
Master of Science in Taxation (MST)
School of Government & Law
Bookend Your Career Achievements with Our MST Program
Our Master of Science in Taxation (MST) program is specifically designed for certified public accountants, enrolled agents, and other tax professionals.
The program presents current and focused information necessary to perform tax planning activities. Using many of the same reference materials found in the offices of tax professionals, the program provides the conceptual understanding and technical competence advantageous for advancement in the tax consulting profession, corporate finance departments, and government tax agencies.
Consistent with the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) Statement on Standards for Continuing Professional Education (CPE) Programs, the University recommends 15 credits (hours) be awarded for each semester unit completed. Generally a grade report reflecting the completion of the course is sufficient documentation. If requested by an accountancy board an official transcript will be provided at no cost.
With respect to continuing education for Enrolled Agents, courses within the program also meet the standards of Treasury Department Circular 230.
Our MST degree program is presented through distance education using online technology requiring no classroom or seminar attendance. The program is offered in only the Independent Study modality.
Learning Modality | Curriculum | Program Outcomes | Admissions Process
Upcoming Start Dates:
July 1st | September 2nd
Tuition: $495/credit
Credits Required: 30
Total Program Tuition: $14,850
Learning Modalities:
Independent Study
Minimum Admissions Requirements:
Bachelor’s Degree
Program Catalog | FAQs
Did you enroll in our MST program before the October 26, 2021 start date? You can find your program catalogs and other relevant information here.
Independent Study that Fits into Your Busy Schedule.
Our Independent Study modality gives you the flexibility to fit your program around your career and lifestyle.
Students have 8 weeks to complete each course, working independently with the support of a faculty mentor. The time to degree completion may be accelerated or extended, within the guidelines of the University.
Each course in the program contains a series of lesson assignments, generally consisting of reading assignments supplemented occasionally by various multimedia. Students are evaluated through examinations and/or research assignments, which are submitted for faculty evaluation.
Pay tuition in installments completely interest-free — each semester, just make a 30% down payment upfront, followed by 3 monthly payments.
Start on any of six start dates throughout the year.
Curriculum
A total of 30 credits are required for graduation from the University with an MST. A student may transfer in a maximum of 15 credits from previously completed coursework.
Students must successfully complete all Foundation Courses prior to beginning Elective Courses. All required and elective courses in the MST program are available to view below.
+ Foundation Courses
TAX521 Tax Research Techniques (3 credits)
TAX502 Federal Income Tax Aspects of Organizing & Operating Corporations (3 credits)
TAX527 Taxation of Partnerships (3 credits)
TAX510 IRS Practice & Procedure (3 credits)
TAX522 Directed Tax Research (3 credits)
+ Elective Courses
TAX503 Federal Income Tax Aspects of Corporate Reorganizations (3 credits)
TAX507 Income Taxation of Estates & Trusts (3 credits)
TAX508 Federal Income Taxation of Individuals (3 credits)
TAX509 Fundamentals of International Taxation (3 credits)
TAX511 Tax Fraud & Evasion (3 credits)
TAX513 Taxation of Subchapter S Corporations (3 credits)
TAX514 Taxation of Exempt Organizations (3 credits)
TAX515 Individual Retirement Plans & Distributions (3 credits)
TAX516 Taxation of Executive Compensation (3 credits)
TAX517 Tax Aspects of Charitable Giving (3 credits)
TAX526 Estate Taxation & Planning (3 credits)
TAX535 Taxation of Real Estate (3 credits)
Program Outcomes
Upon successful completion of the program, graduates will be able to:
PLO1 – Identify the skills necessary to evaluate and apply current tax law to business, corporate, and individual tax issues.
PLO2 – Demonstrate an understanding of the laws about tax procedures and how the IRS interprets and applies those laws.
PLO3 – Use techniques for analyzing and resolving taxation issues, including identifying problems, researching and locating relevant law, and applying the legal rules to facts.
PLO4 – Effectively communicate tax research to clients and the community of tax professionals.
PLO5 – Make appropriate recommendations based on sound reasoning and analysis.
Admissions Process
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Apply Online
Complete our online Application Form and attach any prepared documents. Additional documents may be emailed directly to Admissions@Taft.edu or your Admissions Representative after your application form is submitted. This program is designed for certified public accountants, enrolled agents, and other tax professionals
Required Documentation:
Bachelor’s Transcript
Enrolled Agent Certificate
(If Applicable)Resume
Copy of ID
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Transfer Credit Approval
Students enrolling in our MST program are able to transfer in up to 15 credits from previously-taken coursework. To bring in transfer credits, incoming students must pay our Transfer Credit Evaluation Fee.
Transfer credits into our MST program must be from courses taken in the last three years.
Please email your admissions representative or Admissions@Taft.edu with any questions.
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Choose Your Start Date
Independent Study students are able to begin their program on any of six start dates throughout the year.
Complete information about our start dates, holidays, and other important dates can be found on our Academic Calendar.
Once you’re accepted into the program, your admissions representative will confirm your start date with you.
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Complete Your Enrollment Materials
Once your start date is confirmed, you’ll be provided with enrollment materials to fill out and sign. This includes your first tuition payment.