Economic Forensics, Master of Science

Part-time program @ Fresenius University of Applied Sciences 

👉 The part-time Master's degree programme in Business Forensics (M.Sc.) is aimed at working professionals with a first university degree (at least 180 ECTS) and B2-level English skills. It imparts interdisciplinary knowledge from business administration, law, IT, and criminology, with a focus on economic crime. Topics include economic criminal law, procedural conduct, evidence preservation, and cyber forensics. The practice-oriented course comprises only 15 days of on-site attendance per semester, spread over block sessions at the Wiesbaden campus. Collaborations with auditing firms and the police complement the teaching. Graduates are qualified for roles as business forensic experts, compliance specialists, or auditors. The Master of Science degree is officially recognised and accredited.

At a Glance

🏫 University Fresenius University of Applied Sciences, UAS based in Idstein (Germany)
Fresenius University of Applied Sciences is one of Germany's largest private universities with campuses in Berlin, Düsseldorf, Frankfurt am Main, Hamburg, Idstein, Cologne, Munich and Wiesbaden. It offers practice-oriented bachelor's and master's degree programs in the fields of chemistry & biology, business & media, health & social affairs and design, as well as training and continuing education. Studies are possible on a full-time, part-time and distance learning basis.
🎓 Field of Study Legal Sciences
📜 Degree Master of Science (M.Sc.)
⏳ Duration 5 Semesters
🎯 ECTS 120 Credit Points
🌍 Language of Instruction German
📖 Course contents Business Ethics: on proper conduct, key points of the legal system, computer technology, internet and economic forensics, forensic accounting, legal fundamentals of economic forensics, economic crime I, procedural management and evidence preservation, crisis management and communication, economic criminal law, IT forensics, academic research, prevention of economic crime, databases and data analysis, economic crime II, interrogation/interview, asset tracing and asset recovery, case study seminar, master's thesis
📚 Electives Business and Economic Fundamentals, Criminology and Criminalistics, Law, Computer Science
📍 Location Wiesbaden
📅 Enrollment Winter semester
💶 Fees
from 495 € monthly
from 15100 € total
🔗 More Info https://www.hs-fresenius.de

Requirements and Target Group

The part-time Master's degree programme in Economic Forensics is aimed at professionals who wish to specialise in the prevention, investigation and combat of economic crime. The target group includes specialists and managers from the fields of business, law, auditing, finance, IT, compliance and criminology who already possess a first academic degree. The programme is particularly suitable for individuals who want to enhance their analytical skills and apply forensic methods in an economic context – for example, to secure and analyse digital and financial traces in cases of suspected fraud, money laundering or other economic criminal acts.

What formal admission requirements must you meet?

For admission to the Master’s programme in Economic Forensics (M.Sc.) at Hochschule Fresenius, a first professional university degree (Bachelor’s or equivalent) with at least 180 ECTS credits is required. Additionally, you must demonstrate knowledge of the English language at a minimum of B2 level, as some courses or specialist literature may be in English. Admission without such an academic degree is not possible. A Numerus Clausus (NC) is currently not specified for this programme.

Personal requirements include strong analytical skills and an interest in interdisciplinary issues from business, law, IT and criminology. You should have a pronounced sense of responsibility, integrity and a meticulous working style, as forensic work often involves securing and analysing sensitive data and evidence. Communication skills and the ability to work in a team are important, as collaboration with various departments and authorities is part of everyday professional life. Prior knowledge of business administration, law or IT is an advantage, but the broad curriculum also specifically develops these skills for people from other backgrounds. A basic interest in business ethics, digital tools and legal frameworks completes your profile for this programme.

Study Content in Detail

In the part-time Master's degree programme in Business Forensics at Hochschule Fresenius, you will acquire interdisciplinary skills at the interface of business, law, information technology, and criminology. The main focuses of the programme include:

  • Business ethics and ethically responsible business conduct
  • Fundamentals of the legal system and business criminal law
  • Forensic accounting and prevention of economic crime
  • IT forensics, computer technology, and cyber forensics
  • Procedural management and evidence preservation
  • Crisis management, crisis communication, and asset tracing
  • Databases and data analysis for the detection of economic criminal activities
  • Interrogation techniques and interview methods
  • Asset recovery and case study seminars from practice

Through elective modules, you can set individual focuses, for example in business and economics fundamentals, law, computer science, as well as criminology and criminalistics. You will get to know forensic measures in practice, practise evidence-secure documentation, and prepare court-admissible analyses. The programme concludes with a Master's thesis on a practical forensic topic.

Course Structure

The Master's degree programme in Business Forensics is designed for five semesters in a part-time format. You can ideally combine the programme with your professional work. The courses take place on only 15 presence days per semester, which are spread over 4 to 5 block events. The remaining time is used for self-study with digital materials and case studies.

  • Start each winter semester
  • 120 ECTS credits distributed across compulsory and elective modules
  • Practice-oriented teaching by lecturers from business, administration, and criminology
  • Collaboration with external partners such as auditing firms and the Hessian University of Police and Administration
  • Integration of guest lectures and practical projects

The assessment components consist of written exams, project work, presentations, and a final Master's thesis.

Career Prospects & Employment Opportunities

With a Master's degree in Business Forensics, you qualify for demanding positions in the field of economic forensic analysis and prevention. Typical career paths include:

  • Compliance expert in companies, banks, insurance companies, non-profit organisations, or the public sector (e.g. responsibility for anti-money laundering or implementation of the Supply Chain Due Diligence Act)
  • Business forensic specialist for investigating, preventing, and clarifying economic criminal activities, also with expert witness activities before courts
  • Auditor focusing on auditing, risk analysis, and reporting on suspected cases of economic crime
  • Positions in investigative and law enforcement authorities, supervisory bodies, and international organisations
  • Self-employed consultancy in the detection and prevention of economic crime

The programme imparts practical and sought-after skills that are in high demand, especially in times of increasing complexity of economic processes and risks.

Study Location: What Awaits You at the Wiesbaden Campus?

The Master's in Business Forensics is offered at the modern campus of Hochschule Fresenius in Wiesbaden. The city is the capital of the German state of Hesse with a long academic tradition and diverse economic connections, particularly in the Rhine-Main region. The Wiesbaden campus features modern lecture halls, a library, a canteen, and offers a pleasant learning atmosphere.

  • Personal contact with lecturers and students in small groups
  • Practice-oriented on-site teaching, complemented by digital learning content
  • Networking with partner companies and industry events in the region

The on-site days are manageable and allow good compatibility with work and other commitments.

Costs and Financing: How Do You Finance Your Master’s Degree?

The tuition fees for the part-time Master’s in Business Forensics in Wiesbaden amount to 495 euros per month over five semesters, totalling 14,850 euros. In addition, there is a one-time registration fee of 250 euros. The study price includes courses, study materials, and many offers from the StudyPLUS programme (e.g. language courses, career counselling, networking events).

  • Financing options are available via BAföG for employed persons, scholarships, or study loans (e.g. KfW study loan)
  • The part-time organisation generally allows continuation of your own employment, so you can partially finance your further education yourself
  • The student advisory service at Hochschule Fresenius supports you with all questions regarding financing

Individual advice on suitable financing options is available at any time.

Advisory Service

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