Best Master’s in Taxation Degrees 2026

Master’s in taxation programs prepare students for careers in accounting, business, finance, and law that require advanced tax knowledge. The demand for tax experts is projected to increase as the economy grows and tax laws and regulations become more complex, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

This guide ranks the top master’s in taxation degrees, potential careers, and what to expect in this program.

Many graduates of master’s in taxation programs work in accounting firms, where they use their tax expertise to serve individual and business clients. They can also work in government, law, or as an independent consultant. They can pursue jobs as tax accountants, attorneys, and certified public accountants (CPAs). Note that becoming a CPA requires meeting course requirements, passing the Uniform CPA Examination, and obtaining a license.

Thomson Reuters’ 2024 State of Tax Professionals Report identified hiring and talent retention as the No. 1 challenge tax and accounting firms face, indicating high demand for professionals with the right training.

Master’s in taxation graduates may earn salaries ranging from $81,700-$151,200, depending on their role. However, their earnings vary greatly depending on experience level and location. Potential careers include:

Combining a master’s in taxation with a tax-focused law specialization can help you qualify for this advanced and well-paid career path. Tax attorneys advise clients on legally compliant tax management strategies and represent them in legal disputes. They may also assist with estate planning and complex corporate tax planning.

Source: BLS

The certified management accountant (CMA) path involves earning certification from the Institute of Management Accountants. CMAs combine accounting expertise with business management skills, helping their employers create and execute strategic financial plans. Taxation expertise can greatly benefit CMAs, especially in banking, finance, and wealth management settings.

Source: BLS, Payscale

Certified public accountants (CPAs) specialize in analyzing financial data, managing the strategic aspects of accounting, and preparing compliant financial statements. Some states require CPAs to earn 30 additional academic credits beyond a bachelor’s degree. A master’s in taxation meets this requirement, offering a direct path to building a taxation specialization into your CPA career.

Source: BLS, Payscale

Tax accountants provide individual and business clients with a suite of specialized services related to tax planning, filings, and asset management. Some hold additional certifications or licenses, such as the CMA or CPA credentials, but these are not necessarily required, especially for roles primarily focused on assisting individual clients.

Source: BLS

According to 2021-2022 data from the National Center for Education Statistics, graduate students pay an annual average of $20,513 in tuition and required fees. Average costs were significantly higher at private schools ($28,017) than at public institutions ($12,596).

However, the cost of a master’s in taxation programs can vary, sometimes significantly. Beyond a school’s public or private status, other factors that can impact costs include financial aid availability and a program’s reputation and format.

If you need help covering the costs of your master’s in taxation degree, look first for scholarships, fellowships, and grants. These non-repayable aid sources can help minimize student debt since they don’t need to be repaid:

Your journey to a master’s in taxation begins with the application process. Admission requirements standards vary among schools, but many accept students without accounting or business backgrounds. However, a bachelor’s degree in accounting or a similar field may support your academic success.

Typical application materials include:

Many schools request a personal essay or statement of purpose that outlines your reasons for applying and explains how a master’s in taxation supports your career plans. This statement may carry significant weight, especially if you do not already hold an accounting, business, or finance degree.

Master’s in taxation programs usually require about 30 semester credits and take 1-2 years to complete.

To reduce your degree completion time, enroll full time or consider an accelerated program. Some schools also offer five-year bachelor’s-to-master’s programs that combine a bachelor’s in accounting with a master’s in taxation.

Choosing the right program requires you to consider multiple factors and identify your top priorities, such as:

Costs also matter, but it’s important to look beyond the program’s “sticker price.” Schools with generous financial aid programs can cut your out-of-pocket financial burden.

Also, consider the return on investment your master’s in taxation could generate over the course of your career. Many tax-focused careers offer high annual salaries.

Any school you choose should be properly accredited by a recognized agency, and you must attend an institutionally accredited school to qualify for federal financial aid. Institutional accreditation also ensures that your schools and employers recognize your degree and credits are transferable.

To ensure a school is accredited, check the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) website. Ensure that CHEA recognizes your school’s accreditor, and that the accreditation is current.

Some taxation programs are also accredited, which signals they meet industry standards. Agencies like the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business and the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs are two well-known programmatic accreditors to consider.

If you study online, make sure your school is authorized to educate students in your state. Look for membership in the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (NC-SARA) and ensure the school’s NC-SARA status extends to your state.

Accounting schools may offer a master of taxation or master of science (MS) degree. However, some schools offer graduate taxation programs as specialization options in their MS in accounting or master of accountancy programs.

While taxation is already a specialization, your program may also offer concentrations in:

Consider the program’s elective requirements and available courses. In some cases, you can essentially design your own specialization by using your electives strategically.

While each master’s in taxation program has its own curriculum, most schools cover similar core topics. Some programs culminate in a capstone or major project that requires students to synthesize and apply their knowledge.

Common course offerings include:

Master’s in taxation programs may be in-person, hybrid, or fully online. If you work or have other responsibilities, an online format typically offers the most flexibility. Hybrid learning may make a good match if you need some flexibility but still value the typical campus experience.

Taxation coursework does not typically rely on class discussions, assignment workshopping, or other interactive elements. As such, the subject translates seamlessly to online learning environments.

Studying online offers flexibility advantages, especially if courses involve asynchronous models that allow you to engage at times of your choosing. Synchronous classes meet at set times, more closely replicating the traditional campus-based experience. While less convenient, synchronous classes provide real-time access to your instructor.