Best Online Master's in Taxation

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Updated December 15, 2023

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Interested in an accounting career specializing in taxation? Find out about opportunities in this field and explore the best online master of taxation programs with our guide.

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A master's in taxation is a graduate-level program that builds on previous accounting knowledge to develop expertise in tax law and covers topics like taxation fundamentals, tax research, and corporate taxation.

Graduates with this degree can qualify for specialized accounting roles to provide tax advice and help clients with complex compliance issues. Potential career pathways include certified public accountant, tax manager, financial manager, and chief financial officer.

You might want to consider earning a master of taxation online because it offers more flexibility and convenience than a traditional on-campus program. Many students appreciate the ability to continue working full time while pursuing graduate degrees.

Use our guide to learn about some of the benefits of earning a master of taxation degree online and to explore some of the best online master of taxation programs. We also discuss accreditation, program requirements, and costs for this degree.

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Top Online Taxation Master's Programs

#1 Best Online Master’s in Taxation

University of Southern California

  • Los Angeles, CA
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Judge Robert Maclay Widney founded the University of Southern California in 1879. The school began with 53 students and has since grown to almost 50,000 enrollees. Located in Los Angeles, USC supports its student population and the local communities through public service and leadership projects. 

Master of Business Taxation for Working Professionals

USC's master of business taxation offers a 10-course curriculum for working tax professionals. The comprehensive program covers research techniques, professional development, and profound taxation knowledge to further students' careers.

Half of USC learners work at small or mid-tier firms while studying. Another 25% work at the Big Four accounting firms, and 5% hold governmental jobs. As part of the USC Marshall School of Business, this master's program also connects students with a professional network with over 88,000 alumni.

Enrollees must take five core tax programs. Topics cover tax theory and ethics, taxation of corporations, tax research, and communication for accountants. Students can personalize the program with additional five more elective classes. They may explore advanced tax concepts or specialize in auditing, family wealth preservation, or international tax. 

Applying to USC

Applicants must submit a personal statement, a resume, GMAT scores, and the $90 application fee. USC requests official undergraduate transcripts showing required prerequisite courses and one year of professional tax-related experience.

Program at a Glance

  • School Type: Private
  • Accreditation: Regionally accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)
  • Tuition: $2,092/credit
  • Required Credits: 30 credits
  • Program Length: 20 months
  • Delivery Format: Online and synchronous; hybrid
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$57,256
Out-of-state
$57,256
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$46,272
Out-of-state
$46,272
Retention Rate
96%
Acceptance Rate
11%
Students Enrolled
48,321
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
17% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission

#2 Best Online Master’s in Taxation

Walsh College

  • Troy, MI
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Thomas Edison's accountant, Mervyn Walsh, founded Walsh College in 1922. This Michigan business school merges theory and practical application in education. Walsh values collaboration, accountability, excellence, dedication, integrity, and respect. 

Master of Science in Taxation

Walsh's master of science in taxation prepares students for careers as tax analysts, enrolled agents, and chief financial officers. Enrollees learn to help individuals, enterprises, and partnerships with federal taxes. They also counsel clients on their trusts and estates.

Core classes include tax research, writing, and procedure. Students explore current taxation issues to guide clients through regulations and risks. The program also covers partnership and corporate tax, accounting, and property exchanges. Enrollees select two tax electives, such as international taxation, transfer tax consequences for decedents, or a tax return seminar. 

Firms like Deloitte, PricewaterhouseCoopers, and Doeren Mayhew form the taxation advisory board, helping ensure Walsh's tax curriculum remains current and practical.

Applying to Walsh

Walsh does not require GRE or GMAT scores but encourages two years of work experience. Applicants must submit undergraduate transcripts showing a minimum 2.75 GPA, plus a $35 application fee.

Program at a Glance

  • School Type: Private
  • Accreditation: Regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC); program accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP)
  • Tuition: $884/credit
  • Required Credits: 30 credits
  • Program Length: 2-3 years
  • Delivery Format: Online with asynchronous and synchronous components 
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$11,115
Out-of-state
$11,115
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$12,255
Out-of-state
$12,255
Retention Rate
Not provided
Acceptance Rate
Not provided
Students Enrolled
1,800
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
96% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission

#3 Best Online Master’s in Taxation

Northeastern University Lifelong Learning Network

  • Boston, MA
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Northeastern University's Lifelong Learning Network offers degree programs that adapt to students' busy lives. Through flexible learning, global networking, and personalized programs, Northeastern accommodates working professionals.

Master of Science in Taxation

The D'Amore-McKim School of Business at Northeastern offers an accelerated master's in taxation program. The curriculum combines theoretical teaching with hands-on experiential learning, allowing enrollees to analyze case studies and regulations.

Students take five required courses, covering federal tax issues, partnerships, corporations and shareholders, and gift taxation. The final core class emphasizes research skills and practical application while reviewing the taxation ethics and the Internal Revenue Service's procedures.

