Find your perfect college degree
The GMAT exam assesses abilities crucial to success in business and management courses. The argument over admission standards based on standardized testing has gained steam after the COVID-19 outbreak.
Since Fall 2021 applications, most universities and colleges have removed the necessity for standardized testing in their on-campus and online MBA programs and other business-related degrees.
Students who fail to get a high GMAT score and would rather not retake the test can try their luck in business schools without the GMAT requirement!
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The Lowdown
An online Master’s in Taxation degree is the best learning format option for students who want to avoid the hustle and bustle of on-campus classes. An online Master’s in Taxation is a two-year degree that can be completed through web-based meetings with minimal to zero on-campus components. This program teaches students to become effective tax professionals, including in financial reporting and tax audits.
GMAT, or the Graduate Management Admission Test, strongly indicates the applicant’s aptitude. Obtaining a high GMAT score does help to boost a business school application.
However, not all schools require applicants to submit their GMAT results. These institutions intend to analyze applications thoroughly while not always requiring a GMAT score.
Hence, your Master’s in Taxation application does not necessarily hinge on your GMAT score. Instead, several factors, including your GPA, essays, LORs, SOPs, performance in the interview, etc., will determine if the school will accept your application.
There is, therefore, no need to be concerned because many institutions will accept your applications and grant you a Master’s in Taxation degree without GMAT results.
Methodology
More colleges and universities are offering online Master’s in Taxation degrees that require no GMAT. However, not all of them uphold the same level of program quality. To ensure that you’ll receive top-notch education without pressure from submitting GMAT test scores, we have used the following guidelines:
- The institution has received full accreditation from regional accrediting bodies and recognition from these agencies:
- Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business
- Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs
- International Accreditation Council for Business Education
- The programs cover a wide range of tax-related topics in-depth, maintain high standards for their material, incorporate lectures and practical tax planning projects, etc.
- The faculty comprises highly skilled and experienced professionals in Accounting and Taxation.
- Offer various financial aid opportunities, generous transfer credits, and offer online students the same on-campus student services.
Please visit our Methodology page and review our detailed ranking process.
The 15 Best Online Masters in Taxation Programs– No GMAT
University of Cincinnati
Online Masters in Taxation
The University of Cincinnati’s Online Master’s in Taxation offers an easier way to earn a graduate degree. The AACSB accredits this program.
- This non-GMAT taxation degree can be completed 100% online with multiple start dates.
- Online students will have the same distinguished on-campus taxation faculty: CPAs, lawyers, tax experts, and academics.
- Full-time students can complete the 30 credit hours required in a year if they enroll full-time.
- Students complete a professional research paper on tax-related issues resembling a real-world tax research environment.
- The program offers various electives, including gift taxation, partnership taxation, and income tax accounting.
What Makes This Program Unique:
The knowledge and skills gained through this online taxation program can be used as additional knowledge to sit board exams, such as CPA and CEU exams. Additionally, this is one of the most extensive graduate tax programs.
Did You Know?
UC Online offers its online students the same on-campus student support services, such as job placement and internship opportunities and academic advising and tutoring.
Penn State World Campus
Master’s in Taxation Online
Penn State’s online Master’s in Taxation is an AACSB-accredited program designed for students who want a well-rounded curriculum without an excruciating admissions process.
- Students must complete 30 credit hours of fully online courses to graduate.
- The curriculum explores various taxation topics, including tax legislation, research, analysis, planning tax management, and many more.
- Students can use the 30 credits to satisfy the 150-credit prerequisite for taking the CPA licensing exam.
- The program employs a hands-on methodology that incorporates real-world case studies.
What Makes This Program Unique:
The program understands that companies need help locating tax analytics experts due to increasingly complex corporate data. To help some students break into business analytics, they can earn a Graduate Certificate in Business Analytics without taking any additional coursework.
Did You Know?
Penn State World Campus maintains strong ties with the Smeal College of Business, allowing students to access faculty specialists from the college.
Rutgers University
Hybrid Master of Accountancy in Taxation
Rutgers University’s Master of Accountancy in Taxation is best for students who want to combine online education with a hands-on learning experience. Rutgers Business School, an AACSB-accredited school, offers the degree.
- This 30-credit hour program can be completed part-time.
- Thanks to web-based technologies, students can attend class wherever it is most convenient.
- Furthermore, they can choose whether to attend the on-campus lectures or via live video conferencing.
