Best Online Master's in Taxation Degree Programs

Study.com measured the data and tallied the numbers to come up with the list of the best online master's degree programs in taxation, weighing elements like faculty expertise, program reputation, affordability and overall value as well as information from the U.S. Department of Education in ranking our favorites. Many of these online degree programs also offer flexible scheduling, with multiple start dates and time off or away for busy professionals (during tax season, for example).

1. DePaul University

The Master of Science in Taxation at DePaul University in Chicago, Illinois, provides students with maximum flexibility, with hybrid and totally online formats available, plus part-time and full-time options. Students learn from distinguished faculty including program Director Ronald Marcus, who boasts 20 years as a partner at Ernst & Young. Graduates join one of the largest alumni accounting groups in the country, Ledger and Quill, an invaluable resource for job networking - 92% of master's degree holders get jobs or pursue further education within the first six months of obtaining their degree.

2. University of Alabama

The University of Alabama's law school offers a two-year online Juris Master with a concentration in Taxation for non-lawyers. With plenty of interaction with active professionals in the field and world-class faculty, the program empowers students to supercharge their business and accounting knowledge while allowing students to tailor their program of study to their specialty and interests. The program offers two start dates every year, with a pre-program orientation to familiarize students with the program's digital environments and academic processes.

3. St. John's University-New York

Offering a special focus on writing and research, St. John's University-New York's Master of Science in Taxation features instruction from a team of committed faculty, including Master of Laws and Juris Doctor degree holders. The online experience includes Blackboard lectures and assignment posts as well as opportunities to share, connect and discuss relevant topics and classwork with program instructors and fellow participants. The program can be combined with an M.B.A. in Accounting from St. John's University-New York.

4. University of Akron

Geared toward veteran lawyers and accountants as well as students looking to launch their accounting career, the Master of Taxation program at the University of Akron in Akron, Ohio, offers students a mix of simultaneous and asynchronous learning opportunities. Coursework is geared toward knowledge that students can use in their day-to-day work, and schedules are highly flexible to meet the needs of busy professionals looking to accelerate their careers. Students can get their degrees here in a little as 15 months.

To get a more in-depth look at our school ranking methodology, please visit Study.com's ranking methodology page.

Tuition information is based on published tuition and required fees, per data by the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES).

Online master's programs in taxation give students in-depth knowledge and practice working with various types of taxes. With a growing need for tax professionals, students who earn a master's in the field will be prepared for more advanced and/or leadership-based positions within the field. The flexibility of this degree for preparing students for multiple kinds of tax-related positions may also increase one's job prospects. Finally, earning a master's degree in the field often leads to a pay raise and earning one in a specialized field, such as taxation, may increase the salary even more. For example, PayScale.com reported that as of February 2021, the median salary for Master of Taxation (MTax) graduate was $88,224, while the median salary for a Master of Accounting (MAcc) was $71,743 and the median salary for a bachelor's in accounting was $64,352.

How Long Does It Take to Earn an Online Master's in Taxation?

The time that it takes students to earn an online master's degree in taxation varies by program and/or format. For example, some programs may offer full- and part-time formats. Part-time formats take longer than full-time formats to complete. Many online master's programs in taxation are designed to take between 20 and 24 months to complete, or about 2 years. However, there are some programs that may allow full-time students to finish in as little as 1 year. Other factors may also help accelerate students time to completion, such as course load and the acceptance of graduate transfer credit.

Although there are various online resources to educate students concerning taxes, such as schools with free online tax preparation courses, earning a degree in the field of taxation gives students the expertise needed to prepare and analyze taxes for individuals and organizations. Most of these online degree programs include core courses and elective courses. Some may include a final culminating experience and some may offer additional tracks to help students narrow their studies to a particular area. Depending on the program, students may be required to complete between 30 and 45 credits of coursework. Find out more about course topics below.

