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A master's degree in taxation can set you up for success as a tax director, consultant, or chief financial officer. Use our guide to explore the top master's in taxation degrees.
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A master's in taxation can prepare you for an exciting career in strategic tax planning, corporate tax management, or international taxation consulting. This 30-plus-credit degree takes 1-2 years to complete. As a taxation student, you may take courses in tax accounting, tax procedure, and tax law.
Unlike a broad-based master's in accounting, a taxation degree can put you on a specialized career path managing government or corporate tax offices. According to Payscale data accessed in December of 2024, professionals with a master's in taxation earn an average annual base salary of $96,000.
More and more professionals are earning master's degrees, and according to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), business is their top choice. If you want to join the more than 200,000 people who receive a master's degree each year, explore this guide to learn about taxation degrees and see a ranking of top programs in the field.
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#1 Best Master’s in Taxation Degrees 2025
University of Washington
Seattle, WA
4 years
Online + Campus
What You Should Know
UW's MS in taxation introduces students to real industry challenges and hands-on approaches and solutions for the field. The highly specialized 51-credit program includes only courses focused on taxation, such as tax issues in property ownership, state and local tax issues, and tax provisions.
UW's program runs full time throughout the fall, winter, and spring quarters. Once enrolled, students enjoy access to career coaching and professional networking opportunities that can help jump-start their careers. As a result, UW boasts a 100% placement rate for graduates even before they finish the program.
Highlights
Average starting salary of $75,000
Graduate in nine months
Out-of-state tuition only slightly higher than in-state rates
Considerations
May need a business administration degree with an accounting major
U.S. tax course mandatory prerequisite
Not eligible for state-funded tuition waiver and exemption programs
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$12,643
Out-of-state
$39,687
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$17,004
Out-of-state
$30,477
Retention Rate
95%
Acceptance Rate
43%
Students Enrolled
55,230
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
19%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
#2 Best Master’s in Taxation Degrees 2025
California State University, Fullerton
Fullerton, CA
4 years
Online + Campus
What You Should Know
CSUF's MS in taxation is intended for students of various educational backgrounds and helps graduates pursue many different tax careers. The 30-credit program, accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), satisfies California's 150-hour requirement for certified public accountant (CPA) licensure.
Core courses include taxation of corporations, tax research, and taxation of flow-through entities. The program also includes a capstone research project, as well as an optional internship.
Highlights
Flat-rate tuition for full-time students
Fall and spring admission
Business or accounting degree preferred but not required for admission
Considerations
Additional $285 per-credit fee in the business and economics college
GRE or GMAT scores recommended for applicants with GPAs lower than 3.3
Mandatory accounting prerequisite courses required for students without an accounting degree
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$5,742
Out-of-state
$17,622
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$7,176
Out-of-state
$16,680
Retention Rate
85%
Acceptance Rate
87%
Students Enrolled
41,962
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
58%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission
#3 Best Master’s in Taxation Degrees 2025
Boston University
Boston, MA
4 years
Online + Campus
What You Should Know
BU's 24-credit master of laws in taxation law, launched in 1959, features a mandatory banking structure and regulation course, along with over 25 elective options. The electives fall under three types: regulatory, transactional, and business-oriented courses.
BU provides internship placements for students who qualify and want to pursue experiential learning opportunities. The school also offers professional support, including 45-minute individualized counseling sessions and access to a recruiting event.
Highlights
Available online
Part-time and full-time study options
Two-semester program for full-time students
Considerations
One of the costliest programs on this list
Elective-heavy program
Internships require a minimum 3.2 GPA
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$61,050
Out-of-state
$61,050
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$61,050
Out-of-state
$61,050
Retention Rate
95%
Acceptance Rate
11%
Students Enrolled
36,624
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
14%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
New England Commission on Higher Education
#4 Best Master’s in Taxation Degrees 2025
California State University, Northridge
Northridge, CA
4 years
Online + Campus
What You Should Know
Students in CSUN's MS in taxation can prepare for senior taxation careers while meeting the educational requirements for California CPA licensure. Students start and finish the AACSB-accredited program as part of a cohort, which provides opportunities to network and collaborate with peers.
