Online MBA Programs in Taxation

“As an entrepreneur, getting an MBA wasn’t necessarily about impressing anybody so I could get the kind of job I wanted. Rather, it was about ensuring I was properly equipped to navigate an ever-changing business landscape.”

Chris Gleason, MBA, Founder and CEO of Simplicite Tax Loans

Regardless of how technological progress and politics may shape future labor markets, everyone can always count on having to pay taxes. All governing bodies depend on public financing to fund their services to the citizens they represent. As a result, there’s a strong demand for expert mediators to manage those transactions.

The field of finance is broad, and graduates with MBA programs below can leave school and qualify for careers in taxation, accounting and auditing, financial analysis, investment banking, or private equity, among others.

The following online MBA programs in taxation are designed for working professionals and students who cannot regularly attend classes on a university campus. The administrators and faculty of the featured universities have created distance-learning options at their schools that are of the same quality as what a student would receive in person. Continue reading for detailed explanations of nine prestigious national programs and three standout professors who teach them.

Featured Accounting & Taxation Programs
Southern New Hampshire University BS in AccountingProgram Website
Southern New Hampshire University MS in AccountingProgram Website
Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi Online MBA in AccountingProgram Website
University of Minnesota Master of Business TaxationProgram Website
Grand Canyon University Online MBA - AccountingProgram Website
Purdue Global MS in Accounting - Tax SpecializationProgram Website
Eastern Washington University Online MBA - AccountingProgram Website
Eastern Washington University Online MBA and MPAcc Dual DegreeProgram Website
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Meet the Expert: Chris Gleason, MBA

Chris Gleason

Chris Gleason is the founder and CEO of RAM Financial Group, a private fund manager that operates a niche property tax investment strategy nationwide. During the pandemic, he expanded the business and launched Simplicite Tax Loans (pronounced “simplicity”), a specialty finance arm of the company that assists struggling property owners in Texas. The company deploys capital for family offices and ultra-high-net-worth investors. It has also partnered with three of the nation’s most well-known banks to deploy over $300 million annually.

Gleason graduated from the University of Southern California Marshall School of Business with a BS in entrepreneurial studies. He later earned an MBA in financial planning from California Lutheran University. He has also acquired numerous licenses and certifications in real estate, mortgage finance, banking, and collection.

BSchools.org: How has graduating with an MBA enhanced your career?

Gleason: As an entrepreneur, getting an MBA wasn’t necessarily about impressing anybody so I could get the kind of job I wanted. Rather, it was about ensuring I was properly equipped to navigate an ever-changing business landscape. It was about becoming confident that I had absolutely every tool at my disposal to overcome the certain challenges of building a business, leading people, and remaining open to continually learning new things.

My MBA was in financial planning. In other words, I have the knowledge and education to become a CFP (“Certified Financial Planner”). I never did become one though. Rather, the knowledge and skills I gained from that MBA were the seed for an entirely new venture in consumer finance that I couldn’t have anticipated.

BSchools.org: What is one piece of advice you would give to a prospective MBA student?

Gleason: Getting an MBA is a unique journey, distinct from a traditional four-year degree. Undergraduate years are more about exploration, breadth, and exposure to new things. You can be successful as an undergraduate without ever developing a strong sense of purpose or direction. The percentage of people with careers in something different than what they studied during their undergrad years is extremely high.

An MBA is about developing depth. You find yourself surrounded by smart, ambitious, determined people who are all extremely focused and goal-oriented. So, my advice is this: determine exactly what you want from your graduate degree experience and what goal you’re specifically trying to achieve with your advanced education. Like me, you may not wind up exactly where you think that you’re going to.

However, having a clear direction and goal from the outset will naturally lead you to plunge into opportunities that you might not otherwise have. Those experiences will provide the richness and depth to your MBA, and it will pay dividends well into your future.

