Our MS in taxation degree program is one of the finest tax programs in the nation. Our curriculum consists of approximately 30 courses covering general and specialized tax subjects such as estate and gift tax; partnerships; C corporations; LLCs and S corporations; California and multi-state tax; international tax; retirement plans; tax issues for individuals; and tax research.

Overview Curriculum Faculty Request Information Apply A comprehensive graduate degree program designed to train students for a career in the tax field. Ranked #1 by TaxTalent.com: Top 10 MS Tax Programs According to Tax Hiring Authorities. PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS Our MS in taxation degree program is one of the finest tax programs in the nation. Our curriculum consists of approximately 30 courses covering general and specialized tax subjects such as estate and gift tax; partnerships; C corporations; LLCs and S corporations; California and multi-state tax; international tax; retirement plans; tax issues for individuals; and tax research. You can earn your MS Tax in an accelerated, day-time cohort program which includes participation in the taxation internship selection process. All classes are taught by tax practitioners and lawyers who are experts in their field. GGU has earned a reputation for providing the most comprehensive and applicable tax education available today. Our tax program is the largest and one of the most respected graduate tax programs in the country, with many of the Big Four firms hiring Golden Gate University graduates and regularly sending their employees to the university to update their tax education. Our programs stress a real-world education. They are highly focused and prepare students to be a knowledgeable tax professional. The programs are designed to provide our students with the opportunity to gain a thorough and current knowledge of tax law concepts and practices, as well as trends of the discipline in an environment that promotes the development of analytic and communication skills. For those interested in gaining a graduate education without having to physically attend classes, the School of Taxation offers the master of science in taxation degree and the graduate certificate in taxation in asynchronous, interactive web-based classes. Students learn through study of prepared web modules and extensive online classroom interaction. CAREER DEVELOPMENT & PLACEMENT SUPPORT Cohort students earning their MST degree will attend many frequent workshops focusing on career search techniques, including resume writing and interview coaching. Multiple career options are presented by tax and accounting firms and industry leaders. Networking events and interactive sessions with accounting and tax professionals at all levels - from first year staff members to managing partners - are convened exclusively for cohort students. Technical panels and hands-on traning sessions allow cohort students to immediately leverage their classroom knowledge so they are able to use what they have learned in real-life practice situations during their internship or employment position. Please note that any applicant who has not taken accounting courses is strongly encouraged to complete them prior to enrollment. The recommended courses may be taken at an accredited community college: Financial Accounting, Intermediate Accounting I, and Intermediate Accounting II. INTERNSHIP ELIGIBILITY Students eligible for internship credit must have no tax experience, have taken at least 5 courses in the tax program and maintained a 3.0 GPA. LEARNING OUTCOMES Graduates of the Master of Science in Taxation Program will: Be able to identify tax issues, research and effectively communicate the results. Have a defined body of knowledge of essential tax principles and doctrines, including but not limited to the following, and be able to critically apply these principles to practical situations: Substance over form Common law Business purpose Step transactions tax avoidance Claim of right Assignment of income Realization Constructive receipt Related party transactions Gross income Tax benefit rule Have the knowledge to select and structure a business entity that will provide a client with maximum after-tax profits. Have the basic knowledge and understanding of IRS practice and procedure and be able to represent a client in a tax audit. Have a basic knowledge of professional ethical responsibilities. Be able to provide an individual with an integrated current and future tax benefits plan. Have a general recognition of tax forms. Have the skills necessary to work in a high-level tax practice. Be able to engage in tax planning in an integrated manner.