The 30-credit program features core courses in federal tax procedure, income taxation of partnerships, and income tax concepts, plus a culminating experience course. Students can also choose from specialization courses, such as real estate taxation, state and local taxes, and taxation of foreign transactions and taxpayers.
Highlights
Online and in-person study options
18-month completion timeline
No accounting or business degree required for admission
Considerations
Most culminating experiences held at local clinics
Courses run one night/week and some Saturdays
Self-paced tax bootcamp required before program start
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$5,742
Out-of-state
$17,622
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$7,176
Out-of-state
$16,680
Retention Rate
74%
Acceptance Rate
92%
Students Enrolled
40,564
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
58%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission
#5 Best Master’s in Taxation Degrees 2025
University of San Diego
San Diego, CA
4 years
Online + Campus
What You Should Know
USD's MS in taxation prepares students for various accounting careers and the California CPA credential. The program features core courses in advanced corporate taxation, partnership taxation, and tax research. An optional internship and independent study course round out the remaining credits.
Students in the AACSB-accredited program enjoy access to USD's academic success advisors and professional development managers. The school also grants learners access to the Accountancy Institute, which features unique industry speakers and career opportunities.
Highlights
Graduate in 10-12 months
Average starting salary of $70,317
Employment rate of 75% within six months
Considerations
Few, if any, online courses
Federal taxation prerequisites needed
Up to 27 additional credits needed for non-business/accounting students
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$53,810
Out-of-state
$53,810
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$28,404
Out-of-state
$28,404
Retention Rate
90%
Acceptance Rate
47%
Students Enrolled
9,106
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
11%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission
#6 Best Master’s in Taxation Degrees 2025
Queens College, City University of New York
Queens, NY
2 years
Online + Campus
What You Should Know
With Queens College's MS in taxation, you can meet the educational requirements for CPA licensure in New York and qualify for many business and accounting careers. The program focuses on tax laws and strategies in courses like international taxation, deferred compensation and employee benefits, and federal taxation of business entities.
Queens College offers full-time and part-time study options, along with internship opportunities. The intimate program also provides personalized guidance and mentorship, plus access to networking events and guest speakers.
Highlights
Graduate in as little as one year
Accounting degree not required
Considerations
Accounting prerequisites required for admission
Minimum 3.0 GPA recommended for admission
No online courses available
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$6,930
Out-of-state
$18,600
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$11,090
Out-of-state
$20,520
Retention Rate
78%
Acceptance Rate
69%
Students Enrolled
16,481
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
47%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
#7 Best Master’s in Taxation Degrees 2025
University of Miami
Coral Gables, FL
4 years
Online + Campus
What You Should Know
Ideal for students looking to specialize in federal taxation, the University of Miami's MS in taxation meets the educational requirements for Florida's CPA exam and positions graduates for advanced accounting careers. The one-year, full-time program features core courses in accounting for income taxes, business combinations and complex estimates, and communicating for career success.
Students in the intensive full-time program have access to mentorship and professional development opportunities through the school's Graduate Career Advancement Center. Undergraduate students looking to fast-track their way to master's degrees can opt for the five-year dual-degree program.
26%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#8 Best Master’s in Taxation Degrees 2025
San Jose State University
San Jose, CA
4 years
Online + Campus
What You Should Know
SJSU's MS in taxation prepares graduates for advanced taxation careers and the CPA exam in California. While many students enroll in this AACSB-accredited program full time, working tax professionals can also participate thanks to its part-time evening classes that work around tax season.
The 30-credit program includes core courses in tax research and taxation of business entities. The program concludes with a tax policy capstone course. SJSU also offers co-curricular and professional development opportunities, such as student organizations and community workshops.