Enrollees then choose five electives to complete the degree. Northeastern offers two optional specialization tracks: taxation of entities and taxation of individuals. Students may also choose a field study elective and travel abroad to explore the global business environment.

Applying to Northeastern

Candidates submit an online application form, pay the $75-$100 fee, and send undergraduate transcripts showing a 3.25 minimum GPA. If students earned a lower GPA, they must present GMAT scores. Applicants also need two years of experience, a resume, recommendation letters, and a personal statement.

Program at a Glance

  • School Type: Private
  • Accreditation: Regionally accredited by the New England Commission on Higher Education (NECHE); program accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)
  • Tuition: $49,200 total
  • Required Credits: 30 credits
  • Program Length: 16 months
  • Delivery Format: Online and asynchronous
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$29,298
Out-of-state
$29,298
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$24,933
Out-of-state
$24,933
Retention Rate
Not provided
Acceptance Rate
Not provided
Students Enrolled
11,857
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
52% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes New England Commission on Higher Education

#4 Best Online Master’s in Taxation

Florida Atlantic University

  • Boca Raton, FL
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Located in Boca Raton, Florida Atlantic University provides quality education to a diverse student population. Since its founding in 1961, FAU has expanded to six campuses, nearly 200 degree programs, and over 30,000 enrollees.  

Executive Master of Taxation

FAU's master of taxation program prepares enrollees to become tax specialists in local and global environments by covering tax concepts, analytical skills, and professional responsibilities. The program caters to working professionals by removing any class obligations during tax season.

The curriculum includes six main courses, starting with a business communications class. Other core topics include estates and trusts, federal income tax concepts, research, and corporate taxation.

Students must complete three additional tax electives in subjects such as international taxation, plus a program elective. Depending on their career goals, enrollees may choose a course in business, economics, financial, accounting, or taxation to fulfill the program elective. 

Applying to FAU

Candidates must submit a resume, an online application, and undergraduate transcripts showing a minimum 3.5 GPA. Those with lower GPAs must include GMAT or GRE scores. FAU encourages applicants to include a personal statement, any certifications, and letters of recommendation.

Program at a Glance

  • School Type: Public
  • Accreditation: Regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC); program accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)
  • Tuition: $372/credit (in state); $1,027/credit (out of state)
  • Required Credits: 30 credits
  • Program Length: 7 semesters
  • Delivery Format: On campus; online with asynchronous and synchronous components; hybrid
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$2,522
Out-of-state
$14,374
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$5,467
Out-of-state
$16,695
Retention Rate
81%
Acceptance Rate
63%
Students Enrolled
30,061
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
49% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

#5 Best Online Master’s in Taxation

University of Denver

  • Denver, CO
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Founded in 1864, the University of Denver offers a mountain campus in the Colorado Rockies and an urban campus in downtown Denver. DU provides a 4D learning experience, helping students develop their character, well-being, intellect, and careers.

Master of Taxation

The master of taxation program at DU includes five required courses and at least six tax electives. The program's core covers tax fundamentals, corporate and partnership taxation, and tax research. Students then choose from 22 electives in courses like fiduciary income taxation, exempt organizations, and ethics. 

As part of the Sturm College of Law, tax program students can work at the Low Income Taxpayer Clinic (LITC) and earn 1-4 credits. The LITC helps over 200 low-income taxpayers with audits, collections, and appeals. Participating students gain experience in research, client communication, and attending trials at the U.S. Tax Court.

DU also coordinates a thorough recruiting process. Numerous accounting firms — including the Big Four, Moss Adams, BKD, and Rubin Brown — seek new employees from the master of taxation enrollees. 

Applying to DU

Degree-seekers must submit a resume, recommendation letters, undergraduate transcripts, a personal essay, and the $65 fee with their online application. DU requires GMAT or GRE scores unless candidates passed the CPA exam or can demonstrate a minimum 3.0 GPA in an undergraduate accounting program. 

Program at a Glance

  • School Type: Private
  • Accreditation: Regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
  • Tuition: $1,887/credit
  • Required Credits: 24 credits
  • Program Length: 1 year
  • Delivery Format: On campus; online and asynchronous or synchronous
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$51,336
Out-of-state
$51,336
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$51,336
Out-of-state
$51,336
Retention Rate
85%
Acceptance Rate
59%
Students Enrolled
12,931
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
28% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission

What to Expect From an Online Master's in Taxation Program

On-campus and online degrees have many similarities. Online programs often use the same instructors as in-person programs. They also typically have the same course requirements and offer similar concentration options.

Still, you should consider the key differences between online master's in taxation programs and on-campus programs. The sections below explore how distance learning can differ from in-person classes.

How Does an Online Taxation Degree Differ From an On-Campus Master's?

Schools offer on-campus and online master of taxation programs. In most cases, the graduation requirements, classes, and rigor of these degrees are comparable to in-person programs. However, students may find some differences among available learning formats.

Online master of taxation programs can provide flexibility and convenience. Many offer asynchronous learning and let students stream video lectures and complete classwork whenever works best. This freedom makes it easier to work while earning a degree.