- While coursework can be completed online, students must visit the campus for examinations.
- The program offers several elective courses, including Federal Income Taxation of Trusts and Estates, Advanced Corporate Taxation, Pension, and Profit-Sharing Plans, and many more.
What Makes This Program Unique:
This is one of the most flexible online programs for taxation. The curriculum is fully customizable, allowing students to complete the degree without altering their obligations.
Did You Know?
The Rutgers Business School incorporates a career management course in the taxation curriculum. It allows graduate students who are enrolled full-time to obtain knowledge of career management at zero credit and cost. The CMP program includes workshops, individual counseling, skill-building, networking, and other components.
Southern New Hampshire University
Master’s in Taxation Online
SNHU’s Master’s in Taxation Online is an AACSB-accredited program that accepts students with no GMAT test scores.
- The taxation concentration is under the MS in Accounting degree.
- Taxation students acquire knowledge of tax regulations while improving their accounting skills.
- Students explore various tax and accounting topics, including tax regulations and income taxation procedures for individuals, businesses, and partnerships.
- Students will develop the necessary capacities to file tax returns.
- Online students will learn from experts in the field.
What Makes This Program Unique:
SNSHU’s master’s in taxation program is one of the most affordable online taxation programs. Students can transfer up to 12 credit hours from their previous undergraduate degree.
Did You Know?
SNHSU is known for offering students strong access to networking opportunities. Students also have the chance to take advantage of various internships and job placement opportunities.
Franklin University
Master of Science in Accounting – Taxation Online
Franklin University offers an online Master of Science in Accounting with a concentration in Taxation. The IACBE accredits this program.
- This is one of the fastest-accelerated online taxation programs, with an average completion time of 17 months.
- Students will develop a better understanding of the tax code, rules, case and tax law, and regulations.
- Students will be trained and equipped with the knowledge to help companies, organizations, and individuals deal with the IRS.
- The curriculum integrates the knowledge necessary for the CPA board exam.
- Students can transfer up to 12 credit hours from their previous coursework.
- Online students learn in small groups taught by tax and accounting experts.
What Makes This Program Unique:
Students gain practical experience using industry tools like the FASB Accounting Standards Codification database and RIA Checkpoint.
Did You Know?
One of the most affordable degree programs in the field of Accounting, this one is a great choice to pursue your Master’s degree.
St. John’s University
Online Taxation, Master of Science
St. John’s University offers an online Master of Science in Taxation accredited by the AACSB.
- Online students will receive guidance from financial counselors in availing of financial aid opportunities.
- This is a 31-credit taxation program that emphasizes giving students a thorough understanding of administrative rules and regulations, as well as the Internal Tax Code.
- It equips students with advanced knowledge of theoretical and technical skills to conduct tax research, create tax-planning strategies, and promote compliance in a leadership capacity.
- Students can also enroll in some on-campus classes.
What Makes This Program Unique:
Students with MS in Taxation have access to strong career connections. SJU focuses on maintaining relationships with its alumni and the “Big Four” accounting firms.
Did You Know?
SJU offers the same tuition and student services to on-campus and online students. For instance, online students can easily access the school’s library, service centers, and more. Students who want to immerse themselves in business administration while learning about Taxation can enroll in the MBA program in Taxation.
Nova Southeastern University
Master Of Accounting in Tax
The Master of Accounting in Tax (Hybrid program) at Nova Southeastern University is AACSB International-accredited.
- This 30-credit master’s degree is designed to be completed in as early as 18 months.
- While the degree can be completed online, students can enroll in on-campus courses during the weeknights or the weekends.
- Students will have an academic counselor to help them choose their electives.
- The program’s electives include Forensic Accounting & Fraud Examination, Contemporary Accounting Issues in Business, Data Analytics in Auditing, and many more.
- This program may not be open to international students with F1 visas who do not have a bachelor’s degree in accounting.
What Makes This Program Unique:
The master’s degree program focuses on helping students become ready for the three-part IRS test. Additionally, depending on the electives students choose, they will be prepared to sit for the CPA exam.
Did You Know?
Only 6% of the business schools in America have received high recognition from the AACSB, and NSU is one of them.
Regent University
Master of Science in Accounting – Taxation Online
Regent University offers an online Master of Science in Accounting – Taxation accredited by the ACBSP.
- This 30-credit hour online program builds on a student’s accounting, finance, economics, and Taxation knowledge.
