The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects the demand for accountants will increase 4% through 2030. To join this growing field, future accountants may benefit from a master’s degree in taxation. A master’s in taxation is a form of accounting degree that emphasizes tax law and procedures. Students can expect to learn everything from how to prevent tax audits to effectively representing clients in case of a tax related investigation. Earning a master’s in taxation online can be an affordable, flexible option for those planning to change careers or enter into the taxation specialization.
Methodology
To create our ranking of the top 15 online master’s degrees in taxation, we began by using the National Center for Education Statistics’s College Navigator to find which colleges and universities offer just such a program. Specifically, we looked at only those programs which are accredited, and offering a primarily online curriculum dedicated to taxation. While we acknowledge some taxation programs are offered through juris doctorate programs, we were only interested in master’s programs for the purpose of this ranking. Finally, we used the points-based system below to narrow down our list to only 15 online programs.
Student to Faculty Ratio:
14:1 or less — 3 points
15:1 to 19:1 — 2 points
20:1 and above — 1 point
Average Graduate Tuition (Per Year):
$13,000 or Less — 3 points
$13,001 – $20,000 — 2 points
$20,001 or More — 1 point
Residency Requirements:
Yes — 0 points
No — 2 points
In the event of a tie, schools were ranked in order of ascending out-of-state tuition.
1. Taft University System
Online Master of Science in Taxation
Lakewood, Colorado
Total Points: 7
Student to Faculty Ratio: 15 to 1
Annual Graduate Tuition: $5,400
Residency Requirements?: No
School Profile
The all-online Taft University System offers an online Master of Science in Taxation program designed for public accountants and tax professionals. Students can earn their degree in just one year of full time study. This 30-credit hour program includes coursework in tax research, taxation of partnerships, and IRS practices. Taft University features a wide variety of electives covering everything from tax fraud and evasion to estate taxation and planning. The program is an independent study graduate program using assessment, evaluation of student progress, and direction by qualified professional faculty.
2. Golden Gate University
Online Master of Science in Taxation
San Francisco, California
Total Points: 7
Student to Faculty Ratio: 12 to 1
Annual Graduate Tuition: $19,620
Residency Requirements?: No
School Profile
Golden Gate University offers a top master’s in taxation online, with graduates highly sought after by many of the “Big Four” accounting firms. The relevant curriculum includes instruction in current trends, practices, and tax concepts. Course content is delivered online through a self-paced format allowing students to study when it is most convenient. Most students can earn their degree in two to four years, and with a flexible enrollment process, can get started earning their degree immediately after acceptance to the program.
3. Portland State University
Online Master of Taxation
Portland, Oregon
Total Points: 6
Student to Faculty Ratio: 21 to 1
Annual Graduate Tuition: $11,718 (in-state), $17,847 (out-of-state)
Residency Requirements?: No
School Profile
The Portland State University Master of Taxation program is a 45-credit hour program designed for those seeking a career change, and/or planning to pursue a career in a tax-related field. The curriculum was developed through collaboration with the local tax community, making it relevant and reflective of current trends in the industry. Students may choose to pursue the 100% online option, or a hybrid option that allows them to take part in some on-campus classes and events. Students have access to one-on-one advising and career visioning tools to continue success after graduation.
4. Florida Atlantic University
Online Master of Taxation
Boca Raton, Florida
Total Points: 6
Student to Faculty Ratio: 21 to 1
Annual Graduate Tuition: $5,467 (in-state), $16,695 (out-of-state)
Residency Requirements?: No
School Profile
The top-ranked online Master of Taxation program at Florida Atlantic University is a 10-course program featuring a set of core courses and three electives. The degree program is offered in a self-directed format to develop future tax professionals. It is open to both full- and part-time students, allowing students to work while earning their degree. Students meet the educational requirements for their CPA after completing this program.
5. DePaul University
Online Master of Science in Taxation
Chicago, Illinois
Total Points: 6
Student to Faculty Ratio: 16 to 1
Annual Graduate Tuition: $19,584
Residency Requirements?: No
School Profile
DePaul University features an online M.S. in Taxation with the same relevant curriculum and outstanding faculty as the on-campus program. Tailored for working professionals, students can expect to enhance their understanding of tax regulations, the Internal Revenue Code, court cases and rulings, and complex tax statutes. The 45-credit hour program includes asynchronous courses to allow students to study when it is most convenient. Students meet with their professors weekly through a live webcast where they can interact in real time to ask questions and engage in discussion.
6. Nova Southeastern University
Online Master of Accounting with a Concentration in Tax
Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Total Points: 6
Student to Faculty Ratio: 17 to 1
Annual Graduate Tuition: $19,665
Residency Requirements?: No
School Profile
The H. Wayne Huizenga College of Business and Entrepreneurship at Nova Southeastern University features an accredited master of taxation online with three start times throughout the year. The program can be completed in just 21 months of study. The program consists of a core set of seven courses and five elective courses. Elective courses include tax policy, real estate taxation, fiduciary income taxation, and state and local taxation. Students can expect to gain both a practical and conceptual understanding of the IRS code and real world situations.
