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A master’s degree in taxation can help graduates increase their earning potential and qualify for advanced roles. For example, earning this degree can help professionals meet educational requirements for certified public accountant (CPA) licensure in their state. Current accountants or those interested in taxation-related careers can benefit from earning their master’s in taxation.
During a taxation master’s program, graduate students study corporate taxation, income tax accounting, and international taxation. Graduate-level coursework prepares professionals for jobs as CPAs, tax accountants, and tax auditors. A master’s degree can also lead to management roles such as tax manager or tax director.
Master’s programs can be costly. By choosing an affordable online taxation program, students can limit their debt and increase their return on investment. Our list ranks the cheapest master’s in taxation online programs to help prospective grad students find the right fit for their budget and career interests.
Why Get a Master's Degree in Taxation?
A master’s degree in taxation offers graduate-level preparation for careers in tax accounting, public accounting, and tax management.
Specialized training can help graduates move into advanced roles with a higher earning potential. For example, employers may prefer to hire candidates with a master’s degree for managerial positions like tax manager or tax director, two accounting careers that pay higher-than-average salaries.
Earning a master’s in taxation online appeals to busy students seeking a flexible enrollment format. Many online master's programs design their curricula to accommodate working learners through asynchronous or evening classes, which means students can continue working full time as they study.
Featured Online Programs
Find a program that meets your affordability, flexibility, and education needs through an accredited, online school.
Most Affordable Online Master's in Taxation Degrees
To learn more about how we rank schools, visit our methodology page.
#1 Most Affordable Online Master’s In Taxation Degrees
Florida Atlantic University
- Boca Raton, FL
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
At Florida Atlantic University, students receive advanced preparation in degrees designed for busy learners. The executive master of taxation program is among the 13 online master's degrees delivered from the Boca Raton, Florida, campus. This adaptable program makes graduate education accessible to caretakers, full-time workers, and anyone unable to relocate for school.
Applicants should review the program page for more admissions information. Prospective enrollees usually need a bachelor’s. The program offers advanced training for high-level accounting careers and other opportunities a bachelor’s alone could not provide. A doctorate or another terminal degree is the next step for some master's graduates.
Tuition varies by learners' residency status. Florida residents pay an average of $5,467 annually, while out-of-state enrollees pay $16,695. Learners can use resources at the financial aid department to find out if they qualify for grants and scholarships. Many students may also want to consider loans as an option to afford tuition.
Percent Online Enrollment
49%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#2 Most Affordable Online Master’s In Taxation Degrees
University of Southern California
- Los Angeles, CA
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Los Angeles-based University of Southern California administers a comprehensive catalog of degrees. Students interested in graduate programs they can pursue from a distance can choose from 55 master's programs available online. The master of business taxation for working professionals is ideal for learners interested in the tax field.
Online education's flexibility and adaptability attract many graduate students to this program. Caretakers, workers, and other busy enrollees may find it easy to work this master’s degree into their schedules. Deep experience providing rigorous degrees that emphasize both quality and flexible learning is a hallmark of this institution.
The admissions rate for this school is 11% on average per year, but expect some variations across programs. In order to receive consideration, master's degree-seekers need a bachelor's degree unless otherwise stated. Consult with the program to learn about application requirements and deadlines.
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
#3 Most Affordable Online Master’s In Taxation Degrees
University of Denver
- Denver, CO
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
University of Denver has a reputation for developing rigorous online graduate programs. The master in taxation program is an excellent choice for bachelor's degree-holders who want to advance their financial background. Enrollees can complete the graduate curriculum remotely.
The 12-to-1 student-to-teacher ratio is a big draw for students who want more individualized attention and faculty mentorship opportunities. Learners complete a strong taxation curriculum delivered by faculty with industry expertise. The training learners receive is an important step for career advancement or a doctoral degree in this field and related ones.
The school charges all enrollees $51,336 per year in tuition. The financial aid department can explore aid with degree-seekers. Funding options may include scholarships and grants. Learners can also apply for financial aid, which about 34% of the school’s enrollees use to pay for their degree.
Percent Online Enrollment
28%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#4 Most Affordable Online Master’s In Taxation Degrees
University of Cincinnati-Main Campus
- Cincinnati, OH
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
University of Cincinnati's academic catalog includes rigorous graduate education available online. The master's in taxation is an excellent choice for degree-holders with a bachelor’s in taxation who want to advance their careers in this field. The program emphasizes rigorous academics and a flexible learning format.
Enrollees benefit from a 17-to-1 student-to-teacher ratio in their classes. The biggest attraction is the educational attainment acquired when learners complete a rigorous curriculum delivered by experts. Obtaining this degree is of great benefit to those who want to advance their careers and pursue higher-paying positions.
Ohio residents pay a tuition of $12,790 annually. Out-of-state learners pay $24,532. Many degree-seekers work with the financial aid department to identify aid such as scholarships and grants. At this institution, about 45% of enrollees use student loans to finance all or part of their degree.
Percent Online Enrollment
49%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#5 Most Affordable Online Master’s In Taxation Degrees
Villanova University
- Villanova, PA
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Pennsylvania-based Villanova University is a private college with graduate programs in different fields. The institution is a leader in online graduate education with 17 master's degrees available remotely. The master of taxation is ideal for learners interested in the accounting field.
Graduate students can use online education's flexibility and adaptability to accomplish longstanding goals. Real-time interaction is often not required, and enrollees can complete coursework at their own pace within a given timeframe. Candidates gain invaluable knowledge that employers value or they may use to enter a doctoral program.
Though this number can vary between programs, applicants get admitted at a rate of 28% each year. Master's degree-seekers usually need a bachelor's degree in the same or a similar field in order to receive consideration. Contact the school to see how to apply to this program and submit the required documents.