- Students explore several topics in Taxation, such as tax research, financial theory, IRS code, and more.
- Students benefit from the school’s collaborative relationship with Becker CPA Review, a top professional creating CPA study materials.
- Tax Research & Prof Practice, Adv Tax C-Corporations, and Adv Tax S-Corp & Partnerships are the concentration’s featured courses.
What Makes This Program Unique:
Students who want to sit for the CPA exam can save substantially by enrolling in the Regent. Due to the school’s partnership with Becker CPA Review, students won’t have to spend as much as $4,000 for CPA preparation materials.
Your CPA exam preparation materials at Regent are part of the curriculum and, as such, may be supported by financial aid.
Did You Know?
Regent University is a top-ranking institution for the Best (non-MBA) Online Graduate Business Programs in Virginia and one of the Top Nationwide Universities, according to the US News and World Report.
Florida Atlantic University
Online Executive Master’s in Taxation
FAU’s online Executive Master’s in Taxation is designed for currently employed tax professionals. This is an AACSB-accredited program.
- This two-year master’s degree program can be completed entirely online.
- Students are equipped with technical, analytical, communicational, interpersonal, and lifelong learning skills beneficial for applying for higher-level positions.
- In addition to online learning, students can freely contact their professors for on-campus meetings.
What Makes This Program Unique:
No courses are offered during the spring semesters to accommodate working professionals during the busy tax seasons. As a result, tax students do not have to stress about juggling busy job schedules with due dates for coursework.
Did You Know?
Students learn how to combine academic research with practical application from a staff of academic and practitioner professionals. Taxation courses are developed and taught in collaboration between educators and practitioners.
Northeastern University
Online Master of Science in Taxation
Northeastern University Boston offers an Online Master of Science in Taxation accredited by the AACSB.
- This 30-credit online degree program is designed for students who want to develop their expertise in Taxation.
- The program allows students to choose between two routes: Taxation of Entities or Taxation of individuals.
- The Taxation of entities specialization includes courses in State and Local Taxation, Advanced Flow-Through Entities, Tax Accounting for Income Taxes, and more.
- The Taxation of individuals includes courses in Retirement Plans, Income Taxation of Trusts and Estates, Financial Planning for Insurance, and more.
- Students who want to focus on both tracks can choose to have electives from both specializations.
What Makes This Program Unique:
Instead of using resolved issues in Taxation, students will investigate the most recent and current issues. The topics covered are often the result of technological advancements, governmental regulations, and international agreements.
Students will study the Internal Revenue Code and understand how it is developing and how to take advantage of it.
Did You Know?
Students at the D’Amore-McKim will have an experience-fueled curriculum thanks to the school’s excellent corporate partnerships.
DePaul University
Online Master of Science in Taxation
DePaul University Chicago offers an online Master of Science in Taxation accredited by the AACSB.
- The online program requires students to complete eight core courses and five tax electives.
- Students study in small class sizes instructed by the same on-campus distinguished faculty.
- Students select one of the three international tax courses: International Aspects of US Taxation, Special Topics (Expatriate Taxation), Or Special Topics (Comparative Tax Systems).
- Students study various tax electives and discuss multiple tax concepts, including corporate tax, estate and gift taxation, estate planning, and state and local income and franchise taxation.
What Makes This Program Unique:
The School of Accounting & MIS alum association, Ledger & Quill, is one of the biggest accounting alum clubs in the country. Chicago’s top businesses and organizations frequently seek out the program’s students.
Did You Know?
DePaul Chicago maintains close relationships with some of the state’s top businesses, such as Deloitte, PwC, BDO, and KPMG. As a result, graduates of the university obtain better job placements.
Florida Gulf Coast University
Online Master of Science – Accounting and Taxation
FGCU’s Online Master of Science in Accounting and Taxation is a flexible, fully accredited AACSB program designed to help future tax professionals.
- Students must complete 30 credit hours, typically lasting up to two years.
- The program emphasizes flexibility and self-paced learning, allowing students to access coursework anytime.
- Upon completion, graduates can achieve the 150-credit threshold needed to take the CPA exam.
- The program gives students an analytics concentration, including Big Data and Data Mining, Business Analytics, Business Intelligence, and Visualization courses.
What Makes This Program Unique:
The program balances accounting, taxation, and learning lifelong skills. Students undergo rigorous accounting and taxation coursework while developing their skills in using technology for research and practice, effective communications, and ethical responsibilities.
