The taxation field comprises governmental tax laws, regulatory compliance, and financial reporting. Taxation contains various subfields, such as corporate taxation, real estate taxation, and payroll taxation. Online master's in taxation programs build advanced skills in tax accounting and analysis.
Taxation master's degrees prepare graduates for specialized careers, such as tax consultant, tax analyst, and tax accountant. PayScale salary data from April 2021 suggests that these professionals make an average salary of around $60,000 annually. Master's in taxation programs also lead to roles like tax examiner, tax collector, and revenue agent. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) indicates that these professionals make a median annual salary of $55,640.
This guide ranks the best online master's in taxation programs. It also covers other important information for prospective students, such as common courses and scholarship opportunities for taxation students.
What You Should Know: Online Master's in Taxation
What kinds of jobs do taxation majors get?
Graduates with a master's in taxation can work as tax accountants, tax analysts, tax consultants, tax examiners, and tax managers.
How long does it take to get a taxation degree?
Master's degrees in taxation typically take two years of full-time enrollment to finish, but some accelerated online programs offer faster timelines.
Is taxation a good career?
Tax professionals usually make above-average salaries. PayScale salary data from April 2021 indicates that tax accountants make an average of $57,670 annually.
How do I become a tax expert?
Many tax experts hold a certified professional accountant (CPA) credential, which typically requires about 30 credits of taxation education beyond a bachelor's degree.
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Why Get a Degree in Taxation?
Master's in taxation programs provide advanced expertise in state and federal tax laws, regulations, codes, and systems. An advanced degree makes candidates competitive for lucrative, specialized careers, such as tax manager. According to April 2021 PayScale data, tax managers make an average salary of $98,480 annually.
Many working professionals pursue their master's in taxation degree online. Distance learning gives students the flexibility to balance their studies with personal and professional obligations.
How Much Does a Taxation Degree Cost?
The cost of a taxation master's degree varies by factors like program type, institution type, and location. For instance, online programs often cost less than on-campus programs. Online programs may also give students the flexibility to maintain their current job while pursuing their degree.
The College Board's Trends in College Pricing 2020 report suggests that attending private institutions often costs over three times more than attending in-state public institutions. The report indicates that in-state public school tuition averages $10,560 annually. Private schools charge about $37,650, while out-of-state tuition at public colleges and universities averages $27,020 per year.
Tuition also varies by school location. For example, in-district college tuition in California averages just $1,430 per year, compared to $8,600 at similar schools in Vermont. Due to these regional differences, out-of-state schools in lower-tuition states sometimes cost less than in-state schools in higher-tuition states.
Break down your current financial situation, and receive a college tuition estimate you can afford to pay.
How Much Do Taxation Majors Make?
The BLS indicates that tax examiners, collectors, and revenue agents earn a median salary of $55,640. Tax professionals in financial, corporate, and government jobs often make the highest salaries. A master's in taxation also prepares students for specialized careers, such as tax consultant and tax analyst. These professionals make around $60,000 annually.
Some graduates pursue CPA licensure and become tax accountants. According to the BLS, accountants and auditors earn a median annual salary of $73,560. Graduates can also pursue tax manager roles. According to PayScale data from April 2021, tax managers make an average salary of nearly $100,000 annually.
Courses in Taxation
Taxation master's programs usually require core coursework in business, accounting, research methods, and taxation. Students build key skills in tax research, planning, reporting, and regulation. Common specializations include tax filing, estate planning, international taxation, and corporate taxation.
Courses vary by program, but the following list outlines several courses commonly found in online master's in taxation programs.
Corporate Taxation
Corporate taxation courses cultivate advanced skills in corporate tax preparation, analysis, and regulation. Participants examine various corporation stages and corresponding taxation activities.Tax Regulation
The course prepares enrollees to help clients comply with federal, state, and local tax laws and regulations. Enrollees learn about the various possible consequences and procedures that may accompany regulatory violations.Tax Planning
The class examines accounting and auditing ethics. Participants learn key skills and concepts in income taxation, calculation, and reporting. Enrollees also practice integrating income tax planning with other financial planning activities.
Certifications and Licensure for Taxation
Taxation master's degrees often meet or exceed minimum degree requirements for taxation-related careers, including accountant, financial planner, and tax manager. However, graduates can increase their marketability by pursuing licensure or certification. The following list outlines several tax-related certifications.
