What You Should Know About This Degree
Generally, individuals pursue a master’s degree in taxation when they are seeking certification as a public accountant. The licensure requirements to become a certified public accountant (CPA) vary by state. It’s wise to review your state’s CPA requirements before selecting a master’s program in order to confirm that the program you enroll in meets your state’s requirements.
Once you obtain your CPA license, you must complete a certain number of continuing education credits at set intervals to maintain licensure.
While most master’s in taxation programs will prepare you for a career as an accountant, other programs focus more on the legal aspects of taxation. These programs are designed for lawyers and other legal professionals who wish to gain expertise in the area of tax law, and they may or may not meet the requirements for CPA licensure. When reviewing programs, it’s important to be clear about your career goals and understand the difference between the two types of programs.
Another option for individuals who want to earn their CPA license is a master’s in accounting program. These types of programs will also help you develop the skills and knowledge base you need to be successful in the accounting field, without an emphasis on taxation and tax codes. The type of program you choose will depend on your interests and professional goals.
What’s Next?
Here are some questions to ask when researching Online Master’s in Taxation programs:
- Am I eligible for this degree? In order to gain admission to a master’s in taxation program, you may have to have an undergraduate degree in accounting or a related field and/or professional work experience. When researching programs, be sure to look at their minimum qualifications to ensure that you meet the basic eligibility requirements.
- Are there any in-person requirements? Even programs that deliver all of their coursework online may have in-person requirements for experiential learning components like internships or on-campus residencies and seminars. Find out what, if any, in-person requirements a program has prior to enrolling to confirm that you can fit them into your schedule and budget.
Another important step to take at this point is researching application requirements and deadlines as well as gathering your application materials. If you need to take any standardized tests like the GMAT or GRE, you should also make arrangements to do that.
Another important consideration is financing your graduate degree. Research funding options including scholarships, student loans, assistantships, and tuition assistance benefits from your employer.