The
Master of Science in Taxation Program
Overview
The Master of Science in Taxation
(M.S.T.) Program (hereinafter the Program) is a directed independent study program specifically designed for certified public accountants and other tax professionals.
Using many of the same reference materials found in the offices of tax professionals, the
Program provides the conceptual understanding and technical competence advantageous for advancement in the tax consulting profession, corporate finance departments, and government tax agencies.
Consistent with the AICPA Statement on Standards for Continuing Professional Education
Programs, the University recommends fifteen credits (hours) be awarded for each semester unit completed. CPE credits are earned at the time a course is completed. With respect to continuing education for enrolled agents, courses within the Program also meet the standards of Treasury Department Circular
230.
|
Back
To Quick Links |
The
Master of Science in Taxation Program
Presentation
The
Program is presented on a trimester basis. Students are generally enrolled in
(13) units per trimester. Each trimester consists of a minimum time period of 16 weeks from the date study commences. Students not completing all trimester coursework in 16 weeks will be granted an extension of time to complete the trimester. Such extensions normally may not exceed 32 weeks. Students may take a leave-of-absence between trimesters. However, except in special circumstances, the entire degree program (3 trimesters) must be completed within 5 years.
The
Program utilizes a directed independent study modality and requires no classroom attendance. Prior students have resided in all regions of the United States as well as Asia, Europe, and the Middle East.
|
Back
To Quick Links |
The
Master of Science in Taxation Program
Instruction Policies and Methods
Each course in the
Program contains a series of Lesson Assignments generally consisting of reading assignments in academic and technical publications. The majority of assignments are submitted electronically. (Internet access and minimum computer skills are required as a condition of admittance.) Students are tested through open-book objective examinations and research assignments. The University faculty believes objective examinations and assignments are appropriate in this type of program since students are encouraged to develop proficient research and analytical skills, rather than merely memorizing rules of law.
Course materials are updated on a regular basis and assignments are always based on current tax law.
|
Back
To Quick Links |
The
Master of Science in Taxation Program
Curriculum
The
following courses are required for the Master of Science in Taxation
Program.
Click on the course title for full course descriptions.
|
Back
To Quick Links |
The
Master of Science in Taxation Program
Admission Policies and Requirements
Regular Applicants
Applicants who have earned a bachelor’s degree
from a college or university accredited by an
accrediting agency recognized by the United States
Department of Education and have a minimum of
three years occupational experience in accounting
or taxation are considered regular applicants to
the
Program. The majority of applicants to this
Program are mature adults working in a
variety of professional settings. Many have not
attended college for several years. Consequently,
prior class rank and grade point average are not
significant factors in the admission process.
Special Applicants
Individuals not qualifying as a Regular Applicant may apply as a Special Applicant.
Special
Applicants are evaluated on a case-by-case basis
but must have an academic and/or professional
background equivalent to a bachelor’s degree. As
a general rule, Special Applicants must have ten
or more years of professional experience in the
field of taxation. In addition to the information
provided on the standard
Application for Admission form, a Special Applicant must provide a statement of his or her personal and professional goals and how completion of the
Program would assist in the attainment of those goals.
| Back
To Quick Links |
The
Master of Science in Taxation Program
Degree Requirements
To earn the Master of Science in Taxation (M.S.T.) degree, a student must complete the courses described
above and in the Catalog Supplement
with a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.00. The requirements may be completed in as little as twelve months, and must be completed within five years from the date of initial enrollment.
| Back
To Quick Links |
The
Master of Science in Taxation Program
How
to Enroll
To apply for
admission to the
Program, an applicant must first complete
the University’s
Application for Admission form, along with the required $35.00 application fee ($55.00 for Applicants seeking transfer credit). It is not necessary to submit official transcripts at the time of application. However, official transcripts will be required within 60 days of enrollment.
If the applicant is accepted for admission to the Program, enrollment materials will be prepared and mailed to the applicant for review and signature. All payments submitted for tuition and fees must be payable in U.S. dollars. Payments may be made by
MasterCard®/Visa® or personal/business check as described in Section VI of the
Application for Admission form.
|
Back
To Quick Links |
The
Master of Science in Taxation Program
Financial Information
The tuition for the
Program is $225.00 per unit for all residents of the United States. Tuition for individuals outside the United States is $250.00 per unit. The non-resident surcharge can be avoided if the non-resident maintains a mailing address within the U.S.
