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What is Taxation?

Taxation is a field of study in business focused on the process associated with tax.  The act of taxing, imposing taxes, managing revenue raised from taxes is all part of taxation.  Studying Taxation will help provide consumers and end-users with reliable, expert advice with an array of tax matters.

A tax can be levied by a local, state, or federal agency on a taxpayer, albeit a corporation or individual.  These taxes can range from: income tax, corporate tax, capital gains tax, payroll tax, property tax, inheritance tax, excise tax, sales tax, and wealth tax to name a few.  Given the sheer number of disciplines within taxation, it is one of the most intricate disciplines within the field of accounting.

Career Summary

MEDIAN SALARY

$51,080

PERCENT ABOVE NATIONAL
INCOME AVERAGE

27.44%

TOTAL SECTOR EMPLOYMENT

128,480

Degree Median Salary vs Adjacent Degree Types

Source: BLS, US Census, and IPEDS

2024 Best Taxation Degree

University of Southern California offers an online program in Master of Business Taxation for working professionals.  This program is for fully employed tax professionals that seeks to deepen and broaden their knowledge of taxation and want to learn research techniques vital to success as a professional. Graduates of this program are most likely to have positions with increasing levels of responsibility. This program is offered part-time and can be completed in as few as 21 months but participants can take this at their own pace.

Acceptance Rate

11.42

Student to Faculty Ratio

9:1

At Northeastern University’s top ranked MS in Taxation, students build skills to meet the demands of a steadily changing industry. This program provides advanced knowledge of taxation which can be applied to grow the participant’s career. The faculty focuses on teaching how to analyze the Internal Revenue Code, add value through planning opportunities, and gain command of changes in tax legislation. MS in Taxation program’s goal is to help its applicants plan for their future and position them for a higher salary.

Acceptance Rate

18.05

Student to Faculty Ratio

14:1

You can build your competitive advantage through the online program in Master degree in Taxation that is currently offered at Villanova University. This program provides a rigorous and well-rounded curriculum, designed to develop advanced knowledge and specialized skills in its participants. Those who choose to take this program are able to gain practical taxation experiences through hands-on learning opportunities with expert faculty. Though this is 100% online coursework, it is also available on-campus.

Acceptance Rate

28.24

Student to Faculty Ratio

11:1

A top ranked degree in taxation at Tulane University of Louisiana examines the federal system of taxation when it comes to businesses. Some of the courses included are analysis of the taxation of corporations and partnerships. It uses a business-cycle approach where the tax effects of formation and disposition of the entity are being discussed. The Maximum hours for this program are 99.

Acceptance Rate

12.87

Student to Faculty Ratio

8:1

Master of Science in Taxation at the University of Miami affords the accounting major the opportunity to specialize in the area of federal taxation. This program focuses on the through grounding of the principles of tax research and flow-through entities. Moreover, it also offers courses that address the issues in tax compliance and tax planning. And the electives allow the students to expand their areas of expertise so they can prepare themselves for careers that require a high degree of specialized tax knowledge.

Acceptance Rate

27.13

Student to Faculty Ratio

12:1

Bentley College is currently offering a leading academic program for a graduate degree in Taxation. Here, students gain academic-based professional tax knowledge which leads to the ability to focus on client’s businesses and planning. This program is designed to prepare students for a wide range of careers no matter the industry they are interested in. As soon as you decide to join the Bentley Community, you’ll receive access to a rich and lifelong set of career-oriented services.

Acceptance Rate

46.72

Student to Faculty Ratio

11:1

The Master’s degree in Taxation is currently available at California Polytechnic State University – San Luis Obispo. This program is ideal for those who consider a career in the highly technical field of taxation, it could be in public accounting, industry or government. This program provides high0touch environment, small class size, and specialized curriculum. Students who complete this program become fully prepared for jobs and successful careers. 

Acceptance Rate

28.42

Student to Faculty Ratio

21:1

MS in Taxation degree at Fordham University teaches finely honed technical skills that makes a student stay on top of the ever-changing field. It also provides guidance, lessons and support to make sure that they seize leadership opportunities both in and outside the classroom. The unique feature of this program is its emphasis on interpersonal and business skills. Students are able to cultivate superior language skills and clear-eyed views of moral and social responsibility.

Acceptance Rate

45.88

Student to Faculty Ratio

15:1

Master of Science in Taxation is currently offered at the University of Washington – Seattle Campus. This program is an excellent way to prepare accounting professionals with strong ethics, quality education, and excellent oral and communication skills. In addition to that, this can also prepare students for high-level careers in taxation. This program provides in-depth knowledge of tax code and its ramifications which helps in economic decision-making. 

Acceptance Rate

51.76

Student to Faculty Ratio

19:1

You can gain the theoretical background and technical expertise needed for success through the MS Taxation program that is currently offered at American University. This is the only one of its kind that is offered in the Washington, DC area. It provides both versatile and practical experience that is needed to excel in the tax world. They also take much pride in the faculty in this program who are mentors and practitioners, and most of them hold a high-level position at PwC Deloitte, and EY. 

