Master of Science in Taxation (MST)

+ Foundation Courses

TAX521 Tax Research Techniques (3 credits)

This course serves as the introduction to the program and as a comprehensive guide to tax research techniques. The text uses specific examples and a step-by-step approach that will instruct the student on how to obtain the facts, ask the right questions, locate and assess pertinent authority, and communicate tax-saving options to clients.

TAX502 Federal Income Tax Aspects of Organizing & Operating Corporations (3 credits)

A study of federal income tax aspects of organizing and operating corporations. Subjects covered include the organization of a corporation under Section 351, the corporation’s capital structure, corporate elections under Subchapter S, dividends, and non-liquidating distributions.

TAX527 Taxation of Partnerships (3 credits)

A complete study of Subchapter K, including defining partnerships and partners for tax purposes, receipt of a partnership interest, liabilities, tax accounting for partnerships, distributive shares, terminations, and tax shelters.

TAX510 IRS Practice & Procedure (3 credits)

This course studies the entire range of tax procedure and IRS practice, including a full analysis of the laws pertaining to tax procedure and how the IRS interprets and applies those laws. Complete descriptions of how the IRS operates and suggested techniques for representing clients with specific IRS problems are also covered.

TAX522 Directed Tax Research (3 credits)

This Capstone course requires preparation of a written project demonstrating scholarship based on hypothetical facts. This course consists of an independent tax research project prepared under the supervision of a faculty member. The topic is selected by the student subject to the approval of the University.

+ Elective Courses

Students choose 15 credits of electives to complete their program.

TAX503 Federal Income Tax Aspects of Corporate Reorganizations (3 credits)

Continuing the study of corporations, this course studies every major aspect of the tax ramifications of restructuring the corporation including stock redemptions, partial liquidations, preferred stock bailouts, complete liquidations, collapsible corporations, and Section 368 reorganizations.

TAX507 Income Taxation of Estates & Trusts (3 credits)

A complete study of Subchapter J of the Internal Revenue Code, including a detailed analysis of such topics as computations of taxable income of an estate or trust and tax treatment of beneficiaries.

TAX508 Federal Income Taxation of Individuals (3 credits)

This course deals with federal income taxation as it impacts individuals, including the definition of gross income, business and personal deductions, sales and exchanges of property, alternative minimum tax, operating losses, tax shelter deductions, taxation of capital gains & losses, and tax accounting issues.

TAX509 Fundamentals of International Taxation (3 credits)

This course provides an introduction to international taxation and provides a general overview of the US system of taxing the foreign income of its citizens and the US income of non-citizens. It also addresses foundations of taxation in international law, fiscal residence of companies, rules for determining income and expenses, and tax incentives in developing countries.

TAX511 Tax Fraud & Evasion (3 credits)

Designed to assist attorneys and tax professionals advising on potential fraud situations, this course includes discussions of tax evasion versus tax avoidance, investigation and processing of potential criminal fraud, compromise procedures, civil penalties, and contesting the deficiency assessment.

TAX513 Taxation of Subchapter S Corporations (3 credits)

The objective of this course is to provide students with the skills necessary to determine compliance requirements, tax planning opportunities, and potential pitfalls for corporations electing to be taxed under Subchapter S of the Internal Revenue Code.

TAX514 Taxation of Exempt Organizations (3 credits)

The objective of this course is to provide students with the skills necessary to determine compliance requirements, tax planning opportunities, and potential pitfalls for organizations claiming exemption from federal income tax.

TAX515 Individual Retirement Plans & Distributions (3 credits)

The objective of this course is to provide students with the skills necessary to determine compliance requirements, tax planning opportunities, and potential pitfalls for taxpayers who own individual retirement plan (IRA) accounts.

TAX516 Taxation of Executive Compensation (3 credits)

The objective of this course is to provide students with the skills necessary to determine compliance requirements, tax planning opportunities, and potential pitfalls related to compensation plans of business executives.

TAX517 Tax Aspects of Charitable Giving (3 credits)

The objective of this course is to provide students with the skills necessary to determine compliance requirements, tax planning opportunities, and potential pitfalls related to charitable giving. The course will provide you with an in-depth analysis of income, estate, and gift tax issues affecting donations to charity.

TAX526 Estate Taxation & Planning (3 credits)

In addition to comprehensive coverage of federal estate and gift taxation, this course also covers practical matters such as probate, trusts, and joint tenancy.

TAX535 Taxation of Real Estate (3 credits)

Subject matters in this course include complete coverage of federal income tax implications of all types of real estate transactions, from house closings to sale leasebacks and syndications. Also covered are real estate tax planning ideas, techniques, and strategies.