7. Villanova University
Online Master of Taxation
Villanova, Pennsylvania
Total Points: 6
Student to Faculty Ratio: 11 to 1
Annual Graduate Tuition: $20,506
Residency Requirements?: No
School Profile
The online master’s in taxation program at Villanova University is a two year program that can be completed entirely online with no residency requirements. Students complete one course at a time, year round, and can earn their degree in about two years. The 30 credit hour program includes six electives that cover areas such as wealth tax, employee benefits, executive compensation, international tax, and taxation of corporate acquisitions and reorganizations. Faculty are experts in the area of tax law and provide students with a cutting edge education using real world experiences in the classroom.
8. Northeastern University
Online Master of Science in Taxation
Boston, Massachusetts
Total Points: 6
Student to Faculty Ratio: 14 to 1
Annual Graduate Tuition: $24,793
Residency Requirements?: No
School Profile
The D’Amore-McKim School of Business at Northeastern University offers an online M.S. in Taxation focused on the latest industry and economic trends. This part-time program can be completed entirely online in just 16 months. Through experiential learning and classroom study, students are able to easily transfer their knowledge and skills to the workplace. Students can choose from two different tracks– either taxation of entities or taxation of individuals. With six start dates throughout the year and no GRE/GMAT requirement, students can be on their way to earning their degree right after completing the admission process.
9. Bentley University
Online Masters in Taxation
Waltham, Massachusetts
Total Points: 6
Student to Faculty Ratio: 11 to 1
Annual Graduate Tuition: $38,400
Residency Requirements?: No
School Profile
As the largest graduate tax program in New England, Bentley University has graduated over 3,000 tax professionals. The 10-course online Masters in Taxation requires five core courses and five electives. Elective course offerings cover topics such as mergers and acquisitions, intellectual properties, federal taxation, and pass-through entities and closely held businesses. Students who seek professional experience during the program have the opportunity to complete an internship or practicum experience.
10. University of Southern California
Online Master of Business Taxation
Los Angeles, California
Total Points: 6
Student to Faculty Ratio: 9 to 1
Annual Graduate Tuition: $46,272
Residency Requirements?: No
School Profile
The online Master of Business Taxation program at USC is designed for working accounting professionals who plan to continue their employment while earning their degree. This 30-credit hour program is comprised of five electives and five core courses offered through live video, mini lectures, guest experts, case studies, and exercises. Students meet online each week for 60-90 minutes as a group, in addition to asynchronous class time on their own to complete assignments and other studies. Students can complete the program in just 21 months of part-time study.
11. University of Denver
Online Master of Taxation
Denver, Colorado
Total Points: 6
Student to Faculty Ratio: 12 to 1
Annual Graduate Tuition: $51,336
Residency Requirements?: No
School Profile
The online graduate tax program at University of Denver is an actual Master of Taxation degree. Students participate in the same classes with on-campus students through live classroom presentations (also available on-demand) and discussions. Though students are free to pursue the degree on a part-time basis, full-time students can complete the program in one year.
12. Boston University
Online Master of Laws in Taxation Law
Boston, Massachusetts
Total Points: 6
Student to Faculty Ratio: 10 to 1
Annual Graduate Tuition: $54,720
Residency Requirements?: No
School Profile
Elite Boston University offers a Master of Laws in Taxation Law degree which can be completed entirely online. The degree consists of 24 credits, and classes on subjects like corporate tax, federal income taxation, and partnership tax, to name but three. Impressively, more than 75% of program graduates are hired by law and accounting firms within six months of graduation.
13. Southern New Hampshire University
Online Master of Science in Accounting, Taxation
Manchester, New Hampshire
Total Points: 5
Student to Faculty Ratio: 22 to 1
Annual Graduate Tuition: $18,810
Residency Requirements?: No
School Profile
The M.S. in Accounting — Taxation offered by Southern New Hampshire University is an entirely online program that can be completed in just 15 months. Students take two courses per 10-week term, with convenient 24/7 access to content. The curriculum aligns with the Content and Skill Specification Outlines created by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants. There are no GMAT or GRE requirements for admission. Professors are experienced in the industry and share their knowledge of current trends and practices in the tax accounting industry.
14. University of Cincinnati
Online Master of Science in Taxation
Cincinnati, Ohio
Total Points: 5
Student to Faculty Ratio: 17 to 1
Annual Graduate Tuition: $12,790 (in-state), $24,532 (out-of-state)
Residency Requirement?: No
School Profile
The University of Cincinnati features both a 12 month accelerated online master’s in taxation and a 24 month standard online taxation masters program. The University of Cincinnati is accredited by the AACSB and is considered one of the best business schools in the country by The Princeton Review. Faculty include tax experts, lawyers, CPAs, and professionals with international and Fortune 500 experience. Elective courses cover partnership taxation, income tax accounting, and estate and gift taxation. A capstone course at the end of the program allows students to showcase their knowledge and skills.
15. St. John’s University, New York
Online Master of Science in Taxation
Queens, New York
Total Points: 5
Student to Faculty Ratio: 16 to 1
Annual Graduate Tuition: $28,569
Residency Requirements?: No
School Profile
In just one year of study, students can earn their M.S. in Taxation online from St. John’s University, a leader in business education. This 31-33 credit hour program is considered one of the top 35 in the nation according to U.S. News and World Report. Online students are taught by the same respected faculty as their traditional on-campus counterparts. Students also have access to advisement, library resources, campus ministry, and career services.
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