Additional information on financial aid and
tuition financing can be found under Tuition,
Financial Aid and Financing.
|
Fee Schedule
|
|
Application Fee
($55.00 for Applicants Seeking
Transfer Credit)
|
$35.00
|
|
Registration Fee (Per Trimester)
|
$40.00
|
|
Graduation Check/Diploma Fee
|
$75.00
|
|
Computer Library Fee (Per Trimester)
|
$35.00
|
|
Administrative Accounting Fee (Per Trimester)
(Installment Payment Option
Only)
|
$25.00
|
|
Transcript Fee (Two
Provided at No Charge)
|
$ 7.50
|
|
Returned Check Fee
|
$25.00
|
The cost of books and materials, other than each course syllabus, is not included in the tuition. Most books and materials may be purchased at local colleges, retail bookstores, directly from publishers or over the Internet. The cost is estimated to average approximately $75.00 per course.
|
Back
To Quick Links |
The
Master of Science in Taxation Program
Faculty
The University
employs faculty qualified to undertake the
level of instruction or course development
that they are assigned. They possess degrees
or credentials appropriate to the degree
program and level they teach. A complete listing of
faculty and their qualifications is set
forth in a separate
Catalog
Supplement
or can be viewed
here
on our website.
|
Back
To Quick Links |
The
Master of Science in Taxation Program
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Q. How long does it take to complete the Program?
A. The University's commitment to the Accrediting Commission of the
Distance Education and Training Council precludes
any student graduating from a University degree
program in less than one year. Students may take
as long as five years to complete the
Program. Experience has shown the typical
student will complete the
Program in two to three years.
2. Q. Will you accept transfer credits from other M.S.T. Programs?
A. Regulations of the California Bureau for Private Postsecondary
Education limit transfer credits to 6 semester
units or the equivalent. Applicants seeking
transfer credit should include complete
information on prior graduate studies at the time
of application.
3. Q. Can courses I’ve taken through Taft’s School of Continuing Education be applied toward the
Program?
A. No. The purpose of the courses offered through Taft’s School of
Continuing Education is merely to satisfy the
requirements of the American Institute of
Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) and various
State Boards of Accountancy. While the subject
matter of courses offered in the
Program may be identical in some
instances, the scope and course requirements are
much greater for the Graduate School of Business.
4. Q. How much Continuing Professional Education credit can I expect my state board will accept?
A. The AICPA and most Boards of Accountancy (including California) grant
15 hours of credit for each semester unit earned.
CPE credit is earned at the time an individual
course in the Program is completed.
5. Q. I’m not sure I want to complete the entire Program, can I take just one course rather than enroll in the entire
Program?
A. No. Students are enrolled in 13 units (3 to 5 courses) each trimester.
However, a student who elects not to complete the
Program
or enroll in additional trimesters has no
financial obligation to the University beyond the
current trimester.
6. Q. What financial aid and tuition financing alternatives are available?
A.
Many students are eligible for financial aid through employer tuition reimbursement programs and/or the University’s
Partners in Professional Education
(PIPE)
Program.
One hundred percent financing of tuition and books is available through
SLM Financing, a Sallie Mae
company, to qualified borrowers. In addition, the University offers a no interest financing alternative which permits students to pay approximately 30% of tuition at the time of enrollment and the balance over a 5 month period.
7. Q. Why does the University require a minimum of three years occupational experience in accounting or taxation for this
Program?
A. A student is expected to possess a basic understanding of the federal tax system prior to admission. (The
Program does not devote any time to the mechanical preparation of tax returns.) In addition, the University believes practical experience is an important element in the development of a tax professional.
8. Q. Is there ever a need to come to California?
A. No. Academic and administrative procedures are carefully designed so that students can complete all requirements for graduation entirely by independent study, without unreasonably disrupting their professional or family lives. Students may elect to take examinations at the University or at over 250 approved testing sites. If a testing site is not convenient to a student, procedures are in place for the student to nominate a proctor.
9. Q. Will I need to complete courses pursuant to a rigid timetable?
A. No. Each trimester must generally be completed in not less than sixteen weeks nor more than 48 weeks. However, completion of assignments within this time period is at the discretion of the student. There are no assignments that must be submitted on a weekly or monthly schedule and students may take time off between trimesters. However, except in special circumstances, the entire
Program must be completed within five years from the date of matriculation.
10. Q. How soon can I get started?
A. The University maintains open enrollment throughout the year.
Applications
are reviewed weekly and most students commence study within three weeks from the date of application.