Acceptance Rate

36.08

Student to Faculty Ratio

12:1

The taxation degree is currently available at Southern Methodist University. This is a comprehensive, advanced-degree program that is designed for attorneys who intend to specialize in tax practice. It gives emphasis to both technical mastery of tax laws and on wider issues of tax and fiscal policies. While most of the courses provide survey-level instruction in subjects typically not addressed in J.D.-level tax courses, the advanced courses develop in-depth, practice-oriented expertise.

Acceptance Rate

47.29

Student to Faculty Ratio

N.A

Baylor University offers different routes to get your graduate degree in accounting or tax. They have two joint degree programs designed for Baylor students who are currently pursuing an undergraduate degree in accounting: BBA/MAcc, and BBA/MTax. The general graduate accounting degree designed for students who earn an undergraduate degree prior to starting Graduate school are Masters of Accountancy and Masters of Taxation. These programs are accredited, nationally-recognized, whose students consistently score among the top in the nation on the CPA exam.

Acceptance Rate

45.33

Student to Faculty Ratio

14:1

The Master of Science in Taxation at the University of San Diego provides a curriculum that focuses on interactively developing skills that are required for accountants who want to emphasize tax during their careers. This is a specialized tax degree program structured to give accountants the skills needed for mid- to upper-level tax. In addition to that, it also helps students develop leadership, interpersonal, communication, and ethical skills which are all essential for supervisory-level positions. Overall, this is a companion program to the Master of Science in Accountancy Program. 

Acceptance Rate

48.69

Student to Faculty Ratio

14:1

What the University of Tulsa offers is a program in Master of Accountancy. This graduate program is designed to prepare students to apply discipline-specific skills as leaders in the field of accounting. Students here develop critical thinking skills and a deeper understanding of the strategic role of accounting in business organizations and society. This is a 30-hour degree program and it can be completed in as few as 12 months.

Acceptance Rate

35.84

Student to Faculty Ratio

11:1

Fairfield University is currently offering a program in Taxation. Some of the courses included in this program are Tax of Property Transactions, Entity Taxation, Property transactions, Regulatory and Tax Issues. International taxation is also included, in this course students will develop conceptual understanding of the federal income tax provisions that are applicable to non-resident aliens and foreign corporations. To see the detailed course descriptions, you may visit the schools website.

Acceptance Rate

57.13

Student to Faculty Ratio

12:1

You can find a program for the top rated Master degree in Taxation at the University of Illinois at Urbana – Champaign. This is an executive style degree that is offered only at Illini Center in Chicago. This is a one-year program for students who at least have two years of work experience. Students that are interested to apply for admission must have acquired a background in business and an accounting undergraduate major from an accredited college or university. 

Acceptance Rate

59.03

Student to Faculty Ratio

20:1

CUNY Bernard M Baruch College is currently offering a program for Master’s in Taxation. This program is designed to help students prepare to work in tax-related positions at accounting corporations, firms, government entities, or at the student’s own practice. It provides foundations of both corporate and federal tax policies. Students who chose this program can customize their concentration with more advanced courses.

Acceptance Rate

43.47

Student to Faculty Ratio

18:1

The Carlson School Master of Business Taxation degree at the University of Minnesota – Twin Cities, is one of the top graduate tax programs in the nation. This program aims to bring together world-class faculty and a thriving local business community just to ensure that a career-shaping experience will be given to students. The instructors that students will meet in this program came from some of the world’s leading tax firms and major corporations. They are the one who will bring firsthand lessons from small businesses to international corporations.

Acceptance Rate

56.74

Student to Faculty Ratio

17:1

You can become an industry change-maker at Yeshiva University. The Master of Science in Taxation program that they offer aims to help their students reach new levels of success. Through this program, you will be able to master the discipline that shapes Fortune 500 decisions and at the same time defy the corporate landscape. Classes are held in Midtown Manhattan and are designed to fit in your busy schedule.

Acceptance Rate

55.36

Student to Faculty Ratio

7:1

Gonzaga University’s School of Business Administration offers a program for Master of Science in Taxation. This program is structured to prepare students for the rapidly changing tax-accounting environment. Students here develop technical tax and professional writing skills that are needed to reach success in their own careers. While students develop accounting skills, they will be offered opportunities to build their resume and professional network.

Acceptance Rate

61.7

Student to Faculty Ratio

11:1

The degree in Taxation and MT Online is currently offered at California State University – Fullerton. This program is nationally recognized and provides a cutting-edge education and a flexible format. It is designed for legal, accounting and business professionals. The program gives emphasis to real-world education and professional responsibility in tax practice.

Acceptance Rate

52.69

Student to Faculty Ratio

25:1

University of Denver’s Graduate Tax Program is the leading program in the education of tax professionals for more than 40 years. The curriculum in this program paired the law with accounting aspects of tax practice which gives their graduates the ability to provide practical and thoughtful advice to their clients. This is offered fully online for students who can’t travel to campus. Nevertheless, online students access the same courses, materials, and assignments.

