TAXATION (MSTAX)
Become an expert in taxation
As one of the first master’s programs in taxation in the U.S., DePaul’s MS in Taxation (MSTAX) is the foundation for exceptional performance and leadership in the field of tax accounting. For working professionals, it is structured to enhance understanding and analysis of complex tax statutes, tax regulations, related cases and rulings, and the Internal Revenue Code.
Earn your degree at a pace that works for you. Take one or two classes each quarter to complete the program within two to three years, or go full-time to complete it in one year. Additionally, many students take a quarter off during busy periods, such as the winter tax season.
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Online Degree Option
The online Taxation (MSTAX) from DePaul’s Kellstadt Graduate School of Business offers small class sizes and is taught by the same award-winning faculty you'll find on campus. Tailored to meet the needs of your busy schedule, you'll achieve the same learning outcomes as in-person classes through collaborative and engaged learning.
Dynamic connections to Chicago firms
Because of our location in the heart of the city, as well as our professional connections, students in the program are consistently recruited by Chicago’s major firms and organizations, including KPMG, Deloitte, PwC and BDO.
Application Deadlines
| Enrollment Quarter | Domestic Student Deadline | International Student Deadline |
| Fall | August 15 | June 15 |
| Winter | December 1 | October 15 |
| Spring | March 1 | January 15 |
| Summer | June 1 | April 15 |
Admission Requirements
Submit an online application, essay, résumé and official transcripts.
Required Courses
You’ll take eight required courses and five tax electives.
90%
of Taxation master’s degree graduates were employed, continuing their education or pursuing other goals within six months of graduation.
$61k+
The median salary for Taxation graduates was $61,500.
Study with tax industry experts
Professional Lecturer and MSTAX Program Director Diane Kuhlmann has spent 20 years helping tax accountants develop their expertise. She ran learning and development programs in a national CPA firm for 10 years before joining DePaul, where she also serves as the faculty liaison for online Taxation master’s programs.
“Being alumni from well-known programs at DePaul makes a strong statement about our background and abilities. Our degrees serve as a representation of professionalism and having a desire to provide the best services possible.”
Enrique (MST ’00)
Principal, Lopez & Co. CPAs
Co-founder, LRC CPA Management
Alumni Network
In addition to the wider group of Kellstadt alumni, the School of Accountancy & MIS alumni society—Ledger & Quill—is one of the largest accounting alumni groups in the nation. MS in Taxation alumni achieve some of the highest career advancement opportunities. Students in the program are consistently recruited by Chicago’s major firms and organizations.
Scholarships
Graduate school is an investment in your future. Kellstadt awarded more than $3 million to incoming students last year. Additionally, the giving society of the School of Accountancy & MIS gives approximately $25k annually to students pursuing their master’s in Accountancy, Taxation, or Audit and Advisory Services. Learn more about scholarship opportunities available to you.
Taxation (MS) Admission Requirements
- ? Submit your online application and the $60 application fee.
- Submit an essay explaining your interest in the program and your professional goals.
- Submit a resume that summarizes your work experience and educational background.
- Submit your official transcripts from all degree-granting institutions you have attended.
Please note that not submitting all transcripts where courses have been completed could impact course waivers.
Letters of recommendation are optional for this program.
The online master’s in Taxation is not I-20 eligible. If you are a U.S. citizen, have permanent residency, or are on another kind of U.S. visa, you are welcome to apply to this program.
Deadlines
Students may apply to enroll in any quarter. To ensure that you will be able to enroll in the quarter of your choice, we recommend that you apply by these dates:
| Enrollment Quarter | Domestic Student Deadline | International Student Deadline |
| Fall | August 15 | August 15 |
| Winter | December 1 | October 1 |
| Spring | March 1 | February 1 |
| Summer | June 1 | April 1 |
Learn more about Graduate Admission.
Degree Requirements
We offer the Taxation MS in two modalities: on-campus and fully online.
Degree requirements for each modality are unique. On-campus degree requirements are listed below, and online degree requirements are listed in the Academic Catalog.
View online requirements in the Catalog
On-Campus Degree Requirements
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