Who Is Interested in Forensic Accounting?

Abstract

In this research study, I seek to better understand the profile of a student who will find forensic accounting interesting. Demand for forensic accountants is growing and will only continue to increase over the next decade and the supply of properly prepared students for the career is low. This is largely due to few universities offering even a single course focused on forensic accounting. Perhaps, the lack of forensic accounting courses and concentrations within accounting curriculum is because there is not enough information and understanding surrounding the students this career will attract. In this study, I surveyed college aged students to uncover what personal interests, backgrounds, and educational experiences correlate with an interest in forensic accounting. Ultimately, what was revealed is that forensic accounting is incredibly interesting to students regardless of major or interest in accounting in general. Students desire more coursework in this field and the results provide exciting and positive news for the future of forensic accounting.