Acceptance Rate

58.71

Student to Faculty Ratio

12:1

Temple University offers an interdisciplinary educational experience for accounting and financial professionals through their program for Master of Science in Taxation. This program combines the Law School’s expertise in teaching tax law with the Fox School’s business and accounting acumen. The curriculum is designed to be comprehensive and at the same time flexible, so students will have the chance to match their education to their career goals. The faculty here are composed of some of the country’s most accomplished practitioners from accounting firms, law firms and government.

Acceptance Rate

60.04

Student to Faculty Ratio

14:1

Bryant University offers 3 credit hours in Individual Income Taxation Course. In this course, students will examine the federal tax regulations, rulings, statutes, and leading cases that are applicable to individual and other tax papers. This also gives special emphasis on the understanding of the federal income tax system and the source of tax law. Some of the areas covered are definition of deduction, gross income, the identity of the taxable person, and accounting methods and periods. 

Acceptance Rate

70.99

Student to Faculty Ratio

13:1

SUNY at Albany offers a highly regarded one year MS degree in Taxation. This program is tailored to educate students in the methodology of tax research. It also strives to help students develop the ability to analyze and interpret tax law, cases, regulations, and related material. A lot of students with different backgrounds are attracted to this program due to the rigorous study in the area of taxation that it provides. 

Acceptance Rate

54.25

Student to Faculty Ratio

19:1

Top Taxation Degrees

Earning a degree in taxation can be achieved at both a graduate or undergraduate level.  Given the complex nature of taxes, domestic and international, specialists are sought out by private industry and public corporations of all sizes.

Professionals in the tax industry can be generalists or specialists.  Generalists will understand tax codes, law, business, and personal implications but not the granular details of each area.  Specialists, on the other hand, will know an immense amount regarding a specific area of tax.  Specialties in tax can include international, domestic, state, local, accounting, financial planning, estate, corporate, and individual.

To help you find the best degree program for you, we have summarized the most popular tracks below.  Simply connect with the schools and degrees that make the most sense for you given your career goals and personal objectives.

Taxation Certificate Programs

Certificate programs in tax are issued by a variety of accredited colleges and universities.  A certificate is designed to provide essential knowledge and skills in an area of study.  Students can earn an undergraduate and/or graduate certificate in tax.

Tax certificates will vary by school but may include defined programs such as state and local tax, estate planning, international tax, accounting, or a general certificate in taxation.  Online tax certificates can be a viable learning modality for working students or professionals looking to upskill in their industry.

Taxation Bachelor Degrees

A bachelor degree in tax can typically be completed in four-years based on full-time matriculation.  Online degrees in taxation can be a viable learning modality for students to help reduce the cost of earning a degree.

Distance learning will bypass the traditional expenses associated with transportation, parking, room, and board which can be substantial over several years.  Bachelor degrees will be conferred as either a Bachelor of Science (BS) or a Bachelor of Arts (BA).  Each school will designate their degree programs in relationship to the program contents and overall emphasis.

The core classes found in a tax program will typically include a deep understanding of the tax code, history of tax, current legislation, and business structures in addition to business courses such as operations, marketing, finance, accounting, bookkeeping, political science, international business, and statistics.

Taxation Master Degrees

Master degrees will most frequently be conferred as a Master of Science or MS degree.  Given the technical nature of the degree program, students will need to have a firm understanding of accounting, tax law, corporate structures, estate tax, gift tax, international tax, state tax, tax research, retirement plans, and multi-state tax issues.

A master degree will take 1-2 years to complete depending on the curricular design of the program and the pace at which you complete required courses.  Part-time students can complete graduate degrees in two to four years in most cases.

Curriculum found in a graduate degree program will wholly depend on the emphasis of the program and the school’s design.  In most cases students can expect to take classes such as:

  • Tax Research
  • Federal Tax Law
  • Property Transactions
  • Venture Capital & Start-up Financing
  • Technical Analysis
  • Business Valuation
  • Real Estate
  • Finance and Investments
  • Behavioral Finance
  • Advanced Federal Income Taxation
  • Personal Income Tax

Employment for Tax Managers

For undergraduate college students who earn a degree in taxation, there will be a number of career paths to ponder. While preparing taxes for individuals and businesses is the most obvious choice, it may not be your first choice.

Other vocations that tax majors have followed after graduation include the following pathways: accountant, business managers, leaders, directors, auditor, human resources, sales managers, teachers, budget analyst, cost estimator, financial analyst, financial manager, contract administrator, and corporate trainer. Note, you may need to acquire additional certification(s) and/or training to step into some fields.

Career Outlook for Tax Majors

The job outlook for tax majors is bright.  In fact, the ONet portal estimates a rapid 14% job growth for tax preparers which will account for some 11,500 new jobs in the near term.  Tax assessors and tax examiners will see a job bump of 13% in the coming reporting period.

Similarly, the BLS expects jobs for accountants and financial advisors to vault by 11% and 30% during this same term.  is expected to rise 11% through 2024 and for financial advisors a 30% growth rate is expected during the same period.  Accounting and financial advising jobs alone will account for nearly 175,000 new jobs.  This real-world impact underscores the importance of taxation and financial services sector.

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