What is a Master’s in Taxation?

master's in taxation

The Master’s in Taxation degree offered by many colleges today is a great way into the upper levels of the tax industry in addition to many other sectors and positions. It is a degree that requires dedication and some time to complete, but the rewards are unarguably great. For those wanting to learn more about this particular degree, its areas of focus, coursework, and associated job outlook, read on for the scoop.

Focus Areas

Certainly, the Master’s in Taxation revolves around taxes, but what exactly are its main areas of focus in and around that realm? Core coursework will assure students are prepared with the analytical and math tools needed for being a master of this subject. Beyond these areas of basic concern lie those of broader horizons.

Typical learning goals listed by colleges and universities offering this degree include but are not limited to:

  • Gain the analytical and research skills required of the deepest accounting practices.
  • Understand all areas of tax law and financial reporting methodology.
  • Understand the Internal Revenue Service and most crucial dealings involving it.
  • Be prepared for the Uniform CPA Exam.

Typical Curriculum

Some of the information above can give one a good idea of the types of courses required along the path to completing the Master’s of Taxation. Coursework focused on tax laws, the IRS, and reporting approaches can all be expected. The following courses are some of those more specifically found in many of the university programs for this master’s degree.

  • Estate and Gift Taxation
  • Accounting Information Systems
  • Advanced Auditing
  • Corporate Finances
  • Business Law
  • Tax Research Methodology
  • Special Issues in Taxation
  • Accounting Ethics
  • Tax Law

Associated Career Outlook

Because of the breadth of the knowledge gleaned and the overall competency of the graduates produced in this master’s program, there are many very rewarding careers made accessible upon its completion. As touched on above, while many of these careers directly involve matters of taxation and finances, many others do not. Those directly related to matters of accountancy and taxation fall under the Bureau of Labor Statistics‘ label of “Accountants and Auditors.” Per the Bureau, this particular population of professionals will see a very promising, above average demand growth rate of around 10 percent over the coming years.

The following represent some of the individual positions made available to those in completion of the Master’s of Taxation:

  • Tax Fraud Investigator
  • Tax Preparer
  • Financial Advisor
  • Accountant
  • Chief Executive Officer
  • Chief Financial Officer
  • Consultant
  • Director of Audits
  • Banker
  • General Manager

Conclusion

Taxation and accountancy are important and sometimes very deep worlds of specialized expertise. Those with proficiency here are quite valuable to a range of job sectors and individual positions with a Master’s  in Taxation.

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