Overview
The goal of this program is to prepare students to enter the field of economic crime in careers such as internal and external fraud auditors, criminal and economic crime investigators, litigation support analysts and anti-money laundering investigators. The program prepares individuals to detect, deter, and investigate instances of economic crime, misconduct, and abuse.
The M.S. in ECF incorporates key components from La Salle’s graduate programs in Computer Information Science and Master of Business Administration. The program adds additional theory in areas of criminal justice, litigation preparation, and corporate ethics. The program also provides an additional path for technology managers interested in pursuing a leadership career by integrating financial compliance with corporate business goals. Students complete a capstone experience which integrates theory and practice through either an industry specific research project or a program-related experiential position.
The program is offered in an online format and follows the traditional academic calendar of a fall and spring semester and a shorter summer semester. The fall and spring semesters are divided into two 8-week terms. A full-time graduate student carries a minimum of 6 semester credit hours. Some courses may require more hours per week in some areas of instruction. All courses are online and 3 credits in the length. The courses will meet both synchronously (optional) and asynchronously. Students are required to participate in chat sessions and/or discussion boards, which will take the place of classroom meetings. Synchronous sessions will be recorded for students who are not able to attend the actual session. Students who are not able to attend the synchronous sessions will be asked to complete a short assignment related to the recorded session. Depending on their personal schedules, students may elect to take courses every term or wait for the next term to continue studies. Courses in the summer are also 8 weeks in length. If a student decides to take two courses during the summer session, they will overlap in the time frame.
The M.S. in ECF focuses on a set of theoretical core competencies which include the following:
- Economic crime definition, analysis, and prevention;
- Legal and corporate compliance and ethical issues;
- Economic risk analysis and mitigation; and
- Investigative practices, principles, and prosecution.
