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GR

Taxation, Master of Science

The Peter J. Tobin College of Business has worked with some of the premier specialists in the field to develop an innovative graduate degree program resulting in a Master of Science in Taxation (M.S.T.).  

As the world of taxation becomes increasingly complex and the demand for specialists has accelerated dramatically, tax professionals are searching for a practical way to develop and enhance their skills in response to the challenge. Our tax program enables you to expand your skills and knowledge base relating to tax issues in federal, state and local taxation, encompassing individuals, corporations, partnerships, estate and gift tax, real estate, financial products, mergers and acquisitions, practice and procedure, and foreign tax. There is a special emphasis on developing research and writing skills.

Apply Request Info Online M.S.
Degree Type
MS
Area of Interest
Business
Associated Colleges or Schools
Program Location
  • Queens Campus
  • Online
Required Credit Hours
31

The 31-credit M.S.T. program, offered on campus and online, provides a comprehensive knowledge of the Internal Revenue Code, and administrative regulations and rulings. The tax curriculum equips graduates to enter and/or advance as tax specialists in the profession of public and private accounting, and to serve in management positions. You learn to think as a tax professional and to plan strategies, conduct research, perform compliance, and communicate your findings. 

The M.S.T. program requires a student to complete a maximum of 11 courses or 31 credits. Specifically, the curriculum is allocated into three categories:

  • Five required curriculum courses for 13 credits;
  • Three tax elective courses for nine credits; and
  • Three elective courses for nine credits.

Technological tools, including online access to major tax services, are readily available to all students.

The M.S.T. program is offered at our Queens campus. The M.S.T. program is also offered through a distance-learning format. The online tax courses are of the same high caliber and are as academically challenging as those taught in our classrooms. Our highly dedicated and qualified faculty includes experienced Certified Public Accountants (CPAs) who hold J.D. and L.L.M. degrees in taxation.

Applicants to The Tobin College of Business Graduate programs will automatically be considered for GMAT/GRE waivers. Applications with a GPA below 3.25 may be strengthened by submitting a GMAT/GRE score. 

Courses

This M.S. in Taxation curriculum builds upon your professional knowledge base in taxation, providing you with the advanced theoretical and technical knowledge you need to research tax questions, develop tax-planning strategies, and facilitate compliance in a leadership role. 

A. Required: 13 credits

TAX 600 Tax Research and Writing1TAX 612 Partnerships and Partners3 
TAX 603 Corporate Taxation3TAX 683 Practice and Procedure3 
  TAX 691 Research Project3 

B. Elective (Select Three): 9 credits

TAX 605 Internship in Taxation3TAX 651 International Taxation I3
TAX 610 Individual Tax Planning3TAX 653 Global Taxation Systems3
TAX 611 Tax Planning for High Net-Worth Individuals3TAX 662 Real Estate3
TAX 621 Estates and Gifts3TAX 663 Financial Products3
TAX 631 Corporate Distributions, Liquidations and Reorganizations3TAX 681 Tax Accounting3
TAX 643 State and Local Income Taxation3TAX 682 Special Topics in Taxation3

C. General Electives

Three Graduate Elective Courses: 9 credits

The student may select three 600-level courses (i.e., nine credits) to advance their studies in taxation or to explore specialized accounting or other business areas (s).

Online Learning

Earn Your Degree Online
Pursue your St. John’s M.S.T. degree entirely online. Our fully accredited Online Learning programs uphold the same high- quality academic standards that students experience on campus while allowing the convenience of taking courses electronically and asynchronously. Professors deliver lectures and post assignments via Canvas, our electronic course management system. Students use it to attend virtual classes, share documents, take exams, and exchange ideas with faculty and classmates.

A Full Academic Experience
You also enjoy the outstanding resources available to all St. John’s students, including:

  • Eligibility for scholarships and financial aid;
  • Tuition and fees identical to those for on-campus courses; and
  • Access to library collections, career services, mentoring, and other academic resources.

Is this online degree equivalent to the on-campus M.S.T. degree offered by St. John’s?

Yes. It covers the same curriculum and is taught by the same instructors, only in a fully online format.

What are the admission requirements for this program?

Your acceptance will be based on the following:

  • Baccalaureate or post-baccalaureate degree
  • Preferred GPA of 3.25
  • GMAT/GRE (waivers are available):
    • Official Graduate Management Admission test (GMAT) scores, taken within the last five years - minimum of 550 or Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) scores - minimum of 310 (conditional acceptance available on a case by case basis if minimum GPA requirements are not fulfilled).
  • Official transcripts from each institution attended
  •  Resume
  • Two letters of recommendation obtained from professional or academic references
  • Statement of professional goals
  • Relevant work experience required
  • International applicants:
    • Official TOEFL or IELTS scores are required for applicants whose native language is not English.
    • Students with international credits must submit a course-by-course credit evaluation with GPA calculation by a NACES member.

How long will the program take to complete?

The program can be completed in 12-24 months.

Is there a campus residency requirement?

No. The degree is fully online, with no residency requirements or campus visits required.

What is the cost of tuition for the program?

