Master of Science in Taxation (MST)
The Master of Science in Taxation (MST) program is designed for certified public accountants, enrolled agents, and experienced tax professionals seeking advanced expertise in tax law and strategy. This graduate-level degree equips students with the technical skills and conceptual understanding needed to navigate complex tax regulations, develop strategic tax planning solutions, and serve clients with confidence in an evolving legal and regulatory environment.
Key Links
Advancing your Expertise in Tax Law and Strategy
WHTU’s MST program delivers current, focused knowledge essential for success in tax consulting, corporate finance, and government tax agencies. Students work with many of the same professional reference materials used in leading tax practices, ensuring practical, real-world application of their studies. Coursework covers everything from individual and corporate taxation to IRS procedures and specialized areas of tax law, preparing graduates to advise clients, resolve complex tax issues, and make sound recommendations backed by rigorous research.
The program aligns with the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) Statement on Standards for Continuing Professional Education (CPE) Programs and meets Treasury Department Circular 230 standards for Enrolled Agents. Delivered entirely online through an Independent Study format, the MST offers the flexibility to balance professional commitments with graduate-level coursework—without the need for classroom attendance.
What You'll Learn
In this program, you will develop the advanced knowledge and skills necessary to address complex taxation challenges and provide expert guidance in the profession.
Advanced Tax Law Application
Evaluate and apply current tax laws to individual, corporate, and business situations.
IRS Procedures and Compliance
Understand tax procedures and how the IRS interprets and enforces regulations.
Tax Research and Problem-Solving
Identify issues, locate relevant laws, and apply legal rules to real-world scenarios.
Professional Tax Communication
Present research findings and recommendations clearly to clients and fellow professionals.
Strategic Tax Planning
Make informed recommendations that balance compliance, optimization, and ethical standards.
Curriculum
The MST curriculum combines foundational and advanced coursework to build both the technical expertise and strategic thinking required in modern tax practice. Students begin with core courses that establish a comprehensive understanding of federal tax law, IRS procedures, and ethical considerations. Elective courses allow for deeper exploration of specialized tax topics, enabling students to tailor their studies to their professional goals. All coursework is delivered online in the Independent Study format, offering the flexibility to progress at a pace that fits your schedule.
Students choose 15 credits of electives to complete their program.
Filter By:
- Foundation Courses
- Elective Courses
Tax Research Techniques
TAX521 | 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.
Federal Income Tax Aspects of Organizing & Operating Corporations
TAX502 | 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.
Taxation of Partnerships
TAX527 | 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.
IRS Practice & Procedure
TAX510 | 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.
Directed Tax Research
TAX522 | 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.
Federal Income Tax Aspects of Corporate Reorganizations
TAX503 | 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.
Income Taxation of Estates & Trusts
TAX507 | 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.
Federal Income Taxation of Individuals
TAX508 | 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.
Fundamentals of International Taxation
TAX509 | 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.
Tax Fraud & Evasion
TAX511 | 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.
Taxation of Subchapter S Corporations
TAX513 | 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.
Taxation of Exempt Organizations
TAX514 | 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.
Individual Retirement Plans & Distributions
TAX515 | 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.
Taxation of Executive Compensation
TAX516 | 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.
Tax Aspects of Charitable Giving
TAX517 | 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.
Estate Taxation & Planning
TAX526 | 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.
Taxation of Real Estate
TAX535 | 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.
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.
Tuition and Admissions
Applicants must have completed prior college coursework to qualify for the degree completion program.
- Tuition Per Credit: $600
- Credits Required: 30
- Total Program Tuition: $18,000
- Learning Modalities: Independent Study and Directed Study
- Program Duration: Can be completed in as little as 12 months, and must be completed within 5 years
Required Course Materials
Each program has a list of required textbooks and resources for its courses. Textbook information, including titles, authors, and ISBNs, is updated regularly to ensure accuracy. Before purchasing materials, we recommend confirming the list with Student Support or reviewing your course syllabus in the e-learning platform.
Resources and Support
At WHTU, your success is supported at every stage of your academic journey. From advising and career planning to writing help and technical support, our student services are designed to meet the unique needs of online learners. Explore the full range of resources available to help you stay on track and reach your goals.
What Sets WHTU’s MST Apart?
The MST program blends academic rigor with professional relevance, drawing on the same tools, references, and real-world practices used by leading tax professionals. Its online, Independent Study format ensures maximum flexibility without sacrificing quality, making it an ideal choice for working accountants, enrolled agents, and financial advisors seeking to deepen their expertise.
Explore Further
Discover how the MST program can elevate your career in public accounting, corporate finance, or tax consulting. Explore the curriculum, meet our faculty, and see how WHTU supports your success at every stage of your professional journey.