To obtain CPA credentials, candidates must accumulate 150 accounting-related education credits, possess a bachelor's degree, fulfill professional experience requirements, and pass a four-part exam.
CMA certification requirements include a bachelor's degree, 30 additional credits of accounting-related education, professional experience, and passing CMA examination scores.
The Certified Financial Planner Board awards this certification to applicants with a bachelor's degree, passing CFP exam scores, and 6,000 professional experience hours or 4,000 apprenticeship experience hours.
Scholarships for Taxation
Schools, professional organizations, private donors, and companies offer scholarship opportunities. Unlike loans, scholarships do not require repayment, making them ideal forms of financial aid. The following list outlines several scholarship opportunities for taxation master's students.
Scholarships for Taxation
| Scholarship |
Amount |
Who Can Apply |
Tax Technology Award |
Varies |
Taxation students interested in applying technological advances to corporate taxation can apply for this award. Candidates must hold a 2.5 minimum GPA, participate in corporate accounting- or taxation-related internships, and receive a nomination from an Association for Computers and Taxation member. |
Goldberg-Miller Public Finance Scholarship |
$20,000 |
The Government Finance Officers Association offers the scholarship to graduate students who plan to work in state or local government finance. Full-time students submit a recommendation letter to apply. |
Online Master's in Taxation
#1 Online Master’s In Taxation Programs
Florida Atlantic University
- Boca Raton, FL
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Florida Atlantic University educates graduate degree-seekers online and at its Boca Raton campus. Distance learners can earn an online master of taxation from the public institution in an online format. The executive master of taxation can qualify graduates for promotions to leadership positions.
Master's students can work with faculty advisors to explore complex issues and prepare to enter the taxation field. The program's rigorous curriculum provides foundational knowledge through core coursework. Master's students develop leadership skills necessary to lead teams in taxation settings.
The school also prioritizes affordability. Financial aid counselors help degree-seekers locate and apply for scholarships, grants, and fellowships. The school supports online learners through affordable tuition rates and institutional funding.
Florida Atlantic University Fast Facts:
Online Master's Programs: 72
Total Online Programs: 29
Number of Online Students: 14,613
Graduate Tuition In-State: $5,467
Graduate Tuition Out-of-State: $16,695
Offers Transfer Credits: No
Percent Online Enrollment
49%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#2 Online Master’s In Taxation Programs
University of Cincinnati
- Cincinnati, OH
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Distance learners can pursue high-quality online graduate programs from the University of Cincinnati. The public institution enrolls students in 66 online programs, including 21 online master's programs. Among the school's master's-level options is an MSBA in taxation. The online taxation program's flexible scheduling options can make it easier for busy students to complete degree requirements.
Learners develop transferable skills through core coursework and specialize during advanced taxation classes. Students prepare for specialized careers and gain theoretical and practical knowledge during experiential learning opportunities. Full-time degree-seekers typically require 1-2 years to earn their master's degree in taxation. Prospective applicants can contact an admissions advisor for exact application deadlines and requirements.
Online learners benefit from affordable tuition rates. In-state graduate students at the institution pay an average tuition rate of $12,790, and out-of-state graduate students pay an average of $24,532. The school charges an average of $732 per credit for online graduate programs. The institution holds accreditation, which means enrollees can submit the FAFSA to receive federal grants and loans. According to the school, 75% of students receive financial aid.
Percent Online Enrollment
49%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#3 Online Master’s In Taxation Programs
Golden Gate University
- San Francisco, CA
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Situated in San Francisco, California, Golden Gate University offers undergraduate and graduate programs in virtual and in-person formats. The school delivers online master's and bachelor's programs, which provide scheduling flexibility for busy learners.
Degree-seekers interested in taxation can pursue the master of science in taxation from the institution in a flexible online format. Graduates often benefit from increased career opportunities after earning their master's degree in the field. The school offers students access to faculty mentorship and career counseling.
The online program makes affordability a priority. The institution holds accreditation, which means students can receive federal grants, scholarships, and loans. Private scholarships and institutional fellowships can also help learners fund their master's studies.
Golden Gate University at a Glance:
Students Receiving Loans: 30%
Total Master's Programs: 27
Total Online Master's Programs: 27
Transfer Credits Toward Degree: No
Retention Rate
Not provided
Acceptance Rate
Not provided
Percent Online Enrollment
67%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission
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