Best online master’s in taxation degrees 2022: Top picks | ZDNet

Are you looking to become a certified accountant specializing in tax law? Consider pursuing a master’s in taxation. This rigorous finance degree will make you an expert in U.S. tax law and regulation.

Despite the popularity of online tax services, accountants and tax specialists remain an important resource. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that accountants will see a 7% employment growth rate through 2030. 

Earning a taxation master’s will qualify you to provide your community with an essential service requiring strong critical thinking and memorization skills. Read on for our rankings of the country’s top online taxation master’s degrees, along with our guide on what to expect from this degree.

The best online master’s in taxation degrees

Before browsing our rankings, take a moment to check out ZDNet’s ranking methodology. This page explains how we select programs from around the country based on their affordability, academic merit, and level of prestige.

Unless otherwise indicated, data is drawn from the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System, College Scorecard, and each program’s website.

What to expect in an online master’s in taxation degree program

An online master’s in taxation prepares you for work as a tax specialist assisting both individuals and businesses in corporate, government, and nonprofit settings. 

As a student, your coursework will blend theoretical and practical knowledge, immersing you in industry-standard software and practices while also covering complex tax regulations and laws. Some programs may incorporate hands-on opportunities, such as experience in a low-income taxpayer clinic.

High-quality taxation master’s programs typically come with Association to Advance Collegiate Colleges of Business (AACSB) accreditation. 

To succeed in any online accounting or taxation program, you need to cultivate strong skills in critical thinking and business communication skills.

Master’s in taxation courses

All taxation master’s programs feature coursework in three core areas: Taxation fundamentals, tax research, and tax procedure. Programs also feature varying required and elective coursework on corporate taxation, partnership taxation, estate and gift taxation, and more.

The following course list represents standard course offerings among taxation master’s programs.

Fundamentals of taxation

This course overviews foundational principles in the taxation of individuals and businesses in the U.S. federal tax system. Students learn to account for income recognition, property transactions, and expense deduction.

Tax research

This course covers essential methodologies and techniques used in tax research. Students learn to assess research sources, detect risk, and uncover potential tax problems. Argumentation and critical thinking are emphasized.

Tax procedure

For this course, learners investigate ethical guidelines for tax advisors and standard procedures for resolving tax controversies with the IRS. Topics include statutory notices, filing obligations, and examination and collections procedures.

Corporate taxation

This course provides an overview of the federal income taxation of corporations. Students explore how tax law affects issues such as tax-free mergers and acquisitions, dividends, and redemptions.

Taxation degree levels

Different degree levels serve different professional goals. Your best bet for working as a tax specialist upon graduation is likely a taxation master’s. 

However, lower-level degrees in accounting can be a stepping stone to a master’s degree or an accounting position specializing in tax issues. Choose the degree that best fits your long-term plans.

Associate in taxation

Length: Two to three years

Cost: $2,000-$5,000

Post-grad careers: Accounting assistant, payroll clerk, bookkeeper

More commonly called an associate in accounting, this affordable degree is often used as a stepping stone to a bachelor’s in accounting. Other learners use an accounting associate to transition to a payroll clerk or accounting assistant job.

To succeed in an associate in taxation program, you need strong skills in business communication, critical thinking, and attentiveness to detail.

Bachelor’s in taxation

Length: Four years

Cost: $40,000-$150,000

Post-grad careers: Financial analyst, management accountant, certified public accountant

A bachelor’s usually takes four years to complete and takes the form of an accounting degree with a concentration in taxation. Learners in a taxation bachelor’s program study advanced business and tax law, accounting software tools, and management science. Graduates are prepared to sit for CPA certification.

Though this degree aims to prepare graduates to work as CPAs, a taxation bachelor’s can help you secure finance, management, and accounting roles.

Master’s in taxation

Length: Two to three years

Cost: $50,000-$100,000

Post-grad careers: Financial planner, tax advisor, tax specialist

A masters’ in taxation can make you a competitive applicant for tax and financial services-related roles. The degree covers legal and regulatory aspects of taxation in the U.S.

To succeed in a master’s in taxation program, you need analytical and critical thinking skills. You will leave the program equipped to research and resolve tax-related issues for both individuals and businesses. Sometimes this program is paired with an optional graduate certificate in accounting.

Doctorate in taxation

Length: Three to five years

Cost: $50,000-$150,000

Post-grad careers: Research scientist, university professor, economic consultant

Though not frequently offered, a doctorate in taxation is the terminal degree. The degree can take the form of a J.D. in tax law or a Ph.D. in taxation. The Ph.D. caters to tax specialists interested in academic research and educating on contemporary tax issues.

As with any Ph.D. program, students need to prepare a dissertation and defense. To succeed in the program, discuss your research topic with faculty in advance.

In conclusion

A master’s in taxation is a challenging, somewhat-uncommon degree. If you choose to pursue it, though, you will be ahead of the curve as a tax professional who can succeed without relying on modern shortcuts. That level of specialization has the potential to boost your earnings, not unlike a master’s in forensic accounting.

For more information on the master’s in taxation degree, consult tax service organizations in your community or your local college’s career center.