• Prospective Students
• Current Students
• FAQs
• Admissions
• Home

• Registration Details
• GSIB News
• Upcoming Info Sessions
• R.A.M.S.

Login to myVCU Portal

What is myVCU?
myVCU is your personal, customizable, web-based informational portal to Virginia Commonwealth University. To find out how to create your own portal click here. 

Master of Taxation Approved Program Form

Course Descriptions

Master of Taxation

The complexity and changing nature of tax law has created a need for specialists -- individuals who can interpret tax law, convey its meaning, plan, and comply with a myriad of reporting requirements. The Master of Taxation program is designed (1) to offer an opportunity for existing tax professionals to update and expand existing tax knowledge, and (2) to prepare students for entry into the field of taxation.

The program includes a comprehensive study of tax laws and regulations, administrative practice and procedure, and tax research fundamentals, and is designed to develop both technical knowledge and conceptual understanding within the field of taxation. Ethical considerations are stressed within the framework of individual courses.

The curriculum is flexible and is designed for students with diverse undergraduate backgrounds. The program consists of four foundation courses and ten advanced courses. The foundation courses may be waived for students who have taken the equivalent material at the undergraduate level or may be taken at the graduate level after the student has been admitted.  A minimum of 30 hours of advanced graduate credit at the 600 level or higher will be required of all students.

The Master of Taxation offers two admission tracks: academic and professional.  The professional track is designed for current tax professionals who want to enhance existing skills. Admission under the professional track requires a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale); C.P.A., C.M.A. or J.D. designation; a minimum of two years relevant work experience, which should include independent tax research and supervisory experience; letters of recommendation; and a personal interview. The academic track is designed primarily for students seeking entry into the tax field. Admission under the academic track is based on traditional academic indicators designed to reflect an individual’s ability to complete graduate study and include the undergraduate record, GMAT score, letters of recommendation and a personal interview (preferred). Once admitted to the program, all students must satisfy the same requirements for award of the Master of Taxation degree.

For admissions requirements, please visit the Admissions page.

Curriculum

Prerequisites

Three semester hours of tax accounting and a course in college algebra are prerequisites for the Master of Taxation. Prerequisites need not be completed prior to applying to the program.

Foundation

The Master of Taxation includes 4 foundation courses which provide an introduction to the business disciplines. All or some of the foundation courses may be waived for students who have completed the equivalent undergraduate coursework with no less than a "C" grade. Undergraduate transcripts will be reviewed at the time of admission, and all waiver decisions will be included as part of an offer of admission. (0 to 12 credit hours, depending upon how many courses are waived)

Advanced Courses

Taxation Electives

Three Course from the following list:

• Two courses selected from the following list:

• -  Any 600-level taxation course not taken in the advanced courses or selected
•     as a tax elective.
• -  Any 600-level accounting course except ACCT 608 and 678.
• -  Any approved 600-level advanced business or economics course.