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 |
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.
Application Deadline
| Enrollment Quarter | Domestic Student Deadline | International Student Deadline |
| Fall | August 15 | June 15 |
Learn more about Graduate Admission.
If you need assistance to complete your application and/or have questions, contact the Kellstadt office at (312) 362-8810 or kgsb@depaul.edu.
Degree Requirements
Course Requirements
Students earn their MS in Taxation degree by completing a minimum of 46 credits, normally 12 courses.? Nine courses are required with additional courses chosen from a list of tax electives.
Prerequisite Courses
Students are expected to have completed Principles of Accounting ACC 500 and one introductory tax course ACC 548 prior to beginning the program.
Required Courses
The following nine courses are required:
| Course | Title | Quarter Hours |
|---|---|---|
| ACC 551 | TAX TREATMENT OF CORPORATIONS AND PARTNERSHIPS | 4 |
| ACC 558 | TAX RESEARCH | 4 |
| ACC 560 | TAXATION OF CORPORATIONS AND SHAREHOLDERS | 4 |
| ACC 565 | TAX ACCOUNTING, PERIODS, AND METHODS | 4 |
| ACC 566 | FEDERAL INCOME TAX PROCEDURES | 4 |
| ACC 578 | DATA ANALYTICS IN TAX | 4 |
| ACC 590 | WRITING FOR TAX PROFESSIONALS | 2 |
| ACC 598 | SEMINAR ON CURRENT PROBLEMS IN TAXATION | 4 |
| Select one international tax course: | 4 | |
| INTERNATIONAL ASPECTS OF U.S. TAXATION | ||
| SPECIAL TOPICS (Expatriate Taxation) | ||
| SPECIAL TOPICS (Comparative Tax Systems) | ||
Tax Electives
Choose from among the following tax courses to reach 46 credits total to complete the program:
| Course | Title | Quarter Hours |
|---|---|---|
| CORPORATE REORGANIZATIONS | ||
| PARTNERSHIPS | ||
| TRANSACTIONS IN PROPERTY | ||
| INTERNATIONAL ASPECTS OF U.S. TAXATION | ||
| TAXATION OF S CORPORATIONS | ||
| CONCEPTS OF DEFERRED COMPENSATION | ||
| STATE AND LOCAL INCOME AND FRANCHISE TAXATION | ||
| ESTATE AND GIFT TAXATION | ||
| ESTATE PLANNING | ||
| ACCOUNTING FOR INCOME TAXES | ||
| FEDERAL INCOME TAX OF INDIVIDUALS | ||
| SPECIAL TOPICS (In Taxation) |
Degree Requirements
- Satisfactory completion of the college residency requirement.
- Satisfactory completion of 46 credit hours applicable to the degree.
- All courses for credit toward the degree must be completed with satisfactory grades within six calendar years after the candidate’s first term of enrollment in the Kellstadt Graduate School of Business. After a lapse of six years a course is expired. An expired course is not acceptable for the purpose of satisfaction of degree requirements and is not applicable to the degree without the written permission of the faculty program director or the Kellstadt Graduate School of Business.