Featured Online MBA in Taxation Programs

The Carlson School of Management at the University of Minnesota offers a fully online MBA program tailored for working professionals seeking flexibility and convenience. The 100 percent online format allows students to complete their coursework from anywhere, at their own pace, making it an ideal option for those balancing personal and professional commitments. The curriculum is industry-driven, with courses such as leading others, competing in a data-driven age, and learning about the ethical environment of business.

Notably, the program offers specializations in financial areas, including business analytics, business taxation, finance, and supply chain management. These specializations are designed to provide students with advanced financial management and strategic decision-making expertise.

The program consists of 52 credits and offers merit-based scholarships. Additionally, residency experiences are available to help students build connections with the vibrant Minneapolis–St. Paul business community. This comprehensive program equips students with the skills to excel in financial specializations and advance their careers.

Location: Minneapolis, MN
Accreditation: Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)
Expected Time to Completion: 24 months

As an exceptionally well-rounded program, this online corporate finance MBA from the University of North Carolina’s (UNC) Kenan-Flagler Business School includes a bevy of professional and academic resources to prepare students for rewarding careers in the financial sector thoroughly.

Elite faculty with experience as industry leaders teach courses in business communication; business strategy; analytical tools for decision-making; leading and managing; finance; financial accounting; and marketing to build a strong intellectual foundation for students who can choose from a broad selection of electives to customize their degree. Examples of courses from the finance concentration include derivatives; mergers and acquisitions; information for decision making, incentives, and strategy; taxes and business strategy; global finance and emerging markets; financial statement analysis; and corporate financial strategy.

Regardless of the track chosen, graduates of UNC’s corporate finance MBA leave the program with competitive credentials. This is ensured by the school’s unique virtual company information sessions that directly connect employers with students like they do at in-person recruiting sessions.

Furthermore, UNC’s career services team offers students personalized instruction on leveraging their education for professional opportunities. Acceptance to this 62-credit program requires at least two years of related work experience and GMAT or GRE scores.

Location: Chapel Hill, NC
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC); Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB International)
Format: Online
Expected Time to Completion: 18 to 36 months

The University of Miami’s Herbert Business School offers a fully online professional MBA program with a robust curriculum designed to meet the needs of modern professionals. This program includes a general track and three specialized focus areas in corporate finance, financial decision-making, and accounting practice. The MBA with a corporate finance specialization is ideal for those aspiring to roles in investor relations, corporate development, financial planning, financial analysis, capital budgeting, and treasury management.

Meanwhile, the financial decision-making focus equips students with the skills necessary for ethical and effective investment and corporate management leadership positions. The accounting practice focus is tailored for individuals without prior accounting experience who wish to master financial and managerial accounting practices, navigate taxation, and understand accounting information systems.

These specializations, coupled with the flexibility of an online format and no GMAT requirement, make the University of Miami’s online MBA a compelling option for those looking to advance their careers in the financial sector.

Location: Coral Gables, FL
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC); Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)
Expected Time to Completion: 24 to 28 months

Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi (TAMUCC) offers a comprehensive online MBA program designed to accommodate the diverse needs of modern professionals. The program provides a general MBA pathway and several specialized concentrations, including a notable focus on finance. The MBA in Finance at TAMUCC equips students with advanced financial skills through courses like multinational finance, personal financial planning, financial markets and institutions, and investment and portfolio theory. These courses prepare graduates to navigate complex financial landscapes and excel in various financial roles.

The program’s accelerated seven-week courses allow students to complete their MBA in as little as 12 to 24 months, offering flexibility and convenience for busy professionals. With asynchronous online learning and no on-site requirements, TAMUCC’s online MBA ensures that students can seamlessly balance their studies with their personal and professional lives.

Location: Corpus Christi, TX
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC); Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)
Expected Time to Completion: 12 to 24 months

The Colangelo College of Business at Grand Canyon University offers an extensive online MBA program designed to meet the needs of aspiring business leaders. The program provides several financial specializations, including accounting, finance, business analytics, and cybersecurity, allowing students to tailor their education to align with their career goals. Key topics covered in these specializations include advanced financial accounting, financial statement analysis, investments, and advanced financial strategies. Students are also exposed to essential areas such as healthcare economics, policies, and leadership styles.