Highlights
Complete in 12 months full time
Fall and spring start dates
Some online classes available
Considerations
Occasional Saturday classes
Mandatory accounting prerequisites for admission
Spring admission features additional prerequisites
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$5,742
Out-of-state
$17,622
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$7,176
Out-of-state
$16,680
Retention Rate
86%
Acceptance Rate
80%
Students Enrolled
36,062
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
71%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission
#9 Best Master’s in Taxation Degrees 2025
University of Colorado Boulder
Boulder, CO
4 years
Online + Campus
What You Should Know
CU's MS in taxation combines business education and tax courses from the law school to create a specialized program emphasizing tax law and practice. The AACSB-accredited program features core courses in auditing and assurance services, advanced business law, and research and writing in income taxation.
This practical program starts three times a year and includes a paid internship during tax season. In addition to the experience-building offered within the program, CU hosts a recruiting platform that connects students and graduates with numerous professional networking opportunities.
Highlights
Complete the program in three semesters
Highest CPA exam pass rates in the state
Self-paced pathway available
Considerations
Accounting/taxation prerequisite courses needed
May not lead to CPA licensure
Minimum 3.0 GPA required for admission
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$10,728
Out-of-state
$36,546
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$15,251
Out-of-state
$35,017
Retention Rate
89%
Acceptance Rate
81%
Students Enrolled
39,089
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
35%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#10 Best Master’s in Taxation Degrees 2025
University at Albany
Albany, NY
4 years
Online + Campus
What You Should Know
Graduates of UAlbany's MS in taxation may pursue CPA licensure in New York and careers in many of the state's accounting firms. The 30-credit AACSB-accredited program features core courses in the principles of tax research, corporation taxation, and taxation and financial planning. The interdisciplinary program also offers taxation, business, and accounting electives, plus law courses in each semester to help students tailor the program to their goals and needs.
UAlbany offers full-time and part-time study options to fit various schedules. The school also provides career support, including on-campus recruitment efforts, career fairs, and networking opportunities.
Highlights
Graduate in less than one year
One of the lowest tuition prices on this list
Internships may be available
Considerations
Accounting degree or equivalent required
Part-time students need three years of full-time accounting experience
GMAT scores required
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$7,070
Out-of-state
$25,660
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$11,310
Out-of-state
$23,100
Retention Rate
83%
Acceptance Rate
70%
Students Enrolled
16,880
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
40%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
Our Ranking Methodology
Accounting.com ranks the best accounting degrees using reputable sources such as the U.S. Department of Education. We build our rankings with four main metrics in mind: academics, cost, reputation, and program availability. We also consider subfactors like retention rate, federal aid amounts, and return on investment to help you find the right program for you.
Become a CPA: In many states, becoming a certified public accountant (CPA) means earning 150 postsecondary credits. If you hold a bachelor's degree in accounting, a master's in taxation may be the perfect way to complete your educational requirements. CPAs can work in public accounting, corporate accounting, government offices, or nonprofit organizations.
Add on to a JD or MBA: If you are a lawyer or a business executive who wants to specialize in tax work, you may need to bolster your academic credentials with a master's in taxation. People who hold a JD could look at adding on an LL.M. in taxation, and people with an MBA may want to consider an accounting-focused tax degree.
Achieve a leadership role: If you aspire to a senior-level role, a master's degree can be a valuable tool to help you achieve your goal. While most management positions do not explicitly require a graduate degree, corporate leaders may value the skills and knowledge you have gained in a master's program.
What to Expect From Master of Taxation Programs
A master's in taxation focuses on the key concepts and practices of tax law, analytics, and research. This program emphasizes real-world taxation procedures and strategies for individuals, corporations, and partnerships.
Most tax-related master's degree programs consist of 30-33 credits. Taking 15 credits per semester, full-time students may be able to complete their curricula in one year, while at six credits per semester, part-time students could need two years.
Courses may include tax research methodology, partnership taxation, ethics in business, or tax law and policy. Some degrees conclude with a capstone experience where students do in-depth research and analysis.