Program tuition for the current academic year is $1,280 per credit hour.

Learn more about tuition and fees by visiting our Tuition page.

Is the program accredited?

Yes. the M.S.T. program is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB).

What will I learn in the program?

In the M.S.T. program, you will learn how to:

  • Interpret complex tax laws and regulations
  • Easily translate these laws into practice within your industry
  • Enter and advance as a tax specialist in the profession of public accounting
  • Enter corporate management in the tax area

What differentiates this program different from others?

The St. John’s University online M.S.T. degree program is distinguished by its:

  • Innovative tax curriculum that blends theory and technical aspects of taxes and tax law
  • Notable full-time faculty who are CPAs and who hold J.D. and L.L.M. degrees in taxation
  • Career connections through a strong alumni network and relationships with "Big Four" accounting firms

Are there set times to attend my classes?

No. You will have specific assignment deadlines and test dates, but you can complete your online coursework at times that are convenient for you.

How do I begin the application process?

You can start your application online or visit the Admission page for a list of the materials you will need to submit for application.

Department Faculty

Please see a list of our Accountancy faculty specializing in taxation.

Admission

Application Requirements

All applicants must possess a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution or the international equivalent prior to enrollment at the graduate level. In addition to the application form and non-refundable application fee candidates should submit the following:

  • Statement of professional goals and resume which can be uploaded as part of the  application for admission
  • Official transcripts from all undergraduate, graduate, and professional schools attended. 
  • One letter of recommendation, obtained from professional or academic references.
  • Official TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo scores are required for applicants whose native language is not English.
  • Students with international credits must also submit a course-by-course foreign credit evaluation with GPA calculation from a NACES member.
  • Applicants to The Tobin College of Business Graduate programs will automatically be considered for GMAT/GRE waivers. Applications with a GPA below 3.25 may be strengthened by submitting a GMAT/GRE score.  

For additional information, please contact:
Office of Graduate Admission
The Peter J. Tobin College of Business
8000 Utopia Parkway
Suite 114
Queens, NY 11439
718-990-1345
[email protected]

Other Graduate Programs

You may combine an M.S.T. with the M.B.A. in Accounting.  By combining programs, you can reduce the total number of courses required for each degree.  Other graduate programs offered by the Department of Accounting and Taxation include a Master of Science in Accounting (M.S.A.), the Master of Science in Advisory and Assurance Services, the Master of Science in Enterprise Risk Management, and the Master of Business Administration in Accounting.  In conjunction with the School of Law we offer special dual degree programs leading to a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree and an M.S.A. degree, or alternatively a J.D. degree and an M.B.A. degree in accounting.

Career Outlook

The Master of Science in Taxation from The Peter J. Tobin College of Business enables graduates to meet the demand for advanced tax specialists in public accounting and for corporate managers in the tax area.

The program is designed to prepare students for tax positions in settings that include accounting and tax firms, state or federal government entities, and public or private corporations. The degree also positions students with previous experience in taxation for advancement into leadership positions in the tax industry.

Students will graduate ready to succeed in taxation careers that will continue to post strong job growth as organizations continue to need savvy professionals with the ability to help them navigate complex and fast-changing tax codes and regulations.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, jobs for accountants and auditors will grow 11 percent from 2014 to 2024, faster than the average profession. This growth will result in an estimated 142,400 new jobs in the field.

Employment of business and financial operations occupations is projected to grow 8 percent from 2014 to 2024, about as fast as the average for all occupations. This expected growth will result in the addition of about 632,400 new jobs.

The M.S. in Taxation will prepare you for job titles that include:

  • Auditor
  • Financial advisor
  • Tax attorney
  • Public accountant
  • Tax technician
  • Tax associate
  • Tax manager
  • Chief Financial Officer
  • Tax accountant
  • Tax consultant
  • Tax adviser
  • Financial analyst

The M.S. in Taxation makes you employable in a variety of dynamic, high-paying roles. Below are a few representative positions listed with their median salaries:

Job TitleMedian Salary
Partner, Accounting Tax Firm$149,555
Senior Tax Manager$128,819
Chief Financial Officer$126,753**
International Tax Manager$113,752
Tax Manager$93,146
Senior Tax Accountant$69,514
Senior Accountant$64,326

In addition to building valuable skills, an M.S.T. degree from St. John’s also gives you access to a wide range of career services resources and links to industry and professional groups. We also have an extensive, supportive alumni network that is well-represented in the "Big Four" accounting firms and other top employers. Our alumni from the Peter J. Tobin College of Business have an outstanding track record of success. Just a few of the top employers that have hired our graduates include:

  • Deloitte
  • KPMG
  • PwC
  • Protiviti – A Robert Half Company
  • McGladrey
  • BDO
  • Grant Thornton

*all figures from PayScale.com, all except Chief Financial Officer accessed at http://www.payscale.com/research/US/Degree=Master_of_Taxation_(MTax)/Salary on 3/6/17

**accessed at http://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Chief_Financial_Officer_(CFO)/Salary on 3/6/17

Contact Us

Mark Aquilio, LLM

Professor

Bent Hall Queens Room 427

718-990-7426

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