The MBA program is rooted in servant leadership and ethical decision-making, delivered through a Christian worldview, fostering a strong sense of community and moral responsibility. Accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP), the GCU Online MBA ensures a high-quality education that prepares graduates to excel in various financial roles and make impactful contributions to their organizations.

Location: Phoenix, AZ
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC); Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP)
Expected Time to Completion: 26 months

One of the most cost-effective programs in the United States, Southern New Hampshire University’s (SNHU) MBA in accounting program provides comprehensive training in the skills necessary to become a desirable job candidate in financial management, tax planning, banking, budget analysis, cost accounting and management, and financial reporting and planning. Graduates of SNHU’s program will also be given lifelong access to an expansive network of successful alumni who can assist those in need to find gainful employment.

The 30-credit curriculum comprises seven MBA core courses and three advanced accounting courses, with an option to undertake an additional graduate certificate in one of several fields. Students who do not possess an undergraduate degree in business or a related field may be asked to complete up to two foundation courses to get started. Notably, GMAT or GRE test scores are not required for admission.

Location: Manchester, NH
Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE); Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP)
Format: Online
Expected Time to Completion: 12 to 24 months

The Martin J. Whitman School of Management at Syracuse University boasts high job placement rates for its alumni at many of the premier multinational accounting firms, such as Bank of America, Ares Management, JP Morgan Chase, OppenheimerFunds, and KPMG.

Students in Whitman’s online MBA program in accounting are equipped with the experience needed for auditing, taxation, and consulting careers by completing 54 credits of coursework, including three in-person residencies. Additionally, regular opportunities to participate in industry-related events and access to a robust career center are made available to students who wish to strengthen their credentials and position in the accounting labor market.

Most notably, the Whitman School of Management employs an advisory board of accomplished industry veterans to ensure its program requirements reflect the needs of modern business. Although GMAT scores are not required to apply, a minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA is a must, along with at least one year of professional experience.

The curriculum includes core courses such as data analysis and decision-making; financial accounting; managerial accounting; global entrepreneurial management; leadership in organizations; managerial finance; and strategic management. The accounting specialization includes courses such as cost analysis & control; principles of fraud examination; and taxes & business strategy.

Location: Syracuse, NY
Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE); Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB International)
Format: Online
Expected Time to Completion: 24 months
8 Villanova University (Related Program)

Villanova University’s master of taxation degree emphasizes practical instruction in tax law that is continually revised to mirror contemporary changes in the field. The 30-credit curriculum comprises six required courses and six electives that can all be completed online. The six required courses are the survey of tax; tax I; tax II; professional practice and tax procedure; taxation of corporations and shareholders; and partnership taxation. A few of the many electives offered include accounting for income taxes; employee benefits; executive compensation; corporate tax planning; international taxation; and business life cycle tax issues.

Applicants to the master’s of taxation program must have taken the GMATs or GREs within the last five years or have passed the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) exam if they are not already a CPA. Notably, Villanova University also offers a professional MBA program in finance.

Location: Villanova, PA
Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE); American Bar Association (ABA); Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB International)
Format: Online
Expected Time to Completion: 24 months
9 Suffolk University, Sawyer Business School (Dual Degree)

A dual master’s degree and MBA in taxation is ideal for students seeking a global perspective in business. This mixed online and on-campus program is designed by the Sawyer Business School at Suffolk University and focuses on developing skills in strategic planning and taxation at the corporate level. In addition to standard MBA coursework, students are led through a 48- to 66-credit curriculum that contextualizes their place in the world as future business leaders with the power to implement large-scale change. Examples of the program’s courses include the understanding of world-class clusters, value-based financial management, managerial statistics, and taxation of pass-through entities.

With a 100 percent job placement rate, the value of Suffolk’s dual MBA and master’s degree is self-evident. Application requirements for the program include a completed application, a current resume, unofficial transcripts, a goal statement, a two-minute video essay, one letter of recommendation, and official TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE-academic scores.

