The nature of fraud is becoming more technologically complex and costly in a post-industrial, knowledge-based, global environment. Estimates of losses as a result of economic crimes exceed $200 billion per year, 20 times the losses attributed to conventional crimes. All industries-including banking, cellular, credit card, securities, and insurance-have been adversely impacted by the growth of economic crime. There is a critical need for executives who understand the nature of economic crime and are capable of directing their organizations into the twenty-first century.
The master of science degree program in Financial Crime and Compliance Management - the only graduate level program of its kind in the United States-provides professional education to members of private corporations, government agencies, and professional associations who aspire to advance their competencies in managing corporate and advanced technological resources devoted to combating economic crime. The program, which can be completed in two years of part-time study, utilizes a flexible distance learning format, brief on-campus residencies, and study at home. Students spend four days in residency for two yearly terms, completing their coursework via the Internet. There is a third optional residency Web seminar program. Students must meet minimum equipment needs to participate. Each residency provides opportunities for students to achieve hands-on, technology-related skill learning through labs and demonstrations. This schedule allows students wishing to lead organizations operating in a global environment to acquire the requisite knowledge, skills, and vision with minimal impact on their full time positions.
The Financial Crime and Compliance Management program combines the areas of management, technology, analytical skills, and a knowledge and understanding of economic crime from a global perspective. The master’s degree program was developed in cooperation with the Board of Advisors of the Economic Crime Institute (ECI), a body comprised of individuals who are leaders in various industries and governmental organizations that are adversely impacted by economic crime.
Student Learning Goals
- Exhibit understanding of how organizational design and enterprise risk management are integral parts of managing fraud and compliance in both a national and global environment
- Exhibit advanced investigation and analysis skills and the utilization of multiple data sources to prevent, detect, and mitigate fraud
- Recognize the increasing role of operational risk as it relates to information and communication technology and the expanding role in loss mitigation and business continuity to protect the organization
- Provide leadership to manage the use of analytical skills, investigation, and detection methods in economic crime management including auditing, data mining, and modeling
- Exhibit an understanding of the complex legal and compliance regulations impacting public- and private-sector organizations
- Exhibit an ability to think critically and apply information to problems, as demonstrated in course assignments and the capstone project or thesis
- Exhibit the ability to communicate information orally and in writing, as demonstrated in course papers, discussion threads, and group projects
- Exhibit an ability to ensure the integration of theory and practice that reflects current knowledge, high ethical standards, and professional responsibility