Graduate schools typically allow students to transfer only a few courses into their program. If you have master's-level credits in the discipline from an accredited school, talk to your admissions counselor about transfer options.
Schools offer many variations on a taxation degree, including the MS in taxation, MAcc in taxation, MS in accounting with a taxation concentration, MBA with a taxation concentration, and LL.M. in tax law.
MS in Taxation: A master of science in taxation emphasizes general accounting practices and procedures but with an emphasis on U.S. tax regulations and codes. Graduates may pursue certification as a CPA or work in tax advising, tax accounting, or tax management.
MAcc in Taxation: Assuming an undergraduate majors in business or accounting, this degree emphasizes the technical and critical thinking skills required for a career in federal tax management.
MS in Accounting With Taxation Concentration: Focused on preparing students for the CPA exam, this degree emphasizes financial theory and ethics as well as tax research and tax law. Graduates may work as accountants, analysts, or consultants.
MBA With Taxation Concentration: A management-centered degree, the MBA in taxation blends the best of broad business knowledge with the technical aspects of taxation. Graduates are prepared to make business decisions in light of potential tax consequences.
LL.M. in Tax Law: Open to people who already hold a JD, the LL.M. in tax law offers expertise in the complexities of tax issues, including tax risk, tax pricing, and international tax treaties.
Some colleges offer an online master's in taxation or in a hybrid format. Online students should look at whether their program offers synchronous coursework, where the class meets together online, or asynchronous courses, where students complete their work on their own time.
Should You Get a Taxation Master's or a General Accounting Master's?
Taxation is a subsector of accounting. Consequently, degrees in these two subjects tend to overlap. However, master of taxation programs offer their own distinctive focus and prepare students for specific kinds of accounting careers. When would you want to pursue a taxation degree instead of an accounting degree?
Both programs require a bachelor's degree for admission. Both demand 1-2 years of study. And both require strong accounting and business skills. The difference is in the emphasis and the outcomes.
Do you plan to serve in a broad-based accounting leadership role, such as a corporate finance director or chief financial officer? If so, you probably want an accounting degree.
Do you plan to work as an IRS agent, tax accountant, or financial analyst? You would probably benefit from a taxation degree.
Comparing Master's in Taxation and Accounting
Key Factor
Master's in Taxation
Master's in Accounting
Goal
Specialized knowledge in the theory and practice of taxation
Broad knowledge of accounting and auditing
Admissions Requirements
Bachelor's degree
Bachelor's degree
Course Load
Varies
Varies
Program Length
1-2 years
1-2 years
Sample Classes
International taxation, taxation of partnerships, research and writing in income taxation
Advanced business law, professional ethics in accounting, business risk & decision analysis in auditing
Each school creates its own curriculum, offering its own distinct variety of courses. Often, these courses include a core of accounting or taxation classes, a series of concentration courses in taxation, and a few electives. Many programs incorporate an internship and a final project or master's thesis.
International Taxation: Students explore the fundamentals of international taxation. This course focuses on the taxation of U.S. source income for non-U.S. residents and the taxation of foreign source income for U.S. residents and citizens. Students must complete a fundamentals of accounting course as a prerequisite.
Tax Research and Professional Practice: In this course, students review court cases, federal regulations, and the Internal Revenue Code. They emphasize the ethical responsibilities, roles, and regulations of tax professionals before the IRS. Topics include CPA review, tax practice strategies, and IRS examination of returns.
Advanced Tax S-Corps and Partnerships: Class participants explore the fundamentals of federal income taxation as they apply to shareholders, partnerships, and pass-through corporations. The course focuses on the organization and capital structure of the S-Corps or partnership. Topics include stock redemptions, taxable and tax-free mergers, and dividends and other distributions.
Wealth, Transfers, Trusts, and Estates: In this course, learners engage in the study of the gift, estate, and income taxes as they affect the transfer and accumulation of wealth through lifetime transfers or estates. Topics include a review of trusts along with other estate-planning tools and techniques to help individuals achieve their financial goals.
