Why This Matters

  • CPA LICENSURE REQUIRES 150 SEMESTER HOURS

    Tax professionals need to complete 150 semester hours before they can become certified public accountants. The courses taken for a Master’s in Taxation degree could count toward this requirement.

  • MORE THAN 61,000 ADDITIONAL AUDITOR AND ACCOUNTANT JOBS

    The Bureau of Labor Statistics forecasts 4% job growth for auditors and accountants from 2019 through 2029. The pace should create another 61,700 new jobs in the field.

  • INCREASE YOUR EARNING POTENTIAL BY MORE THAN $34,000 ANNUALLY

    The average annual salary for tax professionals who have a Master of Taxation degree is $88,740. That’s $34,740 higher than the average salary of professionals who have a Bachelor’s in Accounting and Taxation, which is $54,000.

Our Research

We reviewed many Master’s in Taxation degree programs, including Master of Science (MS), Master of Taxation (MTax), and Master of Accounting (MAC) degrees. We included online, traditional, and hybrid programs to offer maximum flexibility among the listed choices.

All of the programs that we included are regionally accredited, and many have additional accreditation through the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP) or the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB). Accreditation ensures that a program meets quality standards and is recognized by others.

We evaluated each program on the basis of flexibility, faculty, course strength, cost, and reputation. Then we calculated the Intelligent Score for each program on a scale from 0 to 100. For a more extensive explanation, check out Our Ranking Methodology.

  • 66 hours to write this article
  • 197 universities and colleges we assessed
  • 329 education programs we compared

The Top 50 Master’s in Taxation Degree Programs

Best Master's in Taxation Degree Programs
01
Intelligent Pick
California State University, Northridge
01
Best Part-Time Program
Bentley University
01
Most Flexible Schedule
University of Minnesota
01
Best Career Development Tools
Rutgers University
01
Most Customizable Program
Baruch College - Zicklin School of Business
01
Best for Veterans
Grand Valley State University
01
Best Faculty
Loyola Marymount University
01
Best Honors Program
State University of New York at Old Westbury
01
Best Job Placement Rate
University of Washington
01
Best Advisors
Portland State University
01
Best in the Midwest
Eastern Michigan University
01
Best for Evening Classes
Weber State University
01
Best for International Students
SUNY at Albany
01
Most Affordable Program
California Polytechnic State University
01
Best Hybrid Program
Florida Atlantic University
01
Best Alumni Network
Northeastern University
01
Best in the West
University of Southern California
01
Best for Cohort Learning Model
Golden Gate University
01
Best for Cross-disciplinary Approach
University of Denver
01
Best in the Southeast
Nova Southeastern University
01
Best Private Institution
Villanova University
01
Best Full-Time Program
San Jose State University
01
Best Electives
St. John's University
01
Best Workshops
American University
01
Best for CPA Exam Prep
Arizona State University
01
Best for Adult Learners
Fairleigh Dickinson University
01
Best for Data Analytics
Florida Gulf Coast University
01
Best for Wealth Management
Fordham University
01
Best for GMAT/GRE Waivers
California State University, Fullerton
01
Best for Real Estate
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
01
Best for Career Opportunities
Mississippi State University
01
Best Internships
Northern Illinois University
01
Best Student Organizations
University of Mississippi
01
High-earning Alumni
Pace University
01
Best for Public Sector
Robert Morris University
01
Best for Active-Duty Military
University of San Diego
01
Best Public Institution
The University of Akron
01
Best for Internal Audit Services
University of Baltimore
01
Best for Financial Planning
Widener University
01
Best in the South
Baylor University
01
Best for Government Accounting
University of Miami - Herbert Business School
01
Best in the Northeast
University of New Haven
01
Best for Field Experiences
The University of Alabama
01
Best Asynchronous Program
Walsh College
01
Best for Employee Benefits Law
Georgetown University
01
Best Student Activities
Thomas Jefferson University
01
Most Innovative Curriculum
Long Island University

Discover More Options

What You Should Know About This Degree

Most students who enroll in a Master’s in Taxation degree program are pursuing certification as a public accountant. The exact requirements for becoming a certified public accountant (CPA) differ from state to state, so you should check the specific requirements in your state and make sure a program meets those requirements.

While the majority of Master’s in Taxation degrees are intended to help tax professionals become CPAs, a few programs are designed more for legal professionals and focus on legal topics within taxation. These programs may be helpful to attorneys who want to specialize in tax law, and whether such programs meet CPA credentialing requirements depends on the specifics of a program.

An alternative option for tax professionals is a Master’s in Accounting degree. Master’s in Accounting degrees also prepare accounting professionals to become CPAs, but these programs focus more on accounting in general and less on taxation in particular. Consider your personal interests and career goals, and choose a Master’s in Taxation or a Master’s in Accounting accordingly.

Many online programs can be completed mostly over the internet, but they might have a brief in-person component. Make sure your schedule will allow you to complete any required in-person portion.

What’s Next?

Consider these questions as you evaluate different Master’s in Taxation degree options:

  • Am I eligible for this degree? Master’s in Taxation degrees normally require an undergraduate degree in accounting, taxation, or a related field. If you don’t have a bachelor’s in these subjects, a combination of professional experience and supplemental coursework might suffice for some programs.
  • How long does it take to complete this online degree? Most of these programs range from 30 to 45 credits, which takes two to three years to complete. The CPA credential may require additional credits outside of a degree program.

When you have a list of potential degree programs, contact them or check their websites to learn more about the admissions process. You’ll need to know what application materials are required and the relevant deadlines.

Also research how you’ll pay for a degree. Talk with programs about any financial aid or scholarships they offer. If you’re working, check whether your employer offers tuition reimbursement.