Percent Online Enrollment
23%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
How Much Does a Taxation Degree Cost?
The cost of master's in taxation programs varies by school. According to data from the National Center for Education Statistics, graduate school tuition averaged $19,749 in the 2020-21 academic year. Typically, in-state public schools charge the lowest tuition, while private and out-of-state public institutions charge higher tuition.
For online degrees, some public schools offer in-state tuition for all enrollees regardless of state residency, while other institutions offer a lower online-only rate for distance education. Master's students can reduce their out-of-pocket expenses by applying for scholarships and grants.
Additional Online Student Fees
Online learners do not pay for campus housing or meal plans. However, they should budget for other expenses, including textbooks and other class materials. Some schools charge technology or online instruction fees. Students pursuing an online master's degree in taxation may also need to buy a new laptop, upgrade their internet speed, or license specific software.
Though some distance learning degrees are fully online, others include in-person requirements like program orientations, short campus residencies, or travel learning opportunities. Prospective students should research these requirements and account for travel and lodging costs in their overall budget.
How Much Do Taxation Majors Make?
According to July 2023 Payscale data, the average salary for professionals with a master’s in taxation is $94,000. Several factors determine salary, including location, employer, years of experience, and even job title. For example, Payscale data reveals tax managers earn a higher average salary than tax accountants, and professionals in big cities or more populous states tend to earn higher wages than their counterparts in rural areas.
Courses in a Master's in Taxation Program
Learners pursuing a master's degree in taxation explore advanced concepts in taxation. In addition to core courses, some programs let learners pursue specializations to develop their knowledge in niche areas. These degrees may also include internships or thesis project requirements.
Below, we explore several common courses in master's in taxation programs. Specific classes vary by school, so applicants should explore each degree's course offerings to ensure a prospective program offers classes that align with their career goals.
- Corporate Taxation: This course provides advanced training in corporate tax laws and regulations. Learners study corporate tax deductions and regulations on shareholder distributions. Students also explore the tax implications of acquisitions or divisions. Coursework helps prepare graduates to work as tax managers in corporate settings.
- Taxation and Property: Students in this class examine the tax implications of acquiring, owning, and selling property. Coursework covers property tax and installment reporting for property sales. The class can help graduates qualify for roles in real estate taxation.
- Income Tax Accounting: This course covers topics like deferred taxation strategies, effective tax rates, and estimated tax filings. Students learn about reporting requirements, international tax regulations, and tax allocations. The course also covers tax preparers' ethical responsibilities.
Accreditation for Online Taxation Degrees
Before earning a master’s in taxation online, prospective students should research accreditation. Choose a college or university with institutional accreditation — this verifies that the school meets standards for academic excellence. Attending an accredited school is especially important for aspiring CPAs, as many states require candidates to hold a degree from an accredited institution.
In addition to institutional accreditation, taxation degrees may hold programmatic accreditation from organizations like the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs or AACSB International. This optional process evaluates coursework to ensure it prepares learners for careers in the field.
Accredited online universities meet the same high standards as in-person schools. Many programs award identical diplomas to online and on-campus learners. However, when choosing an online degree, make sure the school holds state authorization to teach learners in your state, as some programs limit access to students in specific states.
Check the U.S. Department of Education’s Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs to learn more about the accreditation status of any university or program.
Career and Salary Outlook for Taxation Majors
Professionals with a master’s in taxation can pursue careers in a variety of accounting and taxation specialties. A master’s degree can also help graduates qualify for managerial roles.
Career paths after earning a master’s in taxation online include:
-
Tax Manager
Tax managers oversee business tax reporting and compliance. They file tax returns, document mergers and acquisitions, and research tax laws. Tax managers generally need several years of experience as a tax accountant.
-
Senior Tax Accountant
Senior tax accountants specialize in taxation. They oversee the production and filing of tax returns for businesses and individuals. Senior tax accountants typically have several years of experience or a master’s degree.
-
Certified Public Accountant
CPAs specialize in taxation and public financial reporting. They prepare tax returns, conduct audits, and recommend accounting procedures. CPAs must meet state-level educational, exam, and experience requirements to qualify for CPA license.
-
Financial Controller
Financial controllers, also called comptrollers, oversee organizations' financial operations, including accounting, auditing, and budgeting departments. These professionals typically need several years of experience or advanced educational credentials.
-
Tax Director
Tax directors oversee tax strategy for their organizations. They manage tax reporting to ensure accuracy. These workers often have several years of CPA experience.
Taxation Careers Salary Outlook
| Career |
Average Annual Salary, July 2023 |
Projected Job Growth, 2021-31 |
| Tax Manager |
$103,880 |
17% |
| Senior Tax Accountant |
$76,290 |
6% |
| Certified Public Accountant |
$74,600 |
6% |
| Financial Controller |
$90,520 |
17% |
| Tax Director |
$158,250 |
17% |
Source: Payscale, BLS
Featured Online Programs
Frequently Asked Questions About Taxation Degrees
What can I do with a master’s in taxation?
With a master’s in taxation, you can qualify for jobs like certified public accountant, tax accountant, or tax auditor. The degree also helps prepare graduates for careers in tax management.
How long does it take to get a master's in taxation?
Earning a master’s in taxation online generally takes two years for full-time students. Some programs offer an accelerated, one-year program. Often, these degrees require at least 30 credits of graduate-level coursework.
What's the difference between taxation and accounting?
Taxation is a specialization within the broader field of accounting. While accountants focus on financial reporting, auditing, and accounting broadly, taxation professionals specialize in tax returns, tax strategy, and tax-related public accounting.
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