Taxation Foundational Courses

While the format of each program is unique, students in these online master's programs may be required to take between 15 and 18 credits of core coursework in taxation. Some of these core courses may include a final capstone course, which may require students to complete a final tax case project of some kind. These core courses are typically designed to provide students with the foundational, yet advanced, concepts in taxation, as well as the ethics and research methods of the field. Although specific course titles vary from school to school, students are likely to take courses such as:

• Corporate tax
• Federal tax
• Individual tax
• Tax research
• Tax procedure
• Partners and partnerships
• Tax accounting methods

Taxation Specialist and Elective Courses

Some online master's programs in taxation may offer specific tracks to help students further focus their studies, such as a track in the taxation of entities or the taxation of individuals. However, many programs provide elective courses that may also allow students to focus their studies with courses of interest and/or courses that are relevant to their current or desired career. Elective courses vary greatly between schools, but may include topics such as:

• State and local taxation
• Retirement plans
• Estate taxes
• International taxation
• Employee benefits
• Taxation of trusts and estates
• Taxation of real estate

Licensure and Certification in Taxation

Licensure and certification requirements vary greatly based on what career goals a student has within the field of taxation. For example, those wishing to go on to work in accounting may decide to become a licensed Certified Public Accountant (CPA). This requires students to meet education requirements (30 credits of coursework beyond a bachelor's degree) and pass a 4-part exam. Continuing education is then needed to maintain one's CPA license. Other certifications may be available based on position, such as auditors earning certification from the Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA), or industry in which one works, such as government accountants earning certification from the Association of Government Accountants (AGA). Further specialized areas may have additional licensing requirements. For example, tax lawyers will need to pass the bar exam in their state.

Eligibility requirements and admissions procedures for online master's programs in taxation vary by school. In general, applicants are required to have at least a bachelor's degree, usually from an accredited institution. Some programs may require that applicants have taken at least one undergraduate or graduate course in taxation. Some programs may also require that students have at least some tax-related work experience and/or hold credentials related to the field, such as a CPA credential. Students may be required to meet a minimum GPA requirement and/or submit GMAT test scores if their GPA does not meet the requirement. Other programs may not require any entrance exams. Students should carefully research what application materials are required for their program of interest and may want to be prepared with items such as transcripts, a resume, letters of recommendation, and a goal or personal statement.

Choosing an online master's program in taxation may feel overwhelming, as there are many to choose from. Students may want to begin by choosing what type of program they want to earn. For instance, students wishing to receive a broader education in accounting may want to earn an MS in Accounting with a concentration in taxation versus a master's degree focused primarily on taxation. Students should also ensure that their program of interest has program-level accreditation from a business-related organization, as this typically looks better to employers and demonstrates a high quality education. Online master's programs in accounting may be accredited by groups such as the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) or the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP). Students should also be sure to check the format of their program(s) of interest for any in-person requirements, part-time options, or other factors that need to be considered with their personal schedule. Finally, more general factors such as cost or availability of resources to online students may need to be considered.

There are many tax-related positions available to graduates with their master's degree in taxation across a variety of industries and fields. For example, graduates may pursue careers in the government, law, tax consulting, estate planning, and more. Within each area may be various types of positions. For instance, those interested in tax consulting may become a tax advisor or a tax analyst. Those wishing to work with individuals or organizations to prepare and file taxes may consider a career as a tax accountant or tax preparer. Typically, graduates are prepared to take on more advanced positions in these fields that may have additional leadership and/or managerial responsibilities. Some additional job options for graduates with their master's in taxation may include:

• Tax manager
• Tax auditor
• Financial investigator
• Banker
• Estate planner
• Financial planner
• International tax manager
• Tax law advisor

Job Outlook for a Master's in Taxation

The job prospects for a graduate with their master's degree in taxation should be positive due to the flexibility of the degree to qualify students for a range of tax-related positions. The highly specialized skills that these graduates obtain are likely to be sought after by various organizations across a range of fields. However, the job outlook for specific positions may vary, with some positions experiencing more growth than others. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) stated that the job outlook from 2019 to 2029 for accountants and auditors was 4%, which is as fast as average and equates to 61,700 new positions over the decade. Other positions, such as tax examiners and collectors, and revenue agents, may be experiencing a decline in available positions. The BLS reported that these professionals had a decline of 4% from 2019 to 2029, likely due to budget cuts.