How Much Do Taxation Master's Programs Cost?
According to NCES, the average master's degree cost an average of $20,513 per year as of 2021-2022. However, NCES data also shows that public institutions cost just $12,596 annually. Clearly, several variables affect total cost.
In-state tuition is just one such cost variable. Other factors that affect the price include the school's prestige, whether it is a nonprofit or for-profit institution, and whether the program is available online or in person. Besides tuition costs, books, fees, and living expenses can add up quickly.
To cover these costs, many students take advantage of financial aid options such as competitive scholarships, private grants, or corporate educational reimbursements. Check out the links below for more information about these and other financial resources.
According to NCES data, 53.3% of students at postsecondary institutions enrolled in at least one online course in the fall of 2022. Distance learning options are popular when they are convenient, accredited, and easy to access.
Some students, however, prefer the structure, support, and engagement of a face-to-face classroom experience. If you are one of these learners, you may want to explore evening classes, weekend courses, or synchronous online programs.
Taxation Jobs and Salaries
A master of taxation can prepare graduates for leading careers in tax accounting. According to Payscale, this degree can help secure a position as a tax accountant, tax director, senior tax manager, senior tax analyst, or chief financial officer. These jobs can pay more than $200,000 a year.
As a member of the business and financial sector, tax professionals are part of a growing collection of professions. The BLS projects that this sector will have 963,500 job openings annually between 2023 and 2033, growing faster than average.
Tax attorneys help their clients maximize their economic benefits by staying up to date on the legal aspect of taxation. These professionals may work with private clients, at corporations, or in the public sector. Since tax law changes frequently, it's important for tax attorneys to maintain knowledge of current iterations in the tax code.
Tax consultants are business strategists. They help companies discover the most tax-advantaged way to approach decisions. Often, companies bring in a tax consultant when the leadership knows they need help reducing their tax burdens. Many tax consultants hold certification as a tax advisor or they have enrolled agent status with the IRS.
Tax accountants help people or companies file returns with the IRS. Their goal is to provide an accurate return while maximizing their client's tax savings. Many tax accountants hold a CPA license, and some are enrolled agents with the IRS. These professionals may work for a large firm or set up their own business.
Many considerations go into selecting the right master's program. Consider the following key factors for choosing programs:
Accreditation: Only consider schools that hold institutional accreditation, but remember that many top business schools also hold programmatic accreditation with the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business International or another accrediting agency.
Admission: Some schools may decline your application or require you to take additional coursework, earn a higher score on an admission test, or gain more real-world experience.
Staff Credentials and Diversity: Consider how many professors hold a terminal degree and how much experience they have in business and academia. Also, look at the faculty's age, race, gender, sex, and other diversity factors.
Alumni Network: A robust alumni network can help you gain a foothold in local professional associations and may provide a boost in your job search.
Future education opportunities: Do you plan to pursue a Ph.D., JD, or other terminal degree? If so, make sure the master's program you select positions you as a top candidate for that degree.
See our data-derived list of the best master's in taxation programs below.
Common Questions About Taxation Master's Degrees
What is a master's in taxation called?
A master's in taxation could be called an MS in taxation, an MS in accounting with a focus in taxation, an MAcc with a concentration in taxation, or an LL.M. in taxation. Each of these degrees has a different emphasis and structure.
How many years is a master's in taxation?
Most master's in taxation programs take two years to complete. However, accelerated or bachelor's-to-master's programs might just require one year for graduate work.
Should I get a master's in accounting or taxation?
If you plan to work as an accountant, auditor, or financial consultant, a master's in accounting may be best. On the other hand, if you plan to be a tax director, tax accountant, or tax manager, you could find a master's in taxation is a better choice.
Is a master's in taxation worth it?
According to Payscale data accessed in December of 2024, people with a master's in taxation earn an average base salary of $96,000 a year. The average cost of graduate tuition is $20,513 per year, so this degree offers an excellent return on investment.
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