Location: Boston, MA
Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE); Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB International)
Format: Hybrid
Expected Time to Completion: Full-time (16 months); part-time (33 months)
10 University of Cincinnati, Carl H. Lindner College of Business

Unlike most other schools, the Carl H. Lindner College of Business at the University of Cincinnati (UC) offers an accelerated online MBA with a concentration in corporate taxation that can be completed in as few as 12 months by students with an undergraduate degree in business.

The 38-credit curriculum will require an additional ten hours of business foundation coursework for those with an undergraduate degree in an unrelated field. In either case, members of this program can expect to receive quality training in the areas of corporate tax: formation & structure; corporate tax: life cycle strategies; partnership taxation; international taxation; consolidated tax returns; state and local taxation; and accounting for income taxes. Notably, corporate taxation can also be pursued as a standalone graduate certificate.

Admission requirements to the program include a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution, a completed online application, a goal statement, letters of recommendation, a current resume, unofficial school transcripts, and official TOEFL or IELTS scores for all international applicants. GMAT and GRE scores are not required for admission.

Location: Cincinnati, OH
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC); Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB International)
Format: Online
Expected Time to Completion: 12 to 24 months

This online master of business in taxation degree at the University of Southern California’s (USC) Leventhal School of Accounting incorporates presentations by guest experts, case studies, and interactive exercises in its part-time 30-credit program. The goal is to expand the skill set of professionals in public accounting, private industry, or regulatory agencies.

Students in this master’s program must take five three-unit core courses and an additional five three-unit electives. Because the program is geared toward working professionals, only one lecture is given weekly through the virtual classroom. The roughly two remaining hours of weekly class time may be completed whenever the student can.

To be eligible for admission to the USC MBT program, applicants must meet the following criteria: one year of full-time experience in a tax-related field, the successful completion of prerequisite courses in micro or macroeconomics and intermediate financial accounting, a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0 (preferred), and a satisfactory GMAT score achieved within the last five years, unless the applicant has passed all parts of the uniform CPA exam.

Location: Los Angeles, CA
Accreditation: Senior College and University Commission (WASC Senior or WSCUC) of the Accrediting Commission for Schools, Western Association of Schools and Colleges (ACS WASC); Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB International)
Expected Time to Completion: 21 to 24 months

Taxation Management Salary & Career Outlook

According to data from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the career outlook for taxation managers from 2022 to 2032 is promising. With tax regulations and compliance requirements becoming increasingly complex, organizations constantly need skilled professionals to manage their tax strategies effectively.

Earning an MBA in taxation or taxation is essential to securing a critical role in this sector. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (2024), job openings for financial managers are projected to swell 16 percent between 2022 and 2032. Salary percentiles are as follows (BLS May 2023):

  • 10th percentile: $82,870
  • 50th percentile (median): $156,100
  • 90th percentile: $239,200
Farheen Gani
Farheen Gani
Writer

Farheen Gani is an expert in online MBA programs, having covered MBA programs in computer science, economics, healthcare management, and fraud and forensics, among others, since 2018. She writes about healthcare, technology, education, and marketing. Her work has appeared on websites such as Tech in Asia and Foundr, as well as top SaaS blogs such as Zapier and InVision. You can connect with her on LinkedIn and Twitter (@FarheenGani).

Rachel Drummond, MEd
Rachel Drummond, MEd
Writer

Rachel Drummond has offered a unique blend of metrics-based mindfulness to BSchools.org since 2019. She teaches future business leaders to prioritize their well-being to sustain professional success and personal fulfillment over the lifetime of a corporate or entrepreneurial business career.

Rachel is a writer, educator, and coach from Oregon. She has a master’s degree in education (MEd) and has over 15 years of experience teaching English, public speaking, and mindfulness to international audiences in the United States, Japan, and Spain. She writes about the mind-body benefits of contemplative movement practices like yoga on her blog, inviting people to prioritize their unique version of well-being and empowering everyone to live healthier and more balanced lives.

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