Taxation Master’s Programs Online: Reviewing Top Schools

Self Assessment: Is an Online Taxation Master’s Right for You?

One of the best ways to gauge your readiness for a master’s is to ask yourself a few poignant questions. But which questions do you ask and why? We’ve compiled six questions specific to online master’s programs in taxation. Use these to see if you’re ready to move forward with an advanced degree in the field.

1. Do I have a genuine interest in tax law and financial problem-solving?
   Successful tax professionals are detail-oriented and enjoy digging into regulations. Make sure the subject matter excites you beyond just the potential salary.
2. Am I prepared to balance work, life, and study time?
3. Many online tax programs are designed for working adults, but you’ll still need discipline to meet weekly deadlines. Consider the strength of your time management skills and support system.
4. Do I meet the prerequisites, or am I willing to fulfill them?
   If you don’t have an accounting background, you might need to take introductory accounting or tax courses. Be honest about your academic foundation and readiness to catch up if needed.
5. What are my career goals, and will this degree help me achieve them?
   If you’re looking to become a CPA or move into a tax manager role or perhaps pivot from general accounting to a tax specialty, ensure that the program’s advanced tax curriculum and credentials match your career ambitions.
6. Am I comfortable with online learning and technology?
   Online programs offer flexibility, but you must be proactive in virtually engaging with the material, professors, and classmates. Consider whether you have the self-motivation and technical setup to thrive in an online classroom.

Comparing Online Master’s Programs in Taxation

In this section, we highlight three accredited U.S. universities offering online or hybrid master’s in taxation programs. Each summary is based on the official program webpage, giving you a glimpse of the curriculum, format, cost, and admissions.

Paying for Your Master’s in Taxation: Cost Breakdown

Financing a master’s in taxation involves understanding fixed costs like tuition and fees and variable costs that can add up. Tuition is the biggest one – programs charge per credit, and with ~30 credits, total tuition can range roughly from $17,000 at the low end to $50,000+ at top private universities. Some schools offer lower rates for in-state students, while others have a flat rate. 

Don’t forget university fees: Online programs may charge technology fees, and each semester usually carries a general fee (often ~$100-$200). Books and materials are another cost; expect to spend a few hundred dollars per course on textbooks or tax research software access. 

On the flip side, online students often save on commuting or relocation costs and can continue working full-time. Many employers offer tuition reimbursement for job-related graduate degrees, so check if your company can shoulder part of the cost. Scholarships and financial aid are also options – fill out the FAFSA to see if you qualify for federal loans or grants. 

The return on your investment: Salaries often in the high five-to-six-figure range for tax experts and expanded career opportunities can make the expense worthwhile in the long run.

Note: Tuition often rises a bit each year. The above figures are current as of the 2024-25 academic year. Always check the latest rates on the university’s website.

What’s After Your Taxation Master’s?

Earning a master’s in taxation can open the door to various rewarding career paths. Many graduates work as senior tax accountants or tax consultants in accounting firms, including the Big Four and regional firms. In that last role, you’d be advising clients on complying with tax laws and optimizing their tax strategies. 

With a few years of experience, you might advance to a Tax Manager or Tax Director role, overseeing a team and handling complex tax planning for corporations. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor statistics, the median pay for financial managers is about $156,100 per year, with top earnings above $239K.

Some alumni leverage the degree to move into specialized areas like international tax specialist, estate planner, or corporate tax attorney, though that last path also requires a JD and bar license. Outside of public accounting, opportunities abound in the industry since virtually every medium to large company has a tax department. Government is another avenue – for example, as a revenue agent or tax law specialist at the IRS, or in state tax agencies, where the median wage for tax examiners is about $58,500, with higher pay at senior levels.

Beyond immediate job titles, a master’s in taxation offers upward mobility. It can accelerate the journey to becoming a partner in an accounting firm or a leader in your company’s finance division. In a complex global economy, organizations rely on tax professionals to navigate changes and make strategic decisions. 

The Bureau of Labor Statistics notes that a complex tax and regulatory environment is expected to sustain strong demand for accountants and auditors, which includes tax specialists. Professionals with an MST (Master of Science in Taxation) report average salaries around $96,000 annually, notably higher than many roles requiring only a bachelor’s degree.

Also, don’t overlook the networking and credibility benefits. Your classmates and professors can be invaluable contacts in the tax field, and earning a master’s degree signals a commitment to your profession that can set you apart in the job market.