Online programs also expand program choice beyond local institutions. Instead, you can find a program that aligns best with your needs and goals, regardless of its location.

Comparing Online and On-Campus Master's in Taxation Degrees
Factor Online Program On-Campus Program
Scheduling Asynchronous programs do not include set class times; synchronous programs require students to log on to a virtual class at a specific time Specific class times in a physical location each week
Common Courses State and local taxation, professional responsibilities, corporate taxation, taxation capstone State and local taxation, professional responsibilities, corporate taxation, taxation capstone
Time to Graduate 9 months to 2 years 9 months to 2 years
Internships Less likely to require an internship, but if so, students can complete required hours in their local communities May require an in-person internship or other field experience
Sources: Arizona State University (online or on campus); Boston University; University of Cincinnati; University of Denver (online or on campus); Villanova University

In general, online and in-person programs share more similarities than differences. However, earning your master of taxation online may offer greater flexibility and convenience.

Delivery Formats for Online Taxation Degrees

You can complete a master of taxation online without visiting campus.

Some schools invite students to on-campus orientation programs, immersions, or hybrid classes that pair online learning with in-person sessions. If you need flexibility but want the energy of a physical classroom, you may prefer a hybrid program.

If you enter an online master's in taxation program without professional experience, you may need to complete prerequisites or other requirements. However, some programs welcome newcomers to the field.

While researching online master of taxation options, you may find programs that use synchronous learning. With this method, the professor sets a class time, and students attend in real time using videoconferencing tools, allowing for interactions in a virtual face-to-face environment. You may prefer the live engagement provided by this learning method.

Some programs are asynchronous and provide access to class materials on your own schedule. You may prefer this format's increased flexibility, especially if you have other work or family commitments.

Accreditation for Online Taxation Degrees

Whether studying on campus or online, you should prioritize accredited schools. Accreditation ensures that each school meets minimum academic standards. Earning credits from an accredited institution makes program transfers easier and ensures that you qualify for federal financial aid.

Accreditation is crucial when choosing an online master's in taxation. Many employers and higher learning institutions do not recognize degrees from non-accredited schools. Accountants may need degrees from accredited institutions to take the certified public accountant exam or earn other industry credentials.

You may also want to research programmatic accreditation. This evaluation assesses specific programs and departments within schools. While not mandatory, programmatic accreditation can demonstrate to employers that you have completed a top-level degree.

For a master's in taxation online, you can look for accreditation from the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business or the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs.

Finally, if you attend a school outside of your home state, you must ensure that the institution holds authorization to teach out-of-state enrollees. Look for schools approved by the National Council of State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements.

How Much Will an Online Taxation Master's Cost?

The cost of an in-person or online master's in taxation can vary significantly by program. Factors that may affect price include school type (public or private), residency status, and prestige level.

An online master of taxation may include some specific costs that on-campus programs do not have, such as a distance learning fee. You may also need to invest in technology costs like a laptop or computer software.

However, online students may save money by avoiding paying for on-campus housing, transportation, and on-campus fees. Also, many public universities charge flat tuition rates for all online students regardless of where they live, which can make out-of-state online programs more affordable.

Financing options for this degree include federal financial aid, grants, scholarships, and fellowships. Students can also consider public and private loans. Loans require repayment, while scholarships, grants, and fellowships do not. Before relying on loans, make sure to research other forms of aid.

Why Get Your Master's in Taxation Online?

An online master's in taxation typically covers the same topics and develops the same skills as an in-person program. Decide the right delivery style to match your schedule by weighing the pros and cons of an online program. Some considerations include:

Pros


  • Flexibility

    Online degrees prioritize flexibility. Distance learners can usually earn the same degrees as their on-campus peers without relocating.
  • Cost

    Many programs offer discounted tuition rates for online students.
  • Experience

    Most online master's in taxation programs cater to working professionals. Many learners can keep working while they study, providing important experience in the field.

Cons


  • Environment

    Some students prefer the energy of a physical classroom environment.
  • Self-Direction

    Distance learners need good time management and self-motivation skills. Many students excel in these circumstances, but others find them more challenging.
  • Internship Opportunities

    Many online master's in taxation candidates have already worked in the field. Students without professional accounting experience might need to find in-person programs for internships or other practical learning opportunities.

Questions About Online Taxation Programs

How long does it take to get a master's degree in taxation online?

Master of taxation online programs vary in length. However, some schools offer accelerated pathways that let students graduate in as little as nine months. Part-time programs typically take longer to complete.

How much is an online degree in taxation?

The cost of an online master's taxation varies by school. Factors that can affect price include the school's private vs. public status and whether you pay in-state or out-of-state tuition.

Which degree is best for taxation?

It depends on your career goals, but a master's in taxation can prepare you for various specialized roles working in the tax field. Research the requirements for your desired career before choosing which degree to pursue.

Can I do an MBA in taxation?

Yes — some MBA programs offer taxation concentrations. Learners in these programs complete general MBA coursework and tax-related electives. Consider an MBA in taxation if you want to pursue business roles that require tax expertise.

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