structure
The EMFA is a module-based program, wherein students meet on campus every other weekend (Fridays from 5:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. and Saturdays from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm) and participate in distance learning between class meetings. Meals, including dinner on Friday evening and breakfast and lunch on Saturday, are provided. The program consists of five 12-week modules (equivalent to 8 semester hours each), which can be completed in thirteen months. Each successive module builds upon the previous modules to create a unified learning experience.
Module Curriculum
Module One – Foundational Concepts & Introduction to Forensic Accounting
The first module serves to review foundational academic concepts and introduce students to the practice of forensic accounting. The first four sessions provide a review of relevant principles and theories of accounting, economics and finance. Sessions five and six present an overview of forensic accounting concepts, including foundational theory, types of engagements, methodologies and ethical considerations.
Module Two – Criminology & Legal Framework
The second module examines the sociological and psychological theories of criminal behavior and develops the legal framework for forensic accounting. Specific legal components include: 1) the elements of a lawsuit; 2) the discovery process (depositions); 3) the anatomy of civil and criminal trials; 4) the rules of evidence; 5) qualifications for admission; 7) the attorney/client privilege; and 8) trial testimony.
Module Three – Gathering and Analyzing Evidence
The third module introduces students to the various tools and methodologies of the forensic accountant. The first two sessions focus on the analysis of financial statements, including: 1) accounting for income and assets; 2) analysis of cash flows; 3) ratio and trend analysis; and 4) empirical findings and implications. Sessions three through five present other quantitative strategies, including audit procedures, timeline and relationship charting, data mining, hypothesis testing, analysis of variance, and digital analysis. Session six concludes with a discussion of gathering evidence through interviews and observations.
Module Four – Forensic Accounting Engagements
The fourth module is the first phase of the Accredited Forensic Analyst program. The first two sessions present a comprehensive overview of fraud detection and deterrence, including SAS 99, internal controls, professional skepticism, fraud risk indicators, the fraud risk assessment process and brainstorming. The third through fifth sessions provide an introduction to the fundamentals of business valuation and the computation of economic damages. The sixth session focuses on research and report writing.
Module Five – Litigation Services & Capstone Project
The fifth module is the culmination of the program, requiring integration and application of the concepts learned in all previous modules. Students are challenged to develop a case through each stage of the litigation process: establishing the initial engagement, conducting discovery, preparing a written report and concluding with mock trial testimony. Also included is a comprehensive discussion of the ethical challenges facing forensic accountants.
EMFA Program Director
Dr. Robert J. Rufus, CPA, CVA, CCA, AFI
Apply to the EMFA Program >>
Contact Information for EMFA
Those interested in the EMFA Program or Certification Programs in Forensic Accounting should contact:
Robert L. Bliss
Associate Dean, Graduate School of Business
304.357.4865
robertbliss@ucwv.edu
The EMFA is a module-based program, wherein students meet on campus every other weekend (Fridays from 5:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. and Saturdays from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm) and participate in distance learning between class meetings. Meals, including dinner on Friday evening and breakfast and lunch on Saturday, are provided. The program consists of five 12-week modules (equivalent to 8 semester hours each), which can be completed in thirteen months. Each successive module builds upon the previous modules to create a unified learning experience.
Module Curriculum
Module One – Foundational Concepts & Introduction to Forensic Accounting
The first module serves to review foundational academic concepts and introduce students to the practice of forensic accounting. The first four sessions provide a review of relevant principles and theories of accounting, economics and finance. Sessions five and six present an overview of forensic accounting concepts, including foundational theory, types of engagements, methodologies and ethical considerations.
Module Two – Criminology & Legal Framework
The second module examines the sociological and psychological theories of criminal behavior and develops the legal framework for forensic accounting. Specific legal components include: 1) the elements of a lawsuit; 2) the discovery process (depositions); 3) the anatomy of civil and criminal trials; 4) the rules of evidence; 5) qualifications for admission; 7) the attorney/client privilege; and 8) trial testimony.
Module Three – Gathering and Analyzing Evidence
The third module introduces students to the various tools and methodologies of the forensic accountant. The first two sessions focus on the analysis of financial statements, including: 1) accounting for income and assets; 2) analysis of cash flows; 3) ratio and trend analysis; and 4) empirical findings and implications. Sessions three through five present other quantitative strategies, including audit procedures, timeline and relationship charting, data mining, hypothesis testing, analysis of variance, and digital analysis. Session six concludes with a discussion of gathering evidence through interviews and observations.
Module Four – Forensic Accounting Engagements
The fourth module is the first phase of the Accredited Forensic Analyst program. The first two sessions present a comprehensive overview of fraud detection and deterrence, including SAS 99, internal controls, professional skepticism, fraud risk indicators, the fraud risk assessment process and brainstorming. The third through fifth sessions provide an introduction to the fundamentals of business valuation and the computation of economic damages. The sixth session focuses on research and report writing.
Module Five – Litigation Services & Capstone Project
The fifth module is the culmination of the program, requiring integration and application of the concepts learned in all previous modules. Students are challenged to develop a case through each stage of the litigation process: establishing the initial engagement, conducting discovery, preparing a written report and concluding with mock trial testimony. Also included is a comprehensive discussion of the ethical challenges facing forensic accountants.
EMFA Program Director
Dr. Robert J. Rufus, CPA, CVA, CCA, AFI
Apply to the EMFA Program >>
Contact Information for EMFA
Those interested in the EMFA Program or Certification Programs in Forensic Accounting should contact:
Robert L. Bliss
Associate Dean, Graduate School of Business
304.357.4865
robertbliss@ucwv.edu