Master’s in Taxation Online

Source – Integrated Post Secondary Education Data System & University Data
*Tuition rates are for in-state and per year. Program specific rates may apply.
**NA – data not available

Source – Integrated Post Secondary Education Data System & University Data
*Tuition rates are for in-state and per year. Program specific rates may apply.
**NA – data not available

Online Master’s in Taxation programs provide comprehensive education on tax laws, regulations, and strategic planning, catering to professionals seeking expertise in this complex field. These programs cover diverse tax topics, including income, estate, and international taxation, equipping students with a nuanced understanding of the ever-evolving tax landscape. The curriculum often integrates case studies and practical applications, allowing students to hone their analytical and problem-solving skills. Flexibility in online platforms facilitates learning at the student’s pace. With a focus on practical scenarios, these programs prepare graduates for leadership roles in taxation, offering a balance of theoretical knowledge and hands-on insights.

Curriculum and Coursework

Prospective master’s in online taxation program students should know that curriculum structures vary among universities. Typically, taxation master’s degrees encompass approximately 30 credit hours, with additional courses offered to enhance students’ knowledge in this expansive field.

Here are some common courses that students will see in masters in online taxation programs:

Learning Outcomes and Skills Gained

The Master’s in Taxation program provides a comprehensive foundation for effective leadership in taxation. Students acquire essential skills to navigate and excel in this dynamic field. Among the acquired skills in this program, students would have:

• In-depth understanding of tax laws and regulations
• Proficient tax planning and compliance strategies
• Analytical skills for complex tax issues
• Legal insights into corporate taxation
• Mastery of tax research methodologies

Degree Types

Online Masters in Taxation programs, available in MS, MBA, and LLM degrees, cater to diverse preferences. Graduates widely favor MS and MBA options, while LLM is selectively offered by specific universities, providing a nuanced choice for those seeking specialized expertise in taxation.

Taxation vs. Accounting Degrees

Taxation and Accounting degrees may seem similar, but crucial distinctions exist. Many ponder the differences between MS in Taxation and Accounting. In this section, we highlight key distinctions. MS in Taxation centers on tax laws, regulations, and situations. MS in Accounting delves into topics like bookkeeping, auditing, detecting white-collar crimes, and acting as organizational comptrollers. The table below compares MS in Taxation and Accounting.

Specializations for Taxation Students

Taxation is a specialization in itself, but given the complexity of the modern-day tax code, this field has branched out into several different fields. Generally, most universities that offer a master’s degree in taxation offer these specializations as electives in the program. A master’s in taxation degree provides various electives focusing on high-demand specializations. It is important to note that most universities offer these specializations as electives or add-ons. Some universities have programs that solely focus on these specializations. Students can check the universities they are interested in to see if they offer any specializations they might be interested in.

Graduation Timeline

The Master’s in Taxation program generally spans 1 to 2 years, comprising approximately 30-36 credits. Full-time students often complete the program in a year, while part-time options accommodate working professionals, extending to two years. The flexible timeline allows students to balance educational and professional commitments, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of taxation and strategic planning within the specified credit requirements.

Accelerated programs offer an expedited path to degree completion, allowing students to acquire advanced knowledge and skills in a shorter timeframe. Benefiting from intensive coursework and focused schedules, students can enter the workforce sooner. Prospective students should carefully research universities offering accelerated programs, considering faculty expertise, program reputation, and available resources to ensure a rigorous yet efficient educational experience aligning with their career goals. Here are a few examples of some accelerated master’s in taxation:

• Fosters School of Business¹
• Bryant University²

Admission to a Master’s in Taxation program demands meeting specific criteria, ensuring a competitive and qualified community of peers. Prospective students must provide evidence of academic proficiency, professional potential, and a clear commitment to advancing their expertise in taxation. The admission process typically involves rigorous evaluation and careful consideration of the applicant’s qualifications. Below are common admission requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field
• GPA requirements
• Letters of recommendation
• Resume or curriculum vitae
• Statement of Purpose
• Standardized test scores (GRE or GMAT may be required in some cases)
• Relevant work experience (varies by program)
• Application fee