How to Become an Accountant

Accountants must have at least a bachelor's degree. Usually, this degree is in accounting or a closely related field. Some employers may desire professionals who have a master's degree in accounting or related areas of business. It is fairly common for these professionals to gain some experience through internships or other learning opportunities. Accountants who earn their CPA credential may have increased job prospects and some positions may require it, such as those that file reports with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Accountants need to have great math, analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.

As of 2019, the BLS reported that accountants and auditors had a median annual salary of $71,550. These professionals are responsible for ensuring that all laws and regulations have been followed for an individual's or organization's financial activities. They may also help calculate and prepare taxes for their clients. Accountants usually specialize in various types of services and/or industries based on their interests.

How to Become a Tax Examiner, Collector, or Revenue Agent

Tax examiners and collectors, and revenue agents usually need to have at least a bachelor's degree, but requirements vary by employer and position. Most of the time this degree is in accounting or a related field. Some revenue agent positions within the IRS, for example, may require specialized experience in areas such as tax analysis or accounting. IRS tax examiners typically need to have a bachelor's degree and at least 1 year of experience. It is fairly common for these professionals to have some experience in the field, as well as to be required to undergo some formal and/or on-the-job training. Training may last between 1 month and 1 year. These professionals must be detail-oriented and have strong analytical and computer skills.

Per the BLS, tax examiners and collectors, and revenue agents had a median annual salary of $54,890, as of 2019. Tax examiners typically focus on individual taxpayer files, while revenue agents focus on accounting for the IRS or local and state governments. Collectors for the IRS work with overdue accounts. In general, these professionals may audit and investigate tax files and contact taxpayers with any issues. They must keep very detailed records of their work as they examine financial records.

With changes in rules and regulations concerning taxes coming fairly regularly, it is important for professionals in the field to stay updated. One way of doing this is joining a tax-related professional organization. These groups not only provide educational resources to keep students current in the field, but also networking opportunities and awards. Usually, these organizations offer membership and have different goals for helping to advance the field. Some available taxation professional organizations include:

• National Association of Tax Professionals- The NATP has local chapters and puts on regular events, including those in in-person and online formats. It provides access to weekly and monthly publications, federal tax information, and government news. Through the group's tax store, professionals can also access record books, brochures, and more.
• National Society of Tax Professionals- The NSTP also provides a range of educational resources, including webinars, workshops, and forums. The organization maintains a blog and has NSTP awards each year for professionals in the field.

Online master's programs in taxation typically do not require that applicants hold a degree in any particular field. However, it is fairly common for applicants to have a degree in accounting or a business-related field. Having a background in business or accounting may benefit students as they will already have a foundation in major accounting concepts that taxation builds upon. Some programs may require that students have at least one course in taxation, which may be available for some undergraduate programs in accounting or business.

A master's degree in taxation is typically considered a terminal degree for tax professionals. However, students who wish to continue their studies at the doctoral level still have several advanced degree options. For example, students who are interested in combining their interest in taxation with an interest in law may pursue a Juris Doctor (JD) degree and specialize in taxation. Students wishing to earn their degree online may consider pursuing an online Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) or Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) in Accounting.

Many students need and utilize various forms of financial aid to help pay for their education. Although all students should first complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to see what loans or grants they may qualify for, students can then branch out and explore financial aid options specific to their personal interests. For example, there are many different types of scholarships and awards available to students in various areas of study, including accounting and related fields, as well as awards for minority groups, those with financial need, and/or based on merit. Some examples of general accounting scholarships that those in taxation may qualify for include:

• Accounting and Financial Women's Alliance Master's Scholarship- The AFWA offers this award to women in master's programs related to accounting or finance in hopes of promoting and supporting women in these fields.
• AICPA Scholarship for Minority Accounting Students- The American Institute of Certified Public Accountants offers this $5,000 award to minorities pursuing degrees in the field of accounting.