Best Online Master’s in Taxation Programs

One of the world's leading private research universities, the University of Southern California welcomes more than 44,000 students each year. USC offers online undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degrees in more than a dozen disciplines, including education, engineering, and library science. Among its flexible options is an online master's in taxation.

The business taxation program comprises 15 credits of core coursework and 15 credits of electives. Areas of study include tax theory and ethics, state and local tax concepts, and tax accounting methods. Each virtual class meets for approximately 60-90 minutes, with weekly assignments students complete asynchronously.

Prospective students should have a 3.0 GPA and at least one year of full-time work experience in a tax-related position. The GMAT is required.

Boston University operates three campuses, offering over 300 programs and serving more than 35,000 students annually. BU offered its first online program in 2002 and has since expanded its distance catalog to include dozens of concentrations, certificates, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees.

First established in 1959, and now available through distance learning, BU's master of law in taxation law provides graduates with specialized tax training for legal professionals. The 24-credit curriculum consists of courses in federal income taxation, corporate tax, and tax procedure. No thesis is required.

Applicants must hold a degree in law. Admission requires two letters of recommendation, a statement of interest, and CV or resume. Qualified applicants will be interviewed by the program director.

Northeastern University operates a growing network of 11 global locations, with campuses in Boston, Toronto, London, San Francisco, and beyond. Northeastern connects alumni to more than 3,000 corporate partners, helping ensure that 93% of graduates find full-time employment within nine months.

The online master's in taxation program offers a part-time completion schedule of 16 months. Alongside core courses in tax research, practice, and ethics, students can select from two tracks: taxation of entities or taxation of individuals. Graduates find work as auditors, bankers, management consultants, and tax attorneys.

Applicants with an undergraduate GPA below 3.25 must submit GMAT scores. A minimum of two years of tax experience — or a JD, CPA, CFP, or Enrolled Agent credential — is required.

Villanova University is a private, Catholic institution serving more than 6,000 undergraduates, 3,000 graduates, and 800 law school students. The school of law offers a juris doctor, four joint degree options, and an online master's degree in taxation. Students can complete the program within two years.

Taxation students must earn a total of 30 credits, consisting of six required courses plus electives. Courses include advanced tax procedure, global tax planning, and wealth tax. If desired, students local to Philadelphia may apply for an internship with the Villanova Law School Federal Tax Clinic or the IRS Office of the Chief Counsel.

Applicants should hold an undergraduate degree in accounting or a related field. Currently licensed CPAs do not need to submit GRE or GMAT scores.

New York University is the largest private university in the U.S., with an annual enrollment of approximately 58,000. Accountants and financial professionals looking to advance their skills may consider NYU's online master of studies in law in taxation.

This asynchronous, part-time degree requires 24-30 credits and takes two years. Only one course — survey of tax procedure — is required, allowing students to customize their curriculum. The program culminates in a final written project addressing a timely topic in tax law or policy.

Admission requires a bachelor's degree and a minimum of three years of professional experience related to federal, state, or local tax issues. Applicants must also hold either a master's degree in a relevant discipline or CPA licensure.

Bentley University is among the nation's top business schools, with 99% of graduates obtaining jobs within six months of graduation. Master's programs at Bentley offer flexible full-time, part-time, day, evening, and online scheduling to accommodate every learner's needs. Among these options is Bentley's master's in taxation, the largest graduate tax program in New England.

Ten courses are required, with studies in federal taxation of income, mergers and acquisitions, and international tax practice. Online students attend class in real time, fostering active discussion and collaboration with instructors and on-campus students. Graduates are prepared for careers in international accounting, corporate taxation, and wealth management.

Applicants must supply official undergraduate transcripts, two essays, two letters of recommendation, and a resume. The GMAT or GRE requirement may be waived for qualified individuals.

The University of Denver is a private research institution with a global presence. The student population welcomes learners from more than 80 countries, and approximately 70% of DU undergraduates participate in study abroad programs. DU's 6,000 graduate students can select from dozens of programs, including an online master's degree in taxation.

The program offers cross-disciplinary experiences and perspectives by placing taxation students in courses alongside juris doctor and LLM students. With a rigorous curriculum covering individual, partnership, and corporate taxation, full-time completion is possible in just one year. Class recordings are accessible through both live and archived, on-demand streaming.

Applicants must submit official undergraduate transcripts. GMAT or GRE scores are required, with waivers available for undergraduate accounting majors, graduate degree-holders, and CPAs.

Since 1901, Golden Gate University has worked to serve the needs of adult learners looking to advance their careers. The private, nonprofit institution provides undergraduate and graduate opportunities in accounting, law, taxation, business, and related areas. Many GGU programs take place fully online.

Online students in the master's in taxation program can start in any term and progress at their own pace, with completion rates averaging 2-4 years. The degree requires a total of 30 credits of coursework, including courses in tax research, property transactions, and federal income taxation. Students are encouraged to participate in an optional internship.

GGU suggests applicants hold a minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA, but individuals with lower grades can earn admission through employment history, professional accomplishments, and recommendations.

Each year, DePaul University's business school enrolls approximately 3,700 undergraduate and 2,200 graduate students. Professionals seeking advancement in taxation may pursue a 46-credit online master's degree in taxation.

Notable courses in the program include current problems in taxation, writing for tax professionals, and various international tax topics. Full-time scheduling allows for completion in just one year, while part-time students average a 2-3 year timeline. If necessary, students may take a semester off during busy periods like the winter tax season.

To apply, prospective students must submit an online application, essay, resume, and official transcripts. Letters of recommendation are optional, and GRE and GMAT scores are not required.

Florida Atlantic University is a major research university serving upwards of 30,000 students each year. FAU operates six campuses along the southeast Florida coast and extends learning opportunities to distance learners through e-learning. Online students can choose from more than 40 programs, including a master's in taxation.

Students in the program can view lectures in real-time through livestream or watch recorded lectures at their convenience. FAU does not hold classes during spring semester tax seasons. Learners can graduate within two years.

Prospective students must have a bachelor's degree with a competitive GPA. FAU accepts applications on a rolling basis, with program start dates occurring each summer and fall.