Prospective MST Students
Are you currently working in the area of tax and want to gain a greater understanding
of the tax law, improve your research skills, become a better tax planner, or broaden
your career opportunities? Or maybe you’re an accounting undergraduate or working
professional in need of an additional 30 units to become a CPA.
Our Master of Science in Taxation(MST) degree is a unique and flexible program designed to serve both working tax professionals and those pursuing or starting a new career in tax. We are now offering an online option for California residents.* The online option is suitable for accounting grads at California universities that don’t offer an MST, as well as for busy tax accountants who don’t live near SJSU or want to save commute time to campus.
For a quick overview of the advantage of earning an MST at SJSU, watch this short video.
Having “MST” after your name is a high distinction in the tax world. It indicates that you are well versed in the area of taxation, skilled at tax research and able to deal intelligently with the complexity of today’s tax rules. The SJSU MST degree is a 30 unit program which allows you to enroll full-time and complete the degree in 12 months or part-time and be finished in 24‑36 months. Our classes are scheduled to work around the busiest of tax season times. Please see below for all of the essential information and refer to our MST FAQ for more detailed info.
Check out our videos about our MST program, the 150 hour requirement to become a CPA, and what it takes to have a successful career in taxation here. There is also information available from the AICPA on CPA career paths. Attend an upcoming MS Taxation information session.
Interested in starting a career as a tax professional? Consider the Certificate in Tax Practice (9 unit program).
*If you reside outside of the United States and are interested in the online option to complete your MST degree, please contact us for more information.
Apply to LGSB
The MS in Taxation program offers admission twice a year, fall and spring. However, spring admission is only for individuals with at least one to two years of experience in the tax field where that work included finding and applying the IRC, regulations and cases. Spring admission is also open to applicants who have already taken BUS 223A, Tax Research, offered in fall semesters. BUS 223A can also be taken by eligible students not yet admitted to the MST program using SJSU's Open University process. Spring admission is also open to students who would like to take BUS 225L, Accounting for Income Taxes in late spring as this course does not require taking BUS 223A Tax Research first. This is the only course available in spring for someone without BUS 223A or sufficient work experience with tax research. Please use our step-by-step application process for domestic and international applicants.
Request Information
To receive program updates complete this request for information form.
Admission Requirements
We operate on a rolling admissions basis, meaning that the sooner you submit your application, the sooner you'll receive updates about your application. As we have a competitive admissions process and limited space available, we strongly encourage you to apply early to ensure early consideration.