Did You Know?
FGCU offers an affordable learning option for resident and out-of-state students.
Liberty University
Online Master’s in Taxation Degree
Liberty University’s Online Master’s in Taxation Degree is fully accredited by ACBSP. It’s one of the most generous programs for transfer credits.
- This is one of the most flexible online taxation programs with no set log-in times.
- Students will learn from academics with years of experience in taxation and financial accounting, which will impart the knowledge they’ve gained from their professions.
- The curriculum will equip students with the capabilities to navigate the complexity of estate, trust, and gift taxation.
- Students will develop essential skills and appropriate knowledge to help their companies avoid tax audits.
What Makes This Program Unique:
Not only will students learn about the technicalities of taxation in this online Master’s in Taxation, but they’ll also learn specialized information to improve their marketability and professional readiness.
Did You Know?
Liberty University is one of the best schools for military benefits. Liberty offers a fixed graduate per credit hour rate for military-affiliated students.
University of Southern California
Online Master of Business Taxation program for working professionals
Accredited by the AACS, the University of Southern California offers an Online Master of Business Taxation designed for working professionals.
- Students must complete five tax courses in addition to five electives.
- Students can choose to study entirely online or in a hybrid learning format.
- The curriculum is designed to help professionals in the tax industry develop their expertise by researching various tax-related topics.
- Graduates seek professions with more responsibilities.
- Students will explore various tax topics, including taxation of individuals, flow-through entities, corporations, business data analytics, tax codes, tax law, rulings, and interpretations.
What Makes This Program Unique:
This is one of the most extensive online Master of Business Taxation degrees. Applicants should have at least a year of tax-related work experience. The only exceptions to the GMAT score are students who have passed all sections of the CPA exam.
Did You Know?
USC’s MBT-WP program is one of the oldest degree programs in Taxation. Since its inception, the program has had a track record of producing leaders in the industry.
Golden Gate University
Online Master of Science in Taxation
While programmatic accrediting agencies do not accredit the Online Master of Science in Taxation at Golden Gate University, it still delivers a top-notch education. GGU is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC).
- Students must complete 30 units emphasizing practical abilities to help them become outstanding tax professionals.
- The course material covers various topics, such as Auditing and Attestation, Corporate Finance, Venture Capital and Start-Up Financing, Fixed Income Analysis, and more.
- The course offers a comprehensive and up-to-date understanding of tax principles, methods, and trends in a setting that encourages the growth of analytical and communication skills.
What Makes This Program Unique:
Students study in an accelerated cohort format, but they also have the choice of self-paced learning online or in-person courses.
Did You Know?
Many of the “Big Four” companies employ GGU graduates and send their staff there to keep up on tax education.
Overview of the Master’s in Taxation Degree Programs
There are two significant types of Master’s in Taxation degrees: Master of Science in Taxation (MST) and Master of Accounting Science (MAS). The MAS degree is best for students who want additional specializations, such as Estate Planning and Data Analytics.
Master’s degree programs in Taxation are typically a 30-35 credit hour degree program that lasts up to two years—students in the program study tax law, auditing, and financial reporting. Professional tax practice, federal income taxation, multi-jurisdictional taxation, and corporations and shareholders are a few topics covered in standard courses.
Moreover, you may require graduate-level accounting courses in auditing, cost accounting, intermediate accounting, and accounting systems. Additionally, these programs are usually in place to prepare students to take the CPA exam.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary purpose of Taxation?
Taxation is essential, no matter where you are. Tax is what funds government expenditures to keep a country running.
Are online Master’s in Taxation reputable?
Online Master’s in Taxation programs offer the same curriculum as their traditional on-campus counterparts. Employers will value your online degree if you obtain it from an accredited institution. Nonetheless, most online degree programs do not state that you graduated online with your diploma.
Are business schools that do not require GMAT low in the ranking?
Business schools that do not require applicants to take or submit their GMATs are not low in the ranking. Several top business schools provide a GMAT waiver option. You’ll be in good hands if the program and university are accredited.
Summary
- A Master’s in Taxation is a specialist degree program emphasizing your understanding of taxes and the nation’s tax laws.
- Many business schools with the largest graduate tax program are starting to waive the requirement owing to restrictions by the COVID-19 Act. Colleges and universities that do not require GMAT scores evaluate students based on their overall performance.
- Your GMAT score does not determine your success as a future tax accountant in the business industry.
Additional Information:
