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Accounting professionals can hone their expertise with a master's in taxation online. Explore our ranking to find the best program to fit your goals.
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You can advance your knowledge of tax law by completing a master's in taxation online. Often geared toward current accounting professionals, these programs prepare you to excel in a constantly shifting industry.
Complex tax regulations affect both businesses and individuals. With business becoming more global, taxpayers need expert professional support. By choosing an online program, you can earn valuable professional experience while you study.
Kick off your research with our ranking of the best online master's in taxation programs. Explore online master's in taxation degree requirements, costs, and accreditation. This page also covers the key differences between on-campus and distance learning.
What to Expect From an Online Master's in Taxation Program
On-campus and online degrees have many similarities. Online programs often use the same instructors as in-person programs. They also have the same course requirements and offer similar concentration options.
Still, you should consider the key differences between an online master's in taxation and an on-campus program. The sections below explore how distance learning can differ from in-person classes.
How Does an Online Taxation Degree Differ From an On-Campus Master's?
Online programs are convenient and flexible, allowing you to work while going to school. Many online programs feature asynchronous formats, allowing you to view lectures when convenient. Virtual programs also bring together students from across the country and the world, allowing you to interact with learners with different perspectives.
Often designed for working professionals, online master's in taxation degrees build on existing knowledge.
Comparing Online and On-Campus Master's in Taxation Degrees
Factor
Online Program
On-Campus Program
Cost
$485-$2,090 per credit
$1,550-$2,090 per credit
Course Load
24-30 credits
24-30 credits
Program Length
1-2 years
1-2 years
Scheduling
Synchronous programs include scheduled meetings in a virtual classroom. Asynchronous programs allow you access to course materials at your convenience.
Courses meet in a physical classroom at set times.
Internships and Capstones
Online programs may cater to working professionals who do not need internships. If needed, you can complete internship requirements locally. | Capstone projects may involve research, a seminar course, or case studies.
May require internships or collaborative capstone projects, particularly for students without accounting experience.
Online programs may allow for accelerated study, extended part-time study, or self-paced coursework. Hybrid programs include optional or required immersion events that bring remote learners to campus.
Online programs may allow for accelerated study, extended part-time study, or self-paced coursework.
While tuition costs vary, you can often seek out reduced rates. Some schools allow online students to pay in-state tuition regardless of where they live. Others charge a flat rate for all distance learners.
Some schools invite students to on-campus orientation programs, immersions, or hybrid classes that pair online learning with in-person sessions. If you need flexibility but want the energy of a physical classroom, you may prefer a hybrid program.
If you enter an online master's in taxation program without professional experience, you may need to complete prerequisites or other requirements. However, some programs welcome newcomers to the field.
While researching online master of taxation options, you may find that many programs include synchronous learning. This means that the professor sets a class time, and students attend in real time using videoconferencing tools.
Synchronous classes allow you to ask questions in a face-to-face environment. You may prefer the live engagement that comes with seeing your peers in class.
Some programs are asynchronous, allowing you to access class materials on your own schedule. You may prefer this format's increased flexibility especially if you have other work or family commitments.
Top Online Master's
Explore programs of your interests with the high-quality standards and flexibility you need to take your career to the next level.
Accreditation for Online Taxation Degrees
Whether studying on campus or online, you should look for accredited schools. Accreditation ensures that each school meets minimum academic standards. Earning credits from an accredited institution will make program transfers easier.
Accreditation is crucial when it comes to choosing an online master's in taxation. Many employers and higher learning institutions do not recognize degrees from schools without accreditation. Accountants may need a degree from an accredited institution to take the certified public accountant exam or earn other industry credentials.
You may also want to look for programmatic accreditation. This credential assesses a specific program or department. While not mandatory, programmatic accreditation can be a sign of excellence.
For a master's in taxation online, you can look for accreditation from the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business or the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs.
Finally, if you are attending a school outside of your home state, you must ensure that the institution holds authorization to teach out-of-state enrollees. Look for schools with approval from the National Council of State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements.
How Much Will an Online Taxation Master's Cost?
Tuition rates vary for both in-person and online master's in taxation programs. Distance programs often cost $485-$2,090 per credit. Extra costs might include software and equipment, plus other required materials.
In-person programs range from $1,550-$2,090 per credit. You should consider additional costs like room and board, gas, and parking.
Distance programs typically cost $485-$2,090 per credit.
Prestigious programs at big-name schools often charge higher tuition. Private schools often charge a flat rate for all students whether they live in or out of state. However, tuition at private institutions may run higher overall.
Public institutions often charge lower rates for in-state students, though they may extend in-state rates to online learners regardless of where they live.
If you are considering a master's in taxation online, you can find scholarships to help defray tuition costs. By completing the FAFSA, you can qualify for grant opportunities and low-interest federal loans.
In an online master's in taxation, you study the same topics and learn the same skills as in-person students. Decide the right delivery style to match your schedule by weighing the pros and cons of an online program. Some considerations include:
Pros
Flexibility: Online degrees prioritize flexibility. Online learners can earn the same degree as their on-campus peers without moving to a new place.
Cost: Many programs offer discounted tuition rates for online students.
Experience: Most online master's in taxation programs cater to working professionals. Many learners can keep working while they study, providing important experience in the field.
Cons
Environment: Some students prefer the energy of a physical classroom environment.
Self-Direction: Distance learners need good time-management and self-motivation skills. Many students excel in these circumstances, but others find them more challenging.
Internship Opportunities: Many online master's in taxation candidates have already worked in the field. Students without professional accounting experience might need to find an in-person program if they want an internship or other practical experience.
The Top Online Master's in Taxation Programs
A master's in taxation can expand your professional opportunities. Explore the top online programs below, carefully selected based on quality, affordability, and program reputation.
Learn more about our ranking methodology by visiting the link below.
These rankings include
Accounting.com is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.
from our partners. We use publicly available provisional datasets from Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) to inform the data for these schools. All data is current as of the date this article was published. Program-specific information may vary.
#1 Best Online Master’s in Taxation
University of Southern California
Los Angeles, CA
4 years
Online + Campus
Judge Robert Maclay Widney founded the University of Southern California in 1879. The school began with 53 students and has since grown to almost 50,000 enrollees. Located in Los Angeles, USC supports its student population and the local communities through public service and leadership projects.
Master of Business Taxation for Working Professionals
USC's master of business taxation offers a 10-course curriculum for working tax professionals. The comprehensive program covers research techniques, professional development, and profound taxation knowledge to further students' careers.
Half of USC learners work at small or mid-tier firms while studying. Another 25% work at the Big Four accounting firms, and 5% hold governmental jobs. As part of the USC Marshall School of Business, this master's program also connects students with a professional network with over 88,000 alumni.
Enrollees must take five core tax programs. Topics cover tax theory and ethics, taxation of corporations, tax research, and communication for accountants. Students can personalize the program with additional five more elective classes. They may explore advanced tax concepts or specialize in auditing, family wealth preservation, or international tax.
Applying to USC
Applicants must submit a personal statement, a resume, GMAT scores, and the $90 application fee. USC requests official undergraduate transcripts showing required prerequisite courses and one year of professional tax-related experience.
Program at a Glance
School Type: Private
Accreditation: Regionally accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)
Tuition: $2,092/credit
Required Credits: 30 credits
Program Length: 20 months
Delivery Format: Online and synchronous; hybrid
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$57,256
Out-of-state
$57,256
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$46,272
Out-of-state
$46,272
Retention Rate
96%
Admission Rate
11%
Students Enrolled
48,321
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
17%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission
#2 Best Online Master’s in Taxation
Walsh College
Troy, MI
4 years
Online + Campus
Thomas Edison's accountant, Mervyn Walsh, founded Walsh College in 1922. This Michigan business school merges theory and practical application in education. Walsh values collaboration, accountability, excellence, dedication, integrity, and respect.
Master of Science in Taxation
Walsh's master of science in taxation prepares students for careers as tax analysts, enrolled agents, and chief financial officers. Enrollees learn to help individuals, enterprises, and partnerships with federal taxes. They also counsel clients on their trusts and estates.
Core classes include tax research, writing, and procedure. Students explore current taxation issues to guide clients through regulations and risks. The program also covers partnership and corporate tax, accounting, and property exchanges. Enrollees select two tax electives, such as international taxation, transfer tax consequences for decedents, or a tax return seminar.
Firms like Deloitte, PricewaterhouseCoopers, and Doeren Mayhew form the taxation advisory board, helping ensure Walsh's tax curriculum remains current and practical.
Applying to Walsh
Walsh does not require GRE or GMAT scores but encourages two years of work experience. Applicants must submit undergraduate transcripts showing a minimum 2.75 GPA, plus a $35 application fee.
Program at a Glance
School Type: Private
Accreditation: Regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC); program accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP)
Tuition: $884/credit
Required Credits: 30 credits
Program Length: 2-3 years
Delivery Format: Online with asynchronous and synchronous components
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$11,115
Out-of-state
$11,115
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$12,255
Out-of-state
$12,255
Retention Rate
Not provided
Admission Rate
Not provided
Students Enrolled
1,800
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
96%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#3 Best Online Master’s in Taxation
Northeastern University Lifelong Learning Network
Boston, MA
4 years
Online + Campus
Northeastern University's Lifelong Learning Network offers degree programs that adapt to students' busy lives. Through flexible learning, global networking, and personalized programs, Northeastern accommodates working professionals.
Master of Science in Taxation
The D'Amore-McKim School of Business at Northeastern offers an accelerated master's in taxation program. The curriculum combines theoretical teaching with hands-on experiential learning, allowing enrollees to analyze case studies and regulations.
Students take five required courses, covering federal tax issues, partnerships, corporations and shareholders, and gift taxation. The final core class emphasizes research skills and practical application while reviewing the taxation ethics and the Internal Revenue Service's procedures.
Enrollees then choose five electives to complete the degree. Northeastern offers two optional specialization tracks: taxation of entities and taxation of individuals. Students may also choose a field study elective and travel abroad to explore the global business environment.
Applying to Northeastern
Candidates submit an online application form, pay the $75-$100 fee, and send undergraduate transcripts showing a 3.25 minimum GPA. If students earned a lower GPA, they must present GMAT scores. Applicants also need two years of experience, a resume, recommendation letters, and a personal statement.
Program at a Glance
School Type: Private
Accreditation: Regionally accredited by the New England Commission on Higher Education (NECHE); program accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)
Tuition: $49,200 total
Required Credits: 30 credits
Program Length: 16 months
Delivery Format: Online and asynchronous
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$29,298
Out-of-state
$29,298
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$24,933
Out-of-state
$24,933
Retention Rate
Not provided
Admission Rate
Not provided
Students Enrolled
11,857
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
52%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
New England Commission on Higher Education
#4 Best Online Master’s in Taxation
Florida Atlantic University
Boca Raton, FL
4 years
Online + Campus
Located in Boca Raton, Florida Atlantic University provides quality education to a diverse student population. Since its founding in 1961, FAU has expanded to six campuses, nearly 200 degree programs, and over 30,000 enrollees.
Executive Master of Taxation
FAU's master of taxation program prepares enrollees to become tax specialists in local and global environments by covering tax concepts, analytical skills, and professional responsibilities. The program caters to working professionals by removing any class obligations during tax season.
The curriculum includes six main courses, starting with a business communications class. Other core topics include estates and trusts, federal income tax concepts, research, and corporate taxation.
Students must complete three additional tax electives in subjects such as international taxation, plus a program elective. Depending on their career goals, enrollees may choose a course in business, economics, financial, accounting, or taxation to fulfill the program elective.
Applying to FAU
Candidates must submit a resume, an online application, and undergraduate transcripts showing a minimum 3.5 GPA. Those with lower GPAs must include GMAT or GRE scores. FAU encourages applicants to include a personal statement, any certifications, and letters of recommendation.
Program at a Glance
School Type: Public
Accreditation: Regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC); program accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)
Tuition: $372/credit (in state); $1,027/credit (out of state)
Required Credits: 30 credits
Program Length: 7 semesters
Delivery Format: On campus; online with asynchronous and synchronous components; hybrid
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$2,522
Out-of-state
$14,374
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$5,467
Out-of-state
$16,695
Retention Rate
81%
Admission Rate
63%
Students Enrolled
30,061
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
49%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#5 Best Online Master’s in Taxation
University of Denver
Denver, CO
4 years
Online + Campus
Founded in 1864, the University of Denver offers a mountain campus in the Colorado Rockies and an urban campus in downtown Denver. DU provides a 4D learning experience, helping students develop their character, well-being, intellect, and careers.
Master of Taxation
The master of taxation program at DU includes five required courses and at least six tax electives. The program's core covers tax fundamentals, corporate and partnership taxation, and tax research. Students then choose from 22 electives in courses like fiduciary income taxation, exempt organizations, and ethics.
As part of the Sturm College of Law, tax program students can work at the Low Income Taxpayer Clinic (LITC) and earn 1-4 credits. The LITC helps over 200 low-income taxpayers with audits, collections, and appeals. Participating students gain experience in research, client communication, and attending trials at the U.S. Tax Court.
DU also coordinates a thorough recruiting process. Numerous accounting firms — including the Big Four, Moss Adams, BKD, and Rubin Brown — seek new employees from the master of taxation enrollees.
Applying to DU
Degree-seekers must submit a resume, recommendation letters, undergraduate transcripts, a personal essay, and the $65 fee with their online application. DU requires GMAT or GRE scores unless candidates passed the CPA exam or can demonstrate a minimum 3.0 GPA in an undergraduate accounting program.
Program at a Glance
School Type: Private
Accreditation: Regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
Tuition: $1,887/credit
Required Credits: 24 credits
Program Length: 1 year
Delivery Format: On campus; online and asynchronous or synchronous
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$51,336
Out-of-state
$51,336
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$51,336
Out-of-state
$51,336
Retention Rate
85%
Admission Rate
59%
Students Enrolled
12,931
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
28%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
Questions About Online Taxation Programs
How long does it take to get a master's degree in taxation online?
true
Earning a master's in taxation online usually takes about 1-2 years. Online learners often benefit from flexible options such as accelerated or part-time tracks.
How much is an online degree in taxation?
true
An online master's in taxation can cost around $485-$2,090 per credit. Tuition varies depending on factors like school prestige, public or private status, and residency status.
Which degree is best for taxation?
The right degree depends on your professional goals. If you're looking to hone your expertise and dig deep into tax laws and regulations, you might want to seek out a tax-specific degree. Consider an MBA if you're aiming for a corporate leadership position.
Can I do an MBA in taxation?
Yes. Some MBA programs offer specializations in taxation and other accounting areas. These programs usually include a general business core that covers subjects like finance and leadership, plus several taxation-focused courses.
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