The Walsh Master of Science in Taxation is one of highest ranked programs in the nation with an employment rate of 100%. The MST provides a comprehensive real-world knowledge of tax law, tax accounting, and tax procedure. You’ll also gain an understanding of the importance of tax research and writing as you develop effective communication and advocacy skills.
Year-round registration and four 11-week semesters let you plan your academic year in advance and progress through your program at a steady pace.
What sets Walsh’s MST program apart?
Simply stated – our faculty. Walsh has been offering master’s level tax education since 1974, and our faculty consists of experienced tax professionals who bring real world, relevant, and current experience to the classroom. Walsh students appreciate our small class sizes, personal attention from engaged faculty, along with lifetime career services and an outstanding employment rate for MST graduates. Our faculty pride themselves on being available to not only teach you, but to also be available as mentors, coaches, counselors, and colleagues.
Why is an MST valuable?
Taxation is ubiquitous, inevitable, and constantly changing, meaning there will always be a need for educated tax professionals who think critically about taxation challenges facing individuals and businesses. Most major milestones, whether for individuals or businesses, involve taxes on a fundamental level, making strong tax advisors indispensable.
How long does it take to complete the MST program?
It is possible to complete the MST in under two years, depending on factors such as full-time vs. part time attendance and how many credits an individual needs to complete the program. A student attending part time and requiring the maximum number of credits could expect to complete the program within three years.
How are the classes structured?
All of our MST classes have a live component and an “online” asynchronous component. The live component consists of a classroom (attend in person or via Zoom) piece that will run from 6-8:30p.m. weekly. The live sessions will be recorded. The remaining class material is delivered asynchronously through our Learning Management System and is available at your convenience.
What can I do with an MST?
With a broad understanding of tax fundamentals and the ability to apply those fundamentals to real-world problems, MST graduates can work in a wide variety of professional settings. MST graduates can become solo tax practitioners, work for accounting firms or law firms, or even take a role in the IRS Criminal Investigation Division. MST graduates add value to nearly any position that requires a critical understanding of taxation.
What’s the job and salary outlook for MST graduates?
Because taxes weave themselves through so many aspects of business and life, the job outlook for MSTs is good. In fact, the 2020 employment rate for Walsh MST graduates in 100%. According to PayScale, tax managers average $102,000 a year and senior tax managers average $134,000 a year. Depending on experience and education, MST graduates could earn $150,000 a year and beyond. The sky’s the limit when it comes to compensation for tax professionals with a deep understanding of tax concepts and the ability to apply what they know to complex taxation processes.
Can I get financial aid or scholarships?
Students can apply for scholarships and financial aid. For more information, contact a Walsh advisor or fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
Do I need to take a GRE or GMAT to apply?
Walsh does not require the GRE or GMAT.
The coursework makes the Master of Science in Taxation at Walsh one of the top tax programs in the nation. Tax faculty members are always updating and refining courses so you get the most relevant materials and training possible. MST coursework emphasizes practice and procedure of federal taxation as it applies to businesses and individuals. Planning and Current Issues in Taxation includes high-level discussion of issues in current event tax topics; you will be able to explain complex tax concepts. Partnership and LLC Taxation equips you with the knowledge and skills to help clients navigate federal taxation and avoid potential partnership problems and risks.
| Advisory Board | |
|---|---|
| Richard C. Davidson | Chair, Tax and Business Law |
| Dan Hoops | PNC Bank |
| Eric Skinner | Internal Revenue Service |
| Lee Sartori | Howard & Howard |
| Catherine Boston | General Motors |
| Terry Pordon | Stellantis |
| Deborah Burton | Plante & Moran |
| Patrick Gregory | UHY |
| Jason Pivoz | Mellen, Smith & Pivoz |
| Jennifer Sanderson | Doeren Mayhew |
| Amy Solek | PWC |
| Todd Baker | Deloitte |
| Margaret Amsden | Clayton & McKervey |
| Steve Skiba | BDO |
| Alan Gallatin | Plante & Moran |
Through the MST at Walsh, you will become fluent in taxation policies and be able to guide businesses and clients through federal taxation processes. You will be a valuable asset to any company with your knowledge of taxation and tax law. Upon completion of the MST, you will be equipped to:
As long as the government collects taxes, there will be a need for tax professionals in a variety of roles. Public accounting, consulting, financial institutions, law firms, and corporations large and small hire MST graduates. Walsh has alumni in nearly every Michigan-based Fortune 500 company, and at all of the 2015 Top 25 Crain’s List of Largest Accounting Firms. And with lifelong career services from Walsh, you’ll get guidance and clarity for your next career success.
Some career opportunities include:
“It was fulfilling to be able to apply what I had learned in class right away in my career.”
Catherine Raker, MST ’19
“I don’t want to have a once-a-year relationship with clients, I want to be able to guide and mentor them throughout the whole year. My Walsh education will help me achieve that goal.”
Jennifer Hochwald, MST Student
“Getting a degree from Walsh really prepared me to articulate a message. I spend a lot of time in front of bondholders and bankers, and I don’t think I’d have been able to do what I do without that foundation from Walsh.”
Michael Plotzke, MST ’86
Accreditation
This program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP).
