The M.S.T. program provides advanced study in taxation to prepare students for the challenges of the practice of professional taxation. The program is designed to meet the needs of working professionals who desire to earn the degree while continuing to work full time. The program provides opportunities to develop knowledge related to federal, state, and local, and international tax laws. The program also focuses on the development of communication, research, and technology skills and an understanding of ethical issues and expectations of the business community and regulators for professional conduct.
Master of Science in Taxation Learning Goals and Objectives
The NIU Master of Science in Taxation program provides advanced study in taxation to prepare students for the challenges of the professional practice of taxation.
1. Our graduates will be technically proficient tax professionals.
Our students will apply knowledge of primary tax authority with respect to:
the federal income taxation of corporations, partnerships, and property transactions.
the federal estate and gift taxes.
other specialized areas of taxation that complement each student’s career.
2. Our graduates will be effective tax researchers.
Our students will conduct research to develop effective solutions to tax questions, using appropriate technology tools and relying on appropriate primary authority.
3. Our graduates will be effective communicators.
Our students will:
communicate tax solutions and/or recommendations in a professional manner.
prepare tax returns and other filings in an appropriate manner.
4. Our graduates will be ethical tax professionals.
Our students will demonstrate an understanding of and an ability to apply professional standards and codes of conduct relevant to the practice of tax.
Admission
An applicant is required to have a baccalaureate degree or a master’s degree from an accredited institution with at least 15 semester hours in accounting (including a course equivalent to ACCY 450) or department approval (prior work experience will be given consideration); or a law degree (J.D.) from an institution accredited by the American Bar Association (ABA).
If applicants do not have a law degree from an ABA-accredited institution or a graduate business degree from an AACSB-accredited institution, they must have a minimum GPA of 2.75 (on a 4.00 scale) in the last 60 semester hours of the baccalaureate program or a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75 (on a 4.00 scale) at the baccalaureate institution. These applicants must also present satisfactory scores on the GMAT or LSAT unless they have passed all parts of the C.P.A. examination (applicants must attach appropriate documentation to their application materials).
Student-at-Large and Transfer Credit
A maximum of 9 semester hours earned as a student-at-large at NIU may be applied toward the M.S.T. degree. The total semester hours accepted in transfer from other accredited institutions may not exceed 9 semester hours.
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