Taxation Online Master’s Student FAQs

Do I need an accounting background to apply for a master’s in taxation?

Not always. While many programs prefer applicants with a bachelor’s degree in accounting or related coursework, it’s not an absolute requirement at all schools. Some programs are designed for career changers and will consider a bachelor’s degree in any field, provided you show a strong interest in taxation and have some quantitative aptitude. 

You may need to complete prerequisite courses (like introductory accounting) before starting graduate tax classes if your background isn’t in business. It’s a good idea to check each program’s admissions criteria, as programs at state universities might simply require you to take a couple of foundational courses. Be prepared to demonstrate your ability to handle the coursework, either through past classes, professional experience, or even CPA Exam sections you’ve passed.

Is an online master’s in taxation respected by employers?

Yes – today’s employers generally recognize reputable online degrees as equivalent to on-campus ones, especially if the school is accredited. The key is that your degree comes from a well-known university or a program with proper accreditation. The AACSB accredits for business programs while the ABA approves tax law programs. 

Hiring managers are more concerned with your skills and knowledge than the delivery format of your degree. In the accounting and tax field, having a master’s itself is a mark of advanced expertise. Your coursework in an online MST should mirror the rigor of on-campus programs – you’ll still cover complex tax regulations, conduct research, and likely interact with seasoned faculty. Many employers, including public accounting firms and corporations, actively recruit from online graduate programs or even sponsor their employees to attend them.

How does a Master’s in Taxation differ from an MBA or MAcc?

A Master’s in Taxation (often an MST or MTax) is a highly specialized degree focusing almost exclusively on tax law and strategy, while a Master of Business Administration offers broad business training in finance, marketing, and management with maybe a few tax or accounting electives. A Master of Accounting is focused on accounting principles and financial reporting, sometimes with a tax concentration.

If you know your career will be in taxation – for example, becoming a tax advisor, tax manager, or working in the tax specialty of an accounting firm – the MST provides deeper tax expertise than an MBA or general accounting degree. Choose an MBA if you want a wider business leadership role (with maybe a minor in tax) and an MAcc if you want to strengthen your general accounting credentials. 

Can I continue to work full-time while pursuing this degree?

Absolutely – a majority of online master’s in taxation students do work full-time. Online and hybrid formats provide the flexibility to study during evenings or weekends. Other programs might have live evening classes that still cater to a standard workday. The upside of working while studying is that you can immediately apply what you learn – your job might even provide context for your assignments (and vice versa). Employers generally appreciate employees who are furthering their education, especially in a relevant field like taxation.

Key tips for balancing work and study include communicating with your employer (some employers are supportive and may offer flexibility or even tuition assistance), setting aside dedicated study blocks in your week, and leveraging the asynchronous materials to get ahead when you have free time. 

Will a master’s in taxation help me qualify for the CPA exam or other certifications?

Yes, it can be a big help. In many U.S. states, becoming a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) requires 150 semester hours of college education – effectively a fifth year beyond a bachelor’s degree. A master’s in taxation can provide those additional credits while giving you specialized knowledge. An MST will typically cover advanced tax topics that also appear on parts of the CPA Exam (like Regulation). 

Beyond the CPA, an MST can help with other credentials: Enrolled Agent (EA) certification (issued by the IRS) is all about tax expertise. Likewise, if you’re interested in the Certified Financial Planner (CFP) designation and work in personal finance, the estate and retirement tax knowledge from an MST is beneficial. It’s worth noting that a master’s in taxation doesn’t qualify you to sit for a bar exam. For tax law practice as an attorney, you’d need a JD and possibly an LL.M. in Tax. However, many CPA-focused tax professionals find that an MST gives them an edge in their practice.

Top-Ranked Online Master’s Degrees in Taxation

Choosing the right master’s program can be daunting, so reviewing rankings of top online master’s in taxation degrees can help narrow your list. We’ve compiled a rankings list that evaluates programs based on reputation, cost, academics, and availability of the online format. The methodology leans on reputable data from sources like the U.S. Department of Education and school-reported outcomes. We also consider factors such as faculty credentials, curriculum depth, student support, and accreditation status.

Remember that “best” can be subjective – think about which factors matter most to you as you explore the rankings. Below, you’ll find the leading online taxation master’s programs in the nation and what makes each stand out.