Will a criminal justice degree help me become a forensic accountant?

Question

I just graduated with an associates degree in criminal justice, but i am know thinking of going for forensic accounting, i know i have to get a 4 yr degree in accounting and get my CPA but if i want to become a "forensic" accountant, i would need to take courses in forensics which i think is an extra 2 yrs, but since i have a criminal justice degree already, would that help me out? or do i have to start all over? i really hope i can use this Criminal justice degree so it wont be a waste! Thanks alot.

Answer 1

I've seen some of the coursework for a BS in forensic accounting - is there a school near you that offers such a thing? You'd still need your CPA, but it might cut back on some of the extra coursework you'd need. Would that fulfill the licensure requirements in your state? If so, may be an option.

I don't think your criminal justice coursework will apply toward the forensics part of the accounting program. However, some of it may be counted as electives in your bachelor's program, and that will cut down on the time you need to spend. In addition, having the associates in criminal justice may be quite attractive to some employers, so in no way was it a waste.