GRE (Graduate Record Examination) is a standardized test often required for admission to graduate programs. Many online Master’s in Leadership programs offer a waiver for the GRE requirement based on factors like professional experience, academic achievements, or other qualifying criteria. This flexibility facilitates broader access to leadership education. Here are a few universities that offer online master’s in taxation without a GRE:

• California State University, Northridge³
• Golden Gate University⁴

Accredited Programs

Graduates pursuing a master’s in taxation should always apply and enroll in accredited programs by independent organizations. Accreditation is a process in which third-party organizations look for program standards and education quality at universities. The accrediting body would issue the accreditation certificate to the university or the program.  Hence, accreditation is essential when choosing the right university. Regionally accredited schools are most preferred over nationally accredited institutions; they are usually accredited by:

• New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)
• Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
• Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
• Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
• Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
• Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)

For the master’s in online taxation programs, three main bodies issue accreditation. Students should check the accreditation of the program that they want to pursue to ensure that the master’s in online taxation program is accredited by one of these three organizations:

• The Accreditation Council for Accountancy and Taxation® (ACAT)⁵
• AACSB International (AACSB)⁶
• Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP)⁷

Read more about accreditation in the Accreditation Guide.

Free online courses provide students with accessible educational opportunities, covering diverse subjects at no cost. Benefiting learners globally, these courses offer flexibility and convenience. However, it’s essential to note that while they enhance knowledge, many free online courses are not accredited. Students should know that completing these courses may not lead to formal qualifications or academic credits recognized by institutions.

Here are a few online courses students can tap into:

Students wanting an online master’s in taxation should note that this field’s career prospects are high. Graduation of taxation degrees qualifies for various career titles and roles. The compensation for taxation graduates varies based on the industry, specialization, prior professional experience, and geographical location. Here are some more job titles that taxation master’s graduates can expect to pursue:

Students who want to pursue a career in taxation should also consider getting certifications and should know about licensing requirements. A master’s in taxation is the right step in building a promising career, but certain certifications and licenses put individuals ahead of the competition. These certifications or licensing requirements vary based on geographical location. Certified Public Accountant (CPA)¹⁷ exam is an obvious choice for many students who pursue taxation degrees. Apart from the CPA exam, students can consider a few other certifications:

• Certified Estate Planner/Master Certified Estate Planner¹⁸ : Many families create estates for their wealth for easy transfer to their family members. This estate planning involves a deep understanding of many tax laws that deal with inheritance, charitable giving, gift tax situations, etc. A certification in estate planning adds value to students who want to pursue a career as financial advisors or wealth managers.
• Certified Bookkeeper¹⁹ : The American Institute of Professional Bookkeepers administers the Certified Bookkeeper (CB) program that certifies qualified individuals as CBs. This title adds value for students and lets them pursue many careers in the accounting and bookkeeping industry.

Students pursuing an online master’s in taxation should note that graduating from these programs will help. Still, they also need close contact with the taxation industry for various reasons. Staying updated with changes around taxation or accounting helps shift gears and upward mobility for students. Many organizations in taxation that students can network with for a better career, increased knowledge, etc. Here are a few such organizations:

• American Association of Finance and Accounting²⁰ : The American Association of Finance and Accounting (AAFA) is a vital resource connecting finance and accounting professionals across the USA. Facilitating networking, career development, and industry insights, AAFA is pivotal in fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange within the finance and accounting community.
• National Society for Accountants²¹ : The National Society of Accountants (NSA) supports accountants and tax professionals in the United States. Dedicated to advancing expertise and fostering community, NSA provides resources, education, and advocacy, ensuring members stay informed and excel in the ever-evolving accounting field.
• Latino Tax Pro²² : Bringing 37 years of collective tax industry experience, the bilingual team specializes in serving America’s multicultural taxpayers. Education is rooted in real-life experiences encountered by Tax Professionals. Courses approved by IRS, NASBA, and CTEC guide professionals through their career path from beginner to advanced levels. Advancing tax preparers receive support in establishing tax schools with ready-made material and managed back-end processes.

Here are a few more certifications:

• Young CPA Network²³
• National Association of Tax Professionals²⁴
• American Bar Association: